color my world inpiration

I've had such fun following the Color My World series that several of my favorite ladies have been participating in over the last several weeks. Today is the last day of the series and to celebrate, they are having a link party. Being the party girl that I am, I thought I'd jump in on the fun.<br /><br />Although it might seem a bit predictable, my 4-year-old has become rather vocal about her room lately and she demands PINK. I've wanted to add pink somewhere for quite a while and I'm totally in favor of using my children for my own gain. Don't worry, social services has already been notified of my poor parenting. So pink it is!<br /><br />My mom gave these wonderful watercolors to my youngest for her birthday and I immediately thought, 'this is my chance'. So I took some old black frames and a can of <a href="http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=97&sid=1950830" target="_blank">Rust-oleum Berry Pink</a><br /><br /> Hello beautiful.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3E4jO_0tcAhEEnjDw6tsBltszwO5uJRVxfXKn5dwbRqwM-BDBqUpEeQ_kdmBEKmc2poq_-oDds8uhNGF7OS-IY1NdVPaHvuMDpMhxWUYefx8WoO7nQS-b7M22wZ72mQPAZ70lxTVu3kU/s1600/P4306143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3E4jO_0tcAhEEnjDw6tsBltszwO5uJRVxfXKn5dwbRqwM-BDBqUpEeQ_kdmBEKmc2poq_-oDds8uhNGF7OS-IY1NdVPaHvuMDpMhxWUYefx8WoO7nQS-b7M22wZ72mQPAZ70lxTVu3kU/s640/P4306143.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOMz0l4d_PF-lgF0trzOWv29jJcpJqS4eKwkK-ko7V3_qRbECd8T1WnnBA9jto9I0Aqr3Ot1cKTV7QOaG5_Uc_95da_vgxoZ038V_0Pzw6I61fgQCB_UIOkNHX5OJgFhBAc_nYeipmjYA/s1600/P4306173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOMz0l4d_PF-lgF0trzOWv29jJcpJqS4eKwkK-ko7V3_qRbECd8T1WnnBA9jto9I0Aqr3Ot1cKTV7QOaG5_Uc_95da_vgxoZ038V_0Pzw6I61fgQCB_UIOkNHX5OJgFhBAc_nYeipmjYA/s640/P4306173.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><br />I was loving the color so much I decided to repeat it on the other side of the room. It was the perfect chance to add that mirror my 4-year-old has also been begging for (primping starts young in this house). So I gave the Berry Pink treatment to an old mirror.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_ukbpAUyYLa01qoeeKQ9Qwho5oMTyPCRm3IVgcqQRbQ15u6LNqHuZacV0tUsrgMF8gGMT4Gb9SNIdQ2CYO6uRslicyk0aITubkThr89F4oJVNKv6WUGU9Q1KDHojwonFOuC_0TACDVW0/s1600/P4306159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_ukbpAUyYLa01qoeeKQ9Qwho5oMTyPCRm3IVgcqQRbQ15u6LNqHuZacV0tUsrgMF8gGMT4Gb9SNIdQ2CYO6uRslicyk0aITubkThr89F4oJVNKv6WUGU9Q1KDHojwonFOuC_0TACDVW0/s640/P4306159.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Along with some <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/containers/boxes?productId=10031035&N=80804" target="_blank">pink laquered boxes from The Container Store</a> the room is now a bit brighter and we are all...tickled pink. Sorry, I couldn't resist.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPov5lQjrPHHYiEiBmMf-qJpjBIBJDpjFI-UBhlavUpxoJhz1MRok3TOUXl_N4xsxa2uJPCNoO-NTscDvndeBLABUOTdw71Cm6Vv9U8OIROZeH3KVaITWK-Q6yD4Akxo07r8CM2G7Rv8ap/s1600/P4306164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPov5lQjrPHHYiEiBmMf-qJpjBIBJDpjFI-UBhlavUpxoJhz1MRok3TOUXl_N4xsxa2uJPCNoO-NTscDvndeBLABUOTdw71Cm6Vv9U8OIROZeH3KVaITWK-Q6yD4Akxo07r8CM2G7Rv8ap/s640/P4306164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2lS682qgX2lg_3W50M_5mRyZrTdkK0gsWJOPJp5derwAOxBJgyxfY5B58yRxC-N33V-g14pJ_LERd12a9LgNkXftiqqOhazOq5B2Dga3h3SS9vRzR2onQnS_wWkswyoFxOdt6YNKkxyS/s1600/Color+My+World+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2lS682qgX2lg_3W50M_5mRyZrTdkK0gsWJOPJp5derwAOxBJgyxfY5B58yRxC-N33V-g14pJ_LERd12a9LgNkXftiqqOhazOq5B2Dga3h3SS9vRzR2onQnS_wWkswyoFxOdt6YNKkxyS/s1600/Color+My+World+2.jpeg" /></a></div>Make sure to check out all of the wonderful women who rocked this challenge over the past month. You are going to be craving color in no time!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.thebloominghydrangea.com/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Blooming Hydrangea</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.anewfoundtreasure.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A Newfound Treasure</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ourfifthhouse.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Our 5th House</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Primitive and Proper</a> </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://dutchbritishlove.wordpress.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Dutch.British.Love</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Black Tag Diaries</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://pawleysislandposh.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pa</a><a href="http://pawleysislandposh.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">wley's Island Posh</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.hypheninteriors.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Hyphen Interiors</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.shineyourlightblog.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Shine Your Light</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.trappedinnorthjersey.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Trapped in North Jersey</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #d0530a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.lifeonmarsblog.net/" style="background-color: white; color: #d0530a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Life on Mars</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectblog.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Perfectly Imperfect</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://westermanfam.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Crazy Wonderful</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://savedbysuzy.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Saved by Suzy</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.savvydesignwest.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Living Savvy</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://worthwhiledomicile.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Worthwhile Domicile</a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://likemesome.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Like me Some...</a></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>

color my world inpiration

I've had such fun following the Color My World series that several of my favorite ladies have been participating in over the last severa...

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Head of Access Services - Tisch Library, Tufts University (MA)

<strong>Head of Access Services</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Tisch Library, Tufts University</strong></span>. The Tisch Library at Tufts University seeks a collaborative, innovative, and user-oriented librarian to provide leadership for the Access Services Department, including circulation, reserves, interlibrary loan, consortial resource sharing, and stack management. Tisch Library supports Tufts’ School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Engineering. The Head of Access Services will develop, implement, manage, and evaluate a department that anticipates and responds to changing user needs and emerging technologies. The person in this position will be committed to a culture of assessment, using data assessment tools to understand user needs, and will proactively promote services. The successful candidate will have a passion for staff development and a commitment to creating a culture of learning among staff. Tisch Library is in the initial stages of planning for the renovation of key user spaces; the Head of Access Services will play a major role in that planning and in the re-visioning of public services at Tisch. The department head will work closely with the Head of Research & Instruction to ensure seamless customer services and to integrate library services into Tufts’ Learning Management System. This is a senior leadership position that serves on the Library Management Council; works collaboratively with other senior managers to carry out Tisch Library’s strategic goals; and coordinates access services policies with other Tufts libraries. Reporting to the Associate Director of Research, Instruction, and Information Resources, the Head of Access Services oversees a department of 8.5 full-time staff and 4 academic year staff, with 5 direct reports. Position Requirements: MLS degree from an ALA-accredited program; at least 5 years supervisory experience in an academic library; hands-on expertise using an integrated library system; demonstrated collaborative and team building skills; knowledge of emerging technologies in resource sharing; evidence of a strong service orientation, communication, and interpersonal skills. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with Innovative Interfaces; proven record of change management, innovation, and commitment to staff development; data assessment skills; experience in promotional initiatives; understanding of information seeking behaviors and search strategies; experience with copy/print/scan services; knowledge of copyright and fair use; familiarity with Learning Management Systems such as Sakai. PLEASE READ THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AND APPLY ONLINE AT: <a href="http://www.tufts.edu/hr/jobs" target="_blank">www.tufts.edu/hr/jobs</a>. Tufts University is an AA/EOE employer and actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Head of Access Services - Tisch Library, Tufts University (MA)

Head of Access Services - Tisch Library, Tufts University . The Tisch Library at Tufts University seeks a collaborative, innovative, and ...

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Substitutes, Circulation - Wethersfield Library

<strong>Substitutes, Circulation</strong> - The <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Wethersfield Library</strong></span> is seeking substitute workers for its busy circulation desk. Duties include checking out and discharging materials using 3M's RFID technology and SirsiDynix Workflows 3.4.1. Excellent customer service skills, a pleasant telephone manner, and a willingness to work with new technologies are required. Candidates should have current expertise with CONNECT Libraries SirsiDynix Symphony ILS. Knowledge of 3M RFID and Cassie print management system are pluses. Hours include weekdays, evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays. $16.55/hr. To apply, download the municipal application at <a href="http://wethersfieldct.com/government/permits-and-forms/human-resources" target="_blank">http://wethersfieldct.com/government/permits-and-forms/human-resources</a>. Mail application and letter including your availability and email contact information to: Collection Services Manager, Wethersfield Library, 515 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT 06109. AA/EOE/M/F.

Substitutes, Circulation - Wethersfield Library

Substitutes, Circulation - The Wethersfield Library is seeking substitute workers for its busy circulation desk. Duties include checking ...

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Library Director - Town of Middlebury

<strong>Library Director</strong> - The <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Town of Middlebury</strong></span> is seeking a Library Director to organize, supervise, evaluate, and review the library’s resources, personnel, facilities, services and programs to respond to the needs of the community. The Director will administer library services in compliance with all applicable laws and will manage a staff of paid employees and volunteers. The Director operates under the executive direction of the publicly-elected, 6-member Library Board of Trustees. The library is funded by local taxes. Recent budget constraints require a dynamic leader with fresh ideas. Duties and Responsibilities: Develops, implements and monitors the library’s annual budget; provides monthly reports and budget updates to the Library Board of Trustees; attends all meetings of the Board of Trustees and of other Town departments, as required; maintains financial and statistical records; approves all requests for equipment and services; oversees collection development; hires library staff; oversees maintenance of library building and equipment; keeps current with new developments in the library field; promotes public relations with the community; acts as liaison with Town and school officials, students and residents; performs routine library duties and tasks as needed; develops and implements services; sets goals and objectives; supports the professional development of library staff; participates in fundraising, grant writing, and developing donor relations to benefit the library. Qualifications: Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional library experience, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity. Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA- accredited program. Excellent managerial, financial, planning and analytical skills. Ability to handle critical incidents and resolve conflicts involving customers, staff, materials, or facilities. Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written skills. State of Connecticut driver’s license. Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications. Anticipated Job Opening: July 16, 2012. Subject to probationary period of six (6) months. Reply by <span style="color: red;">May 15, 2012</span> to: Claudia Greenfield, Town Hall, 1212 Whittemore Rd., Middlebury, CT 06762; <a href="mailto:cgreenfield@middlebury-ct.org">cgreenfield@middlebury-ct.org</a>; Fax 203-577-4176. AA/EOE.

Library Director - Town of Middlebury

Library Director - The Town of Middlebury is seeking a Library Director to organize, supervise, evaluate, and review the library’s resour...

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How to work with Dropbox

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dropbox is a fantastic programme that gives you 2GB free if you install it on your computer. If you invite others you can get masses more free space. It really is worth downloading and installing Dropbox on to your computer. Once installed it makes a folder in your Documents folder. Whatever you place in this new Dropbox folder is aautomatically backed up on the web and can be accessed from anywhere. </span><span style="font-size: small;">So just to have an online backup for your important documents is wonderful.</span><span style="font-size: small;">The other marvelous part of Dropbox is that once you have an account, you can install Dropbox on all the computers you use and it keeps them perfectly synced. No more flash drives needed!  I have compiled some ideas of how to use Dropbox in this Slideshare.</span></div><div id="__ss_12697293" style="width: 425px;"><b style="display: block; margin: 12px 0 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal/the-ins-and-outs-of-using-dropbox" target="_blank" title="The ins and outs of using Dropbox">The ins and outs of using Dropbox</a></b> <iframe frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/12697293" width="425"></iframe> <br /><div style="padding: 5px 0 12px;">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/thecroaker/death-by-powerpoint" target="_blank">PowerPoint</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal" target="_blank">fionabeal</a> </div></div></div>

Resources Slideshare Tutorials Web tools How to work with Dropbox

Dropbox is a fantastic programme that gives you 2GB free if you install it on your computer. If you invite others you can get masses more fr...

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A Tale of Two Epics: I, Claudius

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9sRFaOha7SHqYx1kUZu5ZrN6Cns5QcVSqWxPErhJgJ5q4bF2uOm_thIjhgcJso2DS3CbGGrdRmCGO45N_Fakxz1gvRGTZT3g_ArOb2mW8plhOtzM9skHNs_XaNtWnLL089ke0YdNjCRk/s1600/von+sternberg+oberon+laughton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9sRFaOha7SHqYx1kUZu5ZrN6Cns5QcVSqWxPErhJgJ5q4bF2uOm_thIjhgcJso2DS3CbGGrdRmCGO45N_Fakxz1gvRGTZT3g_ArOb2mW8plhOtzM9skHNs_XaNtWnLL089ke0YdNjCRk/s400/von+sternberg+oberon+laughton.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josef von Sternberg, Merle Oberon and Charles Laughton</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In 1934, British scholar/writer Robert Graves published his best known and most successful work, the sweeping historical novel <i>I, Claudius</i>, written in the form of an autobiography by the Roman Emperor Claudius (10 B.C. - 54 A.D.). 40 years later this classic work would receive plaudits and a new audience in an entirely different medium.</span></span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The golden age of the television miniseries began in the mid-'70s - <i>Rich Man, Poor Man </i>was a sensation in 1976 and <i>Roots </i>made history in 1977. Classics like <i>Shogun</i> (1980), <i>Brideshead Revisited </i>(1981) and <i>Winds of War</i> (1983) soon followed. In 1976 the BBC's <i>Masterpiece Theatre</i> adapted Graves's historical fiction into a </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">12-episode landmark starring Derek Jacobi (Claudius), John Hurt (Caligula), Sian Phillips (Livia) and Patrick Stewart (Sejanus). An Emmy and BAFTA winner, <i>I, Claudius </i>debuted in the U.S. in 1977 and was, among other things, later acknowledged as inspiration for the blockbuster prime-time soap, <i>Dynasty</i> (1981 - 1989).</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5iHqgTwXhBf9NLmCTBISajphGZAsCQ3gbFMtjlssO4vtaExrwa7NwBjarSAOXL5nVjr-J2D693SS0U9IwhcYqWIHEM2vQCcIM4JxJZ8z4mEEXxdFz43XqgqepqpxFBs-vkiaO-zbL_Jm/s1600/Claudius+35+anniv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5iHqgTwXhBf9NLmCTBISajphGZAsCQ3gbFMtjlssO4vtaExrwa7NwBjarSAOXL5nVjr-J2D693SS0U9IwhcYqWIHEM2vQCcIM4JxJZ8z4mEEXxdFz43XqgqepqpxFBs-vkiaO-zbL_Jm/s320/Claudius+35+anniv.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This year, in March, Acorn Media released a new boxed set edition celebrating the 35th anniversary of <i>I, Claudius</i>. Among the bonus features are extended original versions of episodes one and two, a behind-the-scenes documentary entitled <i>I,Claudius: A Television Epic</i>, an interview with Derek Jacobi and...a 70+ minute BBC documentary from 1965, <i>The Epic That Never Was</i>, about the unfinished Alexander Korda production of a Josef von Sternberg-directed film. This first version of the Graves novel starred Charles Laughton (Claudius), Merle Oberon (Messalina), Flora Robson (Livia) and Emlyn Williams (Caligula).</span></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOQzALdvGHOCQlI670WcAqWUpJcPUVbZXNDvpGscJQRowA6PSm5rDvcHAuR_ou6Mvm0SqPE5kS6WIot35lA2y9D4TNFAimh2QqK1T9Nn0NgsOo1fopqeDEKl9F8xdsHY8udZ3eG0K_pc9/s1600/Vincent+Korda+sketch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOQzALdvGHOCQlI670WcAqWUpJcPUVbZXNDvpGscJQRowA6PSm5rDvcHAuR_ou6Mvm0SqPE5kS6WIot35lA2y9D4TNFAimh2QqK1T9Nn0NgsOo1fopqeDEKl9F8xdsHY8udZ3eG0K_pc9/s400/Vincent+Korda+sketch+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sketch by Art Director/Production Designer Vincent Korda for <i>I, Claudius</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In 1937 Korda, who would later marry Oberon, set out to produce a grand epic. In 1933 he had produced and directed <i>The Private Life of Henry VIII</i>, the popular film that brought Charles Laughton a Best Actor Oscar, and produced another great success in 1934 with <i>The Scarlet Pimpernel</i> starring Leslie Howard. Hungarian-born but based in Great Britain, Korda's dream was to make pictures in England that rivaled those coming out of Hollywood. With <i>Henry VIII</i> and <i>The Scarlet Pimpernel</i>, he'd begun to realize his dream but wanted to reach further. With Charles Laughton still under contract to him in 1937, Korda's ambition was to create a film greater than either <i>Henry VIII</i> or their most recent collaboration, <i>Rembrandt</i> (1936). Korda bought the rights from Robert Graves for the recently published <i>I, Claudius</i>, hired Josef von Sternberg to direct, and the project moved forward.</span></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEOeBy6kA3ESrwtYIXqFw6JxHMBUWlBMkkFvpesMiB4mPZf_yrQcjasajaWTI7RuCAU5P6VDlIkV0QhJsMc3tZSS2EwDmqJFhZRZN22qYhOfpgm5DnLhCprSnO8j6dOUtyN2rtaLj0PUL/s1600/Charles+Laughton+Claudius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEOeBy6kA3ESrwtYIXqFw6JxHMBUWlBMkkFvpesMiB4mPZf_yrQcjasajaWTI7RuCAU5P6VDlIkV0QhJsMc3tZSS2EwDmqJFhZRZN22qYhOfpgm5DnLhCprSnO8j6dOUtyN2rtaLj0PUL/s320/Charles+Laughton+Claudius.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles Laughton as Claudius</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>The Epic That Never Was</i> is hosted by actor Dirk Bogarde, who recalls in his narration that as a teenager he ventured with friends to Korda's Denham Studios to watch the filming of <i>I, Claudius</i>. The documentary features interviews with many who worked on the film: Merle Ober</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">on, Josef von Sternberg, Robert Graves, Emlyn Williams and Flora Robson, as well as Korda's longtime script girl and others. Only Korda and Laughton, n</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">o longer alive in 1965, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> are absent.</span></span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPP6rCnRqMhHozYrsWFpC5J6JdolCmejNseiGu7epLaF_qZ6nl9gTDZBWPJyEuaM9CFR8AOXRWNYiJsjxJS96VBAdsp-cywP3elKimgNs1Gyuo7Ie-bxUCIDNIiJQRdEAnigCdqMjc-Tb/s1600/Merle+Oberon+claudius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPP6rCnRqMhHozYrsWFpC5J6JdolCmejNseiGu7epLaF_qZ6nl9gTDZBWPJyEuaM9CFR8AOXRWNYiJsjxJS96VBAdsp-cywP3elKimgNs1Gyuo7Ie-bxUCIDNIiJQRdEAnigCdqMjc-Tb/s200/Merle+Oberon+claudius.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merle Oberon<i> </i>as Messalina</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">According to Merle Oberon, Korda wanted his friend von Sternberg to direct hoping that the filmmaker who masterminded Marlene Dietrich's ascent to stardom would handle Oberon with the same care and artistry so that she, too, might become a great star. The actress recalled vividly once filming began, "something odd happened," suddenly Charles Laughton "couldn't find his character." Laughton began to break down and the script girl remembered him despairing, "I can't find the man!" Josef von Sternberg recalled the actor "had some difficulty getting into his part" but felt, all in all, that Laughton's performance was "magnificent" and that his problems would pass.  Eventually Laughton determined that Claudius <i>was</i> Edward VIII and began listening to the former king's abdication speech to help sustain his motivation.</span></span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-hPKp2s033TuDGYPInn4PQBuoyAlr-aCkBsbUCtYu57wWSNLn3DUS55NCUWEmVytO1sFxe5hF_wGeild6tfl1rHj_c-s7KNOa1nSPdy7mRg_elIRcHMm7C-HEQ8nXsWssQRbW84jyuHC/s1600/Flora+Robson+as+Livia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-hPKp2s033TuDGYPInn4PQBuoyAlr-aCkBsbUCtYu57wWSNLn3DUS55NCUWEmVytO1sFxe5hF_wGeild6tfl1rHj_c-s7KNOa1nSPdy7mRg_elIRcHMm7C-HEQ8nXsWssQRbW84jyuHC/s200/Flora+Robson+as+Livia.jpg" width="165" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flora Robson as Livia</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Flora Robson remembered that Josef von Sternberg was very much the flamboyant director and that he came to the set dressed in riding boots and other regalia. The script girl recalled that the director was also a first-rate editor and noted that he seemed to "edit in his head" before he shot a scene. Her remarks bring to mind critic Andrew Sarris's observation that von Sternberg "entered the cinema through the camera rather than the cutting room" and Marlene Dietrich's flat statement that "he was the greatest cameraman the world has ever seen..."</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">About 30 minutes of the 1937 production footage survives and is included in <i>The Epic That Never Was</i>; it is fascinating. Emlyn Williams is vile and reptilian as Caligula and Laughton's inspired Claudius foreshadows Jacobi's brilliant interpretation. As always, von Sternberg </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">composed </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">visually stunning, painterly scenes drenched in atmosphere.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just a month into shooting, Oberon suffered a car accident in which she was thrown into the windshield. She was badly injured and filming was permanently halted. Emlyn Williams considered this "a godsend;" according to him, producer, director and star were not happy. Author Robert Graves, who had written an unused script for the project, assigned credit for the film's demise to Claudius himself - from beyond the grave...</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The <i>Masterpiece Theatre</i> drama met a far better fate than Korda's promising but ill-starred venture. Along with awards won and influence extended, TV's <i>I, Claudius</i> earned an enduring reputation and remains today among the top-ranked miniseries of all time. Any speculation by Robert Graves, who lived until 1985 and the age of 90, on the late Emperor's reaction to the BBC series is unknown...</span></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cZl7SL1-fVDNTcnX4rCfgeXqPrpKPyjHVPFs5c39ec5Xsti7aWuuf631AS9jievnYjzJ8uAbc9OL4EqlXPxox4cNjSR3tCpF_IRg7h6eWwK5DslgFhX3bUmnA1txeEzXtsJ_Vu-n0lbp/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cZl7SL1-fVDNTcnX4rCfgeXqPrpKPyjHVPFs5c39ec5Xsti7aWuuf631AS9jievnYjzJ8uAbc9OL4EqlXPxox4cNjSR3tCpF_IRg7h6eWwK5DslgFhX3bUmnA1txeEzXtsJ_Vu-n0lbp/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Hurt as Caligula, Derek Jacobi as Claudius, Sian Phillips as Livia</td></tr></tbody></table></div>

Alexander Korda Charles Laughton Derek Jacobi Flora Robson I Claudius John Hurt Josef von Sternberg Masterpiece Theatre Merle Oberon Patrick Stewart Sian Phillips The Lady Eve (author) A Tale of Two Epics: I, Claudius

Josef von Sternberg, Merle Oberon and Charles Laughton In 1934, British scholar/writer Robert Graves published his best known and most succe...

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My Restructuring Plan -- The Montana Option

Meeting with the Great Basin Bishops in Salt Lake City has been an inspiration. My staff sometimes fret that I do not "have a vision." Well now I do. It came to me yesterday morning while tramping around the Temple and it's environs.<br /><br />Episcopalians are always telling me how we need to emulate the Baptists and the mega-churches because they are so successful. But the mega-churches lose people as fast as the bring them in and the Baptists have lost more people in recent years than our entire membership. Who is actually "successful?" Our LDS brothers and sisters. They are doing quite well.<br /><br />So here's the plan. Instead of redirecting a paltry few million dollars from overhead to mission in our operating budget, let's make a real adaptive change. First, sell everything. I mean everything -- the offices at 815, John the Divine, the Washington Cathedral, All Saints Pasadena -- just for starters, then our houses and jet skis. We can keep cars and golf clubs. Nothing radical here. Anglican moderation at every step.<br /><br />Then we all move to Montana -- over a million of us -- elect the public officials, establish an Anglican cultural enclave, become the regional version of normal, build a huge Cathedral and complex of edifices, then invest the rest of our money in p r and supporting Episcopal Youth Service Corps all over the country. Slowly but surely, plant little Montanas all over the USA.<br /><br />Now here's our niche. The LDS already has a lock on genealogy. We cannot compete with that but we can complement it. Instead of a family history library we hire a crack team of psychics and futurists to staff our family future library. People will go to Salt Lake to learn about their ancestors, then on to Helena to learn about their descendants,<br /> <br />Finally, we replace Hyfrydol and some of our other boring music with a new theme song. "Turn Me Loose Set Me Free Somewhere In The Middle Of Montana." Now the scary part: I am on the structure committee for General Convention. Beware of mad men in high places.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />

My Restructuring Plan -- The Montana Option

Meeting with the Great Basin Bishops in Salt Lake City has been an inspiration. My staff sometimes fret that I do not "have a vision.&q...

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now you really can take a seat

<i>For those of you just joining in, you can catch up on the sofa saga with <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/03/take-seat-part-1.html" target="_blank">part 1,</a> <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/03/take-seat-part-2.html" target="_blank">part 2,</a> <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/03/take-seat-part-3.html" target="_blank">part 3</a> and <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/04/take-seat-part-4.html" target="_blank">part 4</a>.</i><br /><br />I'm not a tease, no matter what you may have heard about me. But I feel like I've been dangling a carrot in front of you for too long.<br /><br />Now technically I can't call this 100% complete as it is missing one rather important piece (the cushion is unexpectedly delayed) but I couldn't wait any longer. And anyway, my Polly Perfect card expired long ago, so I figure its better to show you real life, right?<br /><br />There are so many great tutorials out there for reupholstering. <a href="http://mycraftyhomelife.blogspot.com/2011/09/upholstery-101-week-1.html" target="_blank">Linda,</a> <a href="http://www.savvydesignwest.com/p/tutorials.html" target="_blank">Tiffany</a> and <a href="http://oliveourhouse.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Loveseat/" target="_blank">Erin</a> can all school you on the ins and outs. So I won't reinvent the wheel, but I will share some of what I learned about the process. (I'm going to go ahead and pretend that you are going to actually read this list and not just scroll thru to see the final pictures.)<br /><br /><b>It was easier than I thought.</b> This is not to say that it was an easy project, but I had imagined bruises and cuts from ripping out old fabric and -not kidding - 3,000 staples. I thought there would be screaming, crying, punching, cussing. (Obviously I have a very dramatic imagination). But I made it thru with only one small cut. I did cuss through the whole thing, but I pretty much cuss thru everything so that's not unusual. I did find though that there were a wicked number of opportunities for 'That's what she said...' in upholstery. But that's a story for another post.<br /><br /><b>BYOF.</b> That F is for Friend people! There are many areas of this project that are a two-person job. For me at least. I am sure there are master upholsters who can hold the fabric tight with one hand on both ends while stapling. Their friends probably call them 'The Octopus' or something cool like that and they wear hats with funny sayings on them. I am not one of those people. The hubs was a huge help in keeping things taut (that's what she said) while stapling. We were a rockin good team on this project and usually we don't work well together on DIY stuff, so that is a "bold statement" as John Travolta would say.<br /><br /><b>Upholstery is not a no-sew project.</b> I don't sew, hence me sending out the cushion, but I now think I wanna. After my dear friend Becca (who also designed my blog header) helped me to sew the piping, I realized sewing isn't as intimidating as I always thought. Btw, when I say 'help' I really mean she did everything while I stood over her shoulder yapping in her ear. But it looks fun. I think the trick is figuring out the machine. Once you've got that all you need is time and the fabric world is your oyster!<br /><br /><b>Foam is a B@*#$</b>. It comes in all different depths and densities. The ladies at the fabric store expect you to be as knowledgeable as they are on the subject and it never seems to want to cooperate. Don't get me started on foam.<br /><br />All in though, I enjoyed this far more than I anticipated and I'm over the moon with how it turned out. I anticipated an epic failure, when in reality I've saved myself over $600!<br /><br />So on to the eye candy. Let's remember first were we began.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNIvvUus4ozQ8Q-W3TnXjypwi_RY5ZqNpp3sqjG2fGAleKDr06WtmXMb7LAmvNCu1iEsd8Pl92QL9ql9fO8LlQ4aPPnOdftbvGUyP08LADCJifaeCzOJAas-BKYVOQD1ihvKG9tr1dNSb/s1600/P2254629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNIvvUus4ozQ8Q-W3TnXjypwi_RY5ZqNpp3sqjG2fGAleKDr06WtmXMb7LAmvNCu1iEsd8Pl92QL9ql9fO8LlQ4aPPnOdftbvGUyP08LADCJifaeCzOJAas-BKYVOQD1ihvKG9tr1dNSb/s640/P2254629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59ERMKT7QcVz_CAqQovD_cIBSQNLHvGRuXd5EIT3QaZNo24MjvvKBzVIzCDyWH3sSgZnytGMiySXZ7c9JyLpYjPZkTtdELLNxqI-6ck-FqwgvwavDwrPTEZ_9DQB1ymZFEnQwfDzoX_ql/s1600/P2254626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59ERMKT7QcVz_CAqQovD_cIBSQNLHvGRuXd5EIT3QaZNo24MjvvKBzVIzCDyWH3sSgZnytGMiySXZ7c9JyLpYjPZkTtdELLNxqI-6ck-FqwgvwavDwrPTEZ_9DQB1ymZFEnQwfDzoX_ql/s640/P2254626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCRx1EbmqP9RFkEDAE1_NOCHXjna2f6Wqz3VFoKEP9TEVGPbTkKrcDiIF0pfer2qWKcZ24UFdQwH0Jsnp9ZaTyqeyqBWeAT7or7iUew_H1uDAbjSx8MpsreyScC8nO-TbOq-2Dsx-wqAF/s1600/P2264814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCRx1EbmqP9RFkEDAE1_NOCHXjna2f6Wqz3VFoKEP9TEVGPbTkKrcDiIF0pfer2qWKcZ24UFdQwH0Jsnp9ZaTyqeyqBWeAT7or7iUew_H1uDAbjSx8MpsreyScC8nO-TbOq-2Dsx-wqAF/s640/P2264814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And here is where we are today.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBeh9oGTvnBbpl7c2vIjpc_iO92Slz3kV25bB0XAco6e48-p3oEz4hzOo7kcUlhyphenhyphen1yh3b13fpasYMPKWtuTcbEd77v0MeSFRdp77frx_S-a6ZunOlGSD1AYNT7I7tnZvqQbMQeHBLCo88/s1600/P4256084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBeh9oGTvnBbpl7c2vIjpc_iO92Slz3kV25bB0XAco6e48-p3oEz4hzOo7kcUlhyphenhyphen1yh3b13fpasYMPKWtuTcbEd77v0MeSFRdp77frx_S-a6ZunOlGSD1AYNT7I7tnZvqQbMQeHBLCo88/s640/P4256084.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the crooked angle, I was blinded by staring into that crazy window</td></tr></tbody></table><br />All taut and piped up. Not bad for an old lady.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkKowIv_BTN2z1cmcfryOvt8fsDdfp_IILaBEM1qu7t2ycAx-NMBMrWlpsTTkteO1heXVk1b-30RQ-77LARKbcoRmkagPaRsUChJ0sGX2SE1V9kVnpbDaFZLjiE3ompVv4-abGvsbzWen/s1600/P4256080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkKowIv_BTN2z1cmcfryOvt8fsDdfp_IILaBEM1qu7t2ycAx-NMBMrWlpsTTkteO1heXVk1b-30RQ-77LARKbcoRmkagPaRsUChJ0sGX2SE1V9kVnpbDaFZLjiE3ompVv4-abGvsbzWen/s640/P4256080.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AdD4IURy2WGMDu9O08J1aC8jBlRonmUkV_YiTZs08NyIBo5otUKy6pUutBwAAO1Bzx451SLHbY5cNWrCRC90XS4Ec0ml0TpeklSoE6hNW8hKlN-6RRzN9VkcpTW3A-fThNXUxHPEthzW/s1600/P4256082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AdD4IURy2WGMDu9O08J1aC8jBlRonmUkV_YiTZs08NyIBo5otUKy6pUutBwAAO1Bzx451SLHbY5cNWrCRC90XS4Ec0ml0TpeklSoE6hNW8hKlN-6RRzN9VkcpTW3A-fThNXUxHPEthzW/s640/P4256082.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zHi3Stu65Ugr5z6OR65ZQCSLjtg-EoLq0nuSgyYFlq2CTaxqtKalTCCKYuMONzXDzuhrJUyiCBC1Eqt8Mfs4nCSQ_bH4k87x77GEkfhNXEHzVCa0AZQ4I_j4mCOzYTv4wW8950LTtNZ4/s1600/P4256088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zHi3Stu65Ugr5z6OR65ZQCSLjtg-EoLq0nuSgyYFlq2CTaxqtKalTCCKYuMONzXDzuhrJUyiCBC1Eqt8Mfs4nCSQ_bH4k87x77GEkfhNXEHzVCa0AZQ4I_j4mCOzYTv4wW8950LTtNZ4/s640/P4256088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8Xblq7dC2E4S4GdVxPH7DP1O9BegZR5nB8_ec6baO5dVRqk4b9ZUuCCCQXj46k2IjxfsL12EV6IdJ7AHpBrhzXEczgfzPbpDBaefqFCo8hGvy9OFI5k-p71kWFEoXg1F40m-7hjzdAJD/s1600/P4256093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8Xblq7dC2E4S4GdVxPH7DP1O9BegZR5nB8_ec6baO5dVRqk4b9ZUuCCCQXj46k2IjxfsL12EV6IdJ7AHpBrhzXEczgfzPbpDBaefqFCo8hGvy9OFI5k-p71kWFEoXg1F40m-7hjzdAJD/s640/P4256093.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJ-AYScDL5mX_w8px1w9F-xLeTaoprIwPpHsdhOauHBHXdRh3gVug_KCA4L4hvViP4H-z0DFyQNnUGdn2ybQtbQsyMYbYgnHYNZgZEAw0ZwGy5VJKGFwdoEtRxdX9BFzx_AvMNqTFQ48g/s1600/P4256110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJ-AYScDL5mX_w8px1w9F-xLeTaoprIwPpHsdhOauHBHXdRh3gVug_KCA4L4hvViP4H-z0DFyQNnUGdn2ybQtbQsyMYbYgnHYNZgZEAw0ZwGy5VJKGFwdoEtRxdX9BFzx_AvMNqTFQ48g/s640/P4256110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really need to learn how to un-yellow my nighttime pics</td></tr></tbody></table>So there she is, in all her 95% glory. I'll take some legit beauty shots when the cushion comes in. Does this give you the upholstery DIY bug? I say go for it! You might surprise yourself.<br /><br />I'm linking up to <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/2012/06/poww-94-furniture-link-party.html" target="_blank">POWW @ Primitive & Proper </a>

now you really can take a seat

For those of you just joining in, you can catch up on the sofa saga with  part 1, part 2,   part 3 and part 4 . I'm not a tease, no ma...

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Sr. Information Technology Service Manager (# 107910)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="Section1"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Position:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Sr. Information Technology Service Manager</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Location:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Milpitas, CA</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Duration:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Full time</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Job Description: </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Seeking an experienced Information Delivery/Decision Support Systems manager who can drive transformational reporting/analytics initiatives and projects with proven results. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The candidate should have a minimum of 5-7 years of Decision Support Systems experience across a broad range of business areas (Sales, Service, Operations, HR, Finance, etc.) and experience working with Global Service Providers. The candidate should have experience working with other functional/technical/business teams, understand project implementation methodologies, and be able to drive and motivate teams. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The ideal candidate is someone with extensive consulting experience, who's been a functional team lead/manager and has worked with utilizing offshore teams to delivery projects and support.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Qualifications/Education Desired:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Project Management/Program Management/Service Management experience highly desired. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Essential</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">- 5-7 years Decision Support Systems/Information Delivery management experience. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">- Experience working with Global Service Providers with onsite and offshore teams. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">- Excellent communication/influential/presentation skills. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">- Strong working knowledge of data modeling techniques, data analysis and data mining. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">- Solid hands-on experience in implementing Information Delivery/business analytics solutions. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">- Strong business acumen and understanding of functional end-to-end business processes. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">- Project Management Experience.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Preferred</span></div><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">- Experience in implementing and/or managing master data management solutions. </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">- ITIL Certification. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">- PMP Certification.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Basic Qualifications:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Bachelor's Level Degree with at least 5 years of experience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">OR</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Master's Level Degree with at least 4 years of experience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Kindly send your resume to <a href="mailto:raju.balaji@kla-tencor.com">raju.balaji@kla-tencor.com</a></span></div></div></div></div></div>

Sr. Information Technology Service Manager (# 107910)

Position: Sr. Information Technology Service Manager Location: Milpitas, CA Duration: Full time Job Description: Seeking an experienced I...

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Systems Administrator (Windows | Linux and Unix Environment | Kernel) (# 107920)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="Section1"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Position:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Systems Administrator</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Location:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Milpitas, CA</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Duration:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Full time</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Job Description: </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">KLA Tencor is looking for an Information System Analyst, for the ACG group (Advanced Computing Group). The ACG group is chartered with IT support and solutions for various engineering divisions throughout the company. The Information system Analyst is responsible for effective provisioning, installation/configuration, operation, and maintenance of systems hardware and software and related infrastructure. This individual participates in technical research and development to enable continuing innovation within the infrastructure. This individual ensures that system hardware, operating systems, software systems, and related procedures adhere to organizational values, enabling staff, volunteers, and Partners. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">This individual will manage projects as well as assist project teams with technical issues in the Initiation and Planning phases of our standard Project Management Methodology. These activities include the definition of needs, benefits, and technical strategy; research & development within the project life-cycle; technical analysis and design; and support of operations staff in executing, testing and rolling-out the solutions. Participation on projects is focused on smoothing the transition of projects from development staff to production staff by performing operations activities within the project life-cycle.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">1. Excellent troubleshooting knowledge on computer systems (Windows and Linux Environment)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">2. Knowledge on Windows XP, Windows7, 2003/2008, AD, DFS, DNS</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">3. Knowledge on Virtualization technologies like VMware and Citrix Xen Server</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">4. TCP/IP Networking, VPN, Imaging Technologies, WAN acceleration technologies</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">5. Experience of supporting users for day to day support (Desktop / Laptop) in large corporate environment</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">6. Knowledge on Linux and Unix Environment will be added advantage</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">7. Project Management skill</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">8. Should have excellent problem solving capability</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Qualifications/Education Desired:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">MCSE, MCP or other related certifications</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Supporting Engineering Development (R&D) will be an added plus point.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Basic Qualifications:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Bachelor's Level Degree with at least 5 years of experience. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">OR</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Master's Level Degree with at least 4 years of experience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">OR</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">10+ years of work experience capable of supporting IT systems and Networks.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Kindly send your resume to <a href="mailto:raju.balaji@kla-tencor.com">raju.balaji@kla-tencor.com</a></span></div></div></div></div>

Systems Administrator (Windows | Linux and Unix Environment | Kernel) (# 107920)

Position: Systems Administrator Location: Milpitas, CA Duration: Full time Job Description: KLA Tencor is looking for an Information Syst...

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Product Engineering Manager (Wafer Inspection | Reticle Inspection | Lithography) (# 107730)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="Section1"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Position:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Product Engineering Manager</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Location:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Milpitas, CA</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Duration:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Full time</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Job Description: </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Directs, designs and implements a comprehensive product management strategy. Functions as the central resource with design, manufacturing, quality and test, and marketing as the product(s) move to completion and distribution. Directs those involved in serviceability design, modification, and evaluation of all phases of a specific product or group of products from product definition through production and release (i.e. Product Lifecycle Management). Ensures that products shipped meet serviceability request, specifications and quality goals, as applicable. Formulates and executes long-term plans for cost/profit control. Promotes use of new technologies and industry-leading trends to product management activities. Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function. Employees matched to this job have responsibility for overall product(s) and for people management. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Qualifications/Education Desired:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Relevant lithographic/wafer inspection system/process experience is required.  </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">5+ years relevant reticle inspection/wafer inspection experience desired.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Basic Qualifications:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Bachelor's Level Degree with at least 3 years of experience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">OR</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Master's Level Degree with at least 2 years of experience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">OR</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Doctorate (Academic) with at least 1 years of experience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Kindly send your resume to <a href="mailto:raju.balaji@kla-tencor.com">raju.balaji@kla-tencor.com</a></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Product Engineering Manager (Wafer Inspection | Reticle Inspection | Lithography) (# 107730)

Position: Product Engineering Manager Location: Milpitas, CA Duration: Full time Job Description: Directs, designs and implements a compr...

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Things that made me smile today...

I've seen this before, but when I saw it on a grandniece's Facebook today it made me laugh out loud. She's 21, has a four-year old, going through a divorce, works 30 hours a week at a nursing home, and goes to nursing school full time. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyIk2R5rJ1Wbv31m0eZg7sQLgRu5SFc7nu4E4Itm7sH4sNFrgW1LhESqQonBQSBdi94EHz5b6kn1xgFprcImUG2gDPLPatfS8ZEuBzM3dkdRTVtPYeV-SCFF9Mc2wMPp1iXhjilyK4fhm/s1600/breakingnews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyIk2R5rJ1Wbv31m0eZg7sQLgRu5SFc7nu4E4Itm7sH4sNFrgW1LhESqQonBQSBdi94EHz5b6kn1xgFprcImUG2gDPLPatfS8ZEuBzM3dkdRTVtPYeV-SCFF9Mc2wMPp1iXhjilyK4fhm/s400/breakingnews.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />After my 13-hour work day today, I can't sleep so I was watching Jay Leno (way past my normal beditme), and he mentioned this video. Very cool and very sweet.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RtyqS68ViWk" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />Still hanging in there, trying my best to get through one day at a time. Work is killing me!

Things that made me smile today...

I've seen this before, but when I saw it on a grandniece's Facebook today it made me laugh out loud. She's 21, has a four-year o...

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Argentina and REPSOL

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font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hKX8fPcw2XCpjJRcsPqnPvcxEtXIt32tsrMamtBFHPZvhmKwgVc0IDio77d8A7fjSVs2pKV9LXFhzK5tKLVN1e_HTEVj8Hr6_ymtf0tv0TrOGy8159wVa5qpvOEkwaUfALzzTXCAPaK8/s1600/0416ypf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hKX8fPcw2XCpjJRcsPqnPvcxEtXIt32tsrMamtBFHPZvhmKwgVc0IDio77d8A7fjSVs2pKV9LXFhzK5tKLVN1e_HTEVj8Hr6_ymtf0tv0TrOGy8159wVa5qpvOEkwaUfALzzTXCAPaK8/s400/0416ypf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 3.75pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Argentina Takes Over YPF Energy Company</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #444444; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Via Stratfor with comments from Geopolitical Analysis and Monitoring </span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">SUMMARY </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">ARGENTINE President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner announced April 16 that she will send a bill to Congress authorizing the expropriation of a majority stake in YPF, a subsidiary of SPANISH energy company REPSOL. This will give the government greater flexibility in managing the oil and gas sector, but presents a number of serious challenges -- including the fact that this process has made outside investors even more wary of investing in ARGENTINA.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">GEOPOLITICAL ANALYSIS AND MONITORING COMMENT</span></i></b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">: Outside investors might be wary of investing in Argentina but since demand for natural resource will continue to increase, so will the search for new investment opportunities. In view of these facts Argentina will most likely not fall short of finding outside investors in the long run. Such assumptions usually are politically motivated with the “help” of lobbyists</span></i><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">.</span></i></span></div><h1><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: blue;">See:  </span></i><i><span><span style="color: windowtext; font-weight: normal;"></span><a href="http://www.investmentu.com/2011/October/shale-gas-boom-in-argentina.html"><span style="color: windowtext; font-weight: normal;">http://www.investmentu.com/2011/October/shale-gas-boom-in-argentina.html</span></a></span></i></span></h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><a href="http://oilandgas-investments.com/2011/oil-stocks/how-to-invest-in-argentinas-emerging-shale-oil-gas-play/">http://oilandgas-investments.com/2011/oil-stocks/how-to-invest-in-argentinas-emerging-shale-oil-gas-play/</a></span></i></span><b><i><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">ANALYSIS</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Under the new law, the federal government will hold 26.01 percent of the company while the provincial governments in oil-producing areas will split 24.99 percent, giving ARGENTINA a 51 percent majority stake. The decision is in line with recent leaked reports that the government would declare a majority stake in YPF and settles a month’s long dispute between YPF and the government.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S KEY GOALS HAS BEEN TO STOP YPF'S PRACTICE OF REMITTING 90 PERCENT OF ITS PROFITS AS DIVIDENDS TO STOCKHOLDERS </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Currently, REPSOL owns 57.43 percent, ARGENTINA'S Eskenazi family (through the Petersen Group) owns 25.46 percent, several private groups own 17.09 percent in publicly traded stock, and the ARGENTINE government owns 0.02 percent plus a "golden" share that gives it a veto on board decisions. According to Fernandez, the government plans to take its entire 51 percent from REPSOL. In its recent dispute with REPSOL, one of the government's key goals has been to stop YPF's practice of remitting 90 percent of its profits as dividends to stockholders and instead invest that money into new production. With both oil and natural gas production declining, the government spent $9 billion on fuel imports alone in 2011 to maintain sufficient supply of subsidized fuel for ARGENTINA'S populace. Given the rampant decline of the industry and the strong potential for oil and natural gas production in the country's favorable geology, more investment could be the sector's ticket to success.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">GEOPOLITICAL ANALYSIS AND MONITORING COMMENT</span></i></b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">: When ARGENTINA was the “Sunny boy” of the IMF under President Menem, who unquestionably followed IMF doctrine of privatizing state assets, ARGENTINA lost, among other assets, large pieces of land to foreign entities, thus loosing access to natural resources and revenues, which, among other issues, led to the countries default. At that time or as a matter of fact even nowadays no one seems to blame Menem and his government for literally selling out the country, simply because he had the support of influential lobbyists in key industries and corporations, because he did what he was told to do by these entities.</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In view of these facts, ARGENTINA’S goal of stopping YPF's practice of remitting 90 percent of its profits as dividends to stockholders instead of investing that money into new production in the country’s favorable geology only seems legitimate.</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">ARGENTINA ALSO POSSESSES SUBSTANTIAL UNCONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESERVES -- BOTH PROVEN AND ESTIMATED</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">However, there are serious questions about whether the government has the capacity to rapidly or efficiently increase production. The struggle between YPF and the government has been bitter and, as a consequence, the provincial governments have revoked not only YPF concessions but also BRAZILIAN and CANADIAN concessions. YPF is the major player in ARGENTINA'S oil and natural gas sector, and likely has the ability to increase production in conventional deposits of oil and natural gas. ARGENTINA also possesses substantial unconventional reserves -- both proven and estimated -- which will require foreign capital investment and advanced outside technical expertise.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Energy companies typically have a high tolerance for volatility, and with unconventional oil and natural gas basins bringing ARGENTINA'S possible reserves to more than 25 billion barrels of oil and more than 22 trillion cubic meters (777 trillion cubic feet) of natural gas, the country has the potential to be a highly lucrative investment.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></b><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">See:  <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/03/argentine-shale-gas-production-could.html">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/03/argentine-shale-gas-production-could.html</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">  </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Knowing this, the ARGENTINE government is likely to maintain a highly interventionist policy in the energy sector, putting any investment at a high risk of regulatory disruption. However, if the government offers favorable terms, the short-term gains could make partnering with YPF profitable -- even under government management. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO RECENTLY LOOSENED FINANCING OPTIONS BY MAKING CENTRAL BANK RESERVES AVAILABLE FOR LENDING TO "PRODUCTIVE" PROJECTS. </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">FINANCING FOR THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR MAY THUS BE MADE AVAILABLE FROM DOMESTIC SOURCES WITHOUT HAVING TO TURN TO RISK-AVERSE INTERNATIONAL LENDERS. </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Aside from the overarching regulatory environment, the expropriation will directly affect the operations of YPF. ARGENTINE Planning Minister Julio de Vido, a longtime ally of Fernandez and her deceased husband Nestor, and recently appointed Political Economy Secretary Axel Kicillof will be in charge of managing the transition of YPF from REPSOL to the government. De Vido and Kicillof will be charged with ensuring the company's loyalty to the federal government. As we have seen with a number of recent moves in the political inner circle, those close to Fernandez can expect to find influential places in the new YPF. This process will be critical for YPF's future. If YPF follows the path of VENEZUELAN state-owned energy company Petroleos de VENEZUELA -- where technocrats were all replaced with government loyalists, radically decreasing the company's efficiency -- the prognosis is poor for YPF's ability to increase production. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Finally, there will be serious pressure on YPF to transfer resources to the provincial and federal governments, since government at every level in ARGENTINA is suffering from serious budget shortfalls, and the country's isolation from international lending markets reduces its flexibility in funding social programs. Rising energy costs have exacerbated this overarching challenge, but increasing energy production will not completely solve it. In the medium- to long-term outlook for YPF, the company likely will be required to supply an increasing percentage of government budgetary needs. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">GEOPOLITICAL ANALYSIS AND MONITORING GENERAL COMMENT</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Since ARGENTINA’S default in 2001 and subsequent isolations from international financial markets, financial institutions, the geo political “powerhouses” have been predicting ARGENTINES economic downfall, for not following the eco political doctrines implemented by the World Bank, IMF and International Financial Institutions. Contrary to doomsday scenarios portrayed by these entities, ARGENTINA has managed to achieve economic growth and social security. Being excluded from the international lending markets so far has not showcased advert effects on Argentines economy.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">MANY SPANISH ENTERPRISES HAVE SURVIVED THE CRISIS BECAUSE OF THEIR LATIN AMERICAN SUBSIDIARIES HAVING OFFSET THEIR POOR PERFORMANCE IN SPAIN</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Like, SPAIN'S biggest banks, SANTANDER and BBVA, that so far have survived the crisis because profits in LATIN AMERICA have offset their poor performance in SPAIN,( Half of SANTANDER'S profits come from its LATIN AMERICAN operations, compared to one-third for BBVA.)REPSOL, like SANTANDER and BBVA, relies heavily on its LATIN AMRICAN operations which generate the larger portion of its profits. In view of these facts it becomes clear that REPSOL with the help of the Spanish government will try everything in its power to challenge the takeover. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">RENOWNED ARGENTINE ECONOMIST JOSE LUIS ESPERT SEES NO IMMINENT DANGER TO ARGENTINES ECONOMIC GROWTH </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In the long run Argentina will face no international eco - political consequences because of the YPF takeover other than corporate media attacks and saber rattling from Spain, the World Bank and IMF, but without effect since Argentina is already excluded from the International Financial System, much to the annoyance of these entities for they have no tools to intervene! Due to its vast amount of natural resources and increasing foreign demand, the country will sustain economic growth even if staying expelled from International Financial Institutions.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">See:</span><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/01/argentine-government-may-gain-from.html">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/01/argentine-government-may-gain-from.html</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Renowned Argentine Economist <b>Jose Luis Espert</b> stated during an Economic Forum recently held at a prominent German Enterprise, based in Buenos Aires, that Argentina has enough funds to sustain its budget needs and that export revenues of agricultural commodities, will continue to grow, thus there is no real danger for Argentines economy to stagnate, even if demand from Asia will drop slightly. Predicted short-term budget shortfalls will not affect long-term strategies. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: 16.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: 16.8pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9OmDjjenZNt448a0kh7jaSBpiqtt6Q2EO4hzKnHYBiYdAkwKCxYQSbr32PrSSPSg2FtNZttrsaGFFoB4u5Qn0t_ohGaIn6BJnjDGu6bajKt2Vj7JsFLfovKVauoTKaoTEqWmRsxS7DZK/s1600/tipo-de-produccion-por-mina.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9OmDjjenZNt448a0kh7jaSBpiqtt6Q2EO4hzKnHYBiYdAkwKCxYQSbr32PrSSPSg2FtNZttrsaGFFoB4u5Qn0t_ohGaIn6BJnjDGu6bajKt2Vj7JsFLfovKVauoTKaoTEqWmRsxS7DZK/s320/tipo-de-produccion-por-mina.gif" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Furthermore one should not forget that the mining industry in Argentina is rapidly expanding, drawing international investor’s attention despite the government’s politics of protectionism. The same applies for Shale Oil extraction; even if the extraction process is expensive, projected revenues will draw investment, despite political hurdles, because in the long run it is a highly profitable investment.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br /></div>

Argentina and REPSOL

Argentina Takes Over YPF Energy Company Via Stratfor with comments from Geopolitical Analysis and Monitoring SUMMARY  ARGENTINE President C...

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