The Great Radio Tiki Experiment, or "RadioTiki," is an online talk radio show which began on February 11, 2000. A group of friends in Chicago and its suburbs who met regularly to discuss their lives and current events discovered that their conversations were entertaining to many bystanders. A technically savvy member of the group suggested they broadcast their meetings as streaming radio show.
Despite the lack of any sort of formal promotion or budget (the cast members are not paid), the show's popularity has grown in the intervening years, and it has gained popularity with listeners around the world. Listener numbers for any given show, including live streams and podcast downloads, typically number in the tens of thousands.
The informal, conversational style of the program, and its sense of humor, are intended to recall "classic" Chicago talk radio, similar to that of Steve Dahl and others. A mix of intelligence and childishness pervades the humor. Current events in the lives of the cast provide a jumping-off point for long comic digressions, the cast reads email from listeners, and provides their take on news stories from the previous week.
Schedule
Though the volunteer nature of RadioTiki sometimes affects the schedule, the show is generally performed two Fridays in a row, with a one-week break in between. Live broadcasts usually begin around 8:00 PM and end before midnight, US Central Time. The newest show is always available as a continuously looping , and as a podcast. Older shows play randomly on the RadioTiki audio stream.
Cast
The regular cast of RadioTiki includes Tom Bartkowiak, Jeff Wisniewski, Maurice Mattis, Brad Kruizenga, and "Robot Brad" (a character composed of audio clips of cast member Brad, taken out of context for comic effect.) Shows have been performed with as few as two cast members present.
Format
Currently RadioTiki episodes consist of six segments, generally following the format:
Segment 1: Drop, song, general freeform conversation, song
Segment 2: Drop, ways for listeners to participate in the show, listener mail, song
Segment 3: Drop, more listener mail, odd news stories (originally called "Hard News Squishy"), song
Segment 4: Drop, ways listeners can support the show and purchase RadioTiki merchandise, any remaining stories, song
Segment 5: Drop, music review by Maurice, Jeff leaves, song
Segment 6: Drop, general freeform conversation, wrap up ("Follow Your Bliss" by B-52's)
Timeline
February 11, 2000 -- The first show. With no prior promotion, there were approximately three listeners, including Brad, who called in. The first cast members were Tom, Jeff, Maurice, and "Producer Emeritus" Chris, aka Chrispy, who supplied the studio, equipment, and bandwidth needed to run the show.
March 3, 2000 -- First ever "wacky quiz". The quiz was called "Star Trek Episode or Christian Metal Band", which is arguably the best wacky quiz ever on the show.
March 24, 2000 -- Brad's first guest appearance on the show. He then disappeared from the show for over two years, then returned as a regular cast member.
June 23, 2000 -- Only show during RadioTiki's tenure in Chrispy's "Studio" to not be held in the "Studio." Chris could not be on the show, so it was moved to Tom's basement.
June 29, 2001 -- "Follow Your Bliss" by B-52's officially becomes the show's closing theme.
August 3, 2001 -- Maurice begins his weekly music reviews. First official review was Barenaked Ladies' "One Week."
April 4, 2003 -- RadioTiki changes its broadcast schedule from every week to taking every third week off. The schedule remains in place to this day.
July 25, 2003 -- Girls-only edition of RadioTiki with a substitute cast of significant others and friends of the main cast members.
June 11, 2004 -- Last appearance of Producer Emeritus Chrispy.
June 12, 2004 to August 12, 2004 -- Show goes on hiatus, as internal discussions lead to cast changes and a change of venue.
August 6, 2004 -- The show returns to regular broadcasts and the studio is moved to Tom's house.
August 13, 2004 -- First appearance of "Robot Brad" character.
March 4, 2005 -- First show to be broadcast in 44 kps. Prior to this date, the show had been broadcast in 22 kps.
February 16, 2007 -- Seventh Anniversary show, also the last show before cast member Tom moves to England.
The Future
February 16th, 2007 marks the seventh anniversary broadcast of RadioTiki. Cast member Tom has reported that he will be moving to England for at least three years, and cast member Maurice may relocate to Canada at some point in the near future.
The cast has stated their intent to continue producing the show, although obviously their past production method -- meeting together for a live broadcast, then streaming and publishing that show as a podcast -- will have to change. The most likely method will involve the cast teleconferencing together and recording the results, possibly dropping the live broadcast for the time being in favor of a podcast-only show.
Despite the lack of any sort of formal promotion or budget (the cast members are not paid), the show's popularity has grown in the intervening years, and it has gained popularity with listeners around the world. Listener numbers for any given show, including live streams and podcast downloads, typically number in the tens of thousands.
The informal, conversational style of the program, and its sense of humor, are intended to recall "classic" Chicago talk radio, similar to that of Steve Dahl and others. A mix of intelligence and childishness pervades the humor. Current events in the lives of the cast provide a jumping-off point for long comic digressions, the cast reads email from listeners, and provides their take on news stories from the previous week.
Schedule
Though the volunteer nature of RadioTiki sometimes affects the schedule, the show is generally performed two Fridays in a row, with a one-week break in between. Live broadcasts usually begin around 8:00 PM and end before midnight, US Central Time. The newest show is always available as a continuously looping , and as a podcast. Older shows play randomly on the RadioTiki audio stream.
Cast
The regular cast of RadioTiki includes Tom Bartkowiak, Jeff Wisniewski, Maurice Mattis, Brad Kruizenga, and "Robot Brad" (a character composed of audio clips of cast member Brad, taken out of context for comic effect.) Shows have been performed with as few as two cast members present.
Format
Currently RadioTiki episodes consist of six segments, generally following the format:
Segment 1: Drop, song, general freeform conversation, song
Segment 2: Drop, ways for listeners to participate in the show, listener mail, song
Segment 3: Drop, more listener mail, odd news stories (originally called "Hard News Squishy"), song
Segment 4: Drop, ways listeners can support the show and purchase RadioTiki merchandise, any remaining stories, song
Segment 5: Drop, music review by Maurice, Jeff leaves, song
Segment 6: Drop, general freeform conversation, wrap up ("Follow Your Bliss" by B-52's)
Timeline
February 11, 2000 -- The first show. With no prior promotion, there were approximately three listeners, including Brad, who called in. The first cast members were Tom, Jeff, Maurice, and "Producer Emeritus" Chris, aka Chrispy, who supplied the studio, equipment, and bandwidth needed to run the show.
March 3, 2000 -- First ever "wacky quiz". The quiz was called "Star Trek Episode or Christian Metal Band", which is arguably the best wacky quiz ever on the show.
March 24, 2000 -- Brad's first guest appearance on the show. He then disappeared from the show for over two years, then returned as a regular cast member.
June 23, 2000 -- Only show during RadioTiki's tenure in Chrispy's "Studio" to not be held in the "Studio." Chris could not be on the show, so it was moved to Tom's basement.
June 29, 2001 -- "Follow Your Bliss" by B-52's officially becomes the show's closing theme.
August 3, 2001 -- Maurice begins his weekly music reviews. First official review was Barenaked Ladies' "One Week."
April 4, 2003 -- RadioTiki changes its broadcast schedule from every week to taking every third week off. The schedule remains in place to this day.
July 25, 2003 -- Girls-only edition of RadioTiki with a substitute cast of significant others and friends of the main cast members.
June 11, 2004 -- Last appearance of Producer Emeritus Chrispy.
June 12, 2004 to August 12, 2004 -- Show goes on hiatus, as internal discussions lead to cast changes and a change of venue.
August 6, 2004 -- The show returns to regular broadcasts and the studio is moved to Tom's house.
August 13, 2004 -- First appearance of "Robot Brad" character.
March 4, 2005 -- First show to be broadcast in 44 kps. Prior to this date, the show had been broadcast in 22 kps.
February 16, 2007 -- Seventh Anniversary show, also the last show before cast member Tom moves to England.
The Future
February 16th, 2007 marks the seventh anniversary broadcast of RadioTiki. Cast member Tom has reported that he will be moving to England for at least three years, and cast member Maurice may relocate to Canada at some point in the near future.
The cast has stated their intent to continue producing the show, although obviously their past production method -- meeting together for a live broadcast, then streaming and publishing that show as a podcast -- will have to change. The most likely method will involve the cast teleconferencing together and recording the results, possibly dropping the live broadcast for the time being in favor of a podcast-only show.
Porto Elounda Deluxe Resort, originally named Porto Elounda Mare in the year of its first operation (1992), is a 5-star resort in Elounda, Crete, Greece, built by its architect-owner Spyros Kokotos and is the first golf hotel on Crete, thus marking an important milestone in the island's tourism development.
Design-construction
Porto Elounda Deluxe Resort on a 100,000 square-metre plot of land first purchased by his brother, George Kokotos, in the year 1979 and originally under the company name of "Marlounda" (a term comprising the Italian "Mare", for "sea", and the locality name of Elounda).
Planned during the 3-year period 1987-1990, the resort was originally conceived as a golf hotel with a main building and numerous villas spread around the rest of the property. This design was publicised within the reception area of the Elounda Mare hotel, owned by the same aforementioned architect, in order to attract interest from the latter's clientele.
The first year of operation was 1992, whereby only 10 timeshare villas were available to the international vacation-ownership market as well as for rent. This mode of operation was chosen in order to raise capital for the construction of the remainder of the resort.
Expansions-Renovations
The resort's main building was completed in the year 1993. It comprised 110 rooms and suites, the public areas (reception, lounges, restaurant, bar, verandahs) and a multi-purpose room for public functions. In the same year, a seaside restaurant was opened next to the resort's sandy beach in order to serve beach-going guests during lunch time.
In 1994, the resort's 9-hole par-3 golf course was first operated under limited conditions. 5 of the planned 9 holes were commissioned, while construction continued nearby. Construction was supervised by the English golf designer Chris Pittman.
In 1995, the golf course had been completed and all 9 holes were in operation. Distances ranged from 56m. to 123m, making it a small par-3 golf course.
In 1996, a further 9 villas were added. A seaside swimming pool with circular bar were also added, together with a small games-room, commissioned in the month of June. A seaside expansion was planned but licensing was delayed. 15 stone walls were erected on the seaside north of the seaside restaurant to delineate the location of the planned bungalows.
In 1997, the 15 aforementioned bungalows were completed and commissioned in the month of June.
In 1998, a shopping arcade and covered terrace were added behind the swimming pool and bar, and named "Plagiada" (Greek: Πλαγιάδα), beginning operation July. A Christian Orthodox chapel named Prophet Elias was completed one month later.
In 1999, 24 seaside bungalows were added to the southern coast of the resort.
In 2006, the resort's expansion was commisioned in the month of May, while the spa was commissioned in the month of July.
Operation-Services
The operation of the Porto Elounda Deluxe Resort revolves around the family-friendly character of the resort and mainly attracts families with children during the high and medium seasons of operation (roughly spanning April-October).
Since 2006, a large spa has been added to the resort, managed by the Thailand-based company Six Senses Spas. This spa has caused the resort to switch its marketing and sales focus more towards the wellness market, as well as to attract more business during the low season (roughly spanning November-March).
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Design-construction
Porto Elounda Deluxe Resort on a 100,000 square-metre plot of land first purchased by his brother, George Kokotos, in the year 1979 and originally under the company name of "Marlounda" (a term comprising the Italian "Mare", for "sea", and the locality name of Elounda).
Planned during the 3-year period 1987-1990, the resort was originally conceived as a golf hotel with a main building and numerous villas spread around the rest of the property. This design was publicised within the reception area of the Elounda Mare hotel, owned by the same aforementioned architect, in order to attract interest from the latter's clientele.
The first year of operation was 1992, whereby only 10 timeshare villas were available to the international vacation-ownership market as well as for rent. This mode of operation was chosen in order to raise capital for the construction of the remainder of the resort.
Expansions-Renovations
The resort's main building was completed in the year 1993. It comprised 110 rooms and suites, the public areas (reception, lounges, restaurant, bar, verandahs) and a multi-purpose room for public functions. In the same year, a seaside restaurant was opened next to the resort's sandy beach in order to serve beach-going guests during lunch time.
In 1994, the resort's 9-hole par-3 golf course was first operated under limited conditions. 5 of the planned 9 holes were commissioned, while construction continued nearby. Construction was supervised by the English golf designer Chris Pittman.
In 1995, the golf course had been completed and all 9 holes were in operation. Distances ranged from 56m. to 123m, making it a small par-3 golf course.
In 1996, a further 9 villas were added. A seaside swimming pool with circular bar were also added, together with a small games-room, commissioned in the month of June. A seaside expansion was planned but licensing was delayed. 15 stone walls were erected on the seaside north of the seaside restaurant to delineate the location of the planned bungalows.
In 1997, the 15 aforementioned bungalows were completed and commissioned in the month of June.
In 1998, a shopping arcade and covered terrace were added behind the swimming pool and bar, and named "Plagiada" (Greek: Πλαγιάδα), beginning operation July. A Christian Orthodox chapel named Prophet Elias was completed one month later.
In 1999, 24 seaside bungalows were added to the southern coast of the resort.
In 2006, the resort's expansion was commisioned in the month of May, while the spa was commissioned in the month of July.
Operation-Services
The operation of the Porto Elounda Deluxe Resort revolves around the family-friendly character of the resort and mainly attracts families with children during the high and medium seasons of operation (roughly spanning April-October).
Since 2006, a large spa has been added to the resort, managed by the Thailand-based company Six Senses Spas. This spa has caused the resort to switch its marketing and sales focus more towards the wellness market, as well as to attract more business during the low season (roughly spanning November-March).
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The Dark gunman is a stock character that has appeared pretty recently, making its most prominent appearances in anime, manga and japanese computer and console games. The dark gunman is commonly a lone fighter who uses guns as his main weapons. Dark gunmen are readily identifiable by the following common themes:
* Wields firearms as main weapons - usually two pistols
* Has supernatural powers related to or themed as "undead" or "demonic"
* Has a dark and unknown past
* Fights a secret or criminal organization that employs troopers similar, but inferior to him. Sometimes, his past is connected to the very organization he fights, and he may have even been himself created by them.
* dead-serious, sometimes very self-confident, sarcastic, cruel
* fights not for "good", but personal reasons, like revenge
* often dressed red and/or black
Examples for dark gunmen include:
* Vincent Valentine from Final Fantasy VII - Formerly an agent of the Turks, he was changed into a shapeshifter through experimentation with Jenova cells before being put to stasis in a coffin. His appearance in the game has a vampiric theme to it. His signature weapon is called "Cerberus".
* Alucard from Hellsing, a vampire who fights on the side of the human Hellsing organizations against the nazi organization Millenium and their creations, artificial vampires.
* from Gungrave, who, murdered by the game's antagonist, was reanimated by superior technology years later in order kill said antagonist. Has to fight other, however inferior, undead soldiers of the Millenion organization. His pair of colts are also called "Cerberus".
* Dante from the Devil May Cry series. A half-demon who fights his evil brother, Vergil for much of the series. Wields to colts that go by the name "Ebony and Ivory"
* Vash the Stampede from TriGun could possibly be accounted for as the prototype of the character, but doesn't confirm to several traits usually associated with the character of the dark gunman.
Reference
* Animania Magazine, Dec 2007
* Wields firearms as main weapons - usually two pistols
* Has supernatural powers related to or themed as "undead" or "demonic"
* Has a dark and unknown past
* Fights a secret or criminal organization that employs troopers similar, but inferior to him. Sometimes, his past is connected to the very organization he fights, and he may have even been himself created by them.
* dead-serious, sometimes very self-confident, sarcastic, cruel
* fights not for "good", but personal reasons, like revenge
* often dressed red and/or black
Examples for dark gunmen include:
* Vincent Valentine from Final Fantasy VII - Formerly an agent of the Turks, he was changed into a shapeshifter through experimentation with Jenova cells before being put to stasis in a coffin. His appearance in the game has a vampiric theme to it. His signature weapon is called "Cerberus".
* Alucard from Hellsing, a vampire who fights on the side of the human Hellsing organizations against the nazi organization Millenium and their creations, artificial vampires.
* from Gungrave, who, murdered by the game's antagonist, was reanimated by superior technology years later in order kill said antagonist. Has to fight other, however inferior, undead soldiers of the Millenion organization. His pair of colts are also called "Cerberus".
* Dante from the Devil May Cry series. A half-demon who fights his evil brother, Vergil for much of the series. Wields to colts that go by the name "Ebony and Ivory"
* Vash the Stampede from TriGun could possibly be accounted for as the prototype of the character, but doesn't confirm to several traits usually associated with the character of the dark gunman.
Reference
* Animania Magazine, Dec 2007
SWS is an independent fabless custom ASIC design house providing full-service ASIC solutions from initial circuit design to IC supply for a broad range of customers in analog & mixed signal and RF markets. SWS combines a very strong analog/mixed-signal and RF IC design expertise together with an extensive experience in mixed-signal verification to provide high performance analog/mixed-signal IP as well as customization, integration and design services for international semiconductor and product companies around the world.
During the last two years, SWS has served first-tier players in the semiconductor industry in addition to innovative high tech startups through design service, IP licensing and turn-key IC development projects. Application areas included clock generation, data converters, wireless RF front-ends and sensor circuits.
SWS also offers turn-key solutions for IC procurement including design service, manufacturing, testing and delivering samples. In doing so, SWS relies on its world class partners for manufacturing and back-end services. Based in Cairo, Egypt, SWS employs 25 people in engineering and has marketing offices in San Francisco, California.
SWS is one of the few companies in Egypt that is working in the semiconductor industry.
During the last two years, SWS has served first-tier players in the semiconductor industry in addition to innovative high tech startups through design service, IP licensing and turn-key IC development projects. Application areas included clock generation, data converters, wireless RF front-ends and sensor circuits.
SWS also offers turn-key solutions for IC procurement including design service, manufacturing, testing and delivering samples. In doing so, SWS relies on its world class partners for manufacturing and back-end services. Based in Cairo, Egypt, SWS employs 25 people in engineering and has marketing offices in San Francisco, California.
SWS is one of the few companies in Egypt that is working in the semiconductor industry.