Ballmer's grand design - unveiled just six weeks before Friday's surprise announcement that he would retire within a year - calls for 'One Microsoft' to pull together and forge a future based on hardware and cloud-based services.
But poor sales of the new Surface tablet, on top of Microsoft's years-long failure to make money out of online search or smartphones, have cast doubt on that approach.
For years, investors have called on Microsoft to redirect cash spent on money-losing or peripheral projects to shareholders, while limiting its focus to the vastly profitable Windows, Office and server franchises.
Activist investor ValueAct Capital Management LP, whose recent lobbying of the company may have played a role in Ballmer's decision to retire earlier than he planned, is thought to favor such an approach.
In the last two years alone, Microsoft has lost almost $3 billion on its Bing search engine and other Internet projects, not counting a $6 billion write-off for its failed purchase of online advertising agency aQuantive. It took a $900 million charge for its poor-selling Surface tablet last quarter.
For now at least, Microsoft seems intent on pursuing Ballmer's vision. John Thompson, Microsoft's lead independent director who is also heading the committee to appoint a new CEO, said on Friday the board is "committed" to Ballmer's transformation plan.
The eventual choice of that committee - which has given itself a year to do its work - should provide a clue to how committed the board really is, and how open to outside advice.
"Taking an internal candidate like Satya Nadella - the guy nurturing servers - or some of the other people on the Windows team, that makes sense to keep a steady hand through this reorganization and strategic shift," said Norman Young, an analyst at Morningstar.
"But a strong case could be made that the company needs a breath of fresh air, someone who can execute on the strategy but also bring an outsider perspective," he added.
That could mean selling the Xbox and abandoning Bing, or cutting short efforts to make tablets or other computers.
Throughout the last decade, as Microsoft's share price has remained flat, shareholders have called for bigger dividends and share buybacks to beef up their returns.
Microsoft obliged with a one-time $3 a share special dividend in 2004 and has trebled its quarterly dividend to 23 cents since then.
But shareholders still want a bigger slice of Microsoft's $77 billion cash hoard, $70 billion of which is held overseas.
Rick Sherlund, an analyst at Nomura, believes that if the retirement of Ballmer means the company is listening to ValueAct and its supporters, then action on the dividend and share buyback could perhaps happen as early as September 19, when Microsoft hosts its annual get-together with analysts and is expected announce its latest dividend.
"The momentum of shareholder activism is well underway and likely to benefit shareholders even though the process of how this unfolds is not certain," said Sherlund.
The lackluster performance of Microsoft's stock has long been the stick that shareholders beat Ballmer with, and it has looked all the worse compared with the staggering gains made by Apple Inc under Steve Jobs.
Yet Ballmer - who owns just under 4 percent of the company - never showed any doubts about his intention to stay in the job. His old friend and ally Bill Gates, who still owns 4.8 percent of the company, never wavered in his public support.
The first public signs of dissent on Microsoft's board came in 2010, when Ballmer's bonus was trimmed explicitly for the flop of the infamous Kin 'social' phone and a failure to match Apple's iPad, according to regulatory filings.
It was around that time, women shoes factory though not necessarily connected, that the board started considering how it would manage a succession, according to a source familiar with the matter. Ballmer and the board began talking to both internal and external candidates.
About 18 months to two years ago, Ballmer started thinking seriously about a succession plan, the internal source said.
The time since was not marked with glory for Ballmer, with a tepid launch of Windows 8, the disappointment of the Surface tablet, and a $731 million fine by European regulators for forgetting to offer a choice of browsers to Windows users.
Two to three months ago, Ballmer started thinking seriously about his retirement and concluded it was the "right time to start the process," the source said. That was shortly after ValueAct took a $2 billion stake in Microsoft.
July's gloomy earnings, which offered no immediate hope of quick improvement, may have sealed the decision. Ballmer said Friday he made the choice in the few days prior, and informed the board on Wednesday. Whether the board urged Ballmer to leave is not known.
The impending exit of Ballmer leaves a difficult and perhaps impossible choice to his successor - pushing a large and insular behemoth through a highly risky transformation to the mobile world, or clinging to an island of profitable but PC-centric businesses.
"I'm not sure there is someone who can do Steve's job 'better'. It's an incredibly difficult job, perhaps intractable," said Brad Silverberg, a former senior Windows executive and co-founder of Seattle venture capital firm Ignition Partners. "Perhaps the way the job is defined needs to change, and this is the harbinger of bigger changes to come."
Read the full story at wwww.beralleshoes.com!
2013年8月26日星期一
2013年7月7日星期日
Diamond standard for transition to online emporium
Inheriting the family diamond business sounds like a dream come true. But for Gus Hashem, the transition from suburban jewellery outfit to international online diamond behemoth has been a long journey.
Hashem's father, Simon, established the business in Lebanon in 1977. The family migrated to Australia in 1988, where Hashem snr continued with the business until 2006 when Gus joined it. He had previously worked in financial services, but had always had a passion for jewellery.
''We didn't have a succession plan, it was just a small business. When I joined I worked on developing the website and moved the business into the [Sydney] CBD. We rebranded as Diamond Emporium and launched the site in 2010,'' Gus says.
He also changed the focus of the business to selling diamond engagement rings. ''Dad's business was more about handmade chains, and that market was dwindling.''
Gus says the enterprise has experienced double-digit growth since 2010 and expects further growth in coming years. ''People think retail is tough but there are great opportunities for businesses willing to make changes. But businesses like ours that are based on technology have to run like a well-oiled machine.''
For Diamond Emporium, this started with moving away from a bricks-and-mortar business model with high overheads to a largely online offering. Gus purposely did not want to expand the business through shopping centres to keep costs low.
''We do have a city office where we meet clients by appointment,'' he says, explaining that this largely eliminates tyre-kicker customers who just come in to window shop without buying, but who take up staff time, which is costly.
''Our main focus is now online. I think we were one of the first fully functional websites where you could view and select diamonds and engagement rings,'' Gus says.
''The key has been providing transparency around pricing. All our prices are available online and discounted from the full retail price.''
Gus started selling excess stock from the business on eBay before the website was up and running. But he soon realised a time-limited auction-based business model wasn't the right way to sell precious stones.
A point of difference has been cutting out the middlemen in the diamond industry. He buys from wholesalers who buy directly from diamond mines. This generates savings for the business, which are passed on to customers.
''This gives us an advantage locally and internationally. People think they can get things cheaper in the US, but we're just as competitive [on price]. We can price match and few family businesses can make that claim.''
Gus says he has always seen the website as a proper business and has not been afraid to spend money on it - he says he's spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on it since launching to create a site that looks as high end as the diamonds he sells.
''Most people do their research online and if you're selling luxury items you have to present in a luxury way. Many of our competitors have missed that point, but it works well for us.''
Gus acknowledges it was difficult managing the transition of ownership from his father to himself. Simon was initially sceptical about moving to an online model and had never used a computer. But when inquiries started to come in from the online side of the operation he became more supportive of Gus' efforts. But he still struggles with the idea that people would buy something of value over the internet.
''It wasn't until we sold something online for $8000 to a client in the US that he got it,'' says Gus.
Hashem senior is still involved in the enterprise, looking after aspects of production.
Gus' view is that there are still huge opportunities to develop the business and that the internet is in its infancy. ''It's still in its early days. At the moment we're trying to grow market share in a market dominated by big players. We also have plans to expand the business in Brisbane and Melbourne where we want to set up boutique offices similar to the one we have in Sydney,wholesale women shoes where people can come in and discuss their design requirements.''
He is also in the process of revamping the site and building functionality so that people can design and customise their wedding bands online.
Click on their website www.beralleshoes.com for more information.
Hashem's father, Simon, established the business in Lebanon in 1977. The family migrated to Australia in 1988, where Hashem snr continued with the business until 2006 when Gus joined it. He had previously worked in financial services, but had always had a passion for jewellery.
''We didn't have a succession plan, it was just a small business. When I joined I worked on developing the website and moved the business into the [Sydney] CBD. We rebranded as Diamond Emporium and launched the site in 2010,'' Gus says.
He also changed the focus of the business to selling diamond engagement rings. ''Dad's business was more about handmade chains, and that market was dwindling.''
Gus says the enterprise has experienced double-digit growth since 2010 and expects further growth in coming years. ''People think retail is tough but there are great opportunities for businesses willing to make changes. But businesses like ours that are based on technology have to run like a well-oiled machine.''
For Diamond Emporium, this started with moving away from a bricks-and-mortar business model with high overheads to a largely online offering. Gus purposely did not want to expand the business through shopping centres to keep costs low.
''We do have a city office where we meet clients by appointment,'' he says, explaining that this largely eliminates tyre-kicker customers who just come in to window shop without buying, but who take up staff time, which is costly.
''Our main focus is now online. I think we were one of the first fully functional websites where you could view and select diamonds and engagement rings,'' Gus says.
''The key has been providing transparency around pricing. All our prices are available online and discounted from the full retail price.''
Gus started selling excess stock from the business on eBay before the website was up and running. But he soon realised a time-limited auction-based business model wasn't the right way to sell precious stones.
A point of difference has been cutting out the middlemen in the diamond industry. He buys from wholesalers who buy directly from diamond mines. This generates savings for the business, which are passed on to customers.
''This gives us an advantage locally and internationally. People think they can get things cheaper in the US, but we're just as competitive [on price]. We can price match and few family businesses can make that claim.''
Gus says he has always seen the website as a proper business and has not been afraid to spend money on it - he says he's spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on it since launching to create a site that looks as high end as the diamonds he sells.
''Most people do their research online and if you're selling luxury items you have to present in a luxury way. Many of our competitors have missed that point, but it works well for us.''
Gus acknowledges it was difficult managing the transition of ownership from his father to himself. Simon was initially sceptical about moving to an online model and had never used a computer. But when inquiries started to come in from the online side of the operation he became more supportive of Gus' efforts. But he still struggles with the idea that people would buy something of value over the internet.
''It wasn't until we sold something online for $8000 to a client in the US that he got it,'' says Gus.
Hashem senior is still involved in the enterprise, looking after aspects of production.
Gus' view is that there are still huge opportunities to develop the business and that the internet is in its infancy. ''It's still in its early days. At the moment we're trying to grow market share in a market dominated by big players. We also have plans to expand the business in Brisbane and Melbourne where we want to set up boutique offices similar to the one we have in Sydney,wholesale women shoes where people can come in and discuss their design requirements.''
He is also in the process of revamping the site and building functionality so that people can design and customise their wedding bands online.
Click on their website www.beralleshoes.com for more information.
2013年4月15日星期一
some retailers feel city consumers still have a long way
From Silicon Valley, Bangalore is fast turning into shopping valley
of India. If statistics are to go by, the city will see 16 more malls in
the next three years.
Presently, there are 20 malls in the city, making Bangalore the most preferred retail destination after Mumbai and New Delhi, say estimates from workplace solutions firm Vestian Global.
Growing disposable income levels coupled with the tendency of flocking to malls for entertainment is fuelling the rise in mall culture across the city, including in areas like Mysore Road, Tumkur Road, Hosur Road etc.
Whether shopping for apparels, footwear or gadgets or spending on food and movies, each individual ends up spending an average between Rs 2,500-3,000, apart from 3 hours in a mall during every visit.
While during weekdays an average 40,000-50,000 consumers would visit any given city mall, on weekends that number more than doubles.
“People cannot always go to Lalbag or Cubbon Park to spend an evening. Currently it is more for tourism and entertainment purposes that most people visit malls,” says Indraneel Majumdar, general manager (mall operations), Inorbit, Whitefield.
According to Shrinivas Rao, CEO, Asia-Pacific, Vestian Global, the city today offers an array of large-scale retail formats, including neighbourhood malls, community and regional malls that continue to evolve.
“Another key factor positively impacting malls is the inclusion of traditional food stores and saree shops inside malls,” says Rao.
Experts say malls are realising that to increase consumer spending, alongside international food and fashion brands, a healthy mix of traditional stores are required.
“Malls in areas like Rajajinagar or Malleswaram cannot just run by opening international brands. They need to have outlets selling ethnic ware, sarees, traditional jewellery to garner more footfalls and revenues,” says Rao.
Jonathan Yach, CEO of Mantri Square, says they have a cobbler, lungi-stitching fellow, tailor and key-cutting fellow to provide a complete experience to shoppers. “So that a shopper does not have to look beyond the mall.”
Experts say another criteria that distinguishes Bangalore consumers from those in other metros is the shift from products of necessity to lifestyle products.
“Many Bangaloreans travel abroad and tend to scout for international and high-end products in the malls here. We have seen that people who move up the value curve on shopping by purchasing premium products don’t tend to slide down the value ladder,” says Sumit Saran, director at agribusiness consulting firm SCS Group.
However, some retailers feel city consumers still have a long way to go before they can catch up with their counterparts in Mumbai or New Delhi.
Majumdar says Bangaloreans still have a problem with lavish spending. “Unlike New Delhi, people here weigh their options carefully and make measured purchases.”
Presently, there are 20 malls in the city, making Bangalore the most preferred retail destination after Mumbai and New Delhi, say estimates from workplace solutions firm Vestian Global.
Growing disposable income levels coupled with the tendency of flocking to malls for entertainment is fuelling the rise in mall culture across the city, including in areas like Mysore Road, Tumkur Road, Hosur Road etc.
Whether shopping for apparels, footwear or gadgets or spending on food and movies, each individual ends up spending an average between Rs 2,500-3,000, apart from 3 hours in a mall during every visit.
While during weekdays an average 40,000-50,000 consumers would visit any given city mall, on weekends that number more than doubles.
“People cannot always go to Lalbag or Cubbon Park to spend an evening. Currently it is more for tourism and entertainment purposes that most people visit malls,” says Indraneel Majumdar, general manager (mall operations), Inorbit, Whitefield.
According to Shrinivas Rao, CEO, Asia-Pacific, Vestian Global, the city today offers an array of large-scale retail formats, including neighbourhood malls, community and regional malls that continue to evolve.
“Another key factor positively impacting malls is the inclusion of traditional food stores and saree shops inside malls,” says Rao.
Experts say malls are realising that to increase consumer spending, alongside international food and fashion brands, a healthy mix of traditional stores are required.
“Malls in areas like Rajajinagar or Malleswaram cannot just run by opening international brands. They need to have outlets selling ethnic ware, sarees, traditional jewellery to garner more footfalls and revenues,” says Rao.
Jonathan Yach, CEO of Mantri Square, says they have a cobbler, lungi-stitching fellow, tailor and key-cutting fellow to provide a complete experience to shoppers. “So that a shopper does not have to look beyond the mall.”
Experts say another criteria that distinguishes Bangalore consumers from those in other metros is the shift from products of necessity to lifestyle products.
“Many Bangaloreans travel abroad and tend to scout for international and high-end products in the malls here. We have seen that people who move up the value curve on shopping by purchasing premium products don’t tend to slide down the value ladder,” says Sumit Saran, director at agribusiness consulting firm SCS Group.
However, some retailers feel city consumers still have a long way to go before they can catch up with their counterparts in Mumbai or New Delhi.
Majumdar says Bangaloreans still have a problem with lavish spending. “Unlike New Delhi, people here weigh their options carefully and make measured purchases.”
2013年3月26日星期二
The donations raised from Courage in Motion
The UA will host its third annual 10-hour dance marathon in April for
community members to help draw awareness and funds for a Tucson-based
foundation.
The Courage in Motion 10-Hour Dance-a-Thon will take place at the Student Recreation Center on April 6 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will help raise funds for Beads of Courage, an organization that supports children living with serious and complex medical conditions. Participants who have registered to dance have asked sponsors to support them for hour-long dance increments. The event will honor children receiving treatment at The University of Arizona Medical Center Diamond Children’s Center.
Erika Colombi, a graduate student in the UA School of Dance, said she came upon the idea to merge music and dancing as a form of therapy and fundraising into her service with Beads of Courage.
“My hope is to start some movement intervention for the children,” Colombi said. “The music and the movement gives [the patients] a connection with their body. Everybody can hear music and anybody can move in any way they want and it’s hard to not gain some enjoyment out of that.”
The donations raised from Courage in Motion will go to Beads of Courage, which was founded by UA alumna Jean Baruch. Registered participants in the dance marathon will wear two beads made by glass artists. At the end of the event, one bead will remain with the participant and the other will be gifted to children receiving treatment at Diamond Children’s.
“[Beads] run deep within our human nature,” Baruch said. “Humans have been adorning themselves for over hundreds of thousands of years in beads. They are not disposable and the kids in our program are very proud of them, as they should be, because they are symbols of their day to day courage.”
Colombi choreographed an original piece, which will be performed by several UA dance students during a portion of the dance marathon.
“I hope the audience will make the connection between the dance and the Beads of Courage foundation,” said Ashley Hammond, a dance freshman who is performing in the dance choreographed by Colombi. “We are representing these children performing this dance, and it will be beautiful with a little bit of pain. I hope the audience makes the connection that the children really need their funds because they are trying to find happiness in the pain they are experiencing.”
The Beads of Courage Program is currently implemented in more than 150 children’s hospitals throughout the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and the United Kingdom. Beads of Courage currently supports more than 30,000 children with its programs. Margaret Zinser, a local glass artist and volunteer on the board of directors for Beads of Courage said that working with such an organization puts her work into better context.
“Providing enrichment in treatment for children with serious illnesses is a good feeling,” Zinser said. “It doesn’t cost much to get beads through and it helps out in a very significant way.”
The Courage in Motion 10-Hour Dance-a-Thon will take place at the Student Recreation Center on April 6 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will help raise funds for Beads of Courage, an organization that supports children living with serious and complex medical conditions. Participants who have registered to dance have asked sponsors to support them for hour-long dance increments. The event will honor children receiving treatment at The University of Arizona Medical Center Diamond Children’s Center.
Erika Colombi, a graduate student in the UA School of Dance, said she came upon the idea to merge music and dancing as a form of therapy and fundraising into her service with Beads of Courage.
“My hope is to start some movement intervention for the children,” Colombi said. “The music and the movement gives [the patients] a connection with their body. Everybody can hear music and anybody can move in any way they want and it’s hard to not gain some enjoyment out of that.”
The donations raised from Courage in Motion will go to Beads of Courage, which was founded by UA alumna Jean Baruch. Registered participants in the dance marathon will wear two beads made by glass artists. At the end of the event, one bead will remain with the participant and the other will be gifted to children receiving treatment at Diamond Children’s.
“[Beads] run deep within our human nature,” Baruch said. “Humans have been adorning themselves for over hundreds of thousands of years in beads. They are not disposable and the kids in our program are very proud of them, as they should be, because they are symbols of their day to day courage.”
Colombi choreographed an original piece, which will be performed by several UA dance students during a portion of the dance marathon.
“I hope the audience will make the connection between the dance and the Beads of Courage foundation,” said Ashley Hammond, a dance freshman who is performing in the dance choreographed by Colombi. “We are representing these children performing this dance, and it will be beautiful with a little bit of pain. I hope the audience makes the connection that the children really need their funds because they are trying to find happiness in the pain they are experiencing.”
The Beads of Courage Program is currently implemented in more than 150 children’s hospitals throughout the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and the United Kingdom. Beads of Courage currently supports more than 30,000 children with its programs. Margaret Zinser, a local glass artist and volunteer on the board of directors for Beads of Courage said that working with such an organization puts her work into better context.
“Providing enrichment in treatment for children with serious illnesses is a good feeling,” Zinser said. “It doesn’t cost much to get beads through and it helps out in a very significant way.”
2013年2月28日星期四
who was unable to deliver the speech in person
Leaders of the cancer charity founded by Lance Armstrong struck a determined, sometimes defiant tone on Thursday as they declared the organization will persevere in the wake of the cyclist's admission that he used performance-enhancing drugs.
"I am on safe ground to say that the past year did not go as planned," Livestrong's executive vice president Andy Miller said at The Livestrong Foundation's annual meeting in Chicago. "Things happen that we cannot control - cancer has taught us that. What do we do? We adapt."
He added later, "This is our message to the world: The Livestrong Foundation is not going anywhere."
The meeting, its first such gathering since Armstrong's troubled departure in October, comes amid a swirl of uncertainty about whether donors could back away or whether people worldwide will stop showing their support by purchasing the foundation's trademark yellow "Livestrong" bracelets.
Addressing some 500 people in his 30-minute keynote speech, Miller mentioned Armstrong by name only four times. But there was no mistaking what he meant by the foundation being "caught in the crossfire of the media frenzy."
"We faced headwinds that were not only stiff, but heartbreaking," Miller said, without getting more specific.
Armstrong won seven Tour de France titles - all of which were stripped in August. He also is banned for life from sports. He stepped down as chairman of the charity in October, saying he didn't want his association to damage the foundation's ability to raise money and continue its advocacy programs on behalf of people with cancer.
Livestrong's president, Doug Ulman, echoed Miller's sentiments in prepared remarks.
"Our success has never been based on one person," said Ulman, who was unable to deliver the speech in person because of travel delays. "Will the Livestrong Foundation survive? Yes. Absolutely, yes. Hell, yes."
A common theme Thursday was disappointment in Armstrong's actions but gratitude for how he parlayed his fame into raising cancer awareness.
"We were deeply disappointed when we learned along with the rest of the world that we had been misled during and after Lance's cycling career," Miller said. "We accepted the apology ... and we remain grateful for what he decided to create and helped build."
Among the steps the organization is taking to establish a new identity is to change its day of action each year from Oct. 2 - the date in 1996 that Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer - to May 17, the group announced Thursday.
On that day in 2004, the charity launched their yellow bands. Since then, 87 million have been sold to raise $87 million, said Katherine McLane, the group's executive vice president for communications.
The charity will monitor the sales of the bracelets this year to see if fundraising will be affected by Armstrong's departure, she said. Though she didn't have immediate figures, she noted that sales of the bracelets peaked in the few years after their launch.
"I am on safe ground to say that the past year did not go as planned," Livestrong's executive vice president Andy Miller said at The Livestrong Foundation's annual meeting in Chicago. "Things happen that we cannot control - cancer has taught us that. What do we do? We adapt."
He added later, "This is our message to the world: The Livestrong Foundation is not going anywhere."
The meeting, its first such gathering since Armstrong's troubled departure in October, comes amid a swirl of uncertainty about whether donors could back away or whether people worldwide will stop showing their support by purchasing the foundation's trademark yellow "Livestrong" bracelets.
Addressing some 500 people in his 30-minute keynote speech, Miller mentioned Armstrong by name only four times. But there was no mistaking what he meant by the foundation being "caught in the crossfire of the media frenzy."
"We faced headwinds that were not only stiff, but heartbreaking," Miller said, without getting more specific.
Armstrong won seven Tour de France titles - all of which were stripped in August. He also is banned for life from sports. He stepped down as chairman of the charity in October, saying he didn't want his association to damage the foundation's ability to raise money and continue its advocacy programs on behalf of people with cancer.
Livestrong's president, Doug Ulman, echoed Miller's sentiments in prepared remarks.
"Our success has never been based on one person," said Ulman, who was unable to deliver the speech in person because of travel delays. "Will the Livestrong Foundation survive? Yes. Absolutely, yes. Hell, yes."
A common theme Thursday was disappointment in Armstrong's actions but gratitude for how he parlayed his fame into raising cancer awareness.
"We were deeply disappointed when we learned along with the rest of the world that we had been misled during and after Lance's cycling career," Miller said. "We accepted the apology ... and we remain grateful for what he decided to create and helped build."
Among the steps the organization is taking to establish a new identity is to change its day of action each year from Oct. 2 - the date in 1996 that Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer - to May 17, the group announced Thursday.
On that day in 2004, the charity launched their yellow bands. Since then, 87 million have been sold to raise $87 million, said Katherine McLane, the group's executive vice president for communications.
The charity will monitor the sales of the bracelets this year to see if fundraising will be affected by Armstrong's departure, she said. Though she didn't have immediate figures, she noted that sales of the bracelets peaked in the few years after their launch.
2013年2月24日星期日
Sharing the road with increasing numbers of cyclists
why a grand jury recently failed to hand up an indictment against a driver suspected of vehicular homicide in last summer’s death of 41-year-old rider Alexander Motsenigos? Bicycle advocates believe so — fervently. And Wellesley Police Chief Terrence Cunningham and Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey aren’t far behind.
Many accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles can be traced to road design, inclement weather, or attention lapse. But law enforcement traced Motsenigos’s death to truck driver Dana McCoomb, a man with an extensive history of driving infractions who fled the scene after striking the Wellesley cyclist from the side. Witness statements, video footage, and subsequent police analysis of the scene suggested that the deadly collision was more than an unavoidable accident.
Sharing the road with increasing numbers of cyclists can be frustrating for drivers. But disregard for the safety of cyclists has reached pathological levels among some drivers. And this contempt, whether conscious or subconscious, may well have played a role in the minds of grand jurors. There are widespread misconceptions that cyclists should ride on sidewalks — which is dangerous for pedestrians — or that it’s up to cyclists to stay out of motor vehicles’ way.
No matter one’s opinion of cyclists or their riding habits, they are practically defenseless against the smallest sedan, never mind an SUV or a truck. Drivers simply have to take the high road — not only around cyclists who abide by the rules of the road, but even around selfish cyclists who don’t. Shaving a few minutes along the way can’t possibly outweigh the risk of maiming or killing a fellow human being.
Police and prosecutors shouldn’t be dissuaded from pursuing similar cases. And cyclists shouldn’t lose heart. As disappointing as this case may be, it is an opportunity for public officials to review road engineering, enforcement policies, and public education campaigns that all play important safety roles. Planners may find that physical barriers between roadways and bike lanes are the best approach wherever feasible. But softer approaches, such as publicizing “best routes’’ for cyclists, also help drivers to stay alert or avoid such routes altogether.
Judges and attorneys who are exquisitely sensitive to the prejudices of prospective jurors should come to terms with a new problem — deep-seated bias based on mode of transport. Cycling, meanwhile, will continue to expand. The key question is whether public education and awareness can keep up.
Sarah Hammer of the United States earned her sixth career gold medal and second one this week by winning the women's omnium event Sunday, while Stefan Botticher won the men's sprint title and his second gold medal at the track cycling world championships.
Hammer, who won the individual pursuit Wednesday, scored 20 points in the overall omnium standings after six events, four points better than defending world champion Laura Trott of Britain, who beat the American for the Olympic gold in the discipline in London. Olympic bronze medalist Annette Edmondson of Australia was third.
Botticher beat Russia's Denis Dmitriev in two races in the sprint final to claim his second gold medal this week. Francois Pervis of France edged Sam Webster of New Zealand to win his second bronze medal and third overall in five days.
Rebecca Angharad James of Britain made history by winning the women's keirin, becoming the first British woman to win four medals at one championships. She took bronze medals in the women's 500-meter time trial and team sprint and added gold in the sprint on Saturday.
James led the keirin from the start and edged Gong Jinjie of China by 0.116 seconds. Lisandra Guerra Rodriguez of Cuba was 0.121 seconds back in third.
"I can't believe it ... That final was so hard. Just to come away with a gold medal is just unbelievable," James said. "Just the adrenaline got me through it today. I had a pretty good sleep last night. I woke up this morning and I didn't feel that tired. It's the last day of racing and I just wanted to get everything out of the tank here."
James wrapped herself in a British flag and crossed the track to embrace her parents in the stands.
"In the final I just got every single little bit out of the tank," she added. "I'm coming away with the gold."
Kristina Vogel of Germany crashed on the last turn as she tried to challenge the pack.
Many accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles can be traced to road design, inclement weather, or attention lapse. But law enforcement traced Motsenigos’s death to truck driver Dana McCoomb, a man with an extensive history of driving infractions who fled the scene after striking the Wellesley cyclist from the side. Witness statements, video footage, and subsequent police analysis of the scene suggested that the deadly collision was more than an unavoidable accident.
Sharing the road with increasing numbers of cyclists can be frustrating for drivers. But disregard for the safety of cyclists has reached pathological levels among some drivers. And this contempt, whether conscious or subconscious, may well have played a role in the minds of grand jurors. There are widespread misconceptions that cyclists should ride on sidewalks — which is dangerous for pedestrians — or that it’s up to cyclists to stay out of motor vehicles’ way.
No matter one’s opinion of cyclists or their riding habits, they are practically defenseless against the smallest sedan, never mind an SUV or a truck. Drivers simply have to take the high road — not only around cyclists who abide by the rules of the road, but even around selfish cyclists who don’t. Shaving a few minutes along the way can’t possibly outweigh the risk of maiming or killing a fellow human being.
Police and prosecutors shouldn’t be dissuaded from pursuing similar cases. And cyclists shouldn’t lose heart. As disappointing as this case may be, it is an opportunity for public officials to review road engineering, enforcement policies, and public education campaigns that all play important safety roles. Planners may find that physical barriers between roadways and bike lanes are the best approach wherever feasible. But softer approaches, such as publicizing “best routes’’ for cyclists, also help drivers to stay alert or avoid such routes altogether.
Judges and attorneys who are exquisitely sensitive to the prejudices of prospective jurors should come to terms with a new problem — deep-seated bias based on mode of transport. Cycling, meanwhile, will continue to expand. The key question is whether public education and awareness can keep up.
Sarah Hammer of the United States earned her sixth career gold medal and second one this week by winning the women's omnium event Sunday, while Stefan Botticher won the men's sprint title and his second gold medal at the track cycling world championships.
Hammer, who won the individual pursuit Wednesday, scored 20 points in the overall omnium standings after six events, four points better than defending world champion Laura Trott of Britain, who beat the American for the Olympic gold in the discipline in London. Olympic bronze medalist Annette Edmondson of Australia was third.
Botticher beat Russia's Denis Dmitriev in two races in the sprint final to claim his second gold medal this week. Francois Pervis of France edged Sam Webster of New Zealand to win his second bronze medal and third overall in five days.
Rebecca Angharad James of Britain made history by winning the women's keirin, becoming the first British woman to win four medals at one championships. She took bronze medals in the women's 500-meter time trial and team sprint and added gold in the sprint on Saturday.
James led the keirin from the start and edged Gong Jinjie of China by 0.116 seconds. Lisandra Guerra Rodriguez of Cuba was 0.121 seconds back in third.
"I can't believe it ... That final was so hard. Just to come away with a gold medal is just unbelievable," James said. "Just the adrenaline got me through it today. I had a pretty good sleep last night. I woke up this morning and I didn't feel that tired. It's the last day of racing and I just wanted to get everything out of the tank here."
James wrapped herself in a British flag and crossed the track to embrace her parents in the stands.
"In the final I just got every single little bit out of the tank," she added. "I'm coming away with the gold."
Kristina Vogel of Germany crashed on the last turn as she tried to challenge the pack.
2012年10月8日星期一
A stitch in time saves money
I am what you might call a frustrated crafter. I often feel the creative impulse or desire to make things.
"Wouldn't that look good with a coat of paint," I think of the crappy old chair I bought from the eco shop for a dollar...five years ago.
"I should make everybody's Christmas presents!" I declare in an uncharacterstic surge of enthusiasm.
"It doesn't matter if these pants that I just bought don't fit properly. I'll just pull out the sewing machine and alter them a bit," I blatantly lie to myself.
In a lot of cases, I do actually have the basic tools I'd need to achieve these various tasks and I even have some of the skills required. What I don't have in abundance is time and, more important, patience.
But a trip to the mall to run some errands at the weekend has me thinking I should perhaps try to acquire some.
I've had a pair of shoes for a couple of years that are my fallback option for work attire. They're black, they have a medium high wedge and they go with a lot of things. But I'd worn them down and they needed to be re-soled. It occurred to me that I could just buy another pair but I hadn't seen any around that were quite the same combination of cute, wearable, walkable and multiple-outfit-compatible. And then the shoe repair guy told me it would be $60 to re-sole them. Which is more than I paid for them in the first place.
I have to admit that for a split second I considered telling him not to bother. As it was, I agreed and then went to Farmers only to discover that a similar pair of shoes were for sale with 50 per centt off and for $25 cheaper than what I'd just paid for new soles and heels. I wasn't sure whether to be "Damn! I've spent more money on shoes than I meant to" or "Yay, now I'll have TWO pairs of shoes I can wear!" In the end, though, the joy of new shoes always wins. If it didn't I wouldn't own so many.
I also had a skirt that needed a new zip. Now, unlike the necessaries related to shoe repair, I actually can sew and I have a sewing machine and I know where to procure a new zip. However, my sewing skills are average and when it comes to zips I find them very frustrating and always seem to make them go wonky. Many's the obscenity that has fallen from my lips in the past as the result of a zip gone awry.
Thinking to save myself the stress of attempting my own zip replacement, I dropped the skirt into the Alteration Service at the mall, only to be told that it would cost $33, which is about half what I spent on the skirt in the first place.
So all up the cost of fixing one pair of shoes and a skirt is nearly $100. I find this mind-boggling and I kind of hate that unlike the one our parents and grandparents grew up in, ours is a culture that practically begs you to throw things away when there's still plenty of use left in them.
Now, I don't imagine I'll ever have the wherewithal to attempt to cobble my own shoes, but damn it, I bloody can do my own zips. Because frustration be damned, I now have the motivating power of spite at my behest. Spiteful thrift, in fact. I'm like the Nazis with the Ark of the Covenant - potentially invincible, and yes, I do imagine that at some point in proceedings, probably after I've had to unpick something for the third time, my face will go a bit like this.
But as Face-melty God is my witness, I'm not going to wuss out on zips anymore, nor hems neither.
What DIY, craft or sewing project is the fly in your ointment? At what point is something so frustrating and time consuming that you'll happily pay someone else to do it? And does it grate on you when you know are capable of doing it yourself much more cheaply?
"Wouldn't that look good with a coat of paint," I think of the crappy old chair I bought from the eco shop for a dollar...five years ago.
"I should make everybody's Christmas presents!" I declare in an uncharacterstic surge of enthusiasm.
"It doesn't matter if these pants that I just bought don't fit properly. I'll just pull out the sewing machine and alter them a bit," I blatantly lie to myself.
In a lot of cases, I do actually have the basic tools I'd need to achieve these various tasks and I even have some of the skills required. What I don't have in abundance is time and, more important, patience.
But a trip to the mall to run some errands at the weekend has me thinking I should perhaps try to acquire some.
I've had a pair of shoes for a couple of years that are my fallback option for work attire. They're black, they have a medium high wedge and they go with a lot of things. But I'd worn them down and they needed to be re-soled. It occurred to me that I could just buy another pair but I hadn't seen any around that were quite the same combination of cute, wearable, walkable and multiple-outfit-compatible. And then the shoe repair guy told me it would be $60 to re-sole them. Which is more than I paid for them in the first place.
I have to admit that for a split second I considered telling him not to bother. As it was, I agreed and then went to Farmers only to discover that a similar pair of shoes were for sale with 50 per centt off and for $25 cheaper than what I'd just paid for new soles and heels. I wasn't sure whether to be "Damn! I've spent more money on shoes than I meant to" or "Yay, now I'll have TWO pairs of shoes I can wear!" In the end, though, the joy of new shoes always wins. If it didn't I wouldn't own so many.
I also had a skirt that needed a new zip. Now, unlike the necessaries related to shoe repair, I actually can sew and I have a sewing machine and I know where to procure a new zip. However, my sewing skills are average and when it comes to zips I find them very frustrating and always seem to make them go wonky. Many's the obscenity that has fallen from my lips in the past as the result of a zip gone awry.
Thinking to save myself the stress of attempting my own zip replacement, I dropped the skirt into the Alteration Service at the mall, only to be told that it would cost $33, which is about half what I spent on the skirt in the first place.
So all up the cost of fixing one pair of shoes and a skirt is nearly $100. I find this mind-boggling and I kind of hate that unlike the one our parents and grandparents grew up in, ours is a culture that practically begs you to throw things away when there's still plenty of use left in them.
Now, I don't imagine I'll ever have the wherewithal to attempt to cobble my own shoes, but damn it, I bloody can do my own zips. Because frustration be damned, I now have the motivating power of spite at my behest. Spiteful thrift, in fact. I'm like the Nazis with the Ark of the Covenant - potentially invincible, and yes, I do imagine that at some point in proceedings, probably after I've had to unpick something for the third time, my face will go a bit like this.
But as Face-melty God is my witness, I'm not going to wuss out on zips anymore, nor hems neither.
What DIY, craft or sewing project is the fly in your ointment? At what point is something so frustrating and time consuming that you'll happily pay someone else to do it? And does it grate on you when you know are capable of doing it yourself much more cheaply?
2012年9月10日星期一
High fashion pieces at college student prices
With summer coming to a close, it is time to break all your summer clothes out of your closet one last time before fall settles in. Some of the best trends of the summer of 2012 included high-to-low skirts and dresses, cutouts, peplum tops and dresses, neon, platforms and the return of the 90’s with crop tops. As a Drew student, these trends are all extremely wearable, even on a budget.
The “high to low” look is a skirt or dress cut higher in the front and longer in the back. It combines the best of mini and maxi, allowing you to show off your legs while still enjoying the effortless, flowy feel of a long skirt. When wearing this type of garment, make sure that its length is proportional to your body type— something cut too high in the front can look vulgar, while too long in the back runs the risk of dragging on the ground behind you. Dress it up with some wedges on the weekend, or dress it down with a simple tee to class. Check out some options at Forever 21 (Pleated High-Low Skirt, $19.80),and Urban Outfitters.
Cutouts allow you to show a little skin without showing too much, and they raise any outfit’s edginess. Cutouts can be anywhere on a garment, from the back, the shoulders, the midriff, the side or even the thigh, which will bring attention to your best features while the perhaps less-than-perfect areas stay covered. Some great cutout clothes include the Blaze Cutout Dress, the ASOS top with Extreme Dip Back and Strappy Back, Funktional Night Slash Leggings, Petites Floral SideBra Top, and the Petite Dip-Dye Cutout Sweat.
Typically on the dressier side, 50’s inspired peplum conjures mental images of Zooey Deschanel, red lips, and suicide roll hair-do’s. Peplum creates curves in all the right places—perfect for those with a straight up and down frame. Channel your inner pin-up girl this weekend with a Peplum Skirt ($35.00, Zara), Petite Sleeveless Peplum Top or Tiffany Embellished Neck Peplum Dress.
Perhaps due to the explosion of dance music into the mainstream, neon ‘is all the rage’. Even if you didn’t make it to any music festivals this summer, neon adds a pop of fun color to gym shoes, sweatshirts, tops, and leggings. Stop traffic in shoes from Charlotte Russe (Mixed Brights Cage Heel, $42.50),or leggings from Delias (Neon Seamless Legging, $20.00)
A favorite is the platform shoe. When the Spice Girls turn Earth into Spice World with seven inch platforms, many were inspired to do the same. Jeffrey Campbell in particular brought this style back with his unique and often gravity-defying shoes. Although these shoes can get pricey, it is worth it. Nothing beats the feeling of towering over your friends, or finally meeting eye level with them. Believe it or not, they are extremely easy to walk in, and are much easier to walk back to your dorm room from the suites on a Saturday night, regardless if you’ve had one drink or five.
On the topic of the Spice Girls, the 90’s have officially made their return. Whether you want to channel Kurt Cobain’s grunge or Alicia Silverstone’s crop tops from Clueless, you can’t go wrong. Just make sure that you don’t take it literally—scrunchies and the thighmaster should probably never see the light of day ever again. Pair a crop top with a high-waisted skirt and show a sliver of stomach in the Scribbles Cropped Top ($4.99, Forever 21) or the Electric Wave Crop. If plaid is more your style, look no further than the Riot Plaid Skirt which also follows the high-to-low trend, or the Black Red High Waist Hollow Pleated Dress.
Let’s get the most out of summer fashion while we still can! Before long it will be time to stock up on boots and scarves. Just remember, fashion is meant to be fun. If something is not your style, don’t feel like you have to buy it just because it is trendy. Fashion reflects personality, so make sure if you follow a trend, your own personal style is still being represented.
The “high to low” look is a skirt or dress cut higher in the front and longer in the back. It combines the best of mini and maxi, allowing you to show off your legs while still enjoying the effortless, flowy feel of a long skirt. When wearing this type of garment, make sure that its length is proportional to your body type— something cut too high in the front can look vulgar, while too long in the back runs the risk of dragging on the ground behind you. Dress it up with some wedges on the weekend, or dress it down with a simple tee to class. Check out some options at Forever 21 (Pleated High-Low Skirt, $19.80),and Urban Outfitters.
Cutouts allow you to show a little skin without showing too much, and they raise any outfit’s edginess. Cutouts can be anywhere on a garment, from the back, the shoulders, the midriff, the side or even the thigh, which will bring attention to your best features while the perhaps less-than-perfect areas stay covered. Some great cutout clothes include the Blaze Cutout Dress, the ASOS top with Extreme Dip Back and Strappy Back, Funktional Night Slash Leggings, Petites Floral SideBra Top, and the Petite Dip-Dye Cutout Sweat.
Typically on the dressier side, 50’s inspired peplum conjures mental images of Zooey Deschanel, red lips, and suicide roll hair-do’s. Peplum creates curves in all the right places—perfect for those with a straight up and down frame. Channel your inner pin-up girl this weekend with a Peplum Skirt ($35.00, Zara), Petite Sleeveless Peplum Top or Tiffany Embellished Neck Peplum Dress.
Perhaps due to the explosion of dance music into the mainstream, neon ‘is all the rage’. Even if you didn’t make it to any music festivals this summer, neon adds a pop of fun color to gym shoes, sweatshirts, tops, and leggings. Stop traffic in shoes from Charlotte Russe (Mixed Brights Cage Heel, $42.50),or leggings from Delias (Neon Seamless Legging, $20.00)
A favorite is the platform shoe. When the Spice Girls turn Earth into Spice World with seven inch platforms, many were inspired to do the same. Jeffrey Campbell in particular brought this style back with his unique and often gravity-defying shoes. Although these shoes can get pricey, it is worth it. Nothing beats the feeling of towering over your friends, or finally meeting eye level with them. Believe it or not, they are extremely easy to walk in, and are much easier to walk back to your dorm room from the suites on a Saturday night, regardless if you’ve had one drink or five.
On the topic of the Spice Girls, the 90’s have officially made their return. Whether you want to channel Kurt Cobain’s grunge or Alicia Silverstone’s crop tops from Clueless, you can’t go wrong. Just make sure that you don’t take it literally—scrunchies and the thighmaster should probably never see the light of day ever again. Pair a crop top with a high-waisted skirt and show a sliver of stomach in the Scribbles Cropped Top ($4.99, Forever 21) or the Electric Wave Crop. If plaid is more your style, look no further than the Riot Plaid Skirt which also follows the high-to-low trend, or the Black Red High Waist Hollow Pleated Dress.
Let’s get the most out of summer fashion while we still can! Before long it will be time to stock up on boots and scarves. Just remember, fashion is meant to be fun. If something is not your style, don’t feel like you have to buy it just because it is trendy. Fashion reflects personality, so make sure if you follow a trend, your own personal style is still being represented.
2012年8月29日星期三
The short answer is that the simple act of running
I started running in high school, taking up track the spring of my sophomore year with the idea that it would help my speed and quickness for my true love, basketball. The following fall I joined the cross-country team with the same objective: improve my athleticism — in this case, endurance — to prepare for the long basketball season over the winter.
Well, long story short, one thing led to another, competitiveness took over, that basketball season never happened, I joined the indoor track team, and before I knew it I had traded in my Nike Flights for a pair of adidas Osweego trainers and Nike Zoom Rival track spikes.
The competitive side of the sport is where I got my start in running — and over time, the only reason I kept running — during my final two years of high school, through college and for eight years out of school until this past spring, when I decided, or perhaps more accurately, realized, that I didn’t necessarily need a race on my calendar to have a reason for lacing up my training shoes every day.
After I ran the L.A. Marathon in March I stepped away from targeted training, taking a short amount of time completely off from running before resuming a regular, albeit unfocused schedule where I didn’t have any specific goal other than to get out the door for an hour a day — just 60 simple minutes to myself, or with others, where I ran as I felt with no regard to pace or distance covered. I just had fun with it. Well, that’s been my M.O. for about four-and-a-half months now, not that it wasn’t fun when every workout previously had some additional ulterior motive behind it. Most days I run for an hour, some days a little longer, others shorter, sometimes not at all, but that’s rarely by choice. I’ve run by myself and with hoards of others, gone to the track and done a workout on a whim, run over 90 minutes a few times and even found myself in the middle of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants fartlek on more than one occasion, but I’m not training for anything. In fact, racing really hasn’t entered my mind, and for the first time in my life I’m A-OK with finding myself in this peculiar predicament. I’ve realized over time that I don’t necessarily need the motivation of competition to get out the door every day.
So why do I, Mr. Competitive Runner from the day I first laced up a pair of running shoes, still try to get out the door as often as I can even if I don’t plan to race?
The short answer is that the simple act of running is just something I really enjoy doing. It doesn’t matter if I’m running at under 5 minutes a mile and holding on for dear life at the end of a tough track workout or trotting along at a pace that more closely resembles walking, charging up one of the challenging hills near my home in San Diego or floating along a flat stretch of road in the middle of some previously undiscovered place, running is a large part of who I am and what I do every day. It’s responsible for many of the opportunities I’ve been presented with in life — including this job — along with the close relationships I’ve made over the years, including meeting my (now) fiance as well as my best friend, who, appropriately enough, I competed against just a few months after I took up the sport in high school.
The reasons why I run have evolved over the years, but today, more than ever, lacing up my running shoes and getting out the door might be the only hour, or 30 minutes, or whatever amount of time I have that day, that I can get away from the busyness of everyday life, the incessant buzzing of my cell phone, dinging of my e-mail alerts — you name it — and have some time to myself or with those who are important to me.
Well, long story short, one thing led to another, competitiveness took over, that basketball season never happened, I joined the indoor track team, and before I knew it I had traded in my Nike Flights for a pair of adidas Osweego trainers and Nike Zoom Rival track spikes.
The competitive side of the sport is where I got my start in running — and over time, the only reason I kept running — during my final two years of high school, through college and for eight years out of school until this past spring, when I decided, or perhaps more accurately, realized, that I didn’t necessarily need a race on my calendar to have a reason for lacing up my training shoes every day.
After I ran the L.A. Marathon in March I stepped away from targeted training, taking a short amount of time completely off from running before resuming a regular, albeit unfocused schedule where I didn’t have any specific goal other than to get out the door for an hour a day — just 60 simple minutes to myself, or with others, where I ran as I felt with no regard to pace or distance covered. I just had fun with it. Well, that’s been my M.O. for about four-and-a-half months now, not that it wasn’t fun when every workout previously had some additional ulterior motive behind it. Most days I run for an hour, some days a little longer, others shorter, sometimes not at all, but that’s rarely by choice. I’ve run by myself and with hoards of others, gone to the track and done a workout on a whim, run over 90 minutes a few times and even found myself in the middle of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants fartlek on more than one occasion, but I’m not training for anything. In fact, racing really hasn’t entered my mind, and for the first time in my life I’m A-OK with finding myself in this peculiar predicament. I’ve realized over time that I don’t necessarily need the motivation of competition to get out the door every day.
So why do I, Mr. Competitive Runner from the day I first laced up a pair of running shoes, still try to get out the door as often as I can even if I don’t plan to race?
The short answer is that the simple act of running is just something I really enjoy doing. It doesn’t matter if I’m running at under 5 minutes a mile and holding on for dear life at the end of a tough track workout or trotting along at a pace that more closely resembles walking, charging up one of the challenging hills near my home in San Diego or floating along a flat stretch of road in the middle of some previously undiscovered place, running is a large part of who I am and what I do every day. It’s responsible for many of the opportunities I’ve been presented with in life — including this job — along with the close relationships I’ve made over the years, including meeting my (now) fiance as well as my best friend, who, appropriately enough, I competed against just a few months after I took up the sport in high school.
The reasons why I run have evolved over the years, but today, more than ever, lacing up my running shoes and getting out the door might be the only hour, or 30 minutes, or whatever amount of time I have that day, that I can get away from the busyness of everyday life, the incessant buzzing of my cell phone, dinging of my e-mail alerts — you name it — and have some time to myself or with those who are important to me.
2012年5月9日星期三
Malin Akerman & Jessica Stam - Met Ball 2012
Malin Akerman and Jessica Stam walk the red carpet at the 2012 Met Ball held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday (May 7) in New York City.
Malin, 33, accessorized with Christian Louboutin shoes and Fred Leighton jewelry.
Jessica is wearing a John Galliano for Christian Dior Haute Couture dress with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.
After replacing Lindsay Lohan in the Linda Lovelace film Inferno, Malin is now unsure if the film will ever be made.
“I don’t know if that’s even going to go,” Malin told THR last month. “Last I heard, which was just before Christmas, we were supposed to start shooting in March, and now it’s April. It’s been one of those doomed films that I absolutely love and totally believe in, I love the script, I think it’s such a well-written script about the behind-the-scenes of a battered woman.”
The designs are indeed imaginative in terms of decoration and global reference. Thigh-high snakeskin boots have been "tagged" in fluorescent spray-paint by a New York graffiti artist. Another pair in black suede are fringed from thigh to toe like a woolly poodle.
Malin, 33, accessorized with Christian Louboutin shoes and Fred Leighton jewelry.
Jessica is wearing a John Galliano for Christian Dior Haute Couture dress with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.
After replacing Lindsay Lohan in the Linda Lovelace film Inferno, Malin is now unsure if the film will ever be made.
“I don’t know if that’s even going to go,” Malin told THR last month. “Last I heard, which was just before Christmas, we were supposed to start shooting in March, and now it’s April. It’s been one of those doomed films that I absolutely love and totally believe in, I love the script, I think it’s such a well-written script about the behind-the-scenes of a battered woman.”
The designs are indeed imaginative in terms of decoration and global reference. Thigh-high snakeskin boots have been "tagged" in fluorescent spray-paint by a New York graffiti artist. Another pair in black suede are fringed from thigh to toe like a woolly poodle.
2011年4月11日星期一
Bay Area Renaissance Festival
Say huzzah to the wizards, warriors and commoners who populate this replica of a 16th century village with entertainment on multiple stages, street theater, live armored contact jousting, human chess matches, art, craft and other vendors, fire-eaters and more.
Insider tips: Fans of the RenFest show up in costume to get in on the fun, and children dress like princesses and fairies. Whatever your outfit, make sure it includes comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. This is a field, not a paved mall.
There’s standard fair food, but get into the spirit and gnaw on a giant smoked turkey leg or try a Scotch egg (that’s a hard-boiled egg encased in sausage and deep fried) and wash it down with a pint of grog as you take in a medieval comedy show or knights jousting on horseback.
The throwback appeal is that it's outdoors, with the sounds of lutes playing and swords clashing and the smells of wood smoke and perfumed oils and salespeople keen on charming dollars out of your pocket with a magic trick or a jig. Bring lots of singles for tipping.
What's in store this weekend?
The festival's closing weekend features Huzzah to the King with the King's Birthday celebration, beer tasting, fencing competition and a Harvest Market.
Price: $14.95 advance, $6.95 ages 5-12 advance; $17.95 at the gate, $14.95 seniors at the gate, $9.95 ages 5-12 at the gate; $10 per pet.
Insider tips: Fans of the RenFest show up in costume to get in on the fun, and children dress like princesses and fairies. Whatever your outfit, make sure it includes comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. This is a field, not a paved mall.
There’s standard fair food, but get into the spirit and gnaw on a giant smoked turkey leg or try a Scotch egg (that’s a hard-boiled egg encased in sausage and deep fried) and wash it down with a pint of grog as you take in a medieval comedy show or knights jousting on horseback.
The throwback appeal is that it's outdoors, with the sounds of lutes playing and swords clashing and the smells of wood smoke and perfumed oils and salespeople keen on charming dollars out of your pocket with a magic trick or a jig. Bring lots of singles for tipping.
What's in store this weekend?
The festival's closing weekend features Huzzah to the King with the King's Birthday celebration, beer tasting, fencing competition and a Harvest Market.
Price: $14.95 advance, $6.95 ages 5-12 advance; $17.95 at the gate, $14.95 seniors at the gate, $9.95 ages 5-12 at the gate; $10 per pet.
2011年4月7日星期四
We suppose this was inevitable: Princess Kate Middleton dolls go on sale…
As you know, we love a bit of naff Royal Wedding memorabilia however we don’t think we’ll be purchasing this new Kate Middleton doll which went on sale today. It scares us a tiny bit.
The “Princess Catherine” doll comes complete with the a miniature replica of the dress Kate wore to announce her engagement in plus a pretty (plastic) pink head accessory thing as well as a gold handbag and matching shoes. Apparently you pick one up from Hamleys for £35.
Tempting, tempting…. But not as tempting as this.
The “Princess Catherine” doll comes complete with the a miniature replica of the dress Kate wore to announce her engagement in plus a pretty (plastic) pink head accessory thing as well as a gold handbag and matching shoes. Apparently you pick one up from Hamleys for £35.
Tempting, tempting…. But not as tempting as this.
2011年4月1日星期五
Tampa Bay Rays open defense of AL East Flag
For some fans it may be hard to believe that thirteen seasons have passed in the history of their local baseball club and tonight the Tampa Bay Rays embark on a defense of their second American League East title in the last three years.
A lot has changed since the final game in 2010 but it is felt that the new additions, such as Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, Kyle Farnsworth, Adam Russell and Joel Peralta will soften the blow of departures like Rafael Soriano, Joaquin Benoit and most importantly, Carl Crawford.
A sellout crowd will pack Tropicana Field as they host the retooled Baltimore Orioles under the leadership of Buck Showalter. The Birds won an astounding 34 games under their new manager considering they won only 32 prior to that and he did that after August 1st becoming the first manager since 1900 to turn the trick.
The Orioles are coming off a year where they beat the Rays in the season series 10-6 and have added three thumper to their lineup: Vladimir Guerrero, Derrick Lee and Mark Reynolds, all of whom have had 40 HR seasons in their careers. But the Rays have something Baltimore does not – a starting rotation that could turn out to be the best in the junior circuit.
This evening lefty David Price toes the rubber hoping to become Tampa Bay's first 20-game winner after falling one short in 2010. His 19-6 record was the best in team annals while posting a stellar 2.72 ERA. This will be Price's first opening day assignment. The O's will send righty Jeremy Guthrie (11-14, 3.83) to the hill.
Before the first pitch fans will get to see the raising of the Rays' third banner for beating out the New York Yankees for the AL East top spot. Since their inaugural season in 1998 the Rays (2) and Yankees are the only teams to have one more than one division championship (Kids 14 and under will receive a replica banner this Sunday).
Since the Rays made their first appearance in the postseason in 2008, they have played at a torrid pace under the roof of Tropicana Field going 158-85 (65.6% winning percentage) tying them with Boston for the best home record over that span. 19 of the first 32 games of the season will be played in St. Petersburg. In addition, the Bay Bunch have a 40-13 mark with crowds of 30,000 or more. Tonight will mark the sixth straight season the Rays have sold out the home opener. The first pitch will be tossed out by Florida Governor Rick Scott.
SILENCE PLEASE: A moment of silence will be observed for the three fallen St. Petersburg police officers who were killed in the line of duty this year. They are Sergeant Thomas Baitinger, Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz and Officer David Crawford. In addition, 125 police officers from the St. Petersburg force will unfurl a 150x300-foot US flag and the colors will be presented by the police department.
HELPING HAND: Volunteers from the Red Cross will be collecting donations for the Japan relief Fund during the opening series that will run through Sunday. The Rays have already donated $10,000 to the Children's Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund and will match up to $15,000 to the red Cross' efforts.
A lot has changed since the final game in 2010 but it is felt that the new additions, such as Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, Kyle Farnsworth, Adam Russell and Joel Peralta will soften the blow of departures like Rafael Soriano, Joaquin Benoit and most importantly, Carl Crawford.
A sellout crowd will pack Tropicana Field as they host the retooled Baltimore Orioles under the leadership of Buck Showalter. The Birds won an astounding 34 games under their new manager considering they won only 32 prior to that and he did that after August 1st becoming the first manager since 1900 to turn the trick.
The Orioles are coming off a year where they beat the Rays in the season series 10-6 and have added three thumper to their lineup: Vladimir Guerrero, Derrick Lee and Mark Reynolds, all of whom have had 40 HR seasons in their careers. But the Rays have something Baltimore does not – a starting rotation that could turn out to be the best in the junior circuit.
This evening lefty David Price toes the rubber hoping to become Tampa Bay's first 20-game winner after falling one short in 2010. His 19-6 record was the best in team annals while posting a stellar 2.72 ERA. This will be Price's first opening day assignment. The O's will send righty Jeremy Guthrie (11-14, 3.83) to the hill.
Before the first pitch fans will get to see the raising of the Rays' third banner for beating out the New York Yankees for the AL East top spot. Since their inaugural season in 1998 the Rays (2) and Yankees are the only teams to have one more than one division championship (Kids 14 and under will receive a replica banner this Sunday).
Since the Rays made their first appearance in the postseason in 2008, they have played at a torrid pace under the roof of Tropicana Field going 158-85 (65.6% winning percentage) tying them with Boston for the best home record over that span. 19 of the first 32 games of the season will be played in St. Petersburg. In addition, the Bay Bunch have a 40-13 mark with crowds of 30,000 or more. Tonight will mark the sixth straight season the Rays have sold out the home opener. The first pitch will be tossed out by Florida Governor Rick Scott.
SILENCE PLEASE: A moment of silence will be observed for the three fallen St. Petersburg police officers who were killed in the line of duty this year. They are Sergeant Thomas Baitinger, Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz and Officer David Crawford. In addition, 125 police officers from the St. Petersburg force will unfurl a 150x300-foot US flag and the colors will be presented by the police department.
HELPING HAND: Volunteers from the Red Cross will be collecting donations for the Japan relief Fund during the opening series that will run through Sunday. The Rays have already donated $10,000 to the Children's Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund and will match up to $15,000 to the red Cross' efforts.
2011年3月31日星期四
Long Beach Foot Care Store Taking Japan Shoe Donations
Foot Solutions in Long Beach, California and Soles4Souls have joined forces to bring shoes to victims of the devastating earthquake in Japan.
Foot Solutions Long Beach is collecting footwear to support Soles4Souls' commitment to donate footwear to affected areas in Southeast Asia. From now through the end of April, customers at Foot Solutions Long Beach will have the opportunity to drop off a gently worn pair of shoes. All donations will directly support relief efforts. The store has collected many hundreds of pairs of shoes on behalf of Soles4Souls for the past six years. The need, of course, is even more pressing now.
Long Beach area residents are invited to drop off their donations at Foot Solutions Long Beach, 1811 Ximeno Avenue, Long Beach, CA, 90815 phone: 562-961-3200.
Karen Widerynski, Foot Solutions Long Beach owner said she is proud to offer her customers a way to be charitable by giving a pair of shoes that is likely just collecting dust in a closet somewhere to those in need.
"As we continue to realize the magnitude of this disaster for our friends in Japan, we cannot forget how important basic necessities – such as shoes – will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "We deeply appreciate the support of Foot Solutions Long Beach and their customers in helping us provide shoes to survivors."
Soles4Souls has partnered with organizations on the ground in Japan to transport and distribute the aid needed as the devastation from the earthquake continues to unfold. Since the charities inception after the Asian Tsunami in 2004, the shoe charity has continued to respond to natural disasters like the one in Japan with footwear that protect victims against foot-borne diseases.
Foot Solutions Long Beach is collecting footwear to support Soles4Souls' commitment to donate footwear to affected areas in Southeast Asia. From now through the end of April, customers at Foot Solutions Long Beach will have the opportunity to drop off a gently worn pair of shoes. All donations will directly support relief efforts. The store has collected many hundreds of pairs of shoes on behalf of Soles4Souls for the past six years. The need, of course, is even more pressing now.
Long Beach area residents are invited to drop off their donations at Foot Solutions Long Beach, 1811 Ximeno Avenue, Long Beach, CA, 90815 phone: 562-961-3200.
Karen Widerynski, Foot Solutions Long Beach owner said she is proud to offer her customers a way to be charitable by giving a pair of shoes that is likely just collecting dust in a closet somewhere to those in need.
"As we continue to realize the magnitude of this disaster for our friends in Japan, we cannot forget how important basic necessities – such as shoes – will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "We deeply appreciate the support of Foot Solutions Long Beach and their customers in helping us provide shoes to survivors."
Soles4Souls has partnered with organizations on the ground in Japan to transport and distribute the aid needed as the devastation from the earthquake continues to unfold. Since the charities inception after the Asian Tsunami in 2004, the shoe charity has continued to respond to natural disasters like the one in Japan with footwear that protect victims against foot-borne diseases.
2011年3月22日星期二
Celebrations Spotlight: Andi Stabryla and Robert Stein
Andi Stabryla, 30, and Robert Stein, 29, married on October 30, 2010. The couple now resides in Gibsonia.
Q: How did you meet?
Bob: We met on October 30, 2004 at a club in the Strip District. Our wedding day was exactly six years later!
Q: Where did you each grow up?
Andi: I grew up in Ellwood City. Bob grew up in Monongahela.
Q: Who proposed? How?
Andi: Bob proposed in NYC at the bar in our favorite hotel. I ordered a Cosmo and, to my surprise, it arrived on a silver tray with an Indian scroll that was inscribed with a sweet note. When I looked up, he was holding a ring. (A replica of this very same scroll was used as our wedding invitation.)
Q: Where were you married? Why did you choose that site?
Bob: We were married at Heinz Chapel. We chose it because I work at Pitt and got my MBA there. It is beautiful!
Q: Where's the reception and honeymoon? Why did you choose those sites?
Bob: Our reception was at Carnegie Museum Music Hall. For our honeymoon, we went to Frankfurt, Germany then to Cairo, Egypt, then Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt and Amman, Jordan and ended up in NYC for a night at our favorite hotel. We thought it would be only right to end there. We both love to travel and neither of us had been to any of those places, so we wanted an adventure!
Q: What was the best part of your honeymoon?
Andi: Everything was perfect. We visited the Sphinx, pyramids, Petra and snorkeled daily in the Red Sea. Egypt and Jordan were beautiful!
Q: Who came the farthest?
Andi: Bob's cousin and our little flower girls travelled from Seattle to share in our day.
What was new, blue, borrowed at your wedding?
Andi: New --Chanel Camellia flower I wore in my hair given to me by our friend Kristen. Borrowed -- My grandfather's rosary which was in my bouquet. Blue -- Christian Louboutin shoes that were purchased at the boutique in NYC as a gift from my husband.
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened?
Bob: Our ring barrier, Lukas, was so shy. He only made it halfway down the aisle and his older (but still young) sister, Katrina, who was handing out programs, had to run and go get him.
Q: Who was your favorite wedding vendor? Why?
Andi: Anthony and the staff at Philip Pelusi in Squirrel Hill did a fabulous job with hair and makeup for the entire bridal party. I couldn't ask for anything more. Also, our florists at Hearts & Flowers Floral, photographers at R. Fritz Photography and Kelli Burns DJ all did a great job. We also had a photobooth from Shutterbooth Pittsburgh which was fun.
Q: What's the most creative wedding present you were given?
Andi: The most creative gift was wine from Bob's best man. He gave us three bottles to enjoy on our first, fifth, and 10th-year anniversaries. The wine, which was totally encased in about 20lbs of mints, was an inside joke between he and Bob. They would always take handfuls of mints from restaurants when they were in high school.
Q: What's the best marriage advice you received?
Andi: A family friend actually gave us this advice, "On your wedding day, hold hands as much as possible." We didn't really understand the importance of it until after the day was over. During our wedding day, we were being pulled in so many different directions, we stuck to that advice and it kept us side-by-side during the whole event.
Q: What is one item of your spouse's that you wish you could throw out?
Andi: His bright white sneakers that he keeps in tip-top shape.
Bob: Andi loves chapstick and she leaves them everywhere. In my opinion, she has too many. I'd throw some of those out.
Other details:
Andi: I have to be the luckiest person on earth to have married such a wonderful man and to get to wake up to him every single day of my life. Marriage is magical!
Bob: It's nice to be married to your best friend. We were also so lucky to have all of our friends and family share in our wedding day with us!
Q: How did you meet?
Bob: We met on October 30, 2004 at a club in the Strip District. Our wedding day was exactly six years later!
Q: Where did you each grow up?
Andi: I grew up in Ellwood City. Bob grew up in Monongahela.
Q: Who proposed? How?
Andi: Bob proposed in NYC at the bar in our favorite hotel. I ordered a Cosmo and, to my surprise, it arrived on a silver tray with an Indian scroll that was inscribed with a sweet note. When I looked up, he was holding a ring. (A replica of this very same scroll was used as our wedding invitation.)
Q: Where were you married? Why did you choose that site?
Bob: We were married at Heinz Chapel. We chose it because I work at Pitt and got my MBA there. It is beautiful!
Q: Where's the reception and honeymoon? Why did you choose those sites?
Bob: Our reception was at Carnegie Museum Music Hall. For our honeymoon, we went to Frankfurt, Germany then to Cairo, Egypt, then Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt and Amman, Jordan and ended up in NYC for a night at our favorite hotel. We thought it would be only right to end there. We both love to travel and neither of us had been to any of those places, so we wanted an adventure!
Q: What was the best part of your honeymoon?
Andi: Everything was perfect. We visited the Sphinx, pyramids, Petra and snorkeled daily in the Red Sea. Egypt and Jordan were beautiful!
Q: Who came the farthest?
Andi: Bob's cousin and our little flower girls travelled from Seattle to share in our day.
What was new, blue, borrowed at your wedding?
Andi: New --Chanel Camellia flower I wore in my hair given to me by our friend Kristen. Borrowed -- My grandfather's rosary which was in my bouquet. Blue -- Christian Louboutin shoes that were purchased at the boutique in NYC as a gift from my husband.
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened?
Bob: Our ring barrier, Lukas, was so shy. He only made it halfway down the aisle and his older (but still young) sister, Katrina, who was handing out programs, had to run and go get him.
Q: Who was your favorite wedding vendor? Why?
Andi: Anthony and the staff at Philip Pelusi in Squirrel Hill did a fabulous job with hair and makeup for the entire bridal party. I couldn't ask for anything more. Also, our florists at Hearts & Flowers Floral, photographers at R. Fritz Photography and Kelli Burns DJ all did a great job. We also had a photobooth from Shutterbooth Pittsburgh which was fun.
Q: What's the most creative wedding present you were given?
Andi: The most creative gift was wine from Bob's best man. He gave us three bottles to enjoy on our first, fifth, and 10th-year anniversaries. The wine, which was totally encased in about 20lbs of mints, was an inside joke between he and Bob. They would always take handfuls of mints from restaurants when they were in high school.
Q: What's the best marriage advice you received?
Andi: A family friend actually gave us this advice, "On your wedding day, hold hands as much as possible." We didn't really understand the importance of it until after the day was over. During our wedding day, we were being pulled in so many different directions, we stuck to that advice and it kept us side-by-side during the whole event.
Q: What is one item of your spouse's that you wish you could throw out?
Andi: His bright white sneakers that he keeps in tip-top shape.
Bob: Andi loves chapstick and she leaves them everywhere. In my opinion, she has too many. I'd throw some of those out.
Other details:
Andi: I have to be the luckiest person on earth to have married such a wonderful man and to get to wake up to him every single day of my life. Marriage is magical!
Bob: It's nice to be married to your best friend. We were also so lucky to have all of our friends and family share in our wedding day with us!
2011年3月15日星期二
Buying the Latest Handbags for Your Own
For most women they can never have enough shoes or handbags. In this summer, they are brightly colored casual bags, leather bags, and superb artificial ones, some special details exist. Taking with the most updated handbag, there are several new businesses popping up that allow a woman the chance to experience what it is like to carry designer handbags each day.
For most women they can by no means have enough shoes or handbags. Though most women only dream of owning designer handbags, they may be capable to do it for much less than they believe. There are a number of new businesses showing up that enable a woman the chance to expertise what it's like to carry designer handbags each day.
Colorful bags are certainly good accessories throughout beach holiday. The beach skirt, along with the beach-style bag, is the most eye-catching baby on the beach. The design blended with black and blue, joined with the cool material, right away turns the simple fashion bags into dazzling godsend. Such a type of basic design has painted with the beach style in an amazing way. Isn't there any impulse to attend the beach now?
In conclusion the answer to why women love luxury handbags is very simple the majority of women love fashion, want to really feel stunning and be surrounded by gorgeous issues. I remember a well-known person once said if you want to develop lovely things you should be surrounded by lovely issues. I completely agree with that statement.
The author has been writing articles online for nearly 1 year now. Not only does this author specialize in modern art, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out her latest website on replica watches uk and replica watches.
For most women they can by no means have enough shoes or handbags. Though most women only dream of owning designer handbags, they may be capable to do it for much less than they believe. There are a number of new businesses showing up that enable a woman the chance to expertise what it's like to carry designer handbags each day.
Colorful bags are certainly good accessories throughout beach holiday. The beach skirt, along with the beach-style bag, is the most eye-catching baby on the beach. The design blended with black and blue, joined with the cool material, right away turns the simple fashion bags into dazzling godsend. Such a type of basic design has painted with the beach style in an amazing way. Isn't there any impulse to attend the beach now?
In conclusion the answer to why women love luxury handbags is very simple the majority of women love fashion, want to really feel stunning and be surrounded by gorgeous issues. I remember a well-known person once said if you want to develop lovely things you should be surrounded by lovely issues. I completely agree with that statement.
The author has been writing articles online for nearly 1 year now. Not only does this author specialize in modern art, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out her latest website on replica watches uk and replica watches.
2011年3月8日星期二
Archive Reissue Center Lo basketball shoes by PF Flyers
A cut above your average old school plimsoll, the PF Flyers Archive Reissue Center Lo basketball shoes takes things back to the beginning.
In this case, we're talking 1953, with the latest issue of the Center Lo being a replica of the original basketball shoe in a choice of five colours, two of which are pictured above. Details are much the same as you would expect - a canvas upper, rubber sole, cushioned footbed, ribbed toe guard and a diamond pattern outsole.
$45 is the price if you want a pair.
Find out more at the Stuarts of London website
Via His Knibs
Also, check out our newly-launched His Knibs men's style website
In this case, we're talking 1953, with the latest issue of the Center Lo being a replica of the original basketball shoe in a choice of five colours, two of which are pictured above. Details are much the same as you would expect - a canvas upper, rubber sole, cushioned footbed, ribbed toe guard and a diamond pattern outsole.
$45 is the price if you want a pair.
Find out more at the Stuarts of London website
Via His Knibs
Also, check out our newly-launched His Knibs men's style website
2011年3月6日星期日
Fabi Shoes Montegranaro-Canadian Solar Bologna
Atmosfere tetre in quel del PalaSavelli di Porto San Giorgio, dove la Fabi Shoes si ripresenta al proprio pubblico dopo una serie aperta di quattro sconfitte e con innumerevoli problemi a martoriarla. L’avversario odierno sarebbe quello della grandi occasioni, la Virtus Bologna e formazione storica dal blasone pesante e con un palmares infinito ed in altri tempi, neppure troppo lontani, la partecipazione sarebbe stata massiccia e la tensione a mille. Oggi invece si giocheroin un palas con molti vuoti in tribuna e col pubblico che ha preferito altri spettacoli all’attuale Fabi. Andrebbe fatta una seria riflessione su questo argomento, su come per esempio e stato presentato il ritorno a Montegranaro di Pillastrini e sulle aspettative riguardo alla partecipazione del pubblico da parte della dirigenza, ma oggi non e tempo di bilanci di questo genere, c’e una partita , possibilmente da vincere, sicuramente da giocare con spirito diverso dalle ultime disastrose uscite.
La Fabi presenta il neo arrivato Toolson, deve rinunciare all’acciaccato Maestranzi ed al malato perenne Musli, recupera, ahime Allan Ray mentre la Virtus di coach Lardo si presenta al gran completo guidata dall’indimenticato ex Valerio Amoroso, salutato da un grande applauso al momento delle presentazioni.
Parte bene Toolson subito a segno da tre ma Koponen risponde da par suo con due canestri in fila . La Virtus viaggia che e un piacere in attacco e dopo 3 minuti e gio5-11 per i bianconeri con il finlandese gioa 7 punti e con Pillastrini costretto al primo time-out. La Fabi fatica ad entrare nei giochi d’attacco per il pressing della Virtus , prova ad avvicinarsi a canestro ma Homan e Sanikidze fanno buona guardia ed i bianconeri si mantengono avanti, 11-15 a 4' e 30" dal primo intervallo. Primi cambi per Lardo con Amoroso subito a segno, dentro anche Ray, ma con risultati opposti. Una tripla di Rivers da il massimo vantaggio alla Virtus , 13-20 a 2 giri di lancette dal primo stop. Toolson fa due falli in un amen e si siede in panca mentre il tempo si chiude sul 15-20, con la Fabi bloccata in attacco che spreca un paio di occasioni per riavvicinarsi.
Il secondo quarto inizia con le difese più aggressive ma la Virtus e sempre un passo avanti e con due triple consecutive scava il solco del primo vero break, 17-28 con 7' da giocare nel secondo periodo. Cavaliero e Ray riavvicinano la Fabi poi Cinciarini ruba un contropiede e confeziona un 7-0 che induce Lardo a chiamare subito time-out, 24-28 a 6' dall’intervallo lungo. Pillastrini abbassa il quintetto, giostrando Antonutti da numero 4, ed alza il pressing, la mossa frutta un’altro recupero con facile canestro di Cinciarini e la partita e completamente riaperta. Antonutti firma il pari ed il Palas si infiamma con la partita che adesso si gioca punto a punto. Ivanov dalla lunetta completa la rimonta e con 2' e 30" da giocare la Fabi mette il naso avanti, 33-32. Si siede Cinciarini anima della rimonta Sutor sostituito da Ray che alterna buone cose a stupidaggini apocalittiche, ma la Fabi tiene in difesa ed il quarto si conclude sul 35 pari fissato da un tap-in schiacciata di Sanikidze sulla sirena.
Un primo tempo dai due volti, dieci minuti soft in perfetto stile Fabi consegnavano l’inerzia iniziale alla Virtus, sospinta da Koponen e Homan ed un secondo quarto dove invece i gialloblu sono riusciti a mordere in difesa ed hanno ricucito lo strappo fallendo anche alcune occasioni per cercare l’allungo, tra gli uomini di Pillastrini positivi i due lunghi e Cinciarini, a fasi alterne gli altri con il neo arrivato Toolson troppo presto gravato di falli.
Ford apre il secondo tempo in fade away ma Rivers risponde e la partita non si sblocca. I bianconeri sembrano meno sciolti che nella prima frazione ma la Fabi fatica in attacco e non decolla. La Virtus si incarta in attacco e con tre perse consecutive manda la Fabi sul 42-38, massimo vantaggio con 6' da giocare nel terzo quarto. La Sutor avrebbe l’inerzia dalla sua in questa fase, ma non ne approfitta e con scelte scriteriate in attacco regala un 8-0 agli avversari che riportano l’inerzia dalla parte bolognese, 42-46 a 4' e 30" dall’ultimo stop. Le rotazioni ridotte della Fabi cominciano a farsi sentire, manca la luciditosopratutto in attacco, la Fabi lotta si sbatte in difesa ma la Virtus sente l’odore del sangue, accelera in attacco e stringe le maglie in difesa. Esce Ray tra i fischi ed il coach, per difenderlo innesca un battibecco con la curva a partita in corso. La Fabi si aggrappa a Cinciarini, vero capitano, ma e alle corde: 44-52 a 1' e 30" e quando Winston schiaccia il +10 Virtus a poco più di un minuto all’ultima sirena, sembra che sia il preludio ad un finale svaccato come ormai ci ha abituato questa squadra, ma Cavaliero non ci sta, prova a scuotere i suoi e con un gioco da 3 punti tiene ancora in piedi la Fabi ed i gialloblu, barcollanti ed aggrappati alle corde non vogliono andare al tappeto, si scuotono e piazzano un controparziale di 6-0 per chiudere il quarto sul 50-54.
Toolson con 2 triple in fila riapre i giochi ad inizio quarto periodo 56-56 e comincia una nuova partita. Il neo arrivato si esalta e riporta avanti i suoi in una bolgia infernale. Ivanov fa 2+1 e porta di nuovo la Fabi a +3, 61-58 a 7 dal termine con Lardo che vuole parlarci su. La battaglia diventa aspra e nella bolgia si esalta il coraggio dei ragazzi gialloblu. Alla ripresa Gaulius pareggia e si viaggia sul filo del rasoio con la partita in bilico pronta a cadere da una parte o dall’altra e con l’impressione che saranno i nervi e gli episodi a deciderla. Il time out di Lardo ha l’effetto di affievolire la spinta emotiva dei gialloblu che in attacco ricominciano a faticare. Rientra Ray dopo i fischi e produce subito un bel 2+1 che riporta avanti la Fabi ma in difesa fa acqua e non a caso Rivers, ben controllato fin ad allora replica subito insaccando 7 punti in fila e sparigliando l’equilibrio, 66-71 a 1' e 41" con Pillastrini che chiama l’ultimo time out. Ray riporta i suoi ad un possesso di distanza ed Ivanov accorcia ulteriormente , 70-71 a 22" dalla fine, con i gialloblu che non ne vogliono sapere di mollare. Comincia la lotteria dei liberi, e su una rimessa dal time out la Fabi riconquista il pallone con 17" sul cronometro ma la palla della vittoria viene consegnata a Ray che commette l’ennesima stupidaggine della sua dannosa stagione alla Sutor, si fa stoppare e riconsegna alla Virtus due liberi che Sanikidze insacca puntualment . Si chiude sul 72-75 tra i fischi del pubblico che ha visto vanificarsi una rimonta bellissima dalla solita ennesima palla persa di Allan Ray, pervicacemente tenuto in campo e designato per l’ultimo tiro da coach Pillastrini che inspiegabilmente ha dato ad un giocatore, pesantemente osteggiato ed in palese difficoltoemotiva, il pallone della possibile vittoria.
Vince con merito la Virtus, che ha interpretato in maniera lineare la contesa, che ha attaccato cercando di evidenziare le debolezze di una Fabi che, a parte i soliti noti, Pillastrini-Ray, ha interpretato la paritita in maniera positiva, lottando su ogni pallone e non mollando mai, anche quando le energie erano al lumicino e la spia della riserva al rosso fisso. Buona la prova di Rivers, che quando si e trovato contro Ray ha maramaldeggiato e Koponen nonche Homan e Sanikidze che hanno retto l’impatto dei lunghi gialloblu. Tra le fila della Fabi, buona prova corale di quasi tutti gli elementi con Ivanov, Cinciarini e Cavaliero gladiatorii e debutto più che promettente di Toolson, peccato per la rimonta abortita, con chiunque altro in panchina e senza Ray in campo, probabilmente racconteremo un’altra storia.
La Fabi presenta il neo arrivato Toolson, deve rinunciare all’acciaccato Maestranzi ed al malato perenne Musli, recupera, ahime Allan Ray mentre la Virtus di coach Lardo si presenta al gran completo guidata dall’indimenticato ex Valerio Amoroso, salutato da un grande applauso al momento delle presentazioni.
Parte bene Toolson subito a segno da tre ma Koponen risponde da par suo con due canestri in fila . La Virtus viaggia che e un piacere in attacco e dopo 3 minuti e gio5-11 per i bianconeri con il finlandese gioa 7 punti e con Pillastrini costretto al primo time-out. La Fabi fatica ad entrare nei giochi d’attacco per il pressing della Virtus , prova ad avvicinarsi a canestro ma Homan e Sanikidze fanno buona guardia ed i bianconeri si mantengono avanti, 11-15 a 4' e 30" dal primo intervallo. Primi cambi per Lardo con Amoroso subito a segno, dentro anche Ray, ma con risultati opposti. Una tripla di Rivers da il massimo vantaggio alla Virtus , 13-20 a 2 giri di lancette dal primo stop. Toolson fa due falli in un amen e si siede in panca mentre il tempo si chiude sul 15-20, con la Fabi bloccata in attacco che spreca un paio di occasioni per riavvicinarsi.
Il secondo quarto inizia con le difese più aggressive ma la Virtus e sempre un passo avanti e con due triple consecutive scava il solco del primo vero break, 17-28 con 7' da giocare nel secondo periodo. Cavaliero e Ray riavvicinano la Fabi poi Cinciarini ruba un contropiede e confeziona un 7-0 che induce Lardo a chiamare subito time-out, 24-28 a 6' dall’intervallo lungo. Pillastrini abbassa il quintetto, giostrando Antonutti da numero 4, ed alza il pressing, la mossa frutta un’altro recupero con facile canestro di Cinciarini e la partita e completamente riaperta. Antonutti firma il pari ed il Palas si infiamma con la partita che adesso si gioca punto a punto. Ivanov dalla lunetta completa la rimonta e con 2' e 30" da giocare la Fabi mette il naso avanti, 33-32. Si siede Cinciarini anima della rimonta Sutor sostituito da Ray che alterna buone cose a stupidaggini apocalittiche, ma la Fabi tiene in difesa ed il quarto si conclude sul 35 pari fissato da un tap-in schiacciata di Sanikidze sulla sirena.
Un primo tempo dai due volti, dieci minuti soft in perfetto stile Fabi consegnavano l’inerzia iniziale alla Virtus, sospinta da Koponen e Homan ed un secondo quarto dove invece i gialloblu sono riusciti a mordere in difesa ed hanno ricucito lo strappo fallendo anche alcune occasioni per cercare l’allungo, tra gli uomini di Pillastrini positivi i due lunghi e Cinciarini, a fasi alterne gli altri con il neo arrivato Toolson troppo presto gravato di falli.
Ford apre il secondo tempo in fade away ma Rivers risponde e la partita non si sblocca. I bianconeri sembrano meno sciolti che nella prima frazione ma la Fabi fatica in attacco e non decolla. La Virtus si incarta in attacco e con tre perse consecutive manda la Fabi sul 42-38, massimo vantaggio con 6' da giocare nel terzo quarto. La Sutor avrebbe l’inerzia dalla sua in questa fase, ma non ne approfitta e con scelte scriteriate in attacco regala un 8-0 agli avversari che riportano l’inerzia dalla parte bolognese, 42-46 a 4' e 30" dall’ultimo stop. Le rotazioni ridotte della Fabi cominciano a farsi sentire, manca la luciditosopratutto in attacco, la Fabi lotta si sbatte in difesa ma la Virtus sente l’odore del sangue, accelera in attacco e stringe le maglie in difesa. Esce Ray tra i fischi ed il coach, per difenderlo innesca un battibecco con la curva a partita in corso. La Fabi si aggrappa a Cinciarini, vero capitano, ma e alle corde: 44-52 a 1' e 30" e quando Winston schiaccia il +10 Virtus a poco più di un minuto all’ultima sirena, sembra che sia il preludio ad un finale svaccato come ormai ci ha abituato questa squadra, ma Cavaliero non ci sta, prova a scuotere i suoi e con un gioco da 3 punti tiene ancora in piedi la Fabi ed i gialloblu, barcollanti ed aggrappati alle corde non vogliono andare al tappeto, si scuotono e piazzano un controparziale di 6-0 per chiudere il quarto sul 50-54.
Toolson con 2 triple in fila riapre i giochi ad inizio quarto periodo 56-56 e comincia una nuova partita. Il neo arrivato si esalta e riporta avanti i suoi in una bolgia infernale. Ivanov fa 2+1 e porta di nuovo la Fabi a +3, 61-58 a 7 dal termine con Lardo che vuole parlarci su. La battaglia diventa aspra e nella bolgia si esalta il coraggio dei ragazzi gialloblu. Alla ripresa Gaulius pareggia e si viaggia sul filo del rasoio con la partita in bilico pronta a cadere da una parte o dall’altra e con l’impressione che saranno i nervi e gli episodi a deciderla. Il time out di Lardo ha l’effetto di affievolire la spinta emotiva dei gialloblu che in attacco ricominciano a faticare. Rientra Ray dopo i fischi e produce subito un bel 2+1 che riporta avanti la Fabi ma in difesa fa acqua e non a caso Rivers, ben controllato fin ad allora replica subito insaccando 7 punti in fila e sparigliando l’equilibrio, 66-71 a 1' e 41" con Pillastrini che chiama l’ultimo time out. Ray riporta i suoi ad un possesso di distanza ed Ivanov accorcia ulteriormente , 70-71 a 22" dalla fine, con i gialloblu che non ne vogliono sapere di mollare. Comincia la lotteria dei liberi, e su una rimessa dal time out la Fabi riconquista il pallone con 17" sul cronometro ma la palla della vittoria viene consegnata a Ray che commette l’ennesima stupidaggine della sua dannosa stagione alla Sutor, si fa stoppare e riconsegna alla Virtus due liberi che Sanikidze insacca puntualment . Si chiude sul 72-75 tra i fischi del pubblico che ha visto vanificarsi una rimonta bellissima dalla solita ennesima palla persa di Allan Ray, pervicacemente tenuto in campo e designato per l’ultimo tiro da coach Pillastrini che inspiegabilmente ha dato ad un giocatore, pesantemente osteggiato ed in palese difficoltoemotiva, il pallone della possibile vittoria.
Vince con merito la Virtus, che ha interpretato in maniera lineare la contesa, che ha attaccato cercando di evidenziare le debolezze di una Fabi che, a parte i soliti noti, Pillastrini-Ray, ha interpretato la paritita in maniera positiva, lottando su ogni pallone e non mollando mai, anche quando le energie erano al lumicino e la spia della riserva al rosso fisso. Buona la prova di Rivers, che quando si e trovato contro Ray ha maramaldeggiato e Koponen nonche Homan e Sanikidze che hanno retto l’impatto dei lunghi gialloblu. Tra le fila della Fabi, buona prova corale di quasi tutti gli elementi con Ivanov, Cinciarini e Cavaliero gladiatorii e debutto più che promettente di Toolson, peccato per la rimonta abortita, con chiunque altro in panchina e senza Ray in campo, probabilmente racconteremo un’altra storia.
2011年3月2日星期三
You, too, can snag a prince
You might be disappointed that you weren't standing in Kate Middleton's shoes when she and Prince William told the world they were engaged, but you can still be in the picture for the photo opportunity.
American artist Jennifer Rubell has created a life-size waxwork of William that mimics his pose at the press event on the day the engagement was announced.
Best of all, you'll discover that when you slip your hand through the royal arm, there is already a replica of the diamond and sapphire engagement ring affixed to "William's" arm.
Just slip your ring finger through and voila! You're engaged to the man who is second in line to the British throne.
Rubell said the aim of the waxwork was to allow wannabe princesses the opportunity live out a fantasy.
"As I looked at the photo, I noticed that William is standing ... like a solo statue in the photo and Kate comes over and puts her arm in and shows off the ring," the 40-year-old New York-based Rubell told Reuters.
"And the thought occurred to me, oh it would be fun to be her going in and putting my arm in and putting the ring on. I think it's a feeling that a lot of women have of this fantasy of meeting Prince Charming."
Rubell said fantasy for women was all about security.
"The way a man might fantasize about winning the lottery, women might fantasize about marrying Prince William -- it's a similar fantasy of security," she said.
She believed Americans were drawn to the drama of the royal family because they had no equivalent of their own. "I think Americans get all the fun of royalty with none of the burden," she said. "For us, it's just like they're celebrities: they're celebrities who have a fun job and we can think about them in that way and they can occupy the space that we need them to occupy."
William's waxwork will be on show at the Stephen Friedman Gallery in London until March 5.
American artist Jennifer Rubell has created a life-size waxwork of William that mimics his pose at the press event on the day the engagement was announced.
Best of all, you'll discover that when you slip your hand through the royal arm, there is already a replica of the diamond and sapphire engagement ring affixed to "William's" arm.
Just slip your ring finger through and voila! You're engaged to the man who is second in line to the British throne.
Rubell said the aim of the waxwork was to allow wannabe princesses the opportunity live out a fantasy.
"As I looked at the photo, I noticed that William is standing ... like a solo statue in the photo and Kate comes over and puts her arm in and shows off the ring," the 40-year-old New York-based Rubell told Reuters.
"And the thought occurred to me, oh it would be fun to be her going in and putting my arm in and putting the ring on. I think it's a feeling that a lot of women have of this fantasy of meeting Prince Charming."
Rubell said fantasy for women was all about security.
"The way a man might fantasize about winning the lottery, women might fantasize about marrying Prince William -- it's a similar fantasy of security," she said.
She believed Americans were drawn to the drama of the royal family because they had no equivalent of their own. "I think Americans get all the fun of royalty with none of the burden," she said. "For us, it's just like they're celebrities: they're celebrities who have a fun job and we can think about them in that way and they can occupy the space that we need them to occupy."
William's waxwork will be on show at the Stephen Friedman Gallery in London until March 5.
2011年2月27日星期日
Tributes to the fallen
From 1967, when her son David died in Vietnam, until her own death in 2000, Lois Woods Eaton reminded his brother Bill of her standing request.
"She would say, 'Find out what happened to David.' "
The task wasn't an obsession for Woods, and while he found some details, other information eluded him. For decades his family had to be satisfied with a telegram saying only that David Alexander Woods had died Nov. 1, 1967, as the result of a "gunshot wound received while on reconnaissance patrol."
Still, his mother's request never left Woods' mind.
"We never got what we considered satisfactory information," said Woods, today a retired real estate appraiser in Raytown.
That all changed just last year, in part because of the Wall That Heals, a half-scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that was exhibited in Blue Springs in October.
Today Woods knows that his older brother was a member of the Studies and Observation Group of the U.S. Military Assistance Command in Vietnam, a special operations force.
Woods also knows that on Nov. 1, 1967, his brother had been not in Vietnam but in Laos, a member of a small strike team assigned to tap an enemy communications line when the team was attacked by an overwhelming force.
And he knows, too, that his brother was considered an ace field radio operator and was a highly desired pinochle partner. And that one colleague enjoyed referring to him as "My Little Davy." That was funny because David Woods stood about 6 feet 2 inches, and that particular colleague - fellow special operations force member James Ringland - stood several inches south of that.
Last year, through a complicated series of Internet links and referrals, Woods tracked down Ringland, today retired in central Missouri. A key stop was the Virtual Wall, an online memorial that lists photos and other information about those whose names are engraved into the memorial in Washington, D.C. Woods and Ringland exchanged e-mails. They agreed to meet in Arrow Rock, Mo., brought maps and compared notes.
Then Ringland gave Woods copies of the presidential citation that the Studies and Observation Group had received in 2000, which referenced the "officially denied actions" that SOG members had carried out.
And just like that, more than 42 years after his mother first asked, Bill Woods fulfilled his mother's request.
"The Wall did that," Woods said.
It was a moment, Woods decided, that called for beer and cigarettes.
Last October, accordingly, Woods left a pack of cigarettes and a bottle of beer in Pink Hill Park in Blue Springs during the four-day exhibit of the Wall That Heals. Some of the approximately 50,000 people who visited the Blue Springs exhibit left other items.
Joan Bland of Independence left two POW/MIA bracelets bearing the name of her first husband, Samuel K. Toomey III, reported missing in action in 1968 and confirmed killed in action in 1974.
Cathy Stacker of Independence left a bouquet of six artificial flowers, each one of which featured a name from the Wall. One was of a cousin from Norton, Kan., whose aircraft was shot down in September 1971.
Jerry Barham of North Kansas City parked an automobile near the wall. It was the 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport that his brother Larry had purchased the summer he was drafted. His brother died during the Tet Offensive in 1968.
He had driven the car only a few months.
Barham drove the car back home when the exhibit ended but left behind a photograph of his brother and the car on a piece of foam board.
Ultimately, visitors left enough three-dimensional artifacts to fill nine boxes, which today are kept at the Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence.
Many of the items are specific in who they honor. The items include several POW-MIA bracelets, worn often in the 1960s and beyond in remembrance of service members considered prisoners of war. One is a testimonial to a nurse, with details about how she died.
Many other artifacts are not as specific: assorted hats, shoes, one teddy bear, a miniature road hazard cone. Their backstories remain untold.
The practice of leaving personal items at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which began almost immediately upon the monument's 1982 dedication, is now a familiar ritual of remembrance. Today the artifacts left in Washington are cared for by the National Park Service, which administers the memorial.
The same phenomenon often occurs during travels of the Wall That Heals, which each year visits about 25 communities across the country. So in Blue Springs, members of a volunteer committee were on hand each night to make notes about the mementoes and, if there was no name, where it had been left.
The formal processing of the nine boxes of materials continues.
Diana Watkins, genealogy center staff archivist and committee volunteer, has insisted the practices of professional archivists be observed. Accordingly, those artifacts left - even the more ephemeral items such as the cigarettes or beer - today are handled only while wearing white cotton gloves. The bottle of beer, in fact, since has been drained to guard against the possible damage that yeast, present in beer, can present to other artifacts.
Materials already processed are stored in acid-free boxes in the genealogy center's rare book room, with its humidity controls and fire suppression system.
The artifacts deserve such treatment, Watkins said, as they represent authentic individual sentiments that collectively form a one-of-a-kind heirloom of remembrance.
Committee members also have agreed that the collection will be kept intact.
"If we keep it as a whole, and we don't take pieces out of it, someone could come in 20 years from now and see how many people were emotionally invested in the exhibit and took the time to actually leave something," Watkins said.
Even the small sample of donors I was able to contact suggests that the act of remembering friends and family members lost in Vietnam represents not a closed book but a still-unfolding personal story that sometimes includes discoveries experienced decades later.
More than 100 other visitors brought photographs to be scanned in as part of the "Put a Face With a Name" initiative, recently announced by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation of Washington, D.C., which coordinates the replica wall's annual itinerary.
Volunteers at Pink Hill Park scanned in the images of veterans whose names are engraved on the wall. Those images now can be accessed over the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation website, www.vvmf.org.
The more recent the war, the less information may be available about an individual who served in it.
Midwest Genealogy Center staff members routinely receive requests for information from the military records of relatives. The center holds materials on microfilm such as pension files, service records or muster roles going back perhaps as far as the Revolutionary War.
But patrons wanting to learn about relatives who served during World War II or the Korean or Vietnam wars may find such information more challenging to dig up.
Requests can be submitted to the National Personnel Records Center, a National Archives facility in St. Louis.
But federal records officials adhere to privacy standards that often require the individual requesting such information to be a "direct line descendant" of the person whose records are being requested, said Watkins.
The website for the personnel records center is www.archives.gov/st-louis. However, genealogy center staff members will help patrons navigate the site and download record request forms.
"She would say, 'Find out what happened to David.' "
The task wasn't an obsession for Woods, and while he found some details, other information eluded him. For decades his family had to be satisfied with a telegram saying only that David Alexander Woods had died Nov. 1, 1967, as the result of a "gunshot wound received while on reconnaissance patrol."
Still, his mother's request never left Woods' mind.
"We never got what we considered satisfactory information," said Woods, today a retired real estate appraiser in Raytown.
That all changed just last year, in part because of the Wall That Heals, a half-scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that was exhibited in Blue Springs in October.
Today Woods knows that his older brother was a member of the Studies and Observation Group of the U.S. Military Assistance Command in Vietnam, a special operations force.
Woods also knows that on Nov. 1, 1967, his brother had been not in Vietnam but in Laos, a member of a small strike team assigned to tap an enemy communications line when the team was attacked by an overwhelming force.
And he knows, too, that his brother was considered an ace field radio operator and was a highly desired pinochle partner. And that one colleague enjoyed referring to him as "My Little Davy." That was funny because David Woods stood about 6 feet 2 inches, and that particular colleague - fellow special operations force member James Ringland - stood several inches south of that.
Last year, through a complicated series of Internet links and referrals, Woods tracked down Ringland, today retired in central Missouri. A key stop was the Virtual Wall, an online memorial that lists photos and other information about those whose names are engraved into the memorial in Washington, D.C. Woods and Ringland exchanged e-mails. They agreed to meet in Arrow Rock, Mo., brought maps and compared notes.
Then Ringland gave Woods copies of the presidential citation that the Studies and Observation Group had received in 2000, which referenced the "officially denied actions" that SOG members had carried out.
And just like that, more than 42 years after his mother first asked, Bill Woods fulfilled his mother's request.
"The Wall did that," Woods said.
It was a moment, Woods decided, that called for beer and cigarettes.
Last October, accordingly, Woods left a pack of cigarettes and a bottle of beer in Pink Hill Park in Blue Springs during the four-day exhibit of the Wall That Heals. Some of the approximately 50,000 people who visited the Blue Springs exhibit left other items.
Joan Bland of Independence left two POW/MIA bracelets bearing the name of her first husband, Samuel K. Toomey III, reported missing in action in 1968 and confirmed killed in action in 1974.
Cathy Stacker of Independence left a bouquet of six artificial flowers, each one of which featured a name from the Wall. One was of a cousin from Norton, Kan., whose aircraft was shot down in September 1971.
Jerry Barham of North Kansas City parked an automobile near the wall. It was the 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport that his brother Larry had purchased the summer he was drafted. His brother died during the Tet Offensive in 1968.
He had driven the car only a few months.
Barham drove the car back home when the exhibit ended but left behind a photograph of his brother and the car on a piece of foam board.
Ultimately, visitors left enough three-dimensional artifacts to fill nine boxes, which today are kept at the Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence.
Many of the items are specific in who they honor. The items include several POW-MIA bracelets, worn often in the 1960s and beyond in remembrance of service members considered prisoners of war. One is a testimonial to a nurse, with details about how she died.
Many other artifacts are not as specific: assorted hats, shoes, one teddy bear, a miniature road hazard cone. Their backstories remain untold.
The practice of leaving personal items at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which began almost immediately upon the monument's 1982 dedication, is now a familiar ritual of remembrance. Today the artifacts left in Washington are cared for by the National Park Service, which administers the memorial.
The same phenomenon often occurs during travels of the Wall That Heals, which each year visits about 25 communities across the country. So in Blue Springs, members of a volunteer committee were on hand each night to make notes about the mementoes and, if there was no name, where it had been left.
The formal processing of the nine boxes of materials continues.
Diana Watkins, genealogy center staff archivist and committee volunteer, has insisted the practices of professional archivists be observed. Accordingly, those artifacts left - even the more ephemeral items such as the cigarettes or beer - today are handled only while wearing white cotton gloves. The bottle of beer, in fact, since has been drained to guard against the possible damage that yeast, present in beer, can present to other artifacts.
Materials already processed are stored in acid-free boxes in the genealogy center's rare book room, with its humidity controls and fire suppression system.
The artifacts deserve such treatment, Watkins said, as they represent authentic individual sentiments that collectively form a one-of-a-kind heirloom of remembrance.
Committee members also have agreed that the collection will be kept intact.
"If we keep it as a whole, and we don't take pieces out of it, someone could come in 20 years from now and see how many people were emotionally invested in the exhibit and took the time to actually leave something," Watkins said.
Even the small sample of donors I was able to contact suggests that the act of remembering friends and family members lost in Vietnam represents not a closed book but a still-unfolding personal story that sometimes includes discoveries experienced decades later.
More than 100 other visitors brought photographs to be scanned in as part of the "Put a Face With a Name" initiative, recently announced by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation of Washington, D.C., which coordinates the replica wall's annual itinerary.
Volunteers at Pink Hill Park scanned in the images of veterans whose names are engraved on the wall. Those images now can be accessed over the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation website, www.vvmf.org.
The more recent the war, the less information may be available about an individual who served in it.
Midwest Genealogy Center staff members routinely receive requests for information from the military records of relatives. The center holds materials on microfilm such as pension files, service records or muster roles going back perhaps as far as the Revolutionary War.
But patrons wanting to learn about relatives who served during World War II or the Korean or Vietnam wars may find such information more challenging to dig up.
Requests can be submitted to the National Personnel Records Center, a National Archives facility in St. Louis.
But federal records officials adhere to privacy standards that often require the individual requesting such information to be a "direct line descendant" of the person whose records are being requested, said Watkins.
The website for the personnel records center is www.archives.gov/st-louis. However, genealogy center staff members will help patrons navigate the site and download record request forms.
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