text:
Dean Sheffield has been hurt-in more ways than one. The car accident that robbed him of his baseball career also took away the woman he loved. Now he's starting over with a new business, the Eagle's Nest Dude Ranch in Whistle River, Montana. He's also been asked to take his teenage nephew for the summer, but Dean has no idea what's in store for him. The only thing he does know is that women are the last thing on his mind.
Annie Holladay is also starting over, gearing up for a new career and spending a few precious months with her daughter before Nessa moves in with Annie's soon-to-be ex-husband. Annie also has her hands full working at the Eagle's Nest for the summer, especially after she realizes that she and Dean are attracted to each other.
It's too bad they agree it's not the right time to start a relationship because the attraction between them is becoming a distraction for them both.
Disaster.
That was the only word to describe the scene that greeted Dean Sheffield when he walked into the main lodge of the Eagle's Nest Dude Ranch. He stared, open-mouthed, at scaffolding climbing one wall, boards for bookshelves stacked against another, and rocks for the fireplace heaped on a tarp near the chimney.
He turned slowly toward Gary Parker, his best friend and right-hand man. "Tell me I'm dreaming."
Gary's dark eyes narrowed slightly and he stroked the thick handlebar mustache that bracketed his mouth as he took in the mess in front of them. "I wish I could, buddy. But I think this is for real."
Dean lowered the toolbox he'd been carrying to the floor. "Any guesses where the construction crew might be?"
Gary followed a trail of muddy footprints across the polished hardwood floor with his gaze. "On break or taking an early lunch? I didn't notice any of their trucks when we pulled up, so they might even be through for the day."
In spite of the warm spring sun and the call of a meadowlark in the distance, a chill worthy of a Montana winter inched up Dean's spine. "The foreman promised they'd be finished yesterday," he said, instinctively checking his watch. "We only have two weeks until we're supposed to open for business."
"They've almost finished." Gary pushed back the brim of his cowboy hat and took another long look around the room. "It just doesn't look like it. Why don't you try to relax? There's plenty of time to finish everything before Memorial Day. I'll look for the foreman and find out what the holdup is."
Dean reached to pick up the toolbox. Worry and frustration almost made him forget to use his left hand, but the warning flash of discomfort he felt as he stretched reminded him in a hurry. "Thanks, but I'll talk to him myself. I'm just glad you're still optimistic because I'm having trouble staying upbeat. The furniture's not here yet, none of our food or supplies have arrived, and unless I'm mistaken, nobody's heard from Miles in days."
Gary's cowboy boots echoed on the wooden floor as he trailed Dean across the room. "Barry said the furniture would be here tomorrow and I checked with our other suppliers yesterday. We should start receiving things in the next couple of days. As for Miles, he's a good friend and reliable as the sun. He'll deliver the horses before we open, guaranteed."
Dean shoved through the swinging doors that led into the kitchen and stopped just inside. In spite of Gary's reassurance, the sight of the renovation crew's sawhorses and temporary workbenches made him very nervous.
Was he making a mistake to think he could run a dude ranch? The business courses he'd taken in college were a distant memory and the research he'd done on the vacation industry suddenly felt skimpy rather than extensive. But it was too late to back out now. His savings account was almost depleted and he'd borrowed heavily against the money in his retirement plan. Besides, Dean didn't back out of commitments—at least not willingly.
"Maybe I should ask Les and Irma if I can store the furniture in their barn in case it arrives before the crew clears out."
Gary took the toolbox from Dean and carried it toward the bank of windows overlooking the wide clearing behind the lodge. "Good idea. And if they don't have room, they'll know someone who does. That's one thing there's no shortage of in Whistle River—storage space."
In spite of the turmoil his life had been in lately, being surrounded by friends helped keep Dean grounded. He'd met Les and Irma just four years earlier on his first visit to Montana. Two years later, he'd met Gary, and now Dean felt as if he'd known them all forever. He counted himself lucky that they'd all offered to help him get back on his feet again.
Gary pulled two scrapers from the toolbox and handed one to Dean. "Now how about we wait and see if something actually goes wrong before we start coming up with solutions?"
Dean stared at the tool in his hand. "I'm not trying to sound pessimistic. It's just that life's thrown me a few curve balls lately."
Sitting on his heels in front of the window, Gary started to work on a label stuck to the pane of glass. "Things are finally looking up for you. Why can't you just accept that and be grateful? Everything's going to be fine. Trust me."
Dean let his gaze linger on the broad sweep of landscape outside the window. He could see the red-roofed stables at the bottom of the hill, the shadow of forest separating the lodge from the fire pit, the slow slope of tree-covered hills rising toward snow-capped mountains.
"This land is the first thing I've allowed myself to want since the accident, and renovating this lodge is the first risk I've let myself take." He took a deep breath and brought up a subject he usually refused to talk about. "Sometimes it's hard to be grateful when you're only thirty-six and the only career you've ever wanted is a distant memory."
Gary peeled a long strip of paper from the window, shrugging as if they were discussing something inconsequential. "Try looking at it this way—you're only thirty-six and you've been given a chance to start over. How many people get that?"
"I'm grateful," Dean said, stretching toward a label high overhead. "I'm downright giddy when I can go a whole day without taking a pain pill, or when I get a full night's sleep." Agitated by their conversation, he reached too far and pain blazed through the muscles in his right shoulder. Before he could stop it, the scraper tumbled uselessly to the floor at his feet.
Frustrated and angry, he grabbed his shoulder and fought back the unwelcome tears that still came with the pain. Turning away from Gary, Dean headed for the sink, pulled a prescription bottle from his pocket, and shook a capsule into his hand. He scooped water into his mouth, swallowed the pill, and swabbed his chin with his sleeve.
Gary kept working as if nothing had happened. His tactfulness was one of the things Dean liked best about him.
When Dean could breathe easily again, he leaned against the counter and took up the conversation. "I know I was lucky to even have money after the accident. I had great insurance, too. Most people would be buried under a pile of medical bills and fighting just to survive, and here I am with a piece of the most beautiful country in the world and a new business on top of that. I keep telling myself how lucky I am, but I can't shake the feeling that something major will go wrong before we open."
"You worry too much," Gary said with a grin. "Fortune's getting set to smile on you. I can feel it."
Dean returned the smile half-heartedly and started toward the window again, determined not to let the pain immobilize him for long. The sound of rapidly approaching footsteps caught his attention just as he bent to retrieve his scraper and Jill Beck, the woman he'd hired as cook for the ranch, burst through the swinging door.
Her short blond hair was tousled as if she'd just climbed out of bed, her blue eyes were as round as silver dollars, and her wrinkled white shorts and bright pink halter-top looked as if she'd slept in them. She was young, flighty, and inexperienced, but since he had no reputation to back him, Dean had been damn lucky to find her. He'd tried for months to lure a more experienced cook away from one of the other lodges, but none of them had been interested in taking a chance on a completely unknown establishment.
"You're never going to believe what's happened," Jill gushed before the door could even begin to swing shut. "Never in a million years."
Dean picked up the scraper and nudged the toolbox out of his way. "Whatever it is, please tell me it's good news."
"It is . . . in a way." Jill ran her fingers through her hair and shifted her weight onto one thin leg. "I'm getting married! Can you believe it? Scotty finally asked me—after six long years."
Dean grinned at her. "I'd say that qualifies as good news. Congratulations."
Gary covered the distance between them in three long strides and swept Jill into a bear hug. "It's about time that guy of yours pulled his head out. When's the big day?"
Jill's smile faded slightly and she glanced sideways at Dean. "That's where things get sticky." She clasped her hands in front of her and twisted her fingers. "The thing is, we want to have a real small wedding. Just immediate family and a few close friends, you know? And we want to do it before Scotty's brother leaves for basic training. The fifteenth of June is like the only day we can do it and have everyone there."
The explanation tumbled out of her mouth in such a rush, Dean felt a tingle of apprehension in his scalp. "That's quick, but nothing we can't work around. Any idea how much time you'll want off for your honeymoon? I should probably start trying to find a temporary replacement right away."
Jill's smile disappeared completely and the knuckles over her tangled fingers turned white. "Well . . . ? That's another problem." Her gaze danced around the room, never landing anywhere for more than a second and touching everything except Dean's face. "The thing is, Scotty's been doing a lot of work in Cheyenne the past few months. I told you about that temporary job he's got . . .."
Dean nodded, but he was starting to get an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"Well, anyway," Jill went on, "he's making a whole lot more there than he can here, and he just got offered a permanent position, so that's why he finally proposed." Dragging in a deep breath, she shot a glance at Gary and then finished at top speed. "The thing is, with his job and everything, we've decided we should live there. In Cheyenne, I mean."
The tingles on Dean's scalp turned into ice. Gary kept his gaze locked on Jill's face so Dean couldn't make eye contact, and asked, "When are you going?"
Dean raised both eyebrows but his heart sank. "I guess this means I'm not looking for a temporary replacement."
"No. And I'm sorry." Jill's hands sprang apart and her fingers fluttered nervously. "I know this is a horrible thing to do to you at the last minute. Do you hate me?"
"I'd be lying if I said this wasn't a stumbling block," Dean said, forcing a smile. "But that's my problem not yours. And I'm not the kind of guy to begrudge someone a little happiness just because it inconveniences me. I'm happy for both of you."
Jill let out a sigh so heavy and filled with relief, Dean thought she might fall over. "Oh, thank you. Scotty kept telling me everything would be okay, but I was still so worried. I didn't know how you'd react because, you know, sometimes—." She broke off, tittering, and flapped a hand between them. "Well, anyway, I just know you'll find someone to take my place. Someone a whole lot better than me, I'll bet." She turned toward the door, obviously anxious to be away. "If I can help, just let me know."
Dean sighed heavily as the door closed behind her and turned toward his friend.
Gary held up both hands defensively. "Don't say it."
"That you told me so."
Dean rotated his shoulder gently. "I don't need to say it, do I?"
"No, but you want to. I can see it in your eyes." Gary stared at the door, still swinging gently behind Jill. "It's not the end of the world, you know. There's a solution out there. All we have to do is find it."
Dean rolled his eyes, exasperated that nothing seemed to shake his friend's optimism. "Just for the record, if this is your idea of good luck, I'd rather have fortune smile in another direction."
"Joke if you want to. I'm dead serious." Gary gathered the small pile of paper shavings he'd accumulated and carried them across the room. Dropping it into the trash can, he stood for a few seconds without moving, then turned back with a grin. "In fact, I'll bet a hundred dollars I can have a replacement for Jill before the day's out."
Dean took a couple of steps toward him. "What do you have in mind?"
"It just so happens, I have a cousin who's a gourmet chef. I haven't seen her in years, but my mom mentioned her when she called the other day." Gary dusted off his hands on the back of his pants. "Apparently, she and her husband are splitting up and she's been applying for jobs all over. Mom said she's accepted a teaching position at some cooking school this fall but she's at loose ends until then—or was three days ago."
Dean shook his head with a laugh. "Great idea," he said sarcastically. "I could barely afford the salary I promised Jill. There's no way I can afford a gourmet chef. And that's assuming she'd even want to come here."
Gary glanced around in surprise. "Why wouldn't she?"
"For one thing, we're pretty isolated. For another, we're not a gourmet restaurant or a four-star hotel, or a spa, or a country club. And let's not forget that the people who have made reservations so far are coming because they want a rustic experience. You think your cousin would be interested in fixing meat and potatoes for a bunch of weekend cowboys?"
Gary shrugged. "Why not?"
"I can't imagine that any gourmet chef would find our setup even slightly interesting."
"Oh? And how many gourmet chefs do you know?"
"A few," Dean lied without batting an eye. "I haven't always lived in Whistle River, and I used to eat at plenty of high-class restaurants."
Gary waved his concerns aside. "Well, you haven't met Annie. She's completely down-to-earth."
Gary leaned on the counter and looked Dean square in the eye. "Do you want me to call her, or would you rather give up before you try?"
"I'm just trying to be realistic."
"Well, stop. We only have fourteen days until we're supposed to open and I don't see a whole lot of options out there. This isn't the time to be practical and realistic. It's the time to be bold and daring."
Dean held up both hands in surrender. "Okay. Fine. Call her if you want to but don't get your hopes up. When she hears what I can afford to pay, she'll laugh you off the phone."
"She might. But she also might be willing to do a favor for her favorite cousin. We won't know unless we ask."
"Then ask."
"And if she is interested?"
Dean sat on the floor to work and smiled for that first time that morning. "If a gourmet chef is willing to work on a dude ranch in Whistle River, Montana for a fraction of what she could make anywhere else, I'll eat crow. And she can cook it."
"Montana? You've got to be kidding."
"Montana," Annie Holladay repeated. "And I'm completely serious." She scooped pieces of diced mango into a saucepan and tried not to let her daughter's reaction dampen her own high spirits. Fifteen-year-old Nessa might not agree, but to Annie, Gary's phone call couldn't have come at a better time.
Nessa kicked her feet onto the chair next to her and a lock of the straight brown hair she'd inherited from her father fell into her eyes. She blew it off her forehead, pushed another lock from her shoulder, and pulled the stack of CD's she was sorting a few inches closer. "I'm serious too, Mom. This is a horrible idea." She flipped open the expensive CD holder her dad had given her during their weekend visit and shook her head. "I can't believe you're even thinking about saying yes."
Annie turned away from Spence's most recent attempt to buy Nessa's forgiveness and pulled an onion from the refrigerator. She put her frustrations into peeling and dicing as she talked. "I think that getting away from Chicago is exactly what we both need."
"Maybe it's what you need, but the whole point of me moving in with Dad is so I can stay in Chicago—remember?"
Annie stopped chopping and tried to ignore the emptiness that filled her whenever she thought about moving to Seattle and leaving Nessa behind. Her heart and her head had been at war since the first time Nessa had suggested staying, and she was no closer to truly accepting their decision than she'd been the first time they'd discussed it.
"Of course I remember," she said, forcing a smile. "Just like you remember promising to spend this summer with me. It wouldn't be fair to back out just because I've decided to do a favor for my cousin."
From beneath her bangs, Nessa shot her mother a sullen look. "Yeah, but aren't you the one who's always telling me that life isn't fair?"
With just a little over three months until September, Annie didn't want to waste precious time arguing with her daughter. She managed a grin in spite of the ache in her heart. "Yes, but it's easier to accept that when life's being unfair to someone else." She swept the onion into the pan with her knife and blinked back the tears caused by the onion's pungent aroma. "It's going to be hard enough to leave you here when I move. I'm not ready to let you go yet."
Nessa dug through a stack of CD's and found the one she wanted. "Well, I don't want you to move to Seattle. As far as I'm concerned, things are fine the way they are."
"Things aren't fine," Annie said firmly. "The culinary world isn't big enough for your dad and me to stay in the same town. I'm constantly running into him and Catherine and it's still hard for me to see them together." She put a red pepper on the grill and turned up the flame. "I don't like feeling hurt and angry all the time. That's why I have to leave."
Nessa's gaze flickered across the room, then back to the stack of CD's in front of her. "I know that, but I don't want to move, and I don't want spend the summer in Who-Cares, Montana."
"Whistle River."
"Whatever." Nessa slipped another CD into her new case. "It sounds awful."
"It sounds kind of fun to me." Annie kept her voice light as she turned the pepper over. "My cousin and his friend need help, and I'm in a position to give it to them. You don't really want me to turn them down?" She held up one finger and tried to change the tone of their conversation. "Only answer that if the answer is no."
The corners of Nessa's mouth curved and Annie's heart soared. "I guess I wouldn't want you to. But I can't go, Mom. Not this summer."
"And why not?"
"Because Tracee says Brian likes me. Really likes me. He's thinking about asking me out—and you know I've liked him forever."
Annie knew how important friends were to teenagers, but it hurt to think that Nessa would consider trading their last few months together for time with a boy. "You won't be gone that long," she said. "Brian won't forget you, I promise. And by the time you get back here, you'll almost be old enough to date."
Nessa frowned, sinking back into her chair. "So you're going to make me go?"
"If that's the way you want to put it. I'd rather have you agree to go, but either way I want you with me for the summer."
Nessa kicked one heel against the leg of her chair and studied the table. "Fine," she said after what felt like eternity. "But this totally stinks."
"I'll remember that."
"My whole summer could be ruined."
"Try to keep an open mind, okay? It could also turn out to be the best summer of your life."
Nessa rolled her eyes and stood. "Yeah. I'm just sure it will be," she said over her shoulder as she left the room.
Annie watched until Nessa disappeared into the living room, then turned back to her dinner with a sigh. A year ago, she'd been happy and contented with her life. She'd had a loving and generous husband, a gentle and caring daughter, and the career of her dreams. At least, she thought she had. Since the day she'd walked in on Spence and Catherine eight months earlier, she'd felt as if she was walking in a stranger's shoes.
Sometimes Annie believed that her life was on the mend; at other times, she felt as if she was free-falling from some great height toward a bottomless valley. On those days, there was nothing to do but grit her teeth, close her eyes, and pray that she'd eventually land on solid ground.
Her relationship with Nessa had been strained for weeks—months, even. She hadn't expected that her divorce from Spence would be easy on Nessa, but she also hadn't stopped hoping that Nessa would change her mind about staying in Chicago. She hoped this trip to the Eagle's Nest would help to strengthen their bond. It would give them both three months away from friends, family, and other distractions—and that's exactly what they both needed.
Battling exhaustion, Dean turned on the stereo in his office and dragged the day's mail across his desk. He'd been working since sunrise and every muscle in his body ached, but he didn't want to go to bed until he checked to see whether any new reservations had come in.
At least a few things were finally looking up. The furniture he'd been waiting for had been delivered on schedule three days earlier. One of their suppliers promised delivery by truck the following day. The crew had actually finished renovating the fireplace and building the bookshelves. And for the first time in weeks, Dean was starting to believe the Eagle's Nest would actually be ready to open for Memorial Day.
Yawning noisily, he tossed bills onto his desk and junk mail into the garbage can at his feet. He fought the sinking sensation that swept over him when he finished sorting without coming across any new business. He knew that some of his old teammates were planning to come after baseball season ended, but that guaranteed business was still months away, especially if the team made the playoffs. Anyway, Dean had put some distance between himself and his old friends after the accident and he was nervous about seeing them again. He couldn't even talk to them on the phone without painful memories of the past coming back to haunt him. They were all living a life Dean had been forced to leave behind. A life he preferred not to talk about and tried not to think about. No matter how much he needed the money, he didn't look forward to a week of baseball talk.
He shoved the bills into a basket on the corner of his desk and walked across the room to the window. Leaning his shoulder against the window frame, he watched the sun setting over the snow-capped mountain peaks and tried to convince himself that Gary was right about everything working out in the end. He'd been right about his cousin, hadn't he? And though he'd taken great delight in rubbing that in Dean's face over the past few days, Dean couldn't deny a strong sense of relief.
What they'd do with a gourmet chef on a dude ranch remained to be seen. He worried a little that she'd turn out to be temperamental or full of big ideas about what kind of food should come out of the kitchen. But he had plans to keep that from happening, and he'd know soon enough if Annie Holladay was going fit in. If she didn't . . . well, he'd soon know that, too.
There wasn't anything he could do about it now.
At least he'd have company at the Eagle's Nest soon. Tomorrow, Gary would move into one of the dormitory-style rooms on the second floor so he could be on-site all summer. Annie Holladay and her daughter would arrive by late afternoon.
Much as Dean liked the quiet evenings, there were times when he had too much time to think, letting his doubts and fears get the best of him. A little company would be a good thing—as long as they didn't make him lose his focus. It would take everything he had to make the Eagle's Nest turn a profit in its first year.
The CD player changed to a Toby Keith song. Dean aimed the remote at the stereo, turned up the volume, and sang along until the telephone on his desk rang. He stopped singing, left the window reluctantly, and picked up the receiver.
"Somebody's got to do something with this boy," a woman shrilled when he answered. "I'm about to kill him."
Hearing his sister's voice at such an unexpected moment jolted Dean out of his reflective mood. He aimed the remote at the stereo again and muted the sound. "Carol? What's wrong?"
"Tyler's what's wrong. I swear, Dean, I can't take any more of this."
Sixteen-year-old Tyler had been a trial to Dean's younger sister for most of his life. Carol had gotten pregnant in high school—long before she was emotionally ready to be a mom. She still hadn't grown into the role.
Dean hadn't been around for much of Tyler's life, but it seemed to him that every scraped knee and cut finger over the years had reduced Carol to tears. Now that Tyler was older, signs of normal teenage rebellion sent her into hysterics.
"Any more of what?" Dean asked. "Give me a specific problem, okay?"
"You want specific? How's this? Your nephew is completely out of control." Carol's heels clicked as she paced the floor and ice rattled in a glass as she drank something. Dean's stomach knotted at the sound, even though Carol had been sober for years. There was nothing to worry about. "You know that Play Station you sent him a couple of Christmases ago? Well, it's gone."
"What do you mean, gone?"
"I mean gone. Tyler claims he doesn't know where it is, but I know he's lying."
Dean tried not to fuel Carol's hysterics. "Maybe he really doesn't know."
"Of course he knows." Carol's voice rose a couple of decibels. "He's doing this to torment me."
Dean kept his voice steady. "Maybe someone moved it, or—"
"This isn't the first thing that's gone missing around here," Carol broke in before he could finish. "You remember Mama's pearl ring? Well, it's disappeared, too."
That made Dean feel slightly sick, but he still had trouble believing his nephew was responsible. "Are you sure you haven't just misplaced the ring?"
"No, I haven't. I always put that ring back in my jewelry box when I'm not wearing it—and I hardly ever wear it. Tyler knows that."
Dean rubbed his forehead with his fingertips. "Maybe, but that doesn't prove he took it."
"Who else would?"
"Who else has been in your house?"
"Randy, of course. And Tyler's friends. Randy wouldn't steal from me, but I wouldn't put anything past those kids Tyler hangs out with."
The mention of her new boyfriend made Dean sit up straighter. He hadn't met Randy yet, but Carol's taste in men had always been a source of concern. Every time she brought a new man into her life, Dean worried that she'd gone back to the same kind of loser she'd once found so attractive.
He might have suggested Randy as the possible thief, but questioning Carol's judgment when she was in this mood would be like tossing gasoline onto an open flame. He decided to save himself the grief and focus on the other possibility she'd named. "You can't hold Tyler responsible for what his friends do."
"Oh, can't I?" Carol laughed harshly. "Tyler knows how I feel about his friends being here, but he doesn't care. He doesn't care about anything I say. If his friends are stealing from me, Tyler is at least partially to blame."
Dean used the remote once more and turned off the stereo. He had the feeling this conversation would take a while. He rubbed his eyes and stifled a yawn. "What does he say when you bring up his friends?"
"What do you think he says? He defends them, of course. He refuses to believe that they're as bad as I tell him they are."
Tyler must have learned that trick from his mother, Dean thought, then immediately felt guilty—even though Carol did habitually defend the deadbeats she dated.
He rubbed the back of his neck, ignored the grit of exhaustion in his eyes, and tried to steer her toward the point of her call. "What do you want me to do, Carol? Would it help if I talked to Tyler?"
"Talking doesn't do any good. I've talked myself silly, and so has Randy. Tyler tunes out everything we say."
"Then why are you calling me?"
"Because I'm at my wit's end. I need your help." Carol took a deep breath and let it out again in a rush. "I called because I want you to take him."


Marquette club lacrosse senior Niko Kakos has played lacrosse his whole life. Now he'll get to do it wearing the Greek uniform this summer against the biggest names in lacrosse at the 2018 World Lacrosse Championships in Netanya, Israel.
"Growing up, I never would have imagined I'd be playing lacrosse on an international stage in front of so many foreign fans," Kakos said.
Kakos almost didn't come to Marquette; he was one step away from playing lacrosse at Tufts University, the 2014 and 2015 NCAA Division 3 national champions. However, Kakos wanted to play closer to his family in Illinois.
Kakos' father and brother went to Marquette. He decided to send his tape to the Golden Eagles' coaching staff, which promptly earned him an invite to prospect camp. That's where Kakos met Marquette recruiting coordinator John Orsen, who is now an assistant coach at Denver University. Orsen implored Kakos to try out at Marquette.
Those hopes would quickly be dashed when he tried to get in contact with Orsen for a summer workout and heard nothing back. He then contacted head coach Joe Amplo, who informed Kakos that Orsen left for Denver and the team did not need to hold tryouts.
Kakos started playing club lacrosse his freshman year, but he wasn't really into it because of the disorganized schedule and relatively low level of play. He contacted the coaches at Tufts and was close to transferring, but his progression as a biomedical science major at Marquette was enough for him to stay.
He hasn't regretted sticking it out at Marquette for a minute.
"Those club guys are some of my best friends now, and they help me enjoy the game," Kakos said.
Sophomore teammate Jake Beery thinks Kakos is one of the most fun players he's ever played with. "He's so good, and expects us to play at a high level, but still jokes around and has fun," Beery said.
At that point, the Greek team was more like being in a beer league."It was just a bunch of Greek-Americans getting together to play," Kakos said.
Now that Greek team with humble beginnings is officially sanctioned for international play and even fields Division 1 and professional players. And, of course, there's Kakos, who certainly doesn't lack any confidence.
"We will be an over .500 team, which is amazing for a first-year program," Kakos said.


Geilo born & bred, Daniel Kvammen has had an eventful year with the release of his debut album "Fremad i alle retninga" including the hit song "Du fortenar ein som meg", the EP "1988" which came out in October, and his Xmas single "December 23". After more than 60 concerts across the length and breadth of Norway, on Wednesday night he ties a ribbon on 2015 with his first ever show at Rockefeller.
Quite the line up for this occasional concert collaboration between ARC Studio and Revolver, with two of Norway's most accomplished next generation of singer-songwriters Morten Myklebust and Jonas Alaska topped off with the space disco king himself Lindstrøm. The night begins at St Edmunds Church right next door, whilst Lindstrøm and Noble Dancer djs (aka film director Joachim Trier (Oslo 31. August, Reprise) and musician/producer Erlend Mokkelbost (Montée, KILLL, JR Ewing) continue in the basement of Revolver afterwards.
Birkelunden Mannskor were established in 2011, and since then have played over 30 concerts including the tv show "4-stjerners middag" on TV Norge, support for Bendik Brænne at Parkteatret, several performances for NRK, Costume Awards, Øyanatt at Revolver and John Dee. They'll perform two concerts (18.30 & 21.00) at Sagene Church on Friday night.
Kamphus, Hellerdal og Homlong, and DJ KNA Julespinn.
Thomas Dybdahl wraps up his acoustic tour with a solo show in the Opera on Sunday night. Due to high demand an extra show has been announced, the same night but at 17.00, which there are still tickets available for.


text:
Pole Parties
Welcome to Aerial Angels Pole Fitness
Fitness doesn't have to be boring. Aerial Angels Pole Fitness is anything but ordinary. Our classes are designed to inspire and empower women in a safe, professional and friendly environment. We welcome everyone no matter your age, shape or size. Our programs will transform your body and spirit and lead to a stronger, sexier and more confident you!
Our mission is to take the work out of workout and create a fun alternative fitness program. Our classes are designed specifically for women to promote strength, flexibility, confidence and overall health.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our studio is currently closed until further notice. However, we are thrilled to invite you to our online class schedule below! We're offering pole and non-pole classes through our sister studio, Boundless Fitness in Paso Robles. Click the "Schedule Online Classes" below for information on classes and pricing. We will continue to offer the option to purchase in-studio classes, and they will be paused until we can open our doors again. Follow us on social media for up to date information about our studio.
Come fly with us!
Schedule Online Classes
Schedule In-Studio Classes
From Hwy 180 W: Heading East on Hwy 180, take the Clovis Ave. exit. Turn left on to Clovis Ave. Head past Olive Ave. and make the left turn onto Lamona Ave. Make the immediate right turn and head to the right of the first building. Turn left in between the two buildings and Aerial Angels will be on the right hand side.
From Hwy 180 E: Heading West on Hwy 180, take the Clovis Ave. exit. Turn right on to Clovis Ave. Head past Olive Ave. and make the left turn onto Lamona Ave. Make the immediate right turn and head to the right of the first business building. Turn left in between the two buildings and Aerial Angels will be on the right hand side.
From Shaw Avenue: Make the turn from Shaw to head South on Clovis Ave. Head past McKinley Ave. and look for the Derrel's Mini Storage on the right hand side. After Derrel's mini storage, make a right hand turn on Lamona Ave. Make the immediate right turn and head to the right of the first business building. Turn left in between the two buildings and Aerial Angels will be on the right hand side.
1421 N. Clovis Ave.
aerialangelspolefitness@yahoo.com
Jennifer Sihavong
Owner/Instructor
Jennifer began her pole journey in the beginning of 2013 and was hooked from the very first class. Jennifer's love for movement started with competitive dance and gymnastics. She was a California State gymnastics champion and received a full ride scholarship for cheerleading to Hawaii Pacific University. Jennifer competed in 2018 within the Pole Sport organization in their Open Level 5 category, placed 2nd at Golden Gate in SF, and 3rd at Pacific in LA. She is certified in Level 1, Level 2, and flexibility from ElevatED. She has also completed Marlo Fisken's Pole Flow Intensive Training. Jennifer was the co-producer, co-choreographer and performed in the show Taboo held at our very own Tower Theatre in Fresno. Jennifer cross trains in aerial silks, hammock, and hoop and is a part-time performer with Aerial Arts Fresno who performed in the Rouge 2019 festival . Jennifer has a passion for teaching and performing, and hoped to continue sharing her passion for years to come! Visit Jennifer at the studio on Tuesday and Thursday evenings!
Irene Brown
Irene started her pole journey in 2013. She has earned teaching certifications through ElevatED Pole Level 1, Level 2, and flexibility. She also continues her training during the year by traveling to take workshops, performing at events, and weekend train-cations. She is dedicated to her students and passionate about helping others achieve their goals. When not in the studio, she is often out adventuring with her family, trying new restaurants, or watching nerdy movies.
Jodi took her first pole class in 2012 as a fun fitness addition to her routine, and fell in love with it when she saw how beautiful and artistic pole could be. She loves pole because it is where she feels the most free and alive.
Sheri Netto
With nearly 20 years of combined dance experience, Sheri brings a wealth of dance knowledge and practice to our studio. From teaching elementary and competitive dance to being a part of the Gold Rush for the 49ers, Sheri has done it all. We are very fortunate to have her on our team! Join Sherri for both of her classes on Monday nights; Choreo Fundamentals at 6pm and Pole Flow at 7:15pm.
Come Fly With Us
© 2023 by Powerhouse Fitness. Proudly created with Wix.com

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


You can make free video and voice calls to friends and family anywhere in the world from the comfort of your living room. If you want to call a friend who is not on Skype, you could make great savings by calling them on their landline or mobile using Skype.
Make a broadband Internet connection.
Press the HOME button, then select [Applications] at the bottom of the screen using the / buttons.
Select [Skype] using the / buttons, then press the button.
Select [Contacts] or [History] using the / buttons.
Select [Contacts] to use your Skype contact list. Select [History] to use the call history list.
Select the contact or phone number to call using the / buttons, then press the button.
Select [Video Call] or [Voice Call] using the / buttons, then press the button.
A status icon is displayed next to your contacts, so you know if they are available to have a conversation.
Press the HOME button, then select [Applications] → [Skype] → [Tools] → [Call Phone Number]. Enter a phone number, then select [Call].
Search the Skype directory by entering the Skype name, full name or e-mail address of the person to call.
Press the HOME button, select [Applications] → [Skype] → [Tools] → [Find Contacts]. Enter a Skype name, full name or e-mail address, select [Search], the Skype name/full name to call, then [Video Call]/[Voice Call].
After finding a contact from the Skype directory, select [Add to Contacts].
From the call history list, select the contact or phone number, then [Add to Contacts].
After entering a phone number, select [Save], then the desired option.
Use the menu bar at the bottom of the screen. When the other party is displayed in full screen, you can show/hide the menu bar by pressing the DISPLAY button.


This whole automotive situation is a microcosm of the broader issues facing the crumbling Western economies in this crisis market, and these issues require significant surgery to our very corporate DNA. And outsourcing and globalization are right at the heart of the issues.
Outsourcing provides an enabler for businesses to change, but ultimately we have to be put in a position where we have to change our corporate DNA and stop clinging to the inefficient ways of the past. That time is now upon us and we need to embrace new ways of working, and new ways of doing this smarter. And if it's fear that is driving us, some short-term panic, some short-term hardship, is a small price to pay to find new avenues of growth and value-creation further down the road.
And that doesn't mean businesses should go out and find outsourcing providers to save them a few dollars today, for the sake of making a quarterly target.
1. People: How can you ensure you have people who are creating value for your business, work with pride and energy, and are always looking at ways to improve their performance?
2. Processes: How can you constantly be finding new ways of achieving business outcomes more profitably?
3. Technology: How can you access all the data-points you need to understand how to drive better performance and constantly refine your business processes?
4. Global Sourcing: How are you embracing talent, process acumen and technology from third-parties, shared service centers, captives and partners around the world to produce cheaper, better products and services than those of your competitors?
And this change in our corporate culture isn't something that comes from the top-down - it comes from the bottom-up. An individual business can create its own culture, its own ways of creating products and delivering services by driving these four vehicles more effectively. If you don't want to work for that business, that's your choice, but the successful workers of the future will find companies that get the best out of them. Bailing out Detroit won't change these automotive businesses, unless the automotive leaders truly want to embrace changing their very DNA and use the vehicles at their disposal to make them more profitable, more innovative and more nimble than their competitors.
I will wholeheartedly agree that the domestic auto industry needs to change. From watching the televised hearings it is obvious that the leaders of the industry just don't get it, and neither do the Autoworkers.
Except for assembly almost all production is outsourced, and much of it is offshore. The change needed is that the automakers need to reduce the number of models, make them more efficient and attractive and frankly price competitive. They need to invest more in developing and implementing fuel technology. In short they need to join the 21st century.
Oh yeah they can probably get rid of their private jets, limo's and other perks, so at least it looks like they have empathy for the rest of us.
When we've outsourced all the jobs, who's going to have the money to buy any of these products? Outsourcing is only good for corporate bottom lines, not for the economic future of America. America needs a solid manufaturing base at home supporting American workers who can then turn around and buy products.
The fix for today's problems is in workers AND executives lowering their earnings and bonuses so prices can come down and consumers can afford the products.
The fix is making innovative products with turn-on-a-dime development that can react to market conditions instead of being stuck with products no one wants. GM, Ford, and Chrysler are stuck in an early-20th-century development mentality trying to compete in the 21st century, and it doesn't work.
Finally, the fix is in getting legacy costs out of the price of the product, but not in removing the legacy commitments workers and companies contracted - that would be unethical. But outsourcing isn't solving any of America's economic ills and it won't solve Detroit's.
One should take note of Boeing aircraft. Many of the components and sub assembly parts are produced overseas and arrive in the US for final assembly. The Boeing 787 for example was designed in Moscow, Russia and in Madrid, Spain.
Done right, outsourcing can provide a powerful advantage. And it can create more jobs than if kept in-house. And it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Outsource at the component or process level, where it provides cost/quality advantages.
That said. NO. OUTSOURCING WON'T SOLVE THEIR CURRENT PROBLEMS. That would be like asking if outsourcing the manufacturing of polyester leisure suits would save a company like Nordstrom. Wrong product!
And under the product problem, lies the cost problem. That's one I don't think they can get out of.
The American automotive industry can't save itself through outsourcing because the problem it has is more fundamental than that.
Over decades, the industry hasn't set aside funds necessary to cover the outlays it has committed for future retirement benefits. Not accounting for those liabilities as they accumulated, meant costs were artificially low and they could sell cars at prices based on the artificially low costs. That was good for short term competitiveness, but those unaccounted for costs had to be paid someday.
Now it's someday and the ponzi-like practice has collapsed. If the companies couldn't sell their cars at somewhat higher prices 5, 10, 20 years ago and set aside funds to pay future employee retirement benefits, what made them think they'd be able to sell cars now, when the accumulated liabilities have grown so large and the payments have to be made?
No matter what the industry does operationally now to become more cost competitive, it can't undo the problem they've ponzi'ed themselves into, without a bailout or some form of trade protection.
Anything they can do operationally, their competitors can also do operationally to be cost competitive. But the competitors haven't accumulated the huge extra burden of of paying now for past commitments to employees, and can therefore be far more price competitive, or profit competitive, or both.
Taking a different approach, Henry Ford said it best, "Whether you think that you can or you can't, you are usually right."
If Detroit embodied even one of his quotes; how much better off would the entire (US) Auto Industry be?
Moreover, if Japanese firms (who embraced Deming when GM essentially dismissed him outright) can successfully establish themselves in the US and not face the issues of their American counterparts - outsourcing is not the only answer for/to Detroit's woes.
I agree that it is about changing their DNA, or "What does it mean to work at Ford?". Being in the organizational change business, and taking part in driving this cultural change, I can honestly say that I do see it happening.
What people need to understand is that this is a change in the fundamental way we do business. It is about doing what is right for the long term for the enterprise as a whole. And you can see Ford making this shift. For example, we went to the credit markets before the credit crisis to fund a PRODUCT transformation - mortgaging basically even the Ford blue oval. We knew that we needed to invest in our product future, and we have maintained that course. At the LA Auto Show, we have introduced 5+ new products, all leaders in fuel-efficiency and technology that build on platforms that already are gaining parity with the Quality leaders in every segment. Other OEMs have withdrawn or drastically reduced their planned vehicle launches.
In the past, it was all about short-term cost and profit. This is why the domestics AND foreign automakers focused on trucks and SUVs. Don't forget that both Toyota and Honda were and are making pushes into the truck and SUV markets. Past crisis brought cost-cutting on products, marketing, etc, relying on the profits of trucks and SUVs to see us through. We would "change plans" often, trying to convince ourselves that the next one would be a silver bullet.
Now, however, Ford is investing in the future at a time when future investment also means tough decisions in the short-term, such as layoffs and debt on the balance sheet. But we are maintaining the course laid out in our business plan, and started to see the results with a profit in the 1st quarter of the year before the current economic crisis hit. Are we through transforming? Far from it. But I have seen change gaining momentum in key senior leadership and am starting to see it gain even more traction at lower levels.
This is why strategies such as outsourcing only have their place at Ford now where it makes long-term strategic sense. Impact on emerging markets? Availability of skills and value-add of the work? We are looking at all these, but short-term cost cannot be the only objective - it must be balanced with the long-term competitive strategy.
Phil, I agree with the mandate but I am afraid the vehicles are just yesterday's tools, and may prove insufficient for the type of "DNA" change we need. The consulting company I started my career with has been preaching essentially the same four levers since the early 90s, at least.
I think we need to look towards new management techniques that are more collaborative, enabled by 2.0 type of technologies, and absolutely global. Outsourcing, in several forms, is a part of managing a global workforce, but it is just one technique to begin to move away from the basic model of the corporation followed by 99% of today's companies (ironically, it was created by Alfred Sloan, a GM CEO--maybe the next one could come from the same place?). And I promise you that if we continue to write the types of contracts we've written, outsourcing will be a barrier, instead of an enabler, for the change you speak of. For a truly new way to run a wildly successful company, I recommend any of Ricardo Semler's books.
I ranted about a bailout plan I could actually support on my blog--it begins to deconstruct the basic structures that led to this mess. But let's also not forget that part of what's happening here is a LONG suspension of common sense, in which workers, companies, and the US government all spent more than they made, all at the same time--the endgame was clear, it was just a matter of when. Without a shift to more responsible behavior across all three of those groups, we'll continue to select short-term band-aids over reasonable long term solutions.
Some great comments here. I agree that outsourcing itself is not the solution, just a "vehicle" to help these firms access lower cost talent, better technology and better access into global markets etc. (point 4 above).
Moreover, most of the major auto firms have already entered into a lot of broad ITO and BPO engagements.
And if the governement does some sort of interim "bailout" solution, they should hire management talent from Toyota / Nissan / Hyundai etc to bring new practises and culture to these archaic firms.
Changing the DNA was the solution earlier and is the solution now! The world has changed from the days when Fords and GMs ruled the auto world. There was a lesson to be learnt from the Japanese auto-industry AND now is a bigger lesson to be learnt from all the globalized industries in general.
I believe the priority has to be on strategies far more important than outsourcing. Instead of looking outside the US for Labor(alone), they could've been (still can be) better off concentrating on the global market for revenue-base. The stubborn and almost arrogant attitude of US auto-makers of not giving due concern to the market needs of less-developed countries (of smaller more fuel efficient vehicles) is what has caused them the current turmoil. The hike in the fuel prices only added to the burdens when the Americans also couldn't afford to keep their large vehicles fueled up.
Getting nimble, agile, smart and more globalized (not necessarily through outsourcing) but by establishing good local marketing and distribtuion functions in their international operations is the key.
We're about to learn a new lesson! Globalization is not about finding skilled hands working throughout the world (wherever they can be found cheapest), BUT Globalization now is more about finding GREAT MINDS globally (wherever they can be found greatest!) and tapping their potential to find and create new markets by creating competitive advantages one after the other in a never ending sequence.
Product innovation is key and Detroit missed this. Ford seems to have started doing this.
Short-term focus contributed to the current crisis. This is well understood in the financial sector and does not come as a surprise in the manufacturing sector.
If the US really wants to get manufacturing jobs back from China, pay cuts are required to go down to Chinese levels!
The last one is interesting but seems retrograde. This is clearly questioning the fundamental tenets of globalization. This goes beyond outsourcing.
Manufacture in the US and sell in Asia at prices that Asia can pay, i.e. US to become net exporter? Then US workers need to take paycuts to compete with Asians?
Localize the manufacturing in each region and sell at prices that each region can pay? That would work but would need protectionist import barriers!
Manufacture in low-cost regions and sell all over the world? This is what the US is doing right now with China. This means a complete loss of all manufacturing jobs in the US. Unlikely Obama will continue with this.
I am no expert in globaliztion but the "localized manufacturing" seems to be the way to go?
The answer to Detroit's woes isn't outsourcing. Outsourcing can help a company grow, but it is only effective when it represents a strategic choice. Many companies have outsourced their IT departments because they correctly realized that they are not IT companies. Giving IT work to a company that specializes in IT allows a company to focus precious talent and resources on whatever the main business priorities are.
Automobile companies are manufacturing companies. Outsourcing manufacturing will never work because it is core to what they do. Toyota realized this a long time ago and has spent most of its energy getting employees to do more with less. There is a huge difference between what a Toyota employee does on the manufacturing line and what happens at GM. I'll spare you a list of the differences, but please take a look at this HBR article if you want to know more: "Learning to Lead at Toyota - May 2004." And the irony is that Toyota doesn't even try to make this a secret. The Big 3 will never be able to make cars to the quality standards achieved at Toyota because they will never have the same level of trust between labor and management.
What Detroit needs to do is raise the bar for their employees and managers across the board. They will also be helped when the US government picks up more of the tab for retirement and health care (a huge advantage enjoyed by both Japan (paid through taxes) and China (no benefits).
Maybe the Big 3 should reorganize as non-profit companies. They certainly act like big charities so lets make it official.
The last time the auto industry was in trouble it was because a foreign company with a captive private market and government funding had access to our markets and excluded us from their markets. When we gave them a level playing field they creamed the competition.
Give our guys access to the markets in China and India that are currently protected by steep tariffs- no howls of indignation from globalists about India and China using tariffs?
Enforce private property rights. Stop the China and India "Clone" cars and make them pay penalties for breaking international laws and making the global economy a catch-as-catch can game of corporate espianage.
Enforce international environmental and labor standards equally.
I would also like to take issue that outsourcing is an enabler of change. During the 70's and 80's the only area of production that did not double in productivity was food processing. Because an ample supply of cheap (and mostly illegal) labor companies did not have the same incentives to innovate and froze research.
In a similar way outsourcing has stopped innovation in management and manufacturing in its tracks. Outsourcing can best be used by the big guys like Microsoft and Cisco who can build universities in India and negotiate with the leaders of the country. Outsourcing may well have kept these guys alive at the expense of smaller more nimble and innovative companies.
Outsourcing did not enable corporations to become more nimble it enabled fossilized corporations to outlive their economic usefulness.
Detroit needs to do some introspection and figure out what they want to offer to the customers in different parts of the world.
Next they need to innovate at a faster pace and at a competitive cost to bring appropriate products to market. This is where outsourcing could come into the picture. Indian vendors have been investing in product development a d manufacturing services and in some cases have been very innovative in deal structuring (I.e. Profit sharing instead of fixed cost deals). This could be an excellent way for the Detroit biggies to be nimble while they build products that are better targeted to their audiences. The days of building unappealing products and thrusting them into the market via 0% financing are over.
Phil: the US Government knows what the real question is and they are terrified of the consequence of it being asked in a way that puts the Government into the position where it has to act.
The facts are the US Government does not wish to provide citizens with a platform of social services, which the Governments of most other Western and many Eastern countries provide.
So GM and the other US automobile companies have to continue to shoulder the burden of health and other social services that the Government is uniquely positioned to provide.
Social services are always far more efficiently delivered by Government than by private industry and the costs for these services do need to be paid by taxes on businesses and individuals.
I will probably be criticized for making these suggestions, however the sad facts are that so many people in the US can not afford basic care, when similar people in other countries only need to ask for the service and it is provided.
The other big problem for the auto companies is all the dealerships around the country, those businesses are inefficient and apparently the auto manufacturers need to pay the proprietors to close their doors, which is incredible, why does any manufacturer need to pay for a retailer to close their business, especially when the manufacturers business model has changed so much?
Then there is the salary creep relating to the years and years of hard nosed negotiations by the UAW who have the power to close the auto manufacturers by withdrawing their labor. Those salaries need to come down to a competitive level, otherwise the Chinese and Indian auto workers are going to eat the lunch of the US auto workers and there will be no more US manufacturers.
If the social security obligations were removed from the auto companies and the dealer network was rationalized at no cost to the auto companies, and salaries were market competitive, then I actually believe they would have a very good opportunity to return to profit.
I would say that the biggest problem US automakers face is the internal trade barriers they set up for themselves but not allowing brands that could make a difference, and which they own, not be imported into the US (eg. Opel, Saab, Volvo, etc...).
The trade unions in this industry have effectively stifled all possibility of the big three ever competing effectively with overseas manufacturers. Its amusing to hear that there are still people who believe that trade barriers are the reason for GM, Ford and Chrysler not becoming successful on a global scale.
In fact, GM is one of the largest car brands in China, but with product lines that cater to the Chinese market. The gas guzzling behemoths that Detroit regularly churn out will be uncompetitive in any country other than the US and the cost of making 1 car in the US just makes it a non-starter in the developing countries.
Thanks for the input. You hit a strong point that the US auto-makers have been far too micro-focused on their domestic market and taken their eye off the ball internationally.
Data repeatedly shows the productivity of the US manufacturing worker is high, so the core issues seems to be with leadership's inability to enbrace developing economies and formulate a global plan (with the exception of Ford).
The US automotive industry is being held hostage by the UAW union. A US car has 2000 added onto it compared to a foreign car (made in the US) of 300.
Doing business... it's the UAW that raised those prices... Strikes that happen at GM wont happen at Nissan.
Fixing this issue? Allow the top 3 to go into bankruptcy. Dissolve the agreements with the UAW, and start up shop again without the unions. If you want to strike, that's fine, Move the plant... I think that its not wise to have all of those auto plants in the same location anyway... Move to Texas, or Arizona, or Kentucky... I am sure that there will be HUGE welcome packages out there for the move... But realistically, the top three have to invest in the future. All the Japanese cars are sporting better fuel consumption, better hybrids and the US auto industry is still making SUVs and Huge trucks... Its time to stop that practice and reign in the waste. Start having more focus groups with the American people.
Have all three create a research company that will combine all the hybrid tech together in hopes of finding the perfect solution.
ENSURE that none of the money being "lent" will go to across boarders manufacturing, unless its the expense of bringing it back.
Have them use recycled materials - purchase scrap metals from older cars, melt down - could be yet another company, it would lower the costs by "outsourcing" the task.
I can't resist jumping back in...this is a great discussion.
Ford has an infinitely superior Focus in Europe than what they sell here. Why?
Now there's some talk about tariffs. Tariffs are bad. But let's remember that the US uses them too (in particular to protect trucks). When we say we have free trade, we give the treaties way too much credit. We have a long way to go here.
But oddly, the auto industry has proven it knows quite well how to get around them (see Buick in China or Honda in the US).
Clueless leadership that allowed all of the above to happen and did not make the tough decisions earlier.
Thanks Phil, for starting this important discussion. I hope congress and the boards of directors of these companies are tuning in.
I think Detroit's primary problem is poor management - can you outsource that? The next problem is artificially expensive workforce - trade unions are the problem here. If you can't solve that problem, then outsourcing is the only other option - but that is political suicide. Let them fail. If American manufacturing can't compete with the rest of the world either on price or quality, then they should get out of the business.
While this isn't mentioned the article, Toyota introduced lean manufacturing principles to GM in the mid-90's but because GM wasn't committed to change course (thru systemic engineering and cultural changes), they lost marketshare and have become largely unsustainable.
"The real problem [with GM and Ford] is failing to stay competitive with global rivals in the realm of advanced principles of design and manufacturing...."
Look at Sony or Samsung or Apple or Honda. What these companies (really, groups of companies) have cultivated is the capacity to experiment. The point is, you don't want that much riding on each try. You want (if you'll pardon more sports metaphors) to transform your design-to-manufacturing paradigm from football to basketball -- that is, to set yourself up to rush the basket many times per game, not painfully drive your way toward the end zone just a few times. "
"Washington cannot save GM and Ford by handing them money and waiting for them to produce (or even demanding that they produce) an advanced hybrid. You can't order up innovation; you have to empower entrepreneurial teams to assemble delight, piece by piece, for specific customers."
Ken Huffington isn't a real person. Don't believe anything that comes out of this person.


If you are new to Project Grow, please read our Introduction to New Gardeners to learn about gardening with us and choosing a site.
Gardener registration is our favorite time of year (even if it means a lot of work for our Managing Director, Kirk)! We're excited to meet and work with you in the coming season so be sure to review important deadlines and process details. If you have any questions, get in touch!
New applicants are assigned to open plots in order applications were received and according to preferences listed on application form. If we know of open plots before this time, we assign them to new gardeners. If you are new to Project Grow, please apply as soon in the New Year as possible.
Wait List - Project Grow maintains a wait list for new gardeners unable to get a plot at their desired site, and returning gardeners who want more space than they now have. Because life circumstances change, we do not carry this list forward year to year. If you are interested in a different site, or more space at your current site, please tell us each year when you register.
The application can be submitted with a mobile device but applicants cannot pay through PayPal from a mobile device when they apply. If you want to pay with PayPal, please do not apply using a mobile device.
We encourage new and returning gardeners alike to read our Introduction for New Gardeners. This introduction provides basic information about what to expect, organic gardening, planning and upkeep. If you are new to Project Grow it also includes ideas to consider when choosing our garden site.


text:
Hudson Area Library
History of the Armory
Library Regulations
All Program News
History Room Programs
Adult Literacy Partner Programs
Bound By Books Youth Radio Show
Ghostly Gallop 5K
History Room
History Room Collection
History Room Shop
Community Archiving of Local History
Use the Library's Computers and Internet
Request Items
Sign up for the Library's e-newsletter
Reserve a Room for a Meeting
Visit a Museum for Free!
Suggest Materials for the Collection
Support the Library Annual Fund
Adopt a Book
Donate Books and Other Media
Donate Your Car to the Library
For Tweens and Teens
Read Around the World Map
A Local History Talk: The Proprietors and their Lasting Influence on the City of Hudson by Carl G. Whitbeck, Jr.
Posted on January 16, 2017 by Brenda Shufelt
The Hudson Area Library History Room, as part of its Local History Speaker Series, is pleased to present The Proprietors and their Lasting Influence on the City of Hudson by Carl G. Whitbeck, Jr. on Thursday, January 26 at 6:00 pm.
Mr. Whitbeck, a local resident whose family has deep roots in the area, will offer a fascinating presentation on the Proprietors, the founders of Hudson, NY. They were a group of Quaker merchants from Nantucket Island and Providence, Rhode Island who sought to find a fertile land in which to establish a commercial settlement. In 1783, Thomas Jenkins purchased a bit of land on the Hudson River called "Claverack Landing" from the Dutch settlers. In 1784, Jenkins and his committee mapped out an early survey of streets and plots. The other proprietors soon followed with their families and established the City of Hudson in April of 1785 as an incorporated city. A question and answer period will follow, accompanied by light refreshments.
Mr. Whitbeck is a partner at Rapport Meyers LLP in Hudson, NY, where his work covers a variety of areas: municipal and public authorities law, real estate and land use, environmental law, employment law, and commercial law and economic development, among others. Currently the Athens town attorney in Greene County, he acted as corporation counsel to the City of Hudson from 1980 to 1999 and as town attorney for the Town of Greenport from 1986 to 1995. His civic involvement includes serving on a number of community boards, including the Hudson Home for the Aged. He represents many nonprofit clients in connection with their operations and projects. He has represented the NYS Association for Retarded Citizens, Columbia County Chapter (COARC) since 1974, and he represents the Rudolph Steiner Foundation and Camphill Village. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Berkshire Taconic Foundation since 2013. A Hudson native, Mr. Whitbeck received his B.A. from Williams College and his J.D. from Albany Law School of Union University.
This presentation will be in the community room on the first floor of the Hudson Area Library, with wheelchair access. Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first–come, first-served basis.
This entry was posted in Adults, History Room, Programs, Young Adults by Brenda Shufelt. Bookmark the permalink.
Hudson Area Library Tote Bag $15.00
Visit Our History Room Shop!
Which Newsletter Would You Like?
Hudson Area Library Newsletter
Youth Newsletter
Location, Phone & Hours
51 N. 5th ST
We are open for scheduled contactless materials pickup, computer sessions, and collections browsing only at this time. For details and pickup schedule click here.
Current public access hours:
Monday – 11am to 5pm
Tuesday – 11am to 5pm
Wednesday – 11am to 8pm
Thursday – 11am to 5pm
Friday – 11am to 5pm
Saturday – 11am to 3pm
New to the Library?
Our "How Do I?" page is just the place to learn much of what you will need to get started.


text:
/* jshint node:true */

// For details on each option run `ember help release`
var simpleGit = require('simple-git')();

module.exports = {
  // local: true,
  // remote: 'some_remote',
  // annotation: "Release %@",
  // message: "Bumped version to %@",
  // manifest: [ 'package.json', 'bower.json', 'someconfig.json' ],
  // strategy: 'date',
  // format: 'YYYY-MM-DD',
  // timezone: 'America/Los_Angeles',
  //
  beforeCommit: function(project, versions) {
    require('../compile-css.js'); // Requiring the file compiles
    return new Promise(function(resolve) {
      simpleGit.add(['vendor/ember-basic-dropdown.css'], function() {
        resolve();
      });
    });
  }
};

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: JProgressBar not visible during reading I got a java progressbar which loads perfectly, but I can't see the process, only the result. (when the bar finished loading)
I want to see every percentage of the progress. When I run the code, the frame appears but the progressbar doesn't, only when it's on 100%. Where's the problem?
private void jButton3ActionPerformed(java.awt.event.ActionEvent evt) {

       JFrame f = new JFrame("JProgressBar Sample");
       f.setDefaultCloseOperation(JFrame.EXIT_ON_CLOSE);
       Container content = f.getContentPane();
       progressBar = new JProgressBar();
       progressBar.setStringPainted(true);
       Border border = BorderFactory.createTitledBorder("Reading...");
       progressBar.setBorder(border);
       content.add(progressBar, BorderLayout.CENTER);
       f.setSize(300, 100);
       f.setVisible(true);

       progressBar.setValue(0);
       inc(); //fill the bar
       //It fills, but I can't se the whole loading...

    }
        //Here's the filling path
    public static void inc(){

        int i=0;
       try{
            while (i<=100){
            progressBar.setValue(i+10);

            Thread.sleep(1000);
            i+=20;
            }
        }catch(Exception ex){
            //nothing
        }
    }

A: Your GUI is not updated while you are running a long process in the GUI's thread, like filling a progress bar and sleeping some seconds.
Just emerge a thread, which will handle the long operation.
Within this thread set the progress bar to the desired value within a SwingUtilities.invokeLater(new Runnable() {...}.
Runnable r = new Runnable() {
    public void run() {
        int i=0;
        try{
            while (i<=100){
                final int tmpI = i+10;
                SwingUtilities.invokeLater(new Runnable(){
                    public void run() {
                        progressBar.setValue(tmpI);
                    }
                });
                Thread.sleep(1000);
                i += 20;
            }
        } catch(Exception ex){
             //nothing
        }
    }
};
Thread t = new Thread(r);
t.start();

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Q: How do I escape a '/' in the URI for a GET request? I'm trying to use Groovy to script a GET request to our GitLab server to retrieve a file.  The API URI format is:
https://githost/api/v4/projects/<namespace>%2F<repo>/files/<path>?ref=<branch>

Note that there is an encoded '/' between namespace and repo.  The final URI needs to look like the following to work properly:

https://githost/api/v4/projects/mynamespace%2Fmyrepo/files/myfile.json?ref=master

I have the following code:
File f = HttpBuilder.configure {
    request.uri.scheme = scheme
    request.uri.host = host
    request.uri.path = "/api/v4/projects/${apiNamespace}%2F${apiRepoName}/repository/files/${path}/myfile.json"
    request.uri.query.put("ref", "master")
    request.contentType = 'application/json'
    request.accept = 'application/json'
    request.headers['PRIVATE-TOKEN'] = apiToken
    ignoreSslIssues execution
}.get {
    Download.toFile(delegate as HttpConfig, new File("${dest}/myfile.json"))
}

However, the %2F is re-encoded as %252F.  I've tried multiple ways to try and create the URI so that it doesn't encode the %2F in between the namespace and repo, but I can't get anything to work. It either re-encodes the '%' or decodes it to the literal "/".
How do I do this using Groovy + http-builder-ng to set the URI in a way that will preserve the encoded "/"?  I've searched but can't find any examples that have worked.
Thanks!

A: As of the 1.0.0 release you can handle requests with encoded characters in the URI. An example would be:
def result = HttpBuilder.configure {
    request.raw = "http://localhost:8080/projects/myteam%2Fmyrepo/myfile.json"
}.get()

Notice, the use of raw rather than uri in the example. Using this approach requires you to do any other encoding/decoding of the Uri yourself.

A: Possible Workaround
The Gitlab API allows you to query via project id or project name. Look up the project id first, then query the project.

*

*Lookup the project id first. See https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/api/projects.html#list-all-projects
def projects = // GET /projects
def project = projects.find { it['path_with_namespace'] == 'diaspora/diaspora-client' }

*Fetch Project by :id, See https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/api/projects.html#get-single-project
GET /projects/${project.id}


text:
252 posts • Page 6 of 17 • 1 ... 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ... 17
by Space Invader » Sun Jul 23, 2006 11:48 pm
Music When the Lights Go Out (Legs 11 version) and Time for Heroes are my fav songs...
who is it that sings on Legs 11?
by Lizzi » Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:02 am
K, downloaded the tune, been listening to it on repeat for 20 minutes now and OMG! it's good! really good... esp:
But I no longer hear the music
Oh no no no no no
And all the memories of the pubs
and the clubs and the drugs and the tubs
we shared together,
Will stay with me forever.
W-o-W! Really gotta buy their albums...
Btw, on totp site, they said that Pete was into rehab #5.. apparently he wants some kind of bag to be put inside him or a shit like that... didn't quite get it, but go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/totp should be at the right, with the other news....
Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada
by AlisonFasheeta » Mon Jul 24, 2006 6:23 am
Space Invader wrote: Music When the Lights Go Out (Legs 11 version) and Time for Heroes are my fav songs...
Pete and Carl sing. I know John sings Sister Sister.
I think Hooray for the 21st Century is one of the best songs where Pete and Carl sing together. Both there voices are so perfect in contrast for that song. That and the one live version of Plan A... it's live at the Forum on December 18th 2003. If anyone has that, I think it's amazing. I prefer that version to the demo.
AlisonFasheeta
by karinaa.. » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:09 am
Lizzi wrote:
I bought their albums not long ago..but i'm totally agree that they're amazing!!so,Lizzi,don't hesitate and buy them!!
karinaa..
Despair in the forum lounge
Location: Bonny Scotland
by Lizzi » Mon Jul 24, 2006 5:33 pm
karinaa.. wrote:
Will see if they are cheaper in England! lol!! I wanna buy Up the bracket... so if it's cheaper there i'll buy it in England, if not, i'll buy it here when i'll come back... defo... its on my top list.
by surrey_casual » Mon Jul 24, 2006 5:54 pm
do you know what, im pissed that they never put 'the delaney' on the second album, apparently it was because it was destined for the third album that was never to be, oh well maybe the reunion may bring us this wonderful tune back...........
2005-3 2006-4 2007-3 2008-?
www.myspace.com/honeyfitsmusic
"waar de partij is"
surrey_casual
He smiled in the fucking bakery!
Location: THE BIG LDN. BLAP BLAP
by The french way » Mon Jul 24, 2006 6:50 pm
Lizzi wrote: K, downloaded the tune, been listening to it on repeat for 20 minutes now and OMG! it's good! really good... esp:
what? another Naltrexone implant? Come on pete, we' re with you...
The french way
oh and don' t get trapped like I did... you have a bonus song on the UK version, What a waster... i don' t have it... goddamn french musicstores
by vicky14 » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:45 pm
aww, i understand, french music stores are crap.
Baby I'm Yours
by The french way » Mon Jul 24, 2006 11:28 pm
vicky14 wrote: aww, i understand, french music stores are crap.
yeah... but it' s not about the store, infact. It' s just that you' re spending 15€ in a record before you realize you could have had one more song if you had bought it in England. Fuck it, i wanna live in england. or USA. I want an apartment in both.
by Space Invader » Mon Jul 24, 2006 11:40 pm
when i was in France I went into a hypermarket and it was stocked with 1000s of great CDs, but still not as good as maybe the huge Virgin megastores and HMVs we have ehre on every second corner...
when i was there i bought the first rock CD i could find that was by a French band...
the CD I got is an album by a band called No One Is Innocent and the album is called revolution.com...
it's pretty OK, but I like it especially because it's in French, and hard rock in French sounds so cool
by The french way » Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:00 am
French music is mostly crap. A few things are alright, though... i don' t even have a name!
by vicky14 » Tue Jul 25, 2006 2:36 pm
alix, you took the worlds out of my mouth! How i wish i lived in the uk, i wouldnt have to stand those fucking french singers (if we can call that singers!)
by The french way » Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:28 pm
vicky14 wrote: alix, you took the worlds out of my mouth! How i wish i lived in the uk, i wouldnt have to stand those fucking french singers (if we can call that singers!)
as soon as i can, i leave france. For the UK, or the USA. i' m coming, you people!!
by Lizzi » Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:31 pm
oh yeah! French and Quebecers artists suck... well the one that sing in French that is... there are just no way to describe it.... It's either depressing tunes, or really stupid ones.. there are no way out!
The only French music i like is from classic old artists... lol


Elected president for a third term, I would like to thank the old and new members of their trust, their support for our association, and their involvement in our projects. The new office, Isabelle Beaumenay Joannet treasurer, Daniel Martin and Guenaëlle Debarnot secretaries, and myself Pierre Letz President, continue the program of activities that showcases the know-how of the members of our association. Our website is the first showcase of our group and lists designer couturiers made-to-measure with the quality label C'Couture-Paris.
Every year, the association is launching a major project which is the presentation of exceptional models, during the week of Haute Couture fashion shows from January 21 to February 28, 2019, with the kind partnership of the Hotel Sofitel Paris le Faubourg who welcomes us to his places.
This exhibition allows the members of our federation to present to the public, to the press, and to the actors of the world of fashion, unique pieces made in France in high fashion and in collaboration with the best craftsmen of the Couture. I congratulate all the participants for their creativity and their art, all our partners, and suppliers who with their know-how and their dynamism contribute to the success of this beautiful project. This year we have as a privileged partner, the European Federation of Flax and Hemp that has provided us through its members, the raw material, including flax, with which our achievements will emerge. We opened our doors to two invited European members, an Italian and a German who will exhibit their creations during our event. I am sure that this exhibition will see the birth of other projects both in France and abroad, allowing our federation to play its role of safeguarding the tailor-made and show the quality of the work of each of its participants.
President of the French Federation of Custom Couture Creation – Paris.