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>

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

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Japanese Language Catalogers - The Donohue Group, Inc.

<strong>Japanese Language Catalogers</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>The Donohue Group, Inc. </strong></span>Immediate part-time opening in our Windsor, CT, office for an experienced Japanese language cataloger. Flexible hours are available. Duties: Perform original and/or copy cataloging on a variety of Japanese language materials. Required qualifications: MLS (ALA accredited); fluency in English and Japanese; recent experience in both original and copy cataloging of materials in Japanese; knowledge of AACR2 rules, LC classification, LCSH, OCLC searching and MARC editing. Compensation: Hourly or fee-per-title. Please email cover letter and resume by<span style="color: red;"> May 4, 2012</span>, to Pat McCurdy-Crescimanno, Manager, Business Development, The Donohue Group, Inc., at <a href="mailto:pmccurdy@dgiinc.com">pmccurdy@dgiinc.com</a>.

Japanese Language Catalogers - The Donohue Group, Inc.

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<strong>Library Director</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>James Blackstone Memorial Library</strong></span>, Branford, Connecticut, <a href="http://www.blackstonelibrary.org/" target="_blank">www.blackstonelibrary.org</a>. The Board of Trustees of the James Blackstone Memorial Library is seeking applications for the position of Library Director. The Director reports directly to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for management of all aspects of the library including, but not limited to, the clear and active articulation of the vision and mission of the Library to the Branford community, and the establishment of policies and procedures that support and enhance that vision and mission; reporting regularly to the Board of Trustees on the needs of the Library; the development of programs that are responsive to community needs; the preparation and administration of a library budget as approved by the Board and the implementation of the policies of the Board of Trustees. The Blackstone Library was founded in 1896 and is a tax-exempt, non profit 501c(3) corporation. It occupies a beautiful and architecturally significant building adjacent to the town green in the center of Branford, a picturesque suburb of New Haven on the Connecticut shore with a population of approximately 28,000. The library's annual budget is approximately $1.4 million, of which 84% is provided by the town of Branford. The balance of the operating budget is from grants, contributions, special fundraising events and endowment income. The library employs 14 full-time and 10 part-time staff, and the collection holds more than 85,000 items of which more than 76,000 are books. Its varied schedule of programming as well as its auditorium and meeting room make it a significant center of activity for the Branford community. Expansion of the library to fulfill a vision of a 21st Century library and to better accommodate increasing community needs, along with a capital campaign to fund that expansion, is being contemplated. Requirements: MLS from an ALA accredited institution. Significant experience in library administration in a leadership role in a public library. Experience in strategic planning. Thorough understanding and working knowledge of current library technology. Proven ability to work effectively with board members, staff, community leaders and the public. Strong oral and written communication skills and strong management skills. Experience in budget preparation and administration, and involvement in state, local or national library associations. Some experience with fundraising. Salary: Commensurate with experience. To Apply: Submit by Email: 1. A letter of application that addresses the candidate’s qualifications and experience with particular reference to the above requirements; 2. A current resume; 3. Three reference contacts; 4. Salary Requirements. Materials must be sent electronically to <a href="mailto:BlackstoneSearch2012@gmail.com">BlackstoneSearch2012@gmail.com</a>. To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than <span style="color: red;">May 20, 2012</span>. The James Blackstone Memorial Library is an equal opportunity employer.

Library Director - James Blackstone Memorial Library/Branford

Library Director - James Blackstone Memorial Library , Branford, Connecticut, www.blackstonelibrary.org . The Board of Trustees of the Jam...

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there is a pill for that

I'm having another <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2011/11/monkey-monkey-underpants.html" target="_blank">monkey monkey underpants</a> episode.<br /><br />Between finishing the <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/04/take-seat-part-4.html" target="_blank">couch</a>, trying to get inspired to finish the <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/04/gotta-know-when-to-fold-em.html" target="_blank">bedroom</a>, children, jobs and the general merriment that is life, my brain has a hard time resting these days. Since our society apparently frowns on early morning cocktails (I should have worked at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce) I have to find alternative ways to let the stress out. This results in small projects, which results in more on the to-do list, which results in more stress. These are the days of our lives.<br /><br />The newest example of this was over the weekend. I wanted to get something hung up in our bedroom so that it starts to feel more like a room and less like a prison on Locked Up Abroad. So I made my templates for everything, just like I did with the <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/02/step-into-my-gallery.html" target="_blank">gallery wall</a>, and all was progressing. Until I ran out of newspaper. No panic required though, I just used my <strike>MacGruber</strike> MacGyver skills and decided wrapping paper would work just as well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1Bf7QsgVeZnpAWHbcKTgEpH_qTS8xRIrdqG2XHPIDT5GvppL367mprbmneNq-5QA_bbEeoZPekqX4T42cInVWVeizl_AEpeGw3zO67x2uiKYlAFamr5HfLJL4JhtInr_ivBnLBT32O_Z/s1600/P4226037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1Bf7QsgVeZnpAWHbcKTgEpH_qTS8xRIrdqG2XHPIDT5GvppL367mprbmneNq-5QA_bbEeoZPekqX4T42cInVWVeizl_AEpeGw3zO67x2uiKYlAFamr5HfLJL4JhtInr_ivBnLBT32O_Z/s640/P4226037.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>(I'm cropping out most of the mess in this picture btw. I'm all for keeping it real, but some people might be eating.)<br /><br />After hanging the wrapping paper, my ubiquitous and ever helpful 4-year-old said "Oh mommy, I really love these stripes. These are good colors."<br /><br />While I agree they are good colors for something else, not so much for my room. However, the longer that stayed on the wall (we're talking minutes here) the more I kept thinking 'I like this idea'.<br /><br />Now I've framed wrapping paper many times before. Hell, I even tape it to my <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2011/12/tied-up-with-bow.html" target="_blank">mantel at christmas</a>. But this time I was thinking a little different. Something longer. Possibly a way to introduce more pattern into the room.<br /><br />Something clicked (not my jaw this time) and just like that, it became my mission to find this 'something'. I found a few options the next day and temporarily taped them up to see what I thought.<br /><br />Not bad.<br /><br />My husband liked it as well and said, "you know what would be cool is if it went all the way to the ceiling and down to the floor" (he'll be getting an extra present on his birthday this year).<br /><br />Then, yesterday I saw this picture on <a href="http://chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chinoiserie Chic</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdqSEKQDUVtKQlcp3_NINxnYv8s443oWqGJh4yEOGnn4ppKMg8jeEENVEBKlc283AuMUm9qJcESEKl0Ns9hYpOJWjHNo8T-p6nWlzxtJpajc7OVGVJhcWw3z4rMpBZFJ82alZBBC7Dzm7/s1600/6896205649646125.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdqSEKQDUVtKQlcp3_NINxnYv8s443oWqGJh4yEOGnn4ppKMg8jeEENVEBKlc283AuMUm9qJcESEKl0Ns9hYpOJWjHNo8T-p6nWlzxtJpajc7OVGVJhcWw3z4rMpBZFJ82alZBBC7Dzm7/s400/6896205649646125.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Its a sign.<br /><br />I'm thinking I'm on the right track here people. Or at least <i>a</i> track. Which is a big improvement from the muddy gravel nothing I was on before. Inspiration is a'rising again. I better get something done before it disappears.<br /><br />Have you had any happy accidents lately? And did you see RHONJ? Oh yeah baby, this is gonna be good.

there is a pill for that

I'm having another monkey monkey underpants episode. Between finishing the couch , trying to get inspired to finish the bedroom , child...

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Windows Live Movie Maker is fantastic to use in the classroom - and it is free!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><i>Submitted by Fiona Beal</i><br />The next programme that we will take a look at is Windows Movie Maker. Movie Maker is a fantastic programme to use -  if you think that creating a video with your photos is too complicated then see what you think after trying Windows Movie Maker. The great thing about it is you can add photos and video, whereas in Photostory 3 you can only add photos.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Which Movie Maker do I use?</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />There can be a bit of confusion about Windows Movie Maker because if you are using Microsoft XP, Windows Movie Maker is already part of the package. It is what I call the 'old' Movie Maker (and in my opinion it is much easier to use).  You CANNOT install <i>Windows Live Movie Maker </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if you are running XP, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as far as I can see. So I am going to put two tutorials below - one for XP users which is the old Windows Movie Maker, and one for Windows 7 users - the <i>new</i> Windows <i>Live</i> Movie Maker. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Windows Movie Maker for Windows XP users</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I am not sure about where Windows Vista fits in)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found this tutorial on the Internet and it seems to do the trick.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ak4ukjOy_FM?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Windows Live Movie Maker for Windows 7 users</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the latest Movie Maker - <i>Windows Live Movie Maker</i>. I found this tutorial on the Internet and it also seems to do the trick. On Thursday evening the webinar will focus on Windows Live Movie Maker.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vh82WqBQ_2c?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What can you do with Movie Maker? </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only can you include your best photo shots and some of your clips, but you can also add some really nice video and transition effects. Your movie could look quite professional at the end.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhyphenhyphenTOVyKU0DpJe1H9rmFNGydmD3b26cIgvr6RT0Q376GuNl3-k8qAwUWolmO1V799yAK5eytnsqU-VlCWrabpwEjxD-KPPKdLnWQGeAZSzCOqpfjwBZFB9KEeb_nldsK6dDDKpwSrgPI/s1600-h/image%25255B21%25255D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="image" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUdoXT91XMkOjroKfINRf1G1_ojNCNrL-VpDazYtEq-BdKEu1tsLCf-f3pWBMGLRpc4pQi_DMEL7B4s6WnhGYJGRqnJ3TwYCjykqMG77U-tnxNI7ergy739Tw7aqPOXvn6kuZlyiay34/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How to get started with Windows Live Movie Maker</b></span><br /><br />If you look at the image above you’ll see that there is a place that says ‘Add videos and photos’. After you do this the media clips appear on the timeline at the side. Then you add as many effects as you like. You can even add titles and credits to your movie. Here is an infomercial from Microsoft showing how to use the Windows Live Movie maker software.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="b-hbp-video b-uploaded" frameborder="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER-video-74114758ada0031b-12628" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzdkKvNRks5f7TWn5cVbaU9TsqN1AlQ5mz0ZNdnqPuvpRmMkPHO9_br8bg24QByn9yxeqbargZjjV5lSnTYhdTPtADuf5xU2O2T-TqLKlcRJAh3bitBdQErl2aD8mJlcF3qZT52" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How to use Windows Live Movie maker step-by-step to make a simple movie</b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Instead of putting my application into SlideShare as I usually do,  I thought I would experiment with Microsoft's Sky Drive. Did you know that when you join the Partners in Learning Network you receive a whole web-based Office suite (almost like Google Docs) with 25 GBs of free space. I uploaded my PowerPoint to my SkyDrive and have shared it so that it can be seen by others. You can watch this full screen by clicking the little box on the right. </span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="327" scrolling="no" src="https://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidPowerPointEmbed?p1=1&p2=1&p3=SD78BE6492F5E06BF2%21299&p4=&ak=%21AG5el1HLYR-B6Yk&kip=1" width="402"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the actual video I made when completing the PowerPoint tutorial above. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beauty of Blogger is that you can just add a video like this straight from your computer without having to go through youTube or another hosting service. </span><br /><br /><a href="http://meet78641452.adobeconnect.com/p6ha1ycp091/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://meet78641452.adobeconnect.com/p6ha1ycp091/</span></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="b-hbp-video b-uploaded" frameborder="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER-video-f6d5e63f0ec30f04-16138" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyhidK0q2wT_LDuRoROSTtlqxhF-809SXmM8tRVfgL5EOBZFl8NZv7td6PdX3d0ohMyN7gcyK-tm-O5jcnPgj1wJld5EuPMdZnf-VcxSr5t40TUpCvD2PxBcf8i7eXfpVg_8JGe" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What about starting a movie channel for your class?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can create your own movie channel in YouTube or in School Tube to store all your class’s movies. I believe there is also a YouTube Schools now. When I was teaching last year I opened a free School Tube account because it seemed a safer environment.</div></div></div>

Microsoft tools Tutorials Windows Live Movie Maker is fantastic to use in the classroom - and it is free!

Submitted by Fiona Beal The next programme that we will take a look at is Windows Movie Maker. Movie Maker is a fantastic programme to use -...

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One of a Kind: Kay Thompson

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3c7spzTkUh7dqoI8u_1GnKGHRO6ThT7gLKoeDnY_4yravrQqAlwJvsIYfwsD50LFc7ESr0_3u0OxDL1XVLQWWdedloWEptoDM-KOQp8P4Q-XjE-W_Ft9Daz2u5Tw3Hp33-g03aX87dPT/s1600/Kay+at+Quality+Funny+Face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3c7spzTkUh7dqoI8u_1GnKGHRO6ThT7gLKoeDnY_4yravrQqAlwJvsIYfwsD50LFc7ESr0_3u0OxDL1XVLQWWdedloWEptoDM-KOQp8P4Q-XjE-W_Ft9Daz2u5Tw3Hp33-g03aX87dPT/s1600/Kay+at+Quality+Funny+Face.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 12pt;">  </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 12pt;">Kay Thompson, born in St. Louis early in the 20th Century (1909 is the general consensus, but there is some disagreement), can be most easily be described as unique.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 12pt;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 12pt;"><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/AVvXsEjZ-H3xx95gW_4eH32omO8ts8bG5imNB2LsOkYCKXFdJZcRX-rSWxpO6CjpedyKJBlg_RkgqGV0XRHoP1QWzyMpm5ZGc1CMDoWCu5YtKzpyyPQLe8hM9LRCr9r371mkvLvw3DZ8p5t5hmP1/s1600/eloise+in+paris.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/AVvXsEjZ-H3xx95gW_4eH32omO8ts8bG5imNB2LsOkYCKXFdJZcRX-rSWxpO6CjpedyKJBlg_RkgqGV0XRHoP1QWzyMpm5ZGc1CMDoWCu5YtKzpyyPQLe8hM9LRCr9r371mkvLvw3DZ8p5t5hmP1/s200/eloise+in+paris.jpg" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eloise in Paris (1957)</td></tr></tbody></table>On-screen she is remembered for her role as vibrant, sophisticated Maggie Prescott in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Funny Face</i> (1957), shown above, but Thompson was a woman of many talents: singer, composer, vocal coach, actress, comedienne, dancer, choreographer, author and clothing designer. She is perhaps best known today for the series of best-selling "Eloise" children's books she began writing in the mid-'50s about a precocious 6-year-old who lives at New York's Plaza Hotel.<br /><br />Kay Thompson was born Catherine L. Fink, the daughter of a St. Louis jeweler...and she was always musical. She began her singing career straight out of college and by the time she was in her mid-20s she was working in radio as a singer and choral director. She toured with Fred Waring as a singer and arranger, and her group, The Kay Thompson Swing Choir, appeared in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Manhattan Merry-Go-Round</i> (1937).</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 12pt;"><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 12pt;">Through songwriter friends Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin, Thompson became a vocal arranger at MGM in the early '40s. Her projects included <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Week-End at the Waldorf </i>(1945), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ziegfeld Follies</i> (1946), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Harvey Girls</i> (1946) and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good News</i> (1947). She had a small part in another of her assignments, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Kid From Brooklyn</i> (1946). <br /><br />Thompson was also vocal coach to the stars: Sinatra, Garland (who named her Liza's godmother), Lena Horne (who termed her "the best vocal coach in the world"), Ann Sothern, June Allyson and others. Critic Rex Reed has remarked, "Kay did things with June Allyson, who didn't have much range, to make her sound great in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good News</i>."</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 12pt;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiHtDXyxc_2zDOTDIPlNhp3mD5Um5npo0hI84f24gTn1_KgG-LswgQkpnSkCT4UMDyfwtn5xHYljwRX7cwkH5JQTKDWFncPnAcfjzvubGVUr165kD9Z0Em2K27cJmxqcw_c5npDCG62QWzq/s1600/Kay+and+the+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtDXyxc_2zDOTDIPlNhp3mD5Um5npo0hI84f24gTn1_KgG-LswgQkpnSkCT4UMDyfwtn5xHYljwRX7cwkH5JQTKDWFncPnAcfjzvubGVUr165kD9Z0Em2K27cJmxqcw_c5npDCG62QWzq/s320/Kay+and+the+boys.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 13pt;">In 1948, when her MGM contract was up, Thompson left the studio and formed a ground-breaking nightclub act, Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers (Andy was one of the brothers). It was a trend-setting smash. Singer Julie Wilson recalled Kay's show, "Her act at the Persian Room was electric. Kay and the Williams Brothers moved so well, with one terrific pose after another. It was an absolute knockout. Kay's energy took your breath away. She wore those wonderful white pantsuits, which no one wore at the time. The show was very stark and modern, and the rhythm never stopped." A critic from <i>Variety</i>reported, "Her act is paced like a North Atlantic gale," and concluded, "Miss Thompson is more than an act. She's an experience."</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 13pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 13pt;">Andy Williams remembered, "It's hard to imagine there wasn't an act like us before, because there have been so many since. Up to that time everyone just sang around a microphone, and when the song was over, the singers would raise their arms...[Kay] wrote wonderful songs, she could arrange, she could play the piano beautifully, she could stage numbers. And she could sing! She taught me more about singing and show business than anyone else in the world."</div><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/AVvXsEgts8-OCmf2Qfr1yF1Wivd5fssVOH2YRbYHigVHxDP76so3xPCPC1GREmScAlnwHKZpWyzWm-63m6tpJiO3xXJfPV7lKK5d7qY7Ra1HLSusYiLzfGYx-k5Rq6ac2MdEbMuMowrmyxLc18TV/s1600/kay+thompson+1954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgts8-OCmf2Qfr1yF1Wivd5fssVOH2YRbYHigVHxDP76so3xPCPC1GREmScAlnwHKZpWyzWm-63m6tpJiO3xXJfPV7lKK5d7qY7Ra1HLSusYiLzfGYx-k5Rq6ac2MdEbMuMowrmyxLc18TV/s320/kay+thompson+1954.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Kay Thompson in 1954</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 13pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 13pt;">Her show-stopping turn in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Funny Face</i><b> </b>was Kay Thompson's only major film role. Her next and final outing was a small (but memorable) part in Otto Preminger's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon</i> (1970) starring goddaughter Liza Minnelli. During her final years, Thompson lived in Liza's Upper East Side penthouse; she passed away there in 1998.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 13pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 13pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">In 2003 Disney produced two movies for TV based on Thompson's first two Eloise books, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eloise at the Plaza</i> and <i>Eloise at Christmastime</i>, both starring Julie Andrews as Nanny (the first Eloise book had originally been adapted for TV in 1956). In 2006 an animated TV series based on the characters from the Eloise books debuted on <i>Starz! Kids & Family</i> with Lynn Redgrave as Nanny. Following Thompson's death, her estate authorized additional books in the Eloise series and several have been written and published since.</div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 13pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 13pt;">"Liza's at the Palace...!" was a limited-run engagement at New York's Palace Theatre from December 3, 2008 - January 4, 2009. Included in the concert was a recreation of Kay Thompson's nightclub act. The <i>NY Times</i> critic wrote, "From the moment Ms. Minnelli joins forces with a male singing and dancing quartet to resurrect part of a famous nightclub act Thompson created in the late '40s and early '50s with the Williams Brothers, the Palace Theater blasts off into orbit." The show was a popular and critical success that won several awards including a Tony for Best Special Theatrical Event.<br /><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhTykY5H3ChApDUpjS4TP77T1Xh0iNL7D6emSc60Y3jqa5GNF8bHv2N_bMQt23lxSUhSpi-OTBF3s12skQcVMwDDW3J8wICis7I2XrcW4jrAUumNGsCyY7qz_zShyG58kE_7voCBD9q6rFY/s1600/liza+at+the+palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTykY5H3ChApDUpjS4TP77T1Xh0iNL7D6emSc60Y3jqa5GNF8bHv2N_bMQt23lxSUhSpi-OTBF3s12skQcVMwDDW3J8wICis7I2XrcW4jrAUumNGsCyY7qz_zShyG58kE_7voCBD9q6rFY/s400/liza+at+the+palace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Liza Minnelli at the Palace Theatre, 2008, recreating Thompson's club act</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 13pt;">And - on yet another front, New York's Plaza Hotel opened an Eloise boutique in 2009 and in 2010 opened the Betsey Johnson-designed confection called "The Eloise Suite." Think pink, indeed!<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/AVvXsEjKQZExqeiQ4oP9oebA2-IdKDirn8RTl2t-Gq-0cxXQpGHAPKgdUFqx3bnb6fqrK0rjcFI6VC0pN3qASbllHo5EB4mMqxXNDEQw-Jd5YHT1vy1WI6c6RRzQNVDL88EEJWV292KmWTZyLSuR/s1600/eloise+suite+at+the+plaza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQZExqeiQ4oP9oebA2-IdKDirn8RTl2t-Gq-0cxXQpGHAPKgdUFqx3bnb6fqrK0rjcFI6VC0pN3qASbllHo5EB4mMqxXNDEQw-Jd5YHT1vy1WI6c6RRzQNVDL88EEJWV292KmWTZyLSuR/s400/eloise+suite+at+the+plaza.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eloise Suite at New York's Plaza Hotel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>

Eloise Funny Face Kay Thompson Liza Minnelli The Lady Eve (author) One of a Kind: Kay Thompson

  Kay Thompson, born in St. Louis early in the 20th Century (1909 is the general consensus, but there is some disagreement), can be most eas...

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Love the sunshine

My two hours of working on my sister's paperwork and trying to organize her business receipts for the tax accountant for her 2011 taxes (just got her 2010 a few weeks ago)  turned in six hours! I hate paperwork!<br /><br />However, I love our weather and I'm heading outside in a few minutes. I can't decide whether to get my bike down and go for a ride or go to the gym. It would my first bike ride since August 6, 2011, when I broke my scaphoid bone in my wrist and wore a cast for three months. I'm a little apprehensive about getting on a bike.<br /><br />I'll let you know tomorrow if it's the gym or the bike ride. Tomorrow is definitely a picnic down by the water with my sister. I finally got the disabled parking placard last week so we should be able to find parking (I hope!).<br /><br />I'm on track with the calories today and wearing my BodyMedia. It said I only slept four hours last night. That explains why I woke up exhausted this morning. Not sure how I'm ever going to fix my sleep issues. <br /><br />I can't wait to go outside!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cbyF0EkxyP8Y1vJjdF3wvRDwYZA6zalkcrbl2ciI1APG7BbJaViSOrHXp88mnmAECtRRYBXCNu8QMQQ0x9n_5Sy5nO0BgvKf4H-SDbM03pihFUPqYBYpLAd4DrS8dMIV-GbcPGlYo6Ww/s1600/Sunshine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cbyF0EkxyP8Y1vJjdF3wvRDwYZA6zalkcrbl2ciI1APG7BbJaViSOrHXp88mnmAECtRRYBXCNu8QMQQ0x9n_5Sy5nO0BgvKf4H-SDbM03pihFUPqYBYpLAd4DrS8dMIV-GbcPGlYo6Ww/s400/Sunshine.png" width="322" /></a></div><br />

Love the sunshine

My two hours of working on my sister's paperwork and trying to organize her business receipts for the tax accountant for her 2011 taxes ...

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