
Monday, October 20, 2008
entry # 10
A canoe is a small narrow boat, typically human-powered, though it may also be powered by sails or small electric or gas motors. Canoes usually are pointed at both bow and stern and are normally open on top, but can be covered.
In its human-powered form, the canoe is ordinarily propelled by the use of paddles, with the number of paddlers (most commonly two) dependent on the size of the canoe. Paddlers face in the direction of travel, either seated on supports in the hull, or kneeling directly upon the hull. Paddling can be contrasted with rowing, where the rowers usually face away from the direction of travel and use mounted oars (though a wide canoe can be fitted with oarlocks and rowed). Paddles may be single-bladed or double-bladed.
The oldest recovered canoe in the world is the canoe of Pesse (Holland). According to C14 dating analysis it was constructed somewhere between 8200 and 7600 B.C. This canoe is exhibited in the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands.
Sailing canoes (see Canoe Sailing) are propelled by means of a variety of sailing rigs. Common classes of modern sailing canoes include the 5 m² and the International 10 m² Sailing canoes. The latter is otherwise known as the International Canoe, and is one of the fastest and oldest competitively sailed boat classes in the western world. The log canoe of the Chesapeake Bay is in the modern sense not a canoe at all, though it evolved through the enlargement of dugout canoes.
entry # 9
As a tribute to Jacobs, the Rockefeller Foundation announced on February 9, 2007 the creation of the Jane Jacobs Medal, “to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to thinking about urban design, specifically in New York City.”[7] From the mid 1950s to the mid 1960s, the foundation’s Humanities Division sponsored an “Urban Design Studies” research program, of which Jacobs was the best known grantee.[8]. In September 2007 the Rockefeller Foundation awarded Barry Benepe, co-founder of NYC’s Green Market program and a founding member of Transportation Alternatives, with the inaugural Jane Jacobs Medal for Lifetime Leadership and a $100,000 cash prize. The inaugural Jane Jacobs Medal for new Ideas and Activism was awarded to Omar Freilla, the founder of Green Worker Cooperatives in the South Bronx; Mr. Freilla donated his $100,000 to his organization.
In May 2008, the Rockefeller Foundation announced that Peggy Shepard, executive director of West Harlem Environmental Action, would receive the 2008 Jane Jacobs Medal for Lifetime Leadership and Alexie Torres-Fleming, founder of Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, would receive the award for New Ideas and Activism. Both women will receive their medals and $100,000 awards at a dinner ceremony in September 2008 in New York City.
The City of Toronto proclaimed Friday May 4, 2007 as Jane Jacobs Day in Toronto. Two dozen free walks around and about Toronto neighbourhoods, dubbed “Jane’s Walk”, were held on Saturday May 5, 2007. A Jane’s Walk event was held in New York in on September 29 and 30, 2007 and, for 2008, the event has spread to eight cities and towns across Canada.
She was also famous for her saying, “Eyes on the Street”.
The Municipal Art Society of New York has partnered with the Rockefeller Foundation to host an exhibit focusing on “Jane Jacobs and the Future of New York” which opened at the MAS on September 26, 2007. The exhibit aims to educate the public on her writings and activism and uses tools to encourage new generations to become active in issues involving their own neighborhoods. An accompanying exhibit publication includes essays and articles by such architecture critics, artists, activists and journalists as Malcolm Gladwell, Reverend Billy, Robert Neuwirth, Tom Wolfe, Thomas de Monchaux, and William McDonough. [9] Many of these contributors are participating in a series of panel discussions on “Jane Jacobs and the Future of New York” taking place at venues across the city in Fall, 2007.[10]
[edit] Works
entry # 8
entry # 7
Mariam is only 15 when she is sent to Kabul to marry the troubled and bitter Rasheed, who 1s 30 years her senior. Nearly 2 decades later in a climate of growning unrest, tragedy strikes 15 years old Laila, who must live her home and join Mariam's unhappy household. Laila and Mariam are to find consolation in each other , their friendship to grow as deep as the bond betweem sisters, as strong as the ties between mother and daughter . With the passing of time comes Taliban rule over Afghanistan , the streets of Kabul loud with the sound of gunfire and bombs, life a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, the women's endurance tested beyond their worse imaginnings. Yet love can move a person to act in unexpected ways , lead them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with a startling heroism . In the end, it is love that triumphs over deaths and destruction.
entry # 6
entry # 5
Friday, October 10, 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Vista
Windows Vista (pronounced /ˈvɪstə/) is a line of operating systems developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, Tablet PCs, and media center PCs. Prior to its announcement on July 22, 2005, Windows Vista was known by its codename Longhorn.[3] Development was completed on November 8, 2006; over the following three months it was released in stages to computer hardware and software manufacturers, business customers, and retail channels. On January 30, 2007, it was released worldwide,[4] and was made available for purchase and download from Microsoft's website.[5] The release of Windows Vista came more than five years after the introduction of its predecessor, Windows XP, the longest time span between successive releases of Microsoft Windows.
Windows Vista contains many changes and new features, including an updated graphical user interface and visual style dubbed Windows Aero, improved searching features, new multimedia creation tools such as Windows DVD Maker, and redesigned networking, audio, print, and display sub-systems. Vista also aims to increase the level of communication between machines on a home network, using peer-to-peer technology to simplify sharing files and digital media between computers and devices. Windows Vista includes version 3.0 of the .NET Framework, which aims to make it significantly easier for software developers to write applications than with the traditional Windows API.
Microsoft's primary stated objective with Windows Vista, however, has been to improve the state of security in the Windows operating system.[6] One common criticism of Windows XP and its predecessors has been their commonly exploited security vulnerabilities and overall susceptibility to malware, viruses and buffer overflows. In light of this, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates announced in early 2002 a company-wide "Trustworthy Computing initiative" which aims to incorporate security work into every aspect of software development at the company. Microsoft stated that it prioritized improving the security of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 above finishing Windows Vista, thus delaying its completion.[7]
While these new features and security improvements have garnered positive reviews, Vista has also been the target of much criticism and negative press. Criticism of Windows Vista has targeted high system requirements, its more restrictive licensing terms, the inclusion of a number of new digital rights management technologies aimed at restricting the copying of protected digital media, lack of compatibility with certain pre-Vista hardware and software, and the number of authorization prompts for User Account Control. As a result of these and other issues, Windows Vista has seen adoption and satisfaction rates lower than Windows XP.[8]
#entry 4#

Thursday, September 4, 2008
http://www.levistrauss.com/News/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?pid=860
THE LEVI'S® BRAND DIGITALLY 'UNBUTTONS' A DIVERSE CAST OF EMERGING ARTISTS AS PART OF GLOBAL 501® MARKETING CAMPAIGN
Campaign features exclusive new tracks by talented musicians Estelle, Nikka Costa and Wale and content from celebrity blog sensation Perez HiltonSan Francisco (August 14, 2008) – This week, the Levi’s® brand launches an innovative digital experience as part of its global “Live Unbuttoned” campaign celebrating the iconic Levi's® 501® jean. The digital program "unbuttons" a cast of some of the hottest new artists from the world of music, art, sports and entertainment. Fast rising R&B star Estelle, lyrical wizard Wale, celebrity blogger extraordinaire Perez Hilton and XGames gold medalist Jamie Bestwick are just a few of the stars who "unbutton" themselves to reveal fun, whimsical videos and exclusive online content.
At the heart of the Levi’s® new digital experience is the idea that everyone has something to reveal, they just need to be "unbuttoned." Levi’s “Unbuttoned” digital concept was developed and executed by EVB San Francisco with artist relations support from Cornerstone. The experience offers fans a sneak peak into each artist’s ‘revelations’ through exclusive full motion videos, music downloads and film content. Exclusive tracks by Estelle, Wale and Nikka Costa from their respective forthcoming albums were produced for the “Live Unbuttoned” digital campaign. The tracks are available for free download at www.levi.com/estelle, www.levi.com/nikka and www.levi.com/wale.
“Levi’s is a brand that represents creativity, individuality and freedom of expression. This spirit is at the heart of the ‘unbuttoned’ campaign and the new digital experience curated by Levi’s®,” said Doug Sweeny, Director of Levi’s® Brand Marketing. “The emerging artists we partnered with unbutton themselves in their own unique and inspired way. The resulting brand experience invites consumers to interact with Levi's® in a fun and relevant way that will evolve and grow as consumers interact with it over time.”
The “Unbuttoned” digital campaign is supported by an awareness print media campaign by EVB in magazines including Rolling Stone, The Fader, Giant, Dime, Vibe and ESPN. A rich online media campaign produced by Ave A/Razorfish was also developed to support the launch of the campaign.
About Levi's® "Unbuttoned" Talent
Estelle - Singer, song writer and producer, Estelle brings a mix of lounge-funk, reggae, hip hop and soul to her ground-breaking sound. Estelle stands out as a strong, independent woman who inspires others with her relentless pursuit of being real and authentic. Estelle's recent chart topper " American Boy" featuring Kanye West is a number one single worldwide. Levi's customers an exclusive can get a free exclusive download of Estelle’s new song "No Substitute Love Remix" at www.levi.com/estelle.
Perez Hilton - Celebrity blogger and television personality writes one of the
most visited and loved entertainment sites online at perezhilton.com. The site
generates a much as 8 million readers a day. Check out what Perez has to say in early September at www.levi.com/perez.
Wale is known and respected by fans worldwide for his mix raw energy, lyrical wizardry and genre-bending production. Wale garnered crazy buzz and many industry-firsts in 2007, all without a record deal. In 2008, he signed with Interscope via Grammy Award winning producer Mark Ronson and will release his first album in 2009. Wale produced an exclusive remix for Levi’s off "100 Miles and Running" called "Breakdown" available now at www.levi.com/wale.
Nikka Costa – Born into a family of musicians, this songstress takes a dash
of Janis, a pinch of Tina and a spoonful of James Brown to deliver
music that is confidently unique and continually evolving. For those who like their tunes fresh and soulful with an injection of rock and R&B, Nikka's style fusion hits that musical sweet spot. Download Nikka Costa’s exclusive “Stuck On You” remix at www.levi.com/nikka.
Jamie Bestwick - The world’s preeminent vertical BMX rider, Jamie won an XGames Gold Medal just last week and is a five time XGames Gold medal winner. If anyone knows the value of taking a chance, it's Jamie. “The King of
Vert” dumped his day job to ride BMX full time almost ten years ago and has
never looked back. Look for a cool video featuring Jamie at www.levi.com/jamie.
entry # 3
Sunday, August 3, 2008
entry # 2
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Federer currently plays with a customized Wilson (K) Factor (K)Six-One Tour 90 Racquet,[64] which is characterised by its smaller hitting surface (90 square inch),[64] heavy weight (12.5 oz strung weight),[64] and thin beam (18 mm).[64] Federer strings his racquets at a 53–60 pounds tension (depending on his opponent and surface), although at Wimbledon 2008 he was stringing at around 48 pounds with natural gut main strings (Wilson Natural Gut 16 String) and polyester cross strings (Luxilon Big Banger ALU Power Rough 16L String).[65] This allows him to hit balls at higher velocity with less effort but makes consistent accuracy more difficult.[citation needed] Federer also uses string savers to extend the life of the natural gut strings. Federer endorses Wilson tennis racquets and accessories and Nike footwear and apparel (he wears the Nike Air Vapor V and Nike Sphere Pinstripe Polo shirts).[66] For the 2006 championships at Wimbledon, Nike designed a jacket emblazoned with a crest of three tennis racquets symbolising the three Wimbledon Championships he had previously won. This jacket was updated in preparation for the 2007 Wimbledon Championships, with four racquets.[67] He also has endorsement deals from various other companies, many of them being Swiss.[68] He also endorses Gillette.[69]
Federer at Wimbledon, 2005.
Federer at Wimbledon, 2005.
Federer has a versatile, all-court playing style and can hit all of the fundamental shots with a high degree of proficiency. His versatility was epitomised when Jimmy Connors said "In an era of specialists - you're either a clay court specialist, a grass court specialist or a hard court specialist... or you're Roger Federer".[60] He is an adept volleyer and an excellent baseliner who can dictate play with precise groundstrokes from both wings. He uses an extreme eastern grip, which places the hand between eastern and semi-western for his forehand and finishes with his right arm around the shoulder, and he keeps his eyes on the moment of impact longer than other players. He also can generate extreme top-spin with the forehand shot, allowing him to open up cross-court angles while still hitting the ball with pace. David Foster Wallace has described the exceptional speed, fluidity and brute force of this forehand motion as "a great liquid whip",[61] while John McEnroe has referred to it as "the greatest shot in our sport" on numerous occasions.[62] Federer plays with a one-handed backhand, and has an excellent slice, and can also fire top-spin winning shots.[61] Federer tends to hit his groundstrokes early, while the ball is still on the rise, much like Andre Agassi did. While this requires excellent reactions and footwork, it means that Federer hits his groundstrokes closer to the net than most of his opponents. This reduces the reaction time of his opponents and allows him to hit the angled winners that are a trademark of his game.[61]
His serve is difficult to read because he tosses the ball in the same spot no matter where he intends to serve it and he turns his back to his opponents during his motion. His first serve is typically around 190 km/h (However, he is capable of serving at 220km/h).[63] His second serve usually has a heavily kicked delivery. Federer generally serves with placement and precision, but on occasion he will hit a powerful serve to keep his opponents off balance. His footwork, balance, and court coverage are exceptional and he is considered to be one of the fastest movers in the game. Unlike most players who take many small steps when approaching the ball, like Jimmy Connors, Federer takes long fluid strides. He can hit a strong shot on the run or while backpedaling, allowing him to switch from defense to offense. Federer's relaxed, smooth playing style belies his aggressive and opportunistic tactics, as he constructs points which allow him to hit winners with his powerful groundstrokes. Federer is capable of performing in high pressure situations, often saving break, set or even match points during a match.