text:
Former Open Source Novell Manager Pessimistic About SUSE

Posted in Novell, OpenSUSE at 11:31 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz

Matt Asay in clouds

Summary: Matt Asay writes about SUSE and despite its funding from Microsoft Asay is not too hopeful

A pro-Microsoft ‘news’ site asks, “Does SUSE Linux have a future”? He “cloudwashes” SUSE. This is from Asay of Novell, who had been interviewed for a job at Microsoft as well. Here are some numbers from SUSE and plans for an event. That’s about all we know about SUSE thse days. We hardly ever mention SUSE anymore. It’s dying on its own despite cash infusions from Microsoft, which hopes to use SUSE to tax GNU/Linux use.

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Red Ribbon from Mark T. to Jasmin E. Hernandez

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Tennisopolis : Tennis Social Network

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Jersey City Tennis Lessons / Stringing

Hi everybody,I am teaching part time in Jersey City (Yanitelli Center). Kids and adults. Tennis balls, and on court equipement included (ex…

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4 Aug 16, 2013
Reply by Michael DeGruccio

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Tennisopolis : Tennis Social Network

Looking to play steady Sunday morning I am 3.5 in Sherman Oaks area
Please call me 818 -383-5942 no beginner please

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Hi Aron,

   I'm available this Sunday morning if you'd like to hit.  Plenty of free courts around the Studio City/North Hollywood area.  Let me know.

jgcbill at yahoo dot com

Hi Bill this Sunday morning is good like 900 am ? Let me know about courts
Aron 818-383-5942

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Sunday, May 27, 2007

Navy SEALs Share War Stories From Anbar Province

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

May 25, 2007 – Two
Navy SEALs who recently returned from Iraq shared some of their combat experiences and described the progress they witnessed in Anbar province, during a panel discussion yesterday at the Naval Heritage Center here. Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian, a heavy weapons operator and breacher, and Lt. Chris, SEAL Team Five Bravo Platoon's commander, are identified only by their first names for security reasons. They spent seven months in Anbar province training Iraqi security forces to operate independently.

The SEALs painted an unfiltered picture of their experience on Camp Corregidor in the city of Ramadi, which was mortared an average of three times a day when they first arrived.

"No matter where we went, whether it was a PortoJon, the chow hall, wherever, if you left 25, 50 meters outside of your base or outside your barracks, you had to have full kit on," Brian said.

As platoon commander leading a foreign internal defense mission, Chris held the reins in "developing Iraqi security force capability to fight insurgents or terrorists, in order to create a self-sustaining and capable Iraqi security force," the lieutenant said.

During SEAL operations the platoon brought six to 10 Iraqis who either led or followed, depending on operational and tactical requirements.

"We would go in at night under the cover of darkness and get positioned to overwatch or basically provide support for an operation during the daytime," Chris said. "We're in there shaping the operation for decisive action.

"So we get setup and we're checking the environment out, looking at the battle space," Chris said. "And as the
Army's coming through and we're kind of covering them, we get attacked pretty heavily."

Brian, who was closer to the enemy than Chris, recalled the ensuing ambush.

"(The platoon) was in three different operating positions. Our operating position started taking fire," Brain said. "It was ineffective - shots against the wall, stuff like that - we took a couple grenades against the side of the building.

"Shortly after, our two buddies who were down the street about 100 meters from me, they took heavy fire - rocket-propelled grenade attacks," he said. "One of my buddies got fragged pretty good.

"So when they called in a Quick Reaction Force to come pick him up, we had two Iraqis open the door and go out in the street. Well sometime during the night there was an IED left out there for him. It was either command-detonated or pressure-plate," Brian said. "It was detonated; the Iraqi lost both of his legs at the waist.

"Two other guys were hurt really bad - my buddy Joe and my buddy Elliott - took it pretty bad," Brian said. "Everybody bagged out of our operational positions. Once we heard guys were down we bagged out of there - we took off running down the street; running and gunning."

Brian, Chris and the other SEALs consolidated near their "wounded brothers."

"We grabbed both guys and brought them in a house and started taking care of the wounded to getting those guys ready for transport," Brian said.

Elliott, one of the two wounded, was the biggest corpsman on their team - weighing 250 lbs. without gear, Chris recalled.

"He was laying there bleeding out, and he was telling us how to fix Joe, with no concern for himself," Chris said. "That pretty much sums up Navy SEAL corpsmen."

Meanwhile, aerial surveillance showed "bad guys jumping roof to roof coming after us," Brian said.

"So Chris had a great idea," Brian explained. "He said, 'Everybody (get beneath) a door jamb, get down low, and I'm going to have these Bradley (infantry fighting vehicles) come through here and take off the second decks of all these houses."

In a bold decision, Chris ordered enough ordnance to destroy the second-story of the building in which they were taking cover, and where the enemy fighters were positioned.

"It worked great!" Chris said in a Texas twang and with a wide smile.

The tank artillery campaign crippled the insurgency, what Chris remembered as "two distinct 30-minute periods of intense" fire fights. After the heavy tank reinforcements arrived, Brian, equipped with a machinegun, said he "went through about 800 rounds total."

The mission the SEALs described was one of roughly 65 direct-action combat operations they engaged in during their time in Anbar province, including an operation on the following night.

To illustrate symbols of the cultural progress they witnessed, Brian and Chris projected photographs on a large screen before the audience here.

In one image, a group of Sunni and Shiite members of the Iraqi army carry the casket of a deceased Iraqi soldier as a
U.S. Army Colonel looks on. The wooden coffin is draped in an Iraqi flag.

"This is the norm," Chris said. "This is what you're seeing on a daily basis; combined tribal and combined religious connection at things like funerals, mission planning out on operations. It's amazing."

In another one of Chris' slides, Iraqi police and civilians celebrate boisterously on a crowded street.

"After we were able to clear the city of (the enemy) in Eastern Ramadi, the people are able to go to the market, they're able to talk with Iraqi policemen out in the street openly, U.S. forces were able to patrol out in the street," Chris said. "It used to be very dangerous for us to even go down the road because of improvised explosive devices and sniper attacks and small-arms fire attacks."

In another picture, Chris and another SEAL flank a smiling Arab.

"Tribal engagement," Chris said. "This is us with Sheik Jossum up in Sofia, which was the genesis of the whole 'tribal awakening.'

"We trained them in foreign internal defensive and they eventually were able to bring other tribes on board and it really opened up the Anbar province," he said.

After conducting about 110 combat operations with Iraqi security forces in Anbar, the mortaring at Camp Corregidor in Ramadi stopped, Brian recalled.

"We were free to exercise on base," Brian said. "We were free to use the bathroom without having a helmet and body armor on."

Chris added, "That was about the best experience of the whole six months."

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text:
ask Quan chi thread

Discussion in 'Quan Chi' started by Evil_Riu48, Apr 25, 2011.

  1. Altsa

    Altsa Skeletal Hand of God

    ^yes, you can escape that way but I´d argue its waste of meter. He uses one bar per 14% and you use 2 bars to break it, and breaking it wont make him use that one bar.
  2. shoshinsha

    shoshinsha Noob

    How reliable do you guys find Sky Drop's wakeup invincibility? I hear mixed reports, but it hasn't been greatly successful for me.
  3. Malec

    Malec Noob

    block on wakeup is the only thing that u can do :/

    PANDEMlC El Psy Congroo

    Quan Chi corner combos? Seems like a lot of strings into trance mess up in the corner. I'm assuming there's some good corner combos out there.

    PANDEMlC El Psy Congroo

    Fastest string and pokes? I've been doing 112 a lot, not sure if b1, 1 is fater or not. Also it seems like his 1 jab is terrible and his only good poke is down 3. Not sure if there's something I'm missing.
  6. harryHIM

    harryHIM Noob

    Hey there. Just picked up Quan myself. Kind of working from the science of quan vid but i'm finding it hard to get a good start going when they're in my face. Whats a good fast start up that can be tranced into? Also can someone give a detailed description of the Rune trap please and how it can be utilised. Thanks a lot!
  7. ETC AdmiralAugustus

    ETC AdmiralAugustus Grapple Frazzled
    Premium Supporter

    Jump in punch implied...

    B+2, 1, B+2, 1, B+2, 1, B+1, 1, Trance, 1, 1 xx Sky Drop
  8. Random_Name_63

    Random_Name_63 Woolay!

    To think I've been ending that with the the third B1, 1!

    New to Quan, but I've been enjoying him so far. Surprisingly dangerous.

    Augustus, you floored me when we fought a couple of days ago. Any advice, or specific threads I should read in-depth? Any advice would be appreciated.
  9. I drop those combos too often to use them over the (b+2,1)x2 versions. The problem's not even just that the combo gets dropped; it's that the opponent gets pushed behind Quan Chi after b+2, the 1 follow-up whiffs, and the opponent is free to pressure or attack the now cornered Quan Chi while he's swinging in the wrong direction.

    As for b+1,1 not always linking into Trance in the corner, I don't really have any trouble with it (you can't b+1,1 xx Trance with the opponent at max height), but I believe the best alternative would be (b+2,1)x2 > 2 xx Trance or (b+2,1)x3 > 2 xx Trance. Perhaps I'll test/double-check later, though.
  10. spongebob

    spongebob ಠ__ಠ

    I find 112 connects into trance a lot more reliably than b11 in the corner.
  11. ETC AdmiralAugustus

    ETC AdmiralAugustus Grapple Frazzled
    Premium Supporter

    Anything about Quan I've learned either by just playing around with him or these threads:

    I wouldn't ever really attempt this combo unless I had a for sure hit confirm off a jump in punch, and I never pull that shit online. Strictly offline combo, for me at least. Best thing is a mix up into trance, ending with 1, 1, skydrop or something along those lines.
  12. Random_Name_63

    Random_Name_63 Woolay!

    Thanks, Augustus, I appreciate it.
  13. Lyuben

    Lyuben Sinestro's might!

    After a succesfully blocked back 3,1+2 what is your best option? Carry on with a 212 or 112? Or just start blocking?

    Is Crunchy at a series disadvantage?
  14. Random_Name_63

    Random_Name_63 Woolay!

    Depends on the tendencies of your opponent. These are just my observations...

    Some will attempt to aggressively counter after blocking that set-up, and will be hit by 2, 1, 2. Others block through the 2, 1, 2, but will get hit with Trance, thinking that you wouldn't attempt Trance, as the hit confirm would show it is not safe.

    Throw works well when b3, 1+2 is blocked. Many block through the entire combo, and thus eat this throw. I've also seen f1, 2, Trance and u3, Trance work when the string is blocked.

    I've never seen a serious disadvantage after b3, 1+2 is blocked.
  15. ETC AdmiralAugustus

    ETC AdmiralAugustus Grapple Frazzled
    Premium Supporter

    He's at a disadvantage, but not a serious one. Characters can use there fastest strings to beat you, but if they don't, you win and you can link to trance. Also, his uppercut is pretty beastly. So, you can do B+3, 1+2 uppercut. Beats a lot of pokes aside from ones like Johnny's 1, 1 Jax's 1, 2, etc.

    If a player is getting pretty anxious to punish your blocked B+3, 1+2, you can try to throw out a trance right afterwards. This should catch him off guard and now you're back to holding him in the mixup trap. BE CAREFUL!!! IF BLOCKED YOU WILL DIE!!!

    I forget who asked about Quan's anti-air... but...

    Use his uppercut... to start out. Uppercut is great punishment tool, it's so fast you can punish Reptile's dash ONLINE WITH SHITTY CONNECTION.

    I was talking to BoysBoysBoys and he suggests doing a standing 1 dash 1, 1, 2, Trance. I'm new to that AA, so I need to test it more. It seems pretty sound though, especially because you throw them back into the mixup game, and a potential rune trap..

    -The Admiral :pirate:
  16. Lyuben

    Lyuben Sinestro's might!

    What are some good taunts/victory lines to use against people? I beat a very good Liu Kang player and send him a message saying 'Woolay!'. Any other Crunchy related things?
  17. Random_Name_63

    Random_Name_63 Woolay!

    "You don't want to know how you're serving me in the Netherrealm..."

    Best I can manage, or...

  18. Error

    Error Advocate for Spectral, Mystic & Commando

    There is no way, to top Woolay!
  19. ETC AdmiralAugustus

    ETC AdmiralAugustus Grapple Frazzled
    Premium Supporter

    When you win, make sure you have one bar of special left. At Finish Him, activate skeletal boost then use Ex Skydrop (make sure you whiff the skydrop). After the whiffed skydrop, do the inputs d,f,d,f, 4 or f,f,d,d, 1. It doesn't get much worse.

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From Fiber To Market

American Fibers & Yarns develops specialty yarns in collaboration with its downstream customers.

Janet Bealer Rodie, Assistant Editor

B ringing a product to market often involves collaboration among several entities that constitute a chain of manufacturing processes. In the textile industry, one of the first links in that chain may be a base material provider such as American Fibers & Yarns Co. (AF&Y), a Chapel Hill, N.C.-based manufacturer of solution-dyed specialty yarns used in a variety of consumer and industrial applications. Further downstream might be a fabric producer such as Culp Inc., High Point, N.C., which weaves the yarn into upholstery fabric that it sells to furniture makers such as La-Z-Boy Inc., Monroe, Mich., best known for its popular recliners. La-Z-Boy then offers its furniture in the marketplace.

The base material - the yarn - not only must be suitable for the fabric construction, but also must comply with the requirements of the end-product manufacturer and its targeted market. The base material provider may also develop marketing strategies and materials that assist  downstream users in their sales and marketing efforts.

This sofa and love seat from La-Z-Boy’s Signature Select series are upholstered with Culp’s Brigadoon chenille fabric, made with American Fibers & Yarns’ Marquésa Plush yarn.

Creating A Niche

Over its history, AF&Y has developed thousands of different yarns. "We are a custom yarn business," explained James T. "Jim" Morelli, executive vice president. "We presently have a color palette of more than 7,000 colors and growing. We tailor yarn development to the application, engineering the yarn to provide the inherent qualities specified."

AF&Y has positioned its yarns to be an economical yet better-performing alternative to yarns made from polyester, nylon or acrylic. Some of its products have been engineered to resemble luxury natural fibers including cotton, wool and silk.

The company's biggest market is residential home furnishings, followed by contract fabrics for hospitality, healthcare and commercial markets. AF&Y has developed several lines of yarns to serve these various markets. Prominent among these is Marquésa®, a luxury line whose diverse styles mimic certain properties of other specific fibers or provide additional aesthetic attributes. Among its variants is Marquésa Plush, which combines the soft hand associated with the best acrylic yarns with all the positive benefits of its olefin base - all at a lower price than acrylic. Marquésa Plush lends itself to use in velvet and chenille upholstery fabrics.

Collaborative Effort

New products frequently are developed at the behest of one of AF&Y's customers. The development becomes a collaborative effort, in which the customer's needs are analyzed and AF&Y's expertise is put into play to realize the qualities required.

"When a customer approaches AF&Y with a concept for a new program, we have to consider why consumers choose certain fibers," Morelli explained. "We would then backward-engineer to emulate those attributes, while maintaining the normal attributes of our yarns. Everything we look at is 'aesthetics plus' - emulate the look, but bring the extra performance, inherently. That might entail a change in construction as well as a change in fiber."

A case in point is the development of new Marquésa Plush yarns that Culp is weaving into chenille fabrics used to upholster La-Z-Boy furniture. "In this situation, La-Z-Boy wanted the look and feel of traditional chenille on its frames, but with inherent cleanability," Morelli said. "AF&Y manufactured a yarn to deliver those features."

Morelli said the yarns are especially well-suited for chenille and velvet fabrics, in which they take on the fiber-tipped qualities of those fabrics during the finishing process. "The chemistry of the fiber in combination with the fabric finish enhances the look and softness of the fabric. Most other fibers would lie down after such finishing," he explained.

Culp and AF&Y have worked together for many years, according to Liam Waters, head of marketing and design, Culp Decorative Fabrics Division. "We converted to most of AF&Y's warp yarns about three years ago," he said. "When they came along with Marquésa Plush, it was a perfect marriage because we were already using Marquésa warps. Now we can make a 100-percent Marquésa fabric, which means it is bleach-cleanable." The inherent no-stain property is an environmental advantage because there is no need for a stain-resistant coating, he added. "It is inherently repellent, like a cabbage leaf that repels the rain."

Waters said the Plush yarn Culp is using came about through a series of development meetings and is exclusive to Culp's flat woven chenille fabrics. "AF&Y brought the yarn to us," he explained. "Together we developed the luster level we wanted. The yarn has been engineered so that the pile is oriented during finishing to give it reflectivity."

Culp is a long-time supplier of fabrics to La-Z-Boy, which uses fabrics from both Culp Velvets and Culp Decorative Fabrics Divisions in all of its upholstered furniture lines except the Todd Oldham designer line. Waters said the fabrics Culp shows to La-Z-Boy fall into two segments - one based on price and the other on performance, which is becoming more and more important. "Our Marquésa fabrics head up the performance segment," he said.

Paula Hoyas, director of upholstery merchandising, La-Z-Boy, said Culp is the company's most important strategic mill partner. "We work with Liam Waters and his design staff prior to Market [High Point International Home Furnishings Market] to get the fabrics we want to provide a certain look at a particular price point," Hoyas said. "We will have certain values we're looking to add. Sometimes they have just what we want, and sometimes we ask them to develop something for us."

Hoyas said La-Z-Boy gets feedback from its own internal fabric council and from a dealer council comprised of representatives of its dealers to help it address consumers' interests. "It's a very good network. We collect the data and analyze it and figure out what's needed to stay competitive. This allows us to go back to the mills and work with them," she said.

Culp showed its new chenille fabrics with Marquésa Plush to La-Z-Boy prior to this year's April Market and described its benefits. "It has a good value relative to the consumer," Hoyas said. "It's a wonderful additional benefit to say it's easy to clean."

Taking It To Market

Waters said several furniture companies including La-Z-Boy have bought into the Marquésa Plush concept. "I think it's going to be a huge program with La-Z-Boy," he said. "The consumers love it because it's easily explained - no-stain is very easy to define. That's a wonderful story for the consumer and for domestic fabric producers. It's incumbent upon us to produce goods for the home that offer advantages, and not just because they're cheap - although Marquésa is inexpensive because of its inherent benefits. Nothing needs to be added."

Marquésa Plush figures in about 18 percent of Culp's current patterns, and it will have a greater presence in future offerings."

Marquésa Plush fabrics were our largest placed product in the October [2004] Market," Waters said, "and next season, we intend to add flat fabrics using Marquésa Satin." Satin, a new variant in AF&Y's Marquésa line, offers rayon aesthetics.

At the April Market, La-Z-Boy introduced four Marquésa Plush chenille patterns on its recliner, motion and stationary lines, and Hoyas said the new fabrics were well-received. The company added one more pattern in October.

AF&Y’s marketing materials for Marquésa technology stress the yarn’s inherent cleanability, stain resistance and durability.

Marketing Strategies

AF&Y has developed an array of materials to help Culp and La-Z-Boy market products made with Marquésa Plush. Branding is a key part of the strategy, and the company provides hang tags, merchandising displays and a demonstration video that illustrates the stain resistance and ease of cleanup after a variety of spills. Sales representatives are given business-sized cards detailing cleaning instructions and listing the fiber's performance and environmental benefits. The company also has developed training programs to help sales personnel understand the technology, and it can provide customized marketing materials upon request, Morelli said.

Hoyas said AF&Y organized a workshop before the April Market to demonstrate the benefits of Marquésa Plush to La-Z-Boy representatives. "Educating the sales force means a lot - it enables them to convey the message to the dealers and gives the dealers a competitive edge in selling the consumer on the benefits of the fabric," she said. "It helps connect the dealer to the consumer and helps the consumer make the appropriate choice. For the consumer, knowing the benefits means she's not as apprehensive. In some cases, it might make the difference between buying and not buying the furniture, but it only works if you're not giving up the aesthetics."

AF&Y's marketing strategies have received recognition in the marketing world. Earlier this year, the Business Marketing Association of the Carolinas presented a "Best in North Carolina" Gold Award to the Marquésa Plush logo, which was designed for AF&Y by the Walker Agency, Concord, N.C.

La-Z-Boy now offers five Marquésa Plush chenille patterns on its upholstered furniture lines.

Collaboration Benefits All

Morelli said there are benefits to be realized by each of the partners in the collaboration effort.

"In our collaboration with Culp and La-Z-Boy, AF&Y ends up with the technology and the intellectual property rights for the materials Culp will integrate into its fabric," he said. "Culp helps define the parameters, and adds the design and aesthetics to the fabric. La-Z-Boy gets the fabric it is looking for - it's affordable, but it also has all the desired benefits. "And, best of all," he added, "it's only available in the USA."

American Fibers & Yarns:
The Company And The Fiber

American Fibers & Yarns (AF&Y) was established in 1965 as Phillips Fibers Corp. - a Greenville-based subsidiary of Phillips Petroleum Co. - to develop and produce polypropylene filament yarn for home furnishings and other products; as well as industrial filament, staple and nonwovens. As such, it was one of the first US manufacturers in this sector.

Phillips Fibers was purchased in 1993 by Amoco Oil Co. subsidiary Amoco Fabrics and Fibers Corp., which then sold its fibers division in 1999 to private equity firm Monitor Clipper Partners. At that time, the new company was renamed American Fibers & Yarns Co. Based in Chapel Hill since April 2002, AF&Y claims to be the largest global supplier of filament polypropylene yarns and serves residential and contract furnishings, industrial, automotive and apparel markets. It employs a workforce of 800 globally and maintains three manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia; as well as distribution centers in Mexico and Belgium.

"Historically, the company hasn't played outside the United States," said Jim Morelli. "All yarn manufacturing is done in this country, but we have taken the opportunity to move the technology outside our borders through distribution of our yarns to customers that manufacture outside the United States."

Cinderella Fiber
Because it is a gasoline manufacturing waste by-product rather than a virgin petroleum product, polypropylene is inexpensive to produce and environmentally friendly. AF&Y technology turns this humble olefin polymer into a value-added, aesthetically pleasing yarn.

"As a by-product of post-industrial waste, the material leaves a very small footprint on the planet. Its manufacture produces no industrial waste, and because it is a low-temperature product, it requires less energy to produce," Morelli said. "Also, it is an inert fiber, and therefore, no finishes are required to give it resistance properties." It also is recyclable, has a high heat-producing value when incinerated, and offers the most coverage per unit weight compared with other fibers.

The fiber's inherent performance properties include bacteria, chemical, static, pill and abrasion resistance; light weight; low odor retention and thermal conductivity; and low moisture regain to provide moisture transfer, stain resistance and quick-drying properties. It is cleaned easily using soap and water.

The yarn is extruded as a continuous filament. "This is why it is so durable," Morelli said. In addition, yarns are solution-dyed, making them colorfast and bleach-cleanable, and AF&Y often engineers them to mimic the properties of higher-end yarns and/or exhibit special, value-added properties desired for particular end-uses. Aesthetic enhancements may include a soft hand, among others. Still other enhancements provide flame or ultraviolet resistance, as well as additional bacteria resistance.

Technology Center
In 1999, AF&Y established its Technology Center in Bainbridge, Ga., where a team of engineers and technicians conducts research and development using state-of-the-art equipment. "Technology development has been an active process for the past three years. Moving forward, it is the foundation of the future of our business," Morelli said.

"American Fibers & Yarns is one of the few yarn producers investing in technology," he continued. "Our technology includes proprietary chemistry as well as proprietary texturing techniques and processes. We rely on our supplier relationships to continue to develop new technologies for our product lines, and enlist suppliers to help us bring new technologies to market."

Morelli said the company has invested more than $2 million to develop its Marquésa fiber technology. "When introducing new yarn technologies, we have to look at fabric constructions differently because of the unique features and qualities of our yarns," he explained. "For example, traditional fabrics made with cotton or polyester would take on a different construction if Marquésa Plush and Marquésa Cottonesque [a Marquésa variant that has cotton aesthetics] were used in place of those materials."

The Culp Link

Culp was established in 1972 as R.G. Culp and Associates Inc., a converter of upholstery fabrics. It changed its name to Culp Inc. in 1980 and now manufactures upholstery fabrics and mattress ticking. The company employs approximately 2,500 associates and operates 10 plants in North and South Carolina, and Canada.

Culp develops its fabrics at its Howard Dunn Design Center in Burlington, N.C. Established in January 1998, this state-of-the-art facility employs a team of about 30 designers who work on Culp's entire product line, developing more than 300 new patterns each season. Culp manages supply chain activity through Culp-Link, a computerized system that links the company with its downstream customers through service and product delivery. Waters said the system has enabled the company to compress lead times from eight weeks down to four.

"It's a great way to compete with offshore goods," he said. "We are able to make what you need when you need it - plus, these performance fabrics are not available offshore."

La-Z-Boy has grown from a garage operation established in 1927 by Edward M. Knabusch and his cousin Edwin J. Shoemaker to make novelty furniture, to a major corporation with annual sales totaling more than $2 billion and 14 companies offering a variety of upholstered furniture and casegoods for retail and contract distribution. The company introduced its first reclining chair in 1928 and claims today to be the leading global producer of the chairs.

La-Z-Boy distributes its furniture through department stores as well as major regional and independent furniture stores. The company maintains in-store galleries in some of these locations, and it also operates its own chain of La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries®.

November 2004


text:
Monday, May 14, 2007

In The Dock: Encores

(If you're wondering what this is all about, click here.)

This week's subject (particularly appropriate given that this is the last installment of In The Dock, at least for the foreseeable future): Encores

The case for the prosecution (Alison)

The first gig I ever attended was The Charlatans (I was 14!) at Edinburgh’s Playhouse. I had connected with the album and was living through some major teenage drama with the help of whiney singing and angsty lyrics, not to mention the fact that Tim Burgess was the first man I ever "loved". The gig was amazing, we all sang along word-perfect and clapped, cheered and whooped in the appropriate places. After about 50 minutes Tim thanked us and sloped off stage with the rest of the band, to the rapturous applause of the audience. As the joy died down, I checked on my mates and picked up my coat, ready to head for home. But, the lights stayed low and a spontaneous foot stomping took hold and spread throughout the frenzied crowd like an act of united adoration. There were cries for more from the large majority who were not going anywhere. And low and behold, it actually worked, Tim and his not-so-merry men returned to the stage, and to the delight of the ready-to-piss-their-pants fans. Something special had happened, I’d witnessed a one-off. We showed them love and they thanked us. Or so I thought.

I’m going to dismiss one of the possible explanations for an encore straight-off – that it gives the band a break. It just doesn’t hold any weight. If someone needs a break, let them take a break and don’t dress it up as the end of the show. The 1-2 min standard off-stage time for an encore is nowhere near long enough to serve any practical purpose. In fact, make it long enough for us too so we can get another round in without missing anything. And put it in the middle of the set; coming at the end it buggers up the show’s momentum, half the audience grabbing the opportunity to fetch their jacket from the cloakroom.

Regarded in the most positive light, encores could be seen as an impromptu thank you paid to an enthusiastic and engaged audience. But in the years since that Charlatans gig, I can count on a three-fingered hand how many bands have failed to come back on after the "end" of the show. There’s nothing surprising about an encore, the majority of bands leaving their biggest hit or their trade-mark cover for the spotlight of the encore. You’re more likely to hear the people around you discussing what the encore songs will be, rather than whether the band might come back on. Encores aren’t extra songs for free, they even appear on set lists and an internet search mid-tour will tell you what to expect. They don’t even turn the lights on! Frankly, the idea that the encore is a surprise is patronising.

Importantly, those gigs I’ve seen without an encore are by no means the worst gigs I’ve been to. I’ve seen crap bands go down like a lead balloon and yet still they reappear on-cue to perform another set of unappreciated songs. The predictability of encores might go some way to explain the phenomenon of the apathetic audience, there’s nothing worse than feeling like you are the only person in the room trying to convey that the set you’ve just witnessed was ace. If the encore is just a tool for manipulating your audience into begging for more and massaging the ego, then it serves bands right that the listeners (who’ve already paid for the privilege) are sticking the fingers up.

So should we accept that encores are just a tradition now, the trademark of a live show? If so, I reckon they’re tired and clichéd and need to go. If bands want to give the fans a treat, let it at least be something original. The ridiculous practise of the multiple encore is not the answer, the fact that you need to do it more than once to prove you really mean it just demonstrates that the encore itself is anything but a response to the audience’s actions.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been to gigs where the band’s reappearance on stage has felt like the highlight of my life. Don’t see your task as jury to vote in defence of the encores you’ve seen. Rather, vote for the prosecution because you think it’s too naff to go on, it’s a practise that can never regain credibility. I hope the next band to leave me foot-stomping, screaming and begging for more will do me a favour and deny me; ultimately they’d be leaving me happier.

The case for the defence (Damo)

"Hey! The Waterboys are leaving the stage! And they haven’t played 'The Whole Of The Moon'! I paid £20 for this! Oh hang on, here they come, do you think they just forgot and then realised?"

I knew a guy when I was at university. He related a story to a number of us about going to see The Sisters of Mercy. He said that they left the stage and everyone was applauding for an encore, while he looked at them and thought, "You idiots, you know they’re going to come back and do 'Vision Thing'"… He didn’t applaud, he just stood there tutting. He related this story to us with some pride.

He was also one of the most humourless people it was ever my misfortune to meet.

What’s to love about encores? Let’s see:

1. Some bands use it as a chance to do something a bit different – to play something in a more "stripped-down" format, to chuck in a couple of covers, to bring on members of the support act etc.

2. A good band knows to pace a set by playing a relatively disciplined set, and then to visibly relax in the encore. That sounds very (very) dull on paper – but so does any art when you dissect it. "Disciplined", incidentally, shouldn’t mean "close your eyes and you might as well be listening to the record at home" but rather "this band have made an effort to rehearse so that they can put on a decent spectacle for their paying fans". Then if there’s a few bum notes in the encore that’s not the end of the world… If they’ve done their job then the fans should be mentally (and possibly physically) a little worn out by then, and ready for a little light relief.

3. Sometimes it’s an excuse for the band to play a request if people shout it loud enough. Which is not something you want to see every band doing, but it does suit certain ones very well.

Am I forgetting anything? Oh yes.

4. Some bands use encores as an excuse to leave the big hit(s) until last and then come out to tumultuous applause and play it / them.

Let’s not kid ourselves. Points 1-3 may sometimes be valid but for the bulk of this argument they’re a distraction. When I go out to a gig, I want to be entertained. Life’s too short to be cool for the sake of being cool. There’s really not a scientific explanation for this at all and as I touched upon previously, you can take the magic out of anything by over-analysing it. I just really enjoy going to a gig by a band I like, watching them (hopefully) play a decent set then troop off, and applauding like a loon for them to return and play some more. And from the many gigs I’ve gone to, I feel reasonably safe in the assumption that I am far from alone.

It’s a tradition that crosses all genres from pop to rock to dance and so forth, and from leftfield to mainstream. And yes, not all traditions are a good thing. But look at the faces around you next time you’re amidst people applauding for an encore, and try telling me that this particular one isn’t.

That’s all from me; hopefully I’ll see you soon. Thank you and goodnight.

Oh, you want more? Thanks, you’re too kind… I’d just like to conclude by saying that human beings are a mass of contradictions. One example: most people find comfort in routine, yet also like surprises. I think that is precisely the reason the vast majority of people seem to enjoy encores: you know you’re probably going to get one, but you don’t necessarily know what it will contain (Big Hit notwithstanding). Unless, that is, you’re inclined to stand at the front and spend more of the show staring at the setlist than the band. In which case, I used to know a guy at university that would probably like to meet you.

* * * * *

Thanks to Alison and Damo for their contributions. Now it's over to you. Guilty or innocent - YOU decide. The comments box is open and awaiting your comments - you've got until Sunday to make up your mind...

Anonymous Pete said...

Innocent. As it is, the encore provides the chance for the audience (and presumeably the band) to get their collective breath back and really enjoy the end of the gig.

Another thing, is that admittedly, the routine is usually unsurprising, but at the really memorable gigs, it gives certain songs a chance to really shine.

Blur's 'Sing' and 'This Is A Low' at Reading a few years back (2001/2002?) is a classic example. Had the band rounded off a setlist of the usual favourites with these, but without the break, they almost certainly wouldn't have had quite the same impact.

Btw, does anyone know when the encore in rock/pop became routine?

6:15 p.m.
Blogger Ian said...

Innocent. Predictable as hell, but also fun and somehow comforting. I don't even mind multiple encores, which have only happened as shows I've been to which were frankly amazing. And even when you know what and why they're going to do what they do for an encore (as in Hot Chip leaving "Over and Over" to the very end), it works spectacularly. I never want these to go away.

6:47 p.m.
Blogger James said...

To me, guilty.

I totally bought Alison's argument. I have seen some great encores, but they are thoroughly artificial and I do sometimes feel like I am being deceived in some way. Let's just be honest, and throw the songs into the set.

One good thing about encores, though. It can signal the immanent end of gig you are underwhlemed with.

And another. I have seen Air twice now (my wife really likes them). Both times, the concert itself was lifeless and uninspiring, but the encore was quite marvellous. Same song, mind. Next time I see them, I am just going for the encore.

Second thoughts.... no... still guilty.

7:18 p.m.
Anonymous Pete said...

I'vealready voted btw, but just thought of another reason why encore are good.

"Don’t see your task as jury to vote in defence of the encores you’ve seen."

Hmmmm...difficult that, once you've seen the Furries' "The Man Don't Give A Fuck" in all it's Moog and animal-costumed glory.

11:04 p.m.
Blogger Ben said...

Cliched and conventional, yes - but I'm really rather fond of encores. That there will be one is pretty much taken for granted, but it's the way in which it's used that makes one gig or band special and another not. Plus what's wrong with having the band build to (at least) two peaks, rather than just one?

Not guilty.

9:11 p.m.
Anonymous caskared said...

It's about shape, the main set has a complete thing of its own going on, and encores allow for a new phrase. Just as much as I like the theatricality of a show, I enjoy the bands teasing us!

Not guilty.

4:38 a.m.
Blogger SwissToni said...

That was another thing to love about the Manic Street Preachers: no encores.

Encores can be fantastic, but they are too often orchestrated, pre-meditated and far too predictable. Yeah, I do want to hear the hits, but sometimes I really like it when they play it early on in the set so that we can all relax and just enjoy the show. Saving it up for the end is rubbish - far better when they play something a bit interesting, a really gutsy and rocking version of a lesser hit, perhaps or maybe a cover to send you home with a smile on your face. Why does it have to always be your biggest hit?

.... and if a band comes out and plays a song that you've already heard them playing that evening (I'm looking at you Primal Scream - "Rocks" - and you U2 - "Vertigo") then that's just pathetic and a sure sign of utter creative bankruptcy, worthy of eternal scorn.

(and thanks everyone - "in the dock" has been a whole lot of fun. James won't thank me for saying so, but the conviction of Bob Dylan more than made up for my R'n'B disappointment)

7:25 a.m.
Blogger SwissToni said...

(although I should add that some bands are masters at pacing their set and constantly build and build and build before the big, collective climax at the end of the last encore. Those are bands worth seeing)

7:26 a.m.
Anonymous Nick The Snick said...

Not Guilty.

Apologies for the simple answer, I can't be bothered to argue my decision if there won't be any more In The Dock. *sulk*

Seeya later you bunch of randoms.

8:05 a.m.
Blogger Paul said...

On balance, I think not guilty.

I tend to feel cheated without an encore - even if the main set has been outstanding. It may be cliched, but it is still all part of the experience, and when done well tends to leave a memory that outlasts the rest of the gig.

3:06 p.m.
Blogger Planet Me said...

encores yay! Bands coming on late, taking the piss, and people being late and having to rush to get home?? Nein danke.

9:38 p.m.
Blogger K.W.Wan said...

I think this is like trying to prosecute Oasis for Mike Flowers Pops.

Encores can be routine and cliched, but they can also be something special. On the whole though, I like it when they play more music, so encores are ok by me.

Not guilty.

BTW: why is this feature being binned? Could you do it once every 2 weeks or monthly or something...

3:05 p.m.
Blogger Ben said...

Nick The Snick / Wan: Glad the feature's gone down well, but it's drawing to a close for several reasons - interest has waned a little bit (though the quality of the prosecution and defence cases certainly hasn't), we've come to the end of the topics I had lined up, and I could really do with a break! The possibility of resurrection remains, though...

9:48 p.m.
Blogger Ben said...

This is Phill

I have to say guilty guilty guilty

I mean what is the point?

Oh look the band is going off and they haven't played two of their
biggest hits - oh look, there's still 25 minutes until the curfew of the

Encores should be reserved for a very special performance or a very
special crowd reaction - not every gig.

I went to see Ray Davies last night and he did three bloody encores -
all that time going on and off, he could have fitted in another song.

Plus I hate clapping.

New Order had the right idea. They did few encores and by all accounts,
the ones they did, they spent so long discussing it backstage before
coming back on that they usually ended up playing to bar staff and
cleaning ladies - that's how it should be done.

10:03 p.m.

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text:
Tag:Larry Brown
Posted on: October 30, 2008 6:22 pm

Who has more to prove?

There are 3 main guys who have the pressure on them in Detroit. The whole team has something to prove, and show everyone they are still able to compete for a title. However, these 3 guys will have the most to prove and most likely the most pressure on them to get the Pistons back to the NBA Finals.

Michael Curry

He is filling in at head coach for Flip Saunders a.k.a. "Slip" The Pistons have been to the Finals 7 straight years now, but haven't won a championship since 2004, and haven't even been to the NBA Finals since 2005. The players have become too arrogant and lazy. They think they can slack off and only play when they want to. They believe that their talent is enough to get the team a championship, and they believe they are above the coaches. Curry has to be the guy that steps in and runs this team. He can't let the players slack off and try to do what they want to do. They need a leader in Curry to get them back to the Finals and win another championship. He has to be able to make these guys listen to him, and make them respect him. In other words, they need him to be more like Larry Brown and less like "Slip" Saunders. This will be a big key factor into whether the Pistons can make another title run this year or not.

Rasheed Wallace

There have been reports and rumors that this is his last year. Whether they are true or not, his contract runs out at the end of the year. At 34 years old, Sheed doesn't have a lot of time left. This will most likely be his last year to contend for the title unless he pulls a Bill Walton. Sheed has to step up big time this season. He can't let his emotions run wild; he has to be able to control himself and play like he cares every night. He has to be one of the team leaders and set an example to everyone else. He has to work with his coach (Curry) and be able to give everything he's got left this year to get the Pistons another title. He has to shut out the refs and any one else that gets his emotions going. He just has to concentrate on playing great basketball for the Pistons. He will one of their key players (if not the key factor) in determining whether the Pistons are able to get back to the NBA Finals.

Amir Johnson

As of right now Amir is the starting center. This move was made by Curry so that Sheed could go back to his normal position of power forward. This puts a lot of pressure on the young guy. He has to step up and play against other post players that are have more experience and/or are much bigger and stronger. Now he has the height, but he is still a skinny guy. Most big men he will go against will have a good amount of weight on him. He will have to go out every night and prove that he can hold his own against the opponent's big men. He will have to prove to his coaches, his teammates, and the fans that he has what it takes to be a starter. He has Kwame Brown and Jason Maxiell (would start at PF and Sheed would have to go back to center) breathing down his neck, waiting to get their chance as a starter if Amir can't get the job done. He's not going to be Ben Wallace for them, but he has to play his role very well and contribute on defense and offense for this team. Sheed can't be the Pistons only post threat (on either offense or defense), so Amir has to step and be that other guy to help out.

So who do you think has the most to prove this season? I think all 3 have tons to prove, and I think it's a tie between Sheed and Curry for the most to prove. I'd love to hear what you guys think.
Posted on: October 10, 2008 8:39 pm

2008-2009 Southeast Division Preview

I feel that the Southeast Division will be one of the most competitive divisions, if not the most competitive, out of all the divisions this year. They may not be the best division, but all the teams will be fighting each other this year and there will be no team that just dominates the division. I think all teams will be within a few games of each, and they will be battling each other all season long. Most of the teams have improved this off season, and look to do some damage in the playoffs this year.

The Orlando Magic, led by Dwight Howard, look to get into the playoffs again this year and make it even deeper into them this time. The Miami Heat have their star player, Dwyane Wade, back healthy again along with new teammate Shawn Marion and 2nd overall pick Michael Beasley. They look to get back into the playoffs after finishing with the worst record last season. The Wizards are again with out Gilbert "Agent Zero" Arenas until December, but their star players, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison, look to keep them in the playoff race. Last year's surprise team, Atlanta Hawks, look to prove that taking the defending champion Celtics to 7 games wasn't a fluke. The Charlotte Bobcats, led by new coach Larry Brown, look to finally have a good season in their 5th year as an expansion team.

It should be a good race in the division this year, and here is how I see things turning out:

1. (4) Orlando Magic (50-32)

As long as Dwight Howard continues to anchor this team, they will be a higher seed in the playoffs. Howard is just a monster in the paint on both offense and defense. He is probably the most athletic big man (only rivaled by Amare Stoudemire and Kevin Garnett), and knows how to use it to his advantage. He will definitely be in the running for MVP this year, and should continue to improve his game and solidify himself as the league's best center.

They also have talented forwards Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis to contribute as well as young point guard Jameer Nelson, who I believe will make a big improvement in his game this year and become a reliable and solid PG. Now these guys have to step up on defense for the Magic. They can all be great on offense, but their defense wasn't too great last year. Howard is a great defensive player, but he is only one player and can't stop everyone.

Adding guard/forward Mickael Pietrus this off season to be their possible new starting shooting guard was good for them. He can contribute on offense with his athleticism and quickness to finish in the lane, and is solid defense (good rebounder) as well.

The Magic make it into the playoffs as the 4th seed (behind Philly in record even though they win their division) by getting 50 wins again this season. Their run in the playoffs all depends on who they draw in the first round. If they matchup like I think they will (with the Heat) they could see them selves out early in a first round upset. However if they draw an easier opponent, and make it to the 2nd round again they could go deeper. They will most likely have to play the Pistons or Celtics, but if they can build momentum in the first round, they could pull of an upset themselves in the 2nd round and make it to the ECFs or even farther (NBA Finals).

2. (6) Miami Heat (46-36)

Dwyane Wade is back and healthy again. Yes, I do believe he will stay healthy all season long finally, and get the Heat back to the playoff instead of being at the bottom the whole conference. Wade will have a fantastic year, and must if they Heat want to make the playoffs. I believe he will have a great year, in fact the best year of his career which should win him the MVP this year.

Rookie forward Michael Beasley should be able to produce very well for the Heat as well. His athleticism should come in handy for Heat by using him at both forward spots and being able to have play down in low post or up in the high post as well. I think we will contribute to his team better than any rookie other than Greg Oden this year.

Now let's not forget about Shawn Marion. This guy has not gotten enough credit, which is why he left the Suns. He deserved just as much or even more credit than Steve Nash for making that team so good. He is one of the most athletic players in the league, if not they most athletic. He can cut through the lane in the half court or fast break looking for the alley oop dunk. He can slash the lane and finish at the basket as well. Not to mention, he is a great offensive rebounder getting lots of 2nd chance points for his team. Then comes the biggest part of his game: his defense. He can guard the shooting guard, small forward or even power forward and do a good job at it. He is so versatile of a defender; he can impact a defense so much (was the only thing that kept the Suns from giving up 120 points every game). He be huge for the Heat on defense, and in the fast break on offense.

They have 3 guys that will compete for time at the beginning of the year for point guard. They have Marcus Banks, Chris Quinn, and rookie Mario Chalmers. They also recently signed Shaun Livingston Now Livingston won't get a lot of time off the bat, but once he begins to get back into the flow of things, as long as he can stay healthy (that's the key), he can be great for the Heat. They also have good role players off the bench in Udonis Haslem (good rebound and defender), James Jones, and Dorell Wright.

Their biggest weakness is their center spot. Right now their best center is Mark Blount with Jamaal Magloire backing him up. Now Blount showed last year, after Shaq was traded, that he can contribute a little. He won't be able to compete with top centers like Dwight Howard though, and that's what will keep the Heat from winning their division.

Now they could win their first round matchup depending on who they draw. Wade has shown he is a great player in the clutch, and steps up his game during the playoffs. He could lead the Heat to a first round upset victory, but making it to conference finals don't look to good for them this year. They need to get a better center, and then they will be back to being a contending team in the East.

3. (7) Washington Wizards (44-38)

The Wizards always find their way into the playoffs. They have their star point guard, Gilbert Arenas, out until December again, but that proved not to be a problem for them last year. In fact, they even played a little better for awhile will Agent Zero was out. Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison stepped big time and both had great season. I see them doing that again this, and they must if the Wizards want to make the playoffs. Both guys can contribute on offense. Jamison can help on defense with his rebounding, and Butler has turned into a great defender which is huge for the Wizards.

They guy that has to step up again for them is Antonio Daniels. He is the starting point guard with Arenas hurt. Last year he stepped up very well in Arenas's absence. He showed that he can run the team at the point and keep their team running smoothly. He needs to do this again to keep the Wizards in the playoff hunt.

The other starters, DeShawn Stevenson and Etan Thomas, have to do their jobs and Stevenson needs to learn to keep his temper and attitude under control (the opposite of how he acted in the playoffs against the Cavaliers). Stevenson needs to give them the scoring and outside shooting, and Thomas needs fill in for the injured Brendan Haywood by rebound and play some defense. They have their role players off the bench as well in Andray Blatche, Juan Dixon, and Darius Songaila.

I don't expect the Wizards to go anywhere in the playoffs this year. They will most likely draw a higher seed and face one of the tougher teams like the Celtics, Pistons, 76ers, or Magic. Agent Zero will be back then, and any team he is on doesn't have a very good chance with his selfish play. Even without him though, they just can't beat those top teams.

4. Atlanta Hawks (40-42)

The Hawks were a great surprise last year by making the playoffs at the 8th seed and taking the defending champion Celtics to 7 games. After trading for point guard Mike Bibby, the team seemed finally set for success. Even rookie Al Horford stepped up big for them last year.

Their key players this season will again be Joe Johnson and Josh Smith. Johnson is one of the league's best shooting guards and one of the best scorers. He is one of the team's veteran leaders and has done a very good job in that role. He needs to do just as good or better this season for the Hawks if they want any chance at making the playoffs again.

There best player however this year will be Josh Smith. He is an extremely athletic player and has talent on both offense and defense. However, his attitude has been the only thing holding him back from becoming a start player in the league. He drives too wildly in the lane and doesn't have a good shot (basically is only good for dunks and alley oops). However his great rebounding can get him some 2nd second chance points sometimes. His defensive however, I think we will be huge this year. He not only will be a terrific shot blocker and get steals with his quick hands, but he will learn to stay in front of his man and be a good on ball defender as well. He will be able to guard the opponents’ best scorer, and be a great on help defense. I believe he will be finally become a great defensive player this year and possibly win the Defensive Player of the Year award.

The real key to their success however will be Al Horford and Mike Bibby, or there point guard and center. Bibby can bring that veteran leadership and lead the team. He should be even better this year now that he has been with them longer and gotten some chemistry with his teammates. Horford needs to have an even better season than his rookie season. He can't have a sophomore slump, and needs to keep improving so he can anchor the Hawks' down low on offense and defense.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, I don't think they can make the playoffs. Even though they will technically have more wins than last year (I believe), they will miss the playoffs due to the other teams in the East improving a lot more than they have. However, they could surprise me and barely make it again at the 8th seed, but I just don't think it will happen.

5. Charlotte Bobcats (38-44)

The Bobcats should improve a lot this year with new coach Larry Brown. This team has had lots of talent, but couldn't figure out how to play as a team. Now, one of the NBA's best coaches will be able to get them to do that. Seeing as how this team has some young talented defenders, and that's Brown's specialty, it should work out well for them.

Raymond Felton, Gerald Wallace, and Emeka Okafor are all great defenders and that's music to Brown's ears. If he can get all those good defenders to play good team defense, he can have success with the Bobcats. However, they key will be getting them to play together.

They also have their veteran leader in Jason Richardson. Richardson has proved to be a great scorer them, and their biggest contributor on offense. Wallace has also turned into a good offensively player as well, but he tends to be too reckless and gets himself injured. He needs to keep himself healthy if he wants to help the Bobcats be a competitive team in the division and conference.

Their biggest weaknesses are at center and point guard. Felton is a good defensive point guard, but hasn't done a good job of leading the team at the point and distributing the ball. He also needs to improve his shooting percentages as well (41.3% field goal shooting and 28.0% 3pt field goal shooting last year). Nazr Mohammed is a solid center, but shouldn't be a starter. He can be a good role player off the bench, but wouldn't be good enough to start on most other teams. This is the biggest problem for the Bobcats; their biggest weaknesses are two important positions for team's to have success. That will be what holds them back this year.

Brown will improve them this year, but not enough to make the playoffs yet. They still need a better point guard and center, and I don't think Brown will be able to get them to play as team as much as they need to right off the bat. Now as long as he stays there and works with them, they could be a playoff team in a year or two.
Posted on: May 11, 2008 12:16 am

NBA Coach Madness

Recently there has been alot of shaking up going on with coaches in the NBA. Coaches leaving and going to other teams, and other coaches finally getting a job again. Let's take a look at what has gone on so far:

Larry Brown to the Bobcats:

Larry Brown was hired to become the new coach in Charlotte. He is a highly prestige coach that has alot of experience and has been very successful; most recently winning the 2004 NBA Finals with the Detroit Pistons. He is a defensive minded coach which just adds to how valuable he is because of the importance defense has on being successful in the NBA. The Bobcats are a young team that has lots of young talent. If Brown can get these guys to play defense, and work together as a team like he always has been able to do, don't be surprised to see them in the playoffs next year. He was able to take the 76ers to the playoffs almost every year and all they had was Allen Iverson. He has Gerald Wallace, Jason Richardson, Emeka Okafor, and Raymond Felton to work with here. This was a very smart move by MJ, and should help the Bobcats to finally have some success

Rick Carlisle to Mavericks:

Mark Cuban decided to get rid of his young coach Avery Johnson because of their struggles in the playoffs recently. First he gets rid of Nelly, and now Avery? Does anyone see a pattern here? New coaches yet same old struggles? Maybe it's him and not the coaches that should be punished

Anyways their new coach, Carlisle, is also another experienced NBA coach. Won the COY with the Pistons in 2002 and led the Pacers to league leading 61 wins in 2004. He also took them all the way to the ECFs, but only to lose to the Pistons in their championship run. Is he the answer for the Mavericks? Probably not. The Jason Kidd trade destroyed the Mavs future, and next year will be their last to compete for the title for along time. It's probably only a matter of time before Cuban gets upset again and fires Carlisle.

Mike D'Antoni to the Knicks:

Oh boy this should be interesting. The Knicks finally decided to answer the pleas of their fans and finally get rid of Isiah. Now, with Walsh running the show, things have gotten interesting. Walsh has definitely going to go after one of these big name coaches from the beginning. When the "D'Antoni to the Bulls" rumors started, I thought for sure he was going there. When I saw today that Mike had decided to go the Knicks, I can't say I was completely shocked. It did take me by surprised, but it's kind of a perfect fit for him. D'Antoni has always been a guy that doesn't preach defense has a "short" bench. With the Knicks, he probably won't have to change much. They already don't play much any defense, and their bench just sucks anyways.

Can he turn them around? I'm sure they will improve from the pathetic year they have had this year, but don't expect him to have the same results, or anything close to it, that he had in Phoenix. He might be able to sneak them into the playoffs somehow with how well he can run the offense, but don't expect him to do wonders in New York.

Scott Skiles to the Bucks:

This is an "okay" sign by the Bucks. They have a playoff caliber team with guys like Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut, Mo Williams, and Ramon Sessions. Skiles was able to have some success with the Bulls, but the team gave up on him and fell apart this year. He may not be the best of coaches, but he is better than Larry Krystkowiak. He should be able to help Bucks improve from they way they have been playing recently. Will he get them to the playoffs? Who knows? Maybe, maybe not. We will see what happens. This isn't a huge sign for the Bucks, but it's not like Krystikowiak is going to do any better.

Erik Spoelstra to the Heat:

Pat Riley has called it quits again. He's going to step down from the coaching job and resume only his GM duties. The guy taking over the job is Erik Spoelstra. He has been a video coordinator for the Heat since 1995, and has become an assistant coach/video coordinator for the Heat. He is the youngest head coach in the league at 37, and has never been a head coach on any level besides the NBA Summer Leauge. He is inexperienced, and is taking over the league's worst team this year. Though it's not all bad. Dwyane Wade should be at full health again next year, they have acquired Shawn Marion in a trade with the Suns, and alot of the Heat players are confident in Spoelstra and believe in him.

Can he make the Heat bounce back next year? I think he can. He is inexperienced, but with the great players the Heat have, a high draft pick coming, and the confidence his team has him, I believe the Heat could be a back in the playoffs next year. Who knows, they might even be contenders again very soon.

There are still some coaches out there and teams that need one. The Bulls still need a new coach, and Avery Johnson still needs a job. Rumors of Avery becoming the Bulls new coach have come up. Rumors of college Michigan State Spartans head coach, Tom Izzo, taking over for the Bulls has also been talked about. Mark Jackson was rumored to be looking to head coach, and was at one thought to go to the Knicks, but that isn't happening anymore.
The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of CBS Sports or CBSSports.com


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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, June 22, 2002

Advertiser Staff

The Advertiser publishes obituaries about people of interest to its readers as a free public service. Obituaries may be submitted by mortuaries or, with proof of death, by individuals in writing. Fax 525-8037 or write to Obituaries Editor, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. Include a contact name and phone number. We reserve the right to edit for form, style and newsworthiness. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. To publish paid death notices, call the classified ads department at 521-9111

BOSK AHN, 66, of Honolulu, died June 17, 2002. Born in Seoul, South Korea. Survived by wife, Kisoon; sons, Albert and Bryan; daughter, Kathy Byun; sister, Mo Sun; eight grandchildren. Visitation 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Mililani Downtown Mortuary; service 10:30 a.m.; burial 1 p.m. at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park.

JULIO TOMINES BARCELO, 84, of Waipahu, died June 17, 2002. Born in Isabela, Philippines. Survived by wife, Felisa; son, Roland; daughters, Estelita DeLeon and Marilyn Dela Pena; brother, Jose; sister, Priscilla Borromeo. Visitation from 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Church; Mass 9:30 a.m. Burial in the Philippines. No flowers. Arrangements by Leeward Funeral Home.

PALABIANO "PALA" BONTOG, 74, of Honolulu, died June 17, 2002. Born in Pahoa. Retired warehouse supervisor for Holmes & Narver. Survived by son, Dibiano; brothers, Patricio "Pat" and Roberto "Robert"; sisters, Pilhiya "Bonnie" Miner and Ronella "Roni" Moore; companion, Margo Shim. Visitation 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Mililani Downtown Mortuary; prayer service noon; burial 2 p.m. at Hawai'i State Veterans Cemetery. No flowers. Aloha attire.

RONALD CARVALHO, 69, of Wahiawa, died June 13, 2002. Born in Waipahu. Retired from U.S. Army. Survived by brothers, Henry and Charles; stepbrothers, Alfred and Steven Pasion; sister, Mildred Boner. Service 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel. No flowers. Casual attire.

VIRGINIA C. DUBOIS, 90, of Makawao, Maui, died June 18, 2002. Born in Honolulu. An accomplished artist and horsewoman. Survived by husband, Charles; sons, Michael Baldwin and John Baldwin; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. Graveside service 4 p.m. Monday at Makawao Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Hui No'eau. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.

CHARLES KAEO GASPAR JR., 69, of Napo'opo'o, Hawai'i, died June 10, 2002. Born in South Kona, Hawai'i. A heavy equipment operator with the former J.M. Tanaka Construction Co. Survived by companion, Verna Kihe; sons, Charles III and Kaiikapono; daughters, Haliimaile Phipps and Mahealani Kihe; brother, Norman; sisters, Mary Ishiki, Winnifred Watson, Dorothy Jackson, Viola Hamilton, Mildred Hall and Angeline Page; 18 grandchildren. No flowers. Casual attire. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Kona.

DORIS YAEKO IKEDA, 72, of Honolulu and Hilo, died June 5, 2002. Born in Kohala, Hawai'i. Survived by husband, Herbert; sons, Harry, Roy and Earl; daughter, Cleo Nham; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; father, Heizo Kiriu; sister, Itsuko Sugai. Private service held. Arrangements by Nuuanu Mortuary.

VITO AGSALOG INES, 96, of 'Ewa Beach, died June 19, 2002. Born in Poblacion, Sinait, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard laborer. Survived by wife, Maria; son, Peter; stepsons, Roger and Gabriel Peralta; daughter, Julielea Dildy; stepdaughters, Helen Cordeiro, Pattie Vegas and Terri Howe; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren. Visitation 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church; Mass 11 a.m.; burial 12:30 p.m. at Mililani Memorial Park. Casual attire.

DICK YASUKO "YUKI" KANESHIRO, 83, of Waipahu, died June 15, 2002. Born in Waipahu. A retired vegetable farmer. Survived by wife, Lorraine; sons, Tom and Norman; sisters, Tsuruko Kaneshiro and Natsue Nekoba; grandchildren, Tracie, Scott and Miles. Service 6 p.m. Tuesday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. No flowers. Casual attire.

WESLEY A.K. KITAOKA, 46, of Pearl City, died June 14, 2002. Born in Honolulu. Former musician and sound and lighting technician. Survived by sister, Kimberly "Kim" Silva; brother, Vance. Visitation 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Kawaiaha'o Church; service 6 p.m. Graveside service 9 a.m. Thursday at Hawaiian Memorial Park. No flowers.

DR. WILFRED LEONG, retired Kahala dentist, died June 15, 2002. A Purple Heart recipient and member of the Korean War Veterans' Group. Survived by wife, state Rep. Bertha Leong; children, Patricia, Jonathan, Cynthia, Caroline Dang and Thomas; brother, Godfey; sister, Laura Lee. Visitation 8:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Star of the Sea Church; Mass 10 a.m.; inurnment 11:30 a.m. at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. No flowers. Casual attire.

ANNIE K. MAKANUI MARTINEZ, 83, of Honolulu, died June 16, 2002. Born at Diamond Head Lighthouse. Retired Royal Hawaiian Hotel linen room attendant and former CPC Cannery employee. Survived by daughter, Elaine "Cookie" Camara; brother, Melvin Ronquillio; sisters, Priscilla Bolongan and Martha Kaai; three granddaughters; eight great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; stepbrother, F. Peanut; stepsister, Halaria Ronquillio, Gloria Ronquillio and Louisa Wahine. Visitation 5 p.m. Friday at Borthwick Mortuary; service 6:30 p.m. Visitation also 8 a.m. next Saturday at the mortuary; service 10 a.m.; burial 2 p.m. at Hawaiian Memorial Park. Aloha attire.

BERNICE EVELYN McCLELLAN, 58, of Waipahu, died June 15, 2002. Born in Bend, Ore. A homemaker. WALLACE "MAC" McCLELLAN, of Waipahu, died June 17, 2002. Born in Bountiful, Utah. Retired U.S. Navy torpedoman chief. She is survived by her son, Del Ray; daughters, Kristin Gallaway and Patsy Pratt; mother, Margaret Presley; brother, Owen Simon; sisters, Barbara Beehn and Billie Jean Schults. He is survived by his mother, Wilma; brother, William "Bill"; sisters, Martha Thompson and Janis. Service 2 p.m. today at Lili'uokalani Gardens poolside, 200 Wainani Way; potluck reception to follow. Arrangements by Moanalua Mortuary.

ANAELISSE CAMILLE QUESADA, infant daughter of Antonio and Michele Quesada, died June 14, 2002. Born in Honolulu. Survived by parents; grandparents, Remedios Quesada, Douglas Coles and Erlinda Rita. Visitation 10 a.m. Tuesday at Borthwick Mortuary; service 11:30 a.m.; burial 1 p.m. at Hawai'i State Veterans Cemetery.

CARMENCITA "CARMEN" OANIA RAMISCAL, 49, of Waipahu, died June 12, 2002. Born in Honolulu. Employed at Kuakini Medical Center as a medical technician. Survived by son, Charles; mother, Paula; brothers, Joel, Danny, Sotero Jr., Ariel, Romeo and Nelson; sisters, Loida Santos, Norma Domingo, Juliet Valdez, Marissa Santillan and Stella Julian. Visitation 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at Waipahu United Church of Christ; service 7 p.m. Visitation also 8 a.m. Tuesday at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel; service 10 a.m.; burial 11 a.m. at Mililani Memorial Park. No flowers. Casual attire. Memorial donations to the Charles Ramiscal Education Fund c/o Romeo and Arlene Ramiscal, 91-1288 Kaneana St. No. 18, 'Ewa Beach, HI 96706. For more information call 295-1851. Arrangements by Mililani Mortuary.

BEVERLY "BEV" ESPEJO REGLOS, 63, of Honolulu, died June 13, 2002. Born in Honolulu. Retired from Oahu Transit Service with 23 years of service. Survived by former husband, Hipolito; daughters, Tiara Hernandez, Stacy Zembik, Leimaile Endo and Margaret Mitsumori; son, Patrick; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Manuel "Sonny" Jr. and Anthony Espejo; sisters, Priscilla Kaeo and Monica Bernardo. Visitation 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel; service 11:30 a.m.; burial 12:30 p.m. at Mililani Memorial Park. Casual attire.

HUGO HALONA WASSON TANNER, 59, of Waimanalo, died June 17, 2002. Born in Honolulu. Survived by wife, Margret; sons, Shaw and Halona; sister, Una "Pili" Wolfe. Visitation from 2 p.m. tomorrow at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Waimanalo; service 3 p.m. Graveside service 9 a.m. Monday at Hawaiian Memorial Park. No flowers. Memorial donations to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. Arrangements by Borthwick Mortuary.


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Holiday Party

I had the pleasure of hosting my sorority’s alumnae chapter’s holiday party on Saturday. Since I love entertaining, I was pretty excited about it!

It was a 2 p.m. event so I wanted food that would be a combination of appetizers, finger food and also something that would be substantial.

The menu included:
Cranberry risotto
Potato perogies
Salami and cream cheese bites
Mozzarella, tomato and basil skewers
Tomato and basil skewers
Mozzarella and basil skewers
Hummus (olive and roasted red pepper) with fresh vegetables
Green olive tapenade
Four-cheese platter
Cucumber, tomato and dill salad

Strawberry and banana skewers drizzled with vegan chocolate
Vegan Oreo cupcakes
Trader Joe’s peppermint macaroons

Fresh brewed ice tea
Hot tea

The group had meat eaters, vegetarian and vegans, so you will notice there was something for everyone. So many people tell me how hard it is to prepare food that will please all three, but it’s really not that difficult of you plan a little ahead.

Here are some photos, and I’ll be sharing the recipes later this week.

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Bishop Statement on President Obama’s Speech on Libya

By   /   March 28, 2011  /   Comments

WASHINGTON – Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies, released the following statement after President Barack Obama delivered a speech to the nation on Libya.

“Tonight President Obama offered a clear explanation of why military action in Libya was essential. I support the President for taking action to prevent a humanitarian crisis, and I applaud our servicemembers who put themselves in harms way to carry out this mission. An international coalition including the United States, NATO and the Arab League all agreed that we could not sit on our hands while Qaddafi massacred his own people, and I am glad that this mission has been successful.

“NATO has already taken over responsibility for enforcing the ‘no fly zone,’ and I am pleased that the U.S. will hand over responsibility for protecting the Libyan people to NATO on Wednesday. I hope that President Obama will continue to consult and inform Congress as the mission in Libya progresses.”

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  1. Mike Sabot says:

    Clear explanation? Only a politician would say that.

  2. Truth B Known says:

    Do the people who are fighting these wars for us get a say in what is going on?They put there lives on the line for us everyday.Then when some come home,they get shuned by there jobs they had to leave to fight for us.And Govt. thinks this is ok.Bull.Give something to these men and women.RESPECT would be a good start.Then dont fight with them when they come home and need us.That is so wrong.God Bless All of You for protecting us,and fighting for us to keep our Rights and Freedom.If i could i would give you my life for what you have done for me.But i think we need to start thinking about the USA.We are broke.We cant help everyone.And ask yourself this,would some of them help us?

About the author

Owner / Editor / Writer

Tom Knighton is the publisher of The Albany Journal. In November, 2011, he became the first blogger to take over a newspaper anywhere in the world. In August of 2012, he made the difficult decision to take the Journal out of print circulation and become an online news agency, a first for the Albany area.

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