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We've been on the search for a changing table for some time. Since the rest of the furniture in the nursery is a bit more traditional and boxy in style, I thought it would be fun to find a piece with softer lines, such as this Jenny Lind changing table:
I searched and searched… and being the great price it already is on Amazon was near tempted to purchase, when it popped up on Craigslist one day for just $25!
And so home with us it came and very soon after received a coat of rust red paint. There aren't many spray paint color options out there so this little combo is actually Valspar's primer (which conveniently is a rust color) covered by Valspar's clear satin to provide that shine and function as the top coat of the primer.
After testing in a few places we felt pretty confident that skipping the sanding process would not interfere with how the paint would adhere to the surface. I'd recommend a light buffing with rough sand paper to be sure the wood is paint-ready though. The changing table stayed painted and ready outside for a full weekend so the fumes had a chance to dissipate long before it was brought inside.
The original inspiration board for the room included browns and reds, but with the addition of the awesome animals on the walls (see more on that project here), the bright brick red we had originally envisioned transformed to a rusty, less saturated version of primary red to match.
Now the table works into the palette and looks great with Mr. Owl! (That awkward sconce/light is about to undergo it's own diy project… it won't be staying like that).
Next up was finding baskets to sort all of the changing table goodies. Anyone who has hunted down the right sized baskets for a space can attest that it's pretty tricky! I checked out all of the usual hot spots: Target, Ikea, Bed Bath & Beyond, Marshalls, Kohls… you name it. Finally I took my measurements to the net and found this set on Amazon. I think it might be fun to make new patterned liners one day but for now the baskets do their job quite well:
The room has received several more updates such as the new base board that Kevin installed and a white rug that helps to balance and soften the space. We're almost there!
Today's my official due date but babe is still very content and happily curled up in his/her space so we have even more time to build up the nursery in anticipation of the big arrival. We plan on keeping little one in a co-sleeper for the first couple of months in our bedroom anyhow, so even if he/she arrives tomorrow we are more than ready to go.


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Otitis externa is an inflammation or infection of the ear canal
(the passage leading from the external ear to the eardrum) that may develop
when water, sand, dirt, or other debris gets into the ear canal.
Symptoms of otitis externa (also called swimmer's ear) are pain in and
discharge from the ear.
Other causes of inflammation or infection
of the ear canal include:
Treatment for otitis externa may include nonprescription
pain relievers and antibiotic ear drops (with or without steroids).
Last Revised:
August 9, 2012
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
4 Lovely Bridal Hair Styles For Long Hair
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Artist description:
good always good to innovate change.my crazy imagination XS
Java Draw Created Feb 19, 2013 1024 x 736px Unless noted Copyright 2013 ZorbaX.
We encourage you to submit a comment and let the artist know what you think of this drawing. Please log in or join to post a comment.
Post a comment
You have an awesome imagination. The detail is great. I wish I could do something like this without a reference.
wow this is amazing ö.ö i love the details ö.ö nice colors as well 5/5h C:
This is a professional level, and I envy your imagination :(... 5!!!!!
Amazing, i like this style your using, is always good to see different styles and see new artworks come to life. 5/5
:O ths is really good! N i love that background.. Its awsome 53 and favs :3
Different, strange and awesome 5/5 + fav
Me encanta tu loca imaginación, excelente trabajo! fav
Great drawing nice imagination....5/5
This is outstanding!/ Collection


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Welcome to the Glasgow Charrette, or, as we have dubbed it, Learning from Glas Vegas, a three-day urban design and lighting event held in Glasgow this past October
More from: Learning from Glas Vegas
This is the third time we have worked with Philips Lighting to produce design events centred on urban design and lighting. Our strong working relationship began with last year's Peckham Charrette, in which we paired six architects with lighting designers - and Southwark Council - to create a lighting strategy for the neighbourhood and new buildings for empty plots.
Our second collaboration was Lightshots in July this year, a short film competition for architects focused on capturing the effect of artificial light on the built environment.
Both projects were a roaring success, so the pressure on the AJ and Philips Lighting to come up with something special for Glasgow was intense. This time, Philips asked the AJ to devise a charrette-style workshop which would engage architects to consider lighting as a spur for great urban design.
Our idea was to ask 10 free-thinking studios to consider the townscape alongside the venue Philips had chosen for its lighting workshop - the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow's Merchant City - and create a lighting strategy for it that would link it to an adjacent impoverished neighbourhood.
Another strand was that it should celebrate 'northern-ness' and the dark winter townscape of Scotland's biggest city. The event began on a Monday night in the Central Hotel, where the participants met for dinner. Later that evening we walked the site the architects were asked to transform.
On the Tuesday morning we held seminars in Glasgow City Halls, which informed both the Philips-led lighting workshop and the AJ charrette taking place that afternoon in the neighbouring Fruitmarket. We ended the day with crits - and a meal altogether in the Merchant City.
The next morning we met in the Lighthouse, Glasgow's centre for design and architecture, to reflect on the previous day's work and listen to Peter McCaughey - our on-hand artist and charrette facilitator - discuss alternative approaches to how we can make the places we live even better than they already are.
As ever the architects and consultants we invited went further than we ever thought they could. We may have provide the stage, but they sprinkled the stardust. The result, of course, was magical.
Livable Cities
Philips Livable Cities enables professionals in urban development to discuss, explore and anticipate the future of European cities from the socio-cultural, outdoor environment and urban lighting perspectives. The programme has brought together more than 150 architects, urban planners and theoretical thinkers in totally different settings - from interviews in their offices in Turin, Hamburg, Helsinki, Glasgow, Wrocław and various locations in The Netherlands, to high-pressure and tight schedules of co‑design workshops in Bratislava, Copenhagen, Turnhout, Dubrovnik, Wrocław and Glasgow.
Philips Livable Cities included primary research and applicative workshops, ending with prototype design and the practical realisation of these designs in workshops. It found its purpose by enabling us to build a composite, coherent picture of the future of urban Europe as seen through the eyes of European 'city makers'.
Glasgow concluded the Livable Cities programme with a workshop on 1 October. The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow, where 40 architects, landscape architects and urban planners gathered from The Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, England and Scotland, provided a unique setting.
The participants worked on two assignments. The first assignment was co-ordinated by AJ deputy editor Rory Olcayto. The second was headed by sociologist Marco Bevolo and lighting designer Tapio Rosenius. Here the challenge was to envision, create and implement a lighting concept responding to a focused selection among the 16 urban future scenarios.
Both workshops resulted in many new ideas, vibrant debate and intense teamwork, which led to specific visions and solutions.
Jaap van der Linden, senior manager business segment marketing, Urban Inspiration, Philips Lighting
Learning from Glas Vegas
Learing from Glas Vegas: The brief
Learning from Glas Vegas: The venue
Planning with playpower
Philips Livable Cities lighting workshop
Learning from Glas Vegas: Collective Architects, Graeme Massie Architects
Learning from Glas Vegas: ZCD, Reiach & Hall, Denizen Works
Learning from Glas Vegas: Gareth Hoskins, Stallan Brand, Hawkins\Brown
Learning from Glas Vegas: AOC, ERZ, Stallan Brand
Learning from Glas Vegas: 13.12.13
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Abdul Salam Somroo is in danger. He is the Awaz TV cameraman who took the June 9 video footage of the pointblank murder of a young man, Sarfaraz Shah, in southern Karachi. That's the same part of the city where militants beheaded American Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002. Only when Somroo got back to the offices of the Sindhi-language TV station and played back his full tape did he realize he had the most explosive footage he had ever recorded. Explosive, and dangerous.
And Soomro is in very real danger. He finds himself the key witness in the murder case being brought against the five rangers accused of shooting Shah. If the case makes it to trial, the rangers could face execution or life imprisonment.
Soomro's footage showed the unarmed boy surrounded by six Sindh rangers--a paramilitary force deployed to combat Karachi's rampant violence--pleading for his life before he was shot. After the first shot, Shah begged for help, asking to be taken to the hospital. After another, fatal, round was fired, the men in uniform only got into their vehicle, leaving behind Shah, and Soomoro, who had happened on the incident almost by chance.
All this happened at Benazir Bhutto Park, named after the slain former prime minister, hardly half a kilometer from her family residence, the very well-guarded Bilawal House. Somroo had been working in the park on another story when the rangers called him over to take video of their apprehension of what they called a "suspected criminal." With some time to spare, he obliged them.
For the shooters, it was just a brutal act. They didn't seem to care that they had left Soomro, who had captured every single moment, every bit of their abusive language, their indifference to Shah's pleas and their role in his death.
The first frames show an officer in plainclothes pulling Shah by his hair. As Soomro continued to roll tape, he saw one of them point his rifle at Shah. He kept rolling, never thinking that they would shoot. The young man started pleading as one of the men shouted "Maro, maro"--shoot him, shoot him. After the first shot, into his left leg, the boy screamed. He begged the men to take him to a hospital. The second shot was the fatal one. One of the men can be heard saying, "Let's go."
Perhaps realizing what had happened only later, the rangers soon issued a press release that they had killed a "criminal" in an encounter at the park. A few hours later, the "encounter" was broadcast and soon picked up by most other channels--Pakistan has more than 30 all news cable stations.
The rangers panicked, trying to defuse the situation with a string of contradictory statements. But the footage was so telling that both the ruling and opposition parties issued condemnations and human rights activists forced the government to order inquiry.
The Karachi Union of Journalists said Soomro was receiving threats, and is being "pressured to say it was a fake." Understandably, Soomro is not making public statements.
The next day, June 10, the Supreme Court ordered the government to remove Sindh police Inspector-General Fayaz Leghari as well as the Director-General of the Sindh branch of the Pakistan rangers, Major-General Ijaz Chaudhry, within three days. Both officials have been "posted out," the Interior Ministry said Tuesday, but that doesn't mean they have been fired--only moved to another assignment. The court also ordered that the case be brought to trial within 30 days.
Those 30 days will be a very dangerous month for Soomro, who is sure to be called as a witness. Even though the ruling Pakistan Peoples' Party has promised parliament "that every possible protection will be given to the concerned media persons who were present at time of incident and took footage," Soomro worries about who will provide for his and his family's security, before and after the trial. He is asking Awaz TV for help, but he's not sure that it will be enough to counter the determination of those who might want to silence him even if it is forthcoming.
It is a very real cause for concern.


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Legislative Updates
Federal Legislative Updates:
Senate passes Child Custody Protection Act
Democrats For Life of America (DFLA) issued a plea to its members to call upon their Senators to pass the Child Custody Protection Act. The Child Custody Protect Act passed the House over a year ago by a vote of 270 to 157 with over 50 Democrats supporting the measure. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 65-34 with numerous Democrats supporting the common sense legislation.
To read more about this legislation and to see a list of Democrats who helped it to pass, click here
Cord Blood Bill passes both U.S. House and Senate
Democrats For Life of America (DFLA) called upon you to urge your Senators to bring the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act for a vote, and the Senate has voted and passed the bill! DFLA applauded the US House of Representatives for the passage of HR 2520, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act, in a lopsided 413-0 legislative victory. This vote comes after the Senate passed the same bill on Friday. The bill now goes to President Bush for his signature. The bill provides a medically-proven and life-affirming alternative to embryonic stem cell research.
To read more about this legislation, click here
To see the press release from DFLA regarding this important victory, click here
To see a list of Congressional Representatives that signed a letter encouraging the Senate to act on this bill,click here
All but one member of the House voted to pass the bill. See a list of Democrats who co-sponsored this legislation click here
House passes first component of 95-10 Initiative as part of Department of Justice Appropriations
See more about Rep. Ryan's amendment to protect women and children from domestic abuse click here
House defeats amendment that would allow abortions in military facilities overseas
See list of Democrats who helped defeat this amendment here
Despite pro-life opposition, House approves federal funding for embryonic stem cell research
See list of Democrats who opposed embryonic stem cell research here
read the speeches of pro-life Democrats arguing against passage of HR 810 here
House passes abortion restrictions for minors
Read more here
See list of Democrats who supported this bill here
- Congress.org Lobby your Senators and Representatives
- Project Vote Smart Learn about Candidates
- Federal Bills
- Ballot Initiatives (click on "Social Policy" in Search window)
- FindLaw.com


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A woman slammed with a 30-day sentence after she flipped the bird at a Miami-Dade judge earlier this week was back in court on Wednesday.
Penelope Soto, 18, appeared more composed at Wednesday's hearing, which was related to her arrest for possession of Xanax.
Soto didn't laugh or smile during the appearance before Judge Jeffrey Rosinek, who had to ask her several times to repeat herself because she was so quiet.
Rosinek set her bond at $5,000, but she'll still have to serve the 30-day sentence.
Soto, who told Rosinek she lives with her mother, will have her case thrown out if she completes a drug program, the judge ruled.
Soto's appearance in court on Monday made national news after her profane encounter with Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jorge Rodriguez-Chomat earned her a month behind bars.
Things got off to a bad start when Soto, who was sporting orange jail clothes and smiled and stroked her hair through the proceeding, laughed when she was asked a question about her jewelry and other assets for posting bond.
"It's not a joke, you know, we're not in a club now," Rodriguez-Chomat told her. "We are not in a club, be serious about it."
"I'm serious about it, you just made me laugh," Soto replied. "You just made me laugh, I apologize. It's worth a lot of money."
Rodriguez-Chomat set her bond at $5,000 and said "bye,bye," and Soto laughed and replied "Adios."
Annoyed, Rodriguez-Chomat summoned her back and reset her bond at $10,000, shocking Soto.
"Are you serious," she asked.
"I am serious. Adios," he replied.
Soto started to walk away when she flipped Rodriguez-Chomat her middle finger and blurted "[expletive] you."
She was called back again and Rodriguez-Chomat gave her a 30-day sentence for contempt of court.


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The Top 5 trends in baby shower cakes:
Our clients are hosting baby showers with some serious style! From the meticulously chosen invitation and party theme, to the thoughtful favors, to the design centerpiece of the party: the cake! Here are some of the trends we've seen and the fresh approach and design style our clients are taking....
1.) Modern/Stylish Color Pallets
"Greige" (grey+beige), tangerine and blush
Black & White with vibrant pops of color
Light Aqua and Brown
2.) Using the baby's name in the cake design...
This mommy was so excited to keep the baby's sex a secret, we went with the perfect neutral color pallet, yellow and white!
3.) Sentimental Themes. Sometimes the sweetest themes comes from a very personal inspiration as a child. Here are some classic themes that are sweet throughout the decades...
nautical themed cake
Clothesline - baby bloomers, socks and dresses must be the cutest thing in history!
Baby feet! If you are a mom, you know that tiny little baby feet are forever the sweetest little things in the world.
Winnie, Eeyore and Piglet actually get cuter with age (after all, they are 85 years old this year!). This uber-classic theme can be passed down for generations!
Transportation Cake - there is nothing more "boy" than a transportation cake!
4.) Gender Neutral Cakes. Nowadays, many parents are waiting to find out the sex of the baby until birth.... recapturing the same excitement of the "olden days" Shower themes don't need pink and blue to have a strong identity. Take look at these gender neutral cakes....
This baby shower was "build a library" theme where all the guests were asked to bring their favorite childhood book. The cake was the center of conversation where guests pointed out the sugar version of their favorite books!
This shower took place over the Thanksgiving weekend, and was affectionately called "Welcome little pumpkin" :)
This shower was for a sweet baby girl, whose mommy loves green. We added a little turtle, teeny-tiny bits of pink and the baby's name for personal and sentimental touches.
This mommy was so excited to keep the baby's sex a secret, we went with the perfect neutral color pallet, yellow and white!


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Air hoses deliver air from your tank to the tool/application. There are many different types and sizes of hoses, from rubber and nitrile to polyurethan and lightweight hybrid hoses. Be sure to use the correct diameter hose for your application. Replace if it leaks or is cracked or dry-rotted. Hose kits are also available to repair most types of hoses.
Quickest way to drain your tank!
$8.64 $6.95
Every shop needs one!
$14.04 $9.95
Master Tool Repair is an authorized re-seller of all products listed throughout our site. Master Tool Repair, is not affiliated with, or sponsored or endorsed by, any of the original equipment manufacturers whose names, logos, and/or trademarks are displayed on this page. Master Tool Repair provides replacement parts that are OEM or compatible with the original products of these manufacturers.
Master Tool Repair sells replacement parts for Husky and Workforce products that we obtain from third parties, and not from the owner of the Husky and Workforce product lines. Master Tool Repair is not affiliated with, or sponsored or endorsed by, the Husky or Workforce product lines or their owner.


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As an industry, we are now deeply entrenched in a new generation of console development. What seemed unknown and even scary only a few years ago is now part of most developer's everyday work. In the end, most people's fears about the new breed of games requiring hundreds more artists, drastic increases in budgets and longer development times turned out to be unjustified. Many high quality titles have been made on time by small to average sized teams of experienced staff.
With that said, creating artwork for these new machines has never been more problematic. Many artists, especially those coming from the familiarity of the previous generation, have had to learn a whole new set of tools and work practices.
Creating efficient, high quality environment art can be done with the right amount of planning and forethought. I have identified, based on my experience developing several titles for the 360 and PS3, key 'problem areas' commonly found in next-gen art pipelines. This article outlines these areas and offers solutions, hopefully helping other artists identify problems earlier rather than later.
Conceptualizing is key
More than ever, it is important to get as much visual pre-production done as possible. Next Gen artwork takes a lot longer to produce, so it's important everyone agrees on a direction before moving forward. Concept art or geometry paint-overs (where an artist paints over a screen-grab of designer geometry) will reduce the risks of large revisits later in the project. They will also help the artist with color coordination, lighting and composition.
Having designers pair up with an artist can prove especially useful, with the artist helping the designer with layout and making sure abstract shapes can be easily translated into fitting game objects and the designer helping the artist keep within certain boundaries and rules essential to the gameplay. Forming a good relationship between art and design will lay the foundation for productive times ahead, or at least less stress on both fronts.
Concept artists can also do a lot of the time consuming ground work - a good concept should not only contain sketches or artworks, but also breakdowns of ideal textures and materials. Color swatches and textures pulled from the internet can be laid out next to the concept, giving the artist a quick and easy guide to the sort of materials the concept artist was envisaging. (This also allows the concept artist to create rougher sketches and color comps)
Creating the Building Blocks
Level designers need to start blocking out level layouts and collision geometry as early as possible. An artist can help out with this process by creating a library of simple textures and materials (grass, concrete, metal etc) and help out with any tricky geometry.
If a designer can nail a level's basic gameplay, cameras and character navigation based on a set of building blocks it will mean less back and forth with artists later on. This was important last generation but is doubly important this time around. A lot of projects get held up by major changes to layout after art has been created, and these changes often involve a lot more work than it used to. Such changes are usually unavoidable, nevertheless the goal should be to limit this as much as possible.
Artists can spend this design phase of development working on standalone assets such as props and textures which are independent of level layout.
Modeling And Polycounts
The new generation of consoles can definitely push a lot more polys around, but this isn't an excuse to use more of them everywhere. In general, medium to low polycounts in-game will suffice in the majority of cases. Of course, outside of the game engine, modeling high poly meshes for detailed objects and building will always give you a better basis for outputting normal, AO and specular maps.
Try to use the 'silhouette' rule when modeling in-game background geometry and architecture. Essentially, this means saving your polygons for the outer edges, where the geometry's silhouette might be visible (against the sky for instance) A good example would be an arched bridge, doorway or curved roof. Putting polygons into these important curves will give the impression of a high-poly scene.
High poly counts don't always look good: it's not necessary to use geometry to model everything out. Polygon edges can't be mipped like a good texture map, so modeling out a small window ledge or the edges of window panes might seem like a good idea, but often will cause shimmering visual artifacts from a distance, especially if a realtime lighting solution is being used. On the other hand, modeling out such fine detail in a 3D package to create normal maps can work nicely, if time allows.
Using a 'render to texture' function will help improve the look of stand-alone objects. Use this function within the 3D package to render ambient occlusion and any other renderable features back onto the diffuse map, giving your objects a realistic look which is difficult to match by hand. Rendering ambient occlusion onto a diffuse map can also be beneficial when used as a new layer in a paint package and used to represent dirt, rust or grime in the corners of the object.
Memory, or the lack of it, means textures still pose a problem on next-gen consoles. In fact, in many cases they are more of a hit, performance wise, than polygons. The key here then is prioritizing which textures get priority in terms of resolution.
Textures can be too high resolution. Even on a high definition display, 1024x1024 or 2048x2048 textures will rarely display close enough to the screen to show all the pixels at a 1:1 ratio. Such textures will look bad at a distance, and as such should be avoided in most cases.
Signs and other textures involving text should always get resolution. Having high res signage around a level is important - sharp, crisp text on posters and logos is a great way of creating a high-res look to the world.
Maintaining a consistent pixel density across your world is also important, with HD displays showing every stretched and inefficiently mapped polygon clearer than ever. Keeping textures at a low or medium resolution across the board looks better than a jarring mixture of high res and low res maps next to each other.
If your world requires a lot of low res textures, blending a second pass of a tightly tileable detail map works wonders. Grime maps can always go fairly low. Most specular and normal maps can be reduced to 50% of the diffuse map's size without too much of a problem; similarly, it's possible to achieve great results with high res normal maps over low res diffuse maps.
Specular maps are important! Make sure you dedicate enough time to these important textures, which are often the deciding factor in presenting a convincing material to the player. Don't make the mistake of making a black and white version of the diffuse, similarly, a lack of color in the spec map will give surfaces a more plastic look. Add a reflective color where necessary for a convincing effect.
Make a shared company texture library, similar to a shader library. It's not productive having five artists all making grass textures, or concrete normal maps. Get into the mindset of sharing and re-using assets. If you work as part of a larger publisher, try to get an internal art database going. Sharing assets between studios can save weeks to months of art time.
Normal Mapping
This generation's buzzword. It's vital to establish rules early on about the level of detail on each surface. Make sure not to waste valuable time on creating normal maps for background scenery or less important areas that night not be the main focus of the level.
Dependent on the budget, game type and art direction, you may be creating each and every object using high poly modeling and a digital sculpting tool like Z-Brush or Mudbox, or you'll be using a faster solution, applying normal 'detail' maps across your texture surfaces with a plug-in such as Nvidia's Photoshop filter.
For surface, or texture detail, many games use a mixture of both and if you have a tight schedule, then here is when a set of guidelines can apply.
Work out the rules. If a surface's detail is only 5mm deep you might decide to generate normal maps for anything up to this depth using a filter. This can be used for simple things such as fine hairline cracks, pitted cement, lightly recessed brick and so forth. If it's detail exceeds 5mm, for example a craggy rock with a lot of chipped edges and some deep crevices, it would make more sense to model the object high poly, add the detail via Zbrush and create normal maps for a low poly base object.
Be careful using normal map filters. They can save a lot of time and work wonders in the right circumstances, but can also make some horrible looking textures. Shadows and specular will be interpreted as depth and ridges, respectively, so take care about which textures get treated via a filter. A 3D package will always give better results due to its ability to process correct 3D information into the normal map. Try creating surface cracks and pits using a 2D filter and overlay them with your exported 3D normal map for an added layer of detail.
Remember, normal maps are very expensive in most engines. In a lot of cases (especially flat surfaces) a good specular map will suffice and will be a lot cheaper, allowing you to do more with the really important spots.
Shaders are one of the most important aspects of this generation's visuals. Due to their complex nature and their potential for using lots of instructions in untrained hands, it makes sense to leave most of the development down to the technical artists. The technical artists should be experienced at using as few instructions as possible while maintaining the desired look, reserving the more complex shaders for cinematic sequences and other special one-off moments.
Many games nowadays use a single 'super-shader' capable of creating most necessary materials. An alternate system is to create a set of highly optimized base shaders grouped by instruction cost (low, medium and high) - these would feature an interface with controllers for modifications and scalars within each. With each artist using shaders parented to the technical artist's originals, optimizations and changes can be made across whole levels later, without the need to go in and change everything by hand.
Regardless of the methods the artists use to create their own shaders, make sure to set up an easily accessible library on the internal network where the whole art team can share and access each other's materials. In the long run, this will not only avoid lots of unnecessary duplicates, but will also help maintain a cohesive art style.
Lighting is, in my opinion, the most important aspect of next gen art. How a scene is lit will control the mood, scale and atmosphere of a scene. The extra memory and power afforded to us by next gen consoles open up a new world of lighting choices.
There are various ways to light levels, dependent on the style. In the previous generation, 95% of all games used the vertex coloring method. This is an outdated system now, but can be still be used in conjunction with other techniques mentioned below to provide a great look.
The ideal solution is to light using lightmaps. Lightmaps give you the flexibility to use advanced static lighting calculations across your world which could never be achieved in realtime. It also does away with the laborious task of creating floating shadow 'overlays' (and the draw time they use) and the unnecessary subdivision of level geometry we saw last generation. Some engines already have built-in support for creating lightmaps, but it is likely you'll end up lighting in an external 3d package and exporting the lightmaps for use in the engine. This method is generally preferable anyway, as a 3D package will always offer more tools and flexibility.
If you're lighting a level, you'll need to unwrap all the geometry on a separate UV channel. Letting the 3D package unwrap for you is usually a sufficient, if not the most optimal method. If using a separate engine, you'll need to design an efficient shader for blending the lightmaps with the diffuse channel and maintain the correct levels. Consider additional cheaper shaders which work as emissive only, ideal for background scenery.
Ambient occlusion is extremely important, adding realism by calculating soft shadows in corners, under objects and at points of contact. As a rough approximation of global illumination, it gives you a comparable look with drastically reduced render times.
Work out your system of generating ambient occlusion solutions. If lighting within a proprietary engine, you may find it's not featured as part of the lighting tools (It can be faked, but is very time consuming) Many 3D packages now have advanced renderers featuring ambient occlusion solutions as standard. Do some experimenting with these built-in tools, as you may find they are overly complex or render times take too long. If you're going to be lighting a city block, for instance, you're going to want a fast renderer. Luckily lots of 3rd party render systems exist, and it will be worth your while to test a few, as they will all vary in their results, ease of use and speed.
It used to be extremely difficult to light outdoor, day lit scenes, but nowadays this is a viable option. One direct light source means the whole world can be either lit using lightmaps, or in some cases, dynamically lit. An ideal solution would be to dynamically light your world, with an ambient occlusion lightmap pass on the geometry. Be careful lighting interiors using lightmaps - due to the size of lightmaps, you'll invariably experience a lot of banding and compression artifacts, especially if using a lot of colored lighting. See if you can achieve a balance of non-overlapping dynamic light sources and lightmapped shadows and ambient light. If you're using dynamic lighting solution, make sure there is a faked filler light in the occluded areas, to pop out the normal maps on textures.
Putting it all together
Each project is unique, but in every project we are striving for the same goal - to realize our initial visions and still remain on schedule. We are at a point where we can finally add the level of detail and creativity many of us have always wanted, but only by planning and adhering to an efficient art pipeline can we seriously devote the necessary time and resources to do so.
It's vital to plan ahead and learn from experience, hopefully this article has helped forward the notion that high quality next gen artwork can be made under budget and on time.
Tim McGrath has worked in the games industry as an artist for over 11 years. He is currently Senior Environment Artist at Midway Studios Los Angeles.


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Fine art print.
Information below...
Paper & Ink
Printed on 310gsm Hahnemühle Photo Rag® Bright White paper using archival UltraChrome K3 pigment inks.
Dimensions & Editions
Prints include a 2" / 5.1cm white border around the image.
- Image Size: 48 x 32" / 121.9 x 81.3cm| Paper size: 52 x 36" / 132.1 x 91.5cm ~ Signed
- Image Size: 24 x 16" / 60.9 x 40.6cm | Paper size: 28 x 20" / 71.1 x 50.8cm ~ Signed
Free shipping within Australia (10-14 days)
International shipping is flat rate of AU$50 (14-28 days)
Prints are rolled and shipped a in sturdy cardboard protective tube.
Framing is not included or available from our online store at this time. We can, however, ship directly to your local framer or one of our preferred framers in Sydney, the Gold Coast or Melbourne. We're more than happy to give advice on what colour & style of framing will suit each print. We can arrange framing and delivery to your door (at an additional cost). To discuss framing or if you have any other queries simply email us - email@example.com
Print code: 201114-7491


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Detailed, complete, timely and reliable statistics are essential to monitor the energy situation at a country level as well as at an international level. Energy statistics on supply, trade, stocks, transformation and demand are indeed the basis for any sound energy policy decision.
For instance, the market of oil – which is the largest traded commodity worldwide – needs to be closely monitored in order for all market players to know at any time what is produced, traded, stocked and consumed and by whom.
In view of the role and importance of energy in world development, one would expect that basic energy information to be readily available and reliable. This is not always the case and one can even observe a decline in the quality, coverage and timeliness of energy statistics over the last few years.


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About Zen Center
- New to Zen Center?
- Greens Restaurant at Fort Mason
- Welcome
Principles & Governance
- Board of Directors
- Practice Groups
- Opportunities
- Contact Us
The Three Pure Precepts
The Three Pure Precepts are inseparable from the bodhisattva practice taught at Zen Center. They represent the aspiration of every bodhisattva.
To do no evil:
To do no evil means to refrain from causing harm to oneself, to others, to animals, to plants, to the Earth, to the waters and to the air.
To do good:
To do good means to uncover and to act from the loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity of our awakened nature. In our effort to live ethically, we embrace and rely upon the time-honored Mahayana practices of confession, repentance, atonement, and reconciliation.
To save all beings:
To save all beings means to offer people the opportunity to discover and express their awakened nature. In creating this opportunity we recognize the importance of maintaining a balance between an individual's negotiation of the Way and Zen Center's collective religious and institutional needs. When there is a perceived conflict between these, the process of open communication and clarification is a practice of "saving all beings."


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A Family Dentist Reviews Why Good Dental Health is Important in Children and Adolescents
As a family dentist, we encourage parents to schedule regular dental appointments for their children. Studies and research have concluded that it is extremely important to start teaching children a good dental hygiene routine and overall oral care early in their lives. This will reduce their future oral health issues. According to research by the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease in America today, affecting nearly fifty percent of 1st graders and eighty percent of 17 year-olds. Dental disease in children and adolescents in the United States is getting worse and is even five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever.
Experts believe that awareness of the growing epidemic and early dental treatment prevents problems that would otherwise affect a child's health, self-image, eating habits, ability to sleep well and overall academic performance. The National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research estimates that children will miss 52 million hours of school each year because of cavities, toothaches, and other oral issues. The Surgeon General has even made children's oral health a top priority due to the connection between dental problems in children and teenagers and a significant loss in their academic performance.
However, there are preventative measures that parents can take to help their children from missing school and suffering from oral health issues. As a family dentist, we recommend that parents are proactive and make sure their children practice good dental hygiene from an early age. Many parents believe that oral health care begins at the age of 1, but we actually recommend that parents clean even an infant's gums after each feeding with a soft napkin or cloth, which stimulates the gum tissue and removes food. For infants with some teeth, parents should use a small toothbrush with soft bristles with a very small amount of toothpaste that contains fluoride.
As children grow and become older, regular visits to our dentist office are important to detect any early signs of cavities. Checking for possible developmental problems is key in dental care and preventing an oral issue from getting worse will ensure that children avoid discomfort and miss less school. If under the age of eight, parents should supervise and help their children while brushing and flossing. Keeping children away from too many sugary drinks and foods helps in the long run as well, since sugary or starchy foods can lead to cavities. Parents should also take a closer look at their water supply in their homes and see if the water is fluoridated. If not, speak with us about fluoride treatments.
Untreated toothaches and cavities affect a child's ability to eat well, get a good night's rest, and function well at school not to mention dental issues might negatively impact a child's self-esteem and social development. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting our family dentist office on a regular basis, your children can stay healthy for years to come.


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Magic-using Samantha Stephens was the lead character of this fantasy-comedy show. What was the show's name?
"Bewitched" seems at first to be a "normal" family comedy with a bit of a twist, but the show was unusual in that the lead female character was aggressive when it came to taking action - not like the housewife roles of the times at all. Here's an interesting side note: the animated opening for the show was made by Hannah-Barbera, so it was no surprise that Samantha would also appear in "The Flintstones."


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The annual Hardeeville Catfish Festival is Friday and Saturday. The family event is held behind Hardeeville City Hall every fall. There will be music, food and a lot of entertainment.
As always, food and craft vendors from all across the Southeast will be on site. Expect to see new things this year as well. The amusement rides start at 6 p.m. on Friday and will run all day Saturday. Take the whole family and get day passes for a full day of excitement.
Every year we have the best-of-the-best compete as part of our bake-off and Catfish Stew cook-off. This year we have added a jams and jellies contest; these will be judged on taste and appearance. This event will be Friday and the winners will be announced Saturday. Please have your favorite recipe prepared and entered at the concessions building by 6 p.m. Friday. Make sure you are there Saturday when we auction off each of our wonderful baked entries.
Friday night kicks off with the annual Land Boat race. Get your craft and three person crew ready for action. The race is always as funny as it is competitive.
New this year is the children's parade sponsored by the Hardeeville Friends of the Library. Each entry will represent a favorite children's book or character. Children from ages 1-year-old to 8 years old can ride tricycles, "Power Wheels", or other ride on toys. Kids aged 9 to 12 are asked to walk the short parade route from behind the festival stage to the main festival entrance. There will be prizes, including a book donated to the Hardeeville Library in a child's name. Dress up your little ones and be ready by 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Brad Wells and The Brad Wells Band will be the headlining act Friday.
Saturday morning get ready to line the streets of Hardeeville for the big parade. If you aren't in the parade, don't miss the opportunity to watch it. We have all of our regulars, from pageant queens to clowns and several new entrants to entertain you. The Veterans Tribute will be back to give our locals a chance to be recognized. Military veterans from every branch are encouraged to ride, just show up at the line up start on Main Street. There will be awards given for parade entrants and the parade watchers will get to vote for the "Best of Crowd Favorites" trophies. Stop by the Festival committee booth to cast your vote.
Another new event this year is the first cornhole tournament. Come show off your skills and join in Saturday for the all-day event. Register your two-person team in advance by calling Ronald Spikes at 843-384-2168. There will be prizes and lots of competition.
The car and motorcycle show is Saturday. This year it will be better than ever thanks to a new sponsor, NAPA of Hardeeville and Okatie. The prizes are fantastic, the automobiles are beautiful, and the crowd has grown tremendously. Bring your pride and joy out and register at the event, or get a discount and register early by calling Joseph or Heather Arzillo at 843-683-4659.
Comedian Mike 'The Chicken Man' Culver will take the stage at 5 p.m. If you were ever a fan of the famous Ray Stevens, you will really enjoy this family-style comedy. After you have laughed yourself silly, take advantage of the free shag lessons. The Beaufort Shag Club will travel to Hardeeville to teach us all how to do the state dance of South Carolina. The Headliners of Hilton Head will take the stage at 7 p.m. on Saturday and you will be glad you were there for the dance lessons.
• Catfish Stew Cook-Off
• Bake-Off
• Jams and Jellies Contest
• Amusement rides
6 p.m. - Land boat race
6:30 p.m. - Children's parade
7-10 p.m. - The Brad Wells Band
10 a.m. - Parade
10 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. - Car and bike show
• Live entertainment
• Food and craft vendors
• Amusement rides
• Cornhole tournament
5 p.m. - Comedian Mike "Chickenman" Culver
6 p.m. - Hilton Head Shag Club gives free shag lessons
7-10 p.m. - The Headliners Band
10 p.m. - Fireworks


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I hope this will help you a little. You can't find this table anywhere.It's formed by me.
1.Present ask(s)- am(is,are) asked
2.Past asked- was(were) asked
3.Future will ask- will be asked
1.Present am(is, are) asking -am(is, are) being asked
2. Past Continuous was(were) asking -was(were) being asked
3. Future Continuous will be asking ___________________
1.Present Perfect have(has) asked -have(has) been asked
2. Past Perfect had asked -had been asked
3. Future Perfect will have asked- will have been asked
1. Present Perfect have(has) been __________________
Continuous asking
2. Past Perfect had been asking __________________
3.Future Perfect will have been ___________________
Continuous asking
1.He asks me a lot of questions every day.- I am asked a lot of questions every day.
2.He asked me a question yesterday.- I was asked a question yesterday.
3.He will ask me some questions tomorrow.-I will be asked some questions tomorrow.
4.He is asking me questions now.- I am being asked questions now.
5.He was asking me questions when you came.- I was being asked questions when you came.
6.He will be asking me a lot of questions at the lesson tomorrow.- ______________________.
7.He has already asked me questions about it.- I have already been asked questions about it.
8.He had asked me questions by that time.- I had been asked questions by that time.
9.He will have asked me questions by the next lesson.-I will have been asked questions by the
next lesson.
10. He has been asking me questions since childhood.
11.He had been asking me questions for many years until he finished school.
12.He will have been asking me questions for the next few years until he gets tired.
Student or Learner


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New to Bullseye? Subscribe to the show in iTunes or via the RSS feed, or check out our SoundCloud page to share these segments.
We're delighted to have blogger, book critic, and LA Times writer Carolyn Kellogg with us to give this week's pop culture picks. Her first suggestion is Ken Ilgunas's Walden on Wheels, a memoir about a three-year cross-country journey that he took to pay off his student loans. If you're looking for something from the world of fiction, Kellogg says to check out Kate Atkinson's Life After Life, a darkly funny novel about an early 20th century girl that Atkinson repeatedly (and gleefully) kills off over the course of the novel.
(Embed or Share Book Recommendations from Carolyn Kellogg: Walden on Wheels and Life After Life)
It seems strange now, but when Huey Lewis and The News released their first record in 1979, music executives weren't expecting them to become a huge success. With bombastic hair bands on one end of the rock spectrum and sneering punk rockers on the other, there didn't seem to be much of a place for Lewis and company's fun, bluesy pub-rock. But thumbing their noses at industry naysayers turned out to be the right move for Huey Lewis and The News. Case in point: 1983's Sports, their first record to hit number one on the Billboard charts.
Thirty years later, the band's commemorating the thirty-year anniversary of that album with an expanded re-issue of Sports, featuring remastered tracks and live versions of songs like "The Heart of Rock & Roll" and "I Want a New Drug". Huey Lewis sat down with Jesse to talk about the album that brought them to stardom, as well as his experiences writing songs for Back to the Future and Pineapple Express, how to stow away on an airplane to Europe (well, it worked in the seventies), and how a trip to Morocco convinced him that a career in music was possible.
Huey Lewis and The News' 30th Anniversary Edition of Sports will be released on May 14. For more information about the band and their US tour, you can check out their website.
(And as a bonus for our podcast listeners: want to hear about how Huey Lewis met Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, and just about every other super-famous singer…all in one night? Then be sure to check out our extended interview with him on our SoundCloud page, where he talks about recording the eighties anthem "We Are The World".)
(Embed or Share Huey Lewis on Making Music That Sounds Old and New All at Once)
Remember the seventies, before phones got smart? It was a simpler time. There were no apps, no texts, and jailbreaking was something you could only do in a prison. But there was still plenty of trouble to get into using a phone.
As Phil Lapsley explains in his new book, Exploding The Phone: The Untold Story of the Teenagers and Outlaws who Hacked Ma Bell, the early seventies marked the beginning of phone phreaking. Phreaking involved tricking the systems that controlled phone lines by re-creating frequencies that phones used to communicate with one another. Just by using a tone-generating device called a blue box, a phone phreaker could fool phone networks into connecting them to long-distance calls – calls that usually cost hundreds of dollars – for free. But it didn't take long for phone companies to take notice.
In this interview, Lapsley explains that phone phreaking changed the world as we know it. He talks about why phone companies were initially hesitant to prosecute phreakers, why enthusiasts involved with phreaking despite having no one in particular to call, and why Steve Jobs once said that there'd be no Apple without phone phreaking.
Exploding the Phone is available now. And if you pick up a copy of the book, keep an eye out for phone numbers in the text... They could lead you to some interesting places.
Embed or share Writer Phil Lapsley on the Subculture of Phone Phreaking
There's a pretty simple formula to Antiques Roadshow: someone comes in with a knickknack and has it assessed by an expert. Next comes everyone's favorite part: the big reveal, where they find out what their item is really worth. That's part's pretty great, Jesse says – but there's something about Antiques Roadshow that he loves even more.


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We provide a range of services to keep your business on the cutting edge of technology. Whether you need advice on IT hardware, or a bespoke software solution to speed up productivity, we have something to help your company.
Contracts to keep your IT running smoothly.
Bespoke systems for your business.
Scaleable IP phone systems to suit your business.
Unique design for your company's Website or Intranet.
Full recovery service for your IT system.
Installation and Management of SharePoint products.
Satellite and IT systems for domestic or commercial vessels.
Keep your IT system protected from viruses and spam.
Bespoke CRM/ERP software to suit your business.
Virtual computing to streamline your IT systems.
Dictate and Transcribe in the cloud.
Fire, Flood, Theft, Explosion or Malicious?
Disaster recovery is the process of regaining access to the data, hardware and software necessary to resume critical business operations after a natural or human-induced disaster.
Every Tyneside based business and organization can experience a serious incident which can prevent it from continuing normal operations. This can happen any day at any time. The potential causes are many and varied: flood, explosion, computer malfunction, accident, grievous act... the list is endless.
Of companies in Tyneside that have a major loss of computerised records, 43% never reopen, 51% close within two years, and only 6% will survive long-term.
At MCWare IT Solutions we ensure business continuity by storing your data and running a mirror system off-site. This does not require any user intervention, the user does not have to change tapes, label CD's, take tapes home or perform other manual steps. Using virtual technology and remote access we can have you back up and running in hours.
We can also help you formulate your Business Continuity Plan that can form part of your ISO 27001 and 9001


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Pho-natic | 229 E. Colfax Ave | Denver, CO 80203 | (303)832-3154
Fresh. Authentic. Healthy.
At Pho-natic, we used only the best ingredient in our food. With over 10+ years of experience, our head chef, Oi Nguyen, is one of the best in the country. Come in today and let us bring Vietnamese street food to your table.
Pho-natic, one of Denver premier Vietnamese restaurants has opened across the street from the Colorado State Capitol Building in downtown Denver, Colorado. We will be posting new updates through our Twitter@phodenver or Facebook at email@example.com. Please check back regularly for new updates. Become a fan of Pho-natic Today!
We are featured on 5280 Magazine. Click Here
To view our Menu, Please click HERE to download
Pho-natic is located at:
229 E. Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80203
(Between Sherman and Grant)
Click HERE for driving directions or call 303-832-3154
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00AM - 8:00PM Closed Sunday


text: Blog Entry Door Decorating for 2016 March 24, 2016 The front door is the main impression guests get before they come in to your home. It is where you say hello and goodbye to your loved ones as each day begins and ends. As one of the most high traffic parts of your home, you want to ensure its curb appeal reflects your style. Of course the first step in taking your entry door decorating to new heights in 2016 is by considering whether you're ready update your current front door with one of the numerous options available from Pella Windows and Doors. A quality entry door from Pella not only means you have a blank canvas to decorate, but can leave you with peace of mind that it'll be around for a long time. Pella's multipoint locking system also offers increased strength and security, helping to keep your home safe. Before you choose how you'd like to decorate a new entry door for 2016, you should research what fits your lifestyle best. There are creative choices available beyond your imagination to help reflect your vision. Decorated Doors – From wreaths to front door knockers to house numbers, there are multiple ways to add individuality to your entry door. Front door decorations offer homeowners the ability to be flexible. If your entryway starts to become less than exciting, you can easily swith it up and maintain a completely different style by the application of little changes. A way to add a personal touch is to incorporate your personality into a door knocker. The recent trend of adding odd door knockers to improve your curb personality also steps in as a conversation starter for first time guests who come in through your entry door. Color Catcher – The front door color trends for 2016 are earthy with a bold pop of color. There are even colors to meet your personality and temperament. Entry doors can be two-toned as well. This means you can have a statement color on your front step and a subtle hue on the interior, or switch them around. Handle Hardware – Door handles are an example of how a tiny change goes a long way. Handles for your front door have transformed in to customized statement pieces for 2016. Doorstep Design – To keep your front door area clean, you should have a doormat through every season. But this goes beyond cleanliness and will also set the tone for your den. A doormat can be simple, patterned, monogrammed, food-shaped and the list goes on endlessly. If you can't find an entry doormat design that fits your vision, there are many ways to do so by doing it yourself. No matter where you go with your design for 2016, remember that you need a top-notch entry door before you start your project. For any questions on the variety of entry door choices you have, contact Pella Windows and Doors at 217-356-6474 or come to our Champaign showroom to gain insight and inspiration. Schedule Now! Back to Blog


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Medical Education
Medical Education
Making Medical History
Rowan co-founded Cooper Medical School of Rowan University with Cooper University Health Care, welcoming the medical school's inaugural class in summer 2012. On July 1, 2013, Rowan became one of only two universities in the nation to offer both M.D. and D.O. degree-granting programs with the addition of the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, NJ (formerly the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey). The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Stratford, which grants the Ph.D. and offers a number of master's and dual-degree programs, is now also part of Rowan.
Rowan also offers courses for working and aspiring nurses through its Department of Nursing, an academic department in the College of Science and Mathematics that collaborates with Rowan Global Learning & Partnerships to deliver nursing programs online and in face-to-face classes and labs.
This growth has propelled Rowan to become a stronger educational leader, poised to impact the healthcare landscape of both our region and across the nation.
Cooper Medical School of Rowan Admissions
Explore our curriculum, new Medical Education Building, unique Advisory Colleges and the many opportunities for our students to work with patients beginning in their first weeks of medical school.
Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine Admissions
RowanSOM welcomes students eager to study the latest knowledge in research and the basic sciences. The curriculum prepares them for clinical studies and stresses lifelong and self-directed learning.
Nursing Programs Admissions
We promote excellence in healthcare through quality and innovative nurse education, combining liberal education with professional preparation toward a bachelor's degree.
School of Health Professions
The multidisciplinary home for our new biomedical science programs, we contribute to the area's economic growth, promote local and regional collaboration and expand research opportunities.
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Admissions
We seek to develop scientists to explore current research topics and contribute new knowledge in the biomedical disciplines through creative research and scholarship.


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Let voters decide on GOCO timeout
Update: 2:35 p.m.: The committe voted down SCR-3 on by a vote of 3-2.
The Senate's State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee this afternoon
is considering killed a measure that would ask would have asked voters to temporarily divert lottery proceeds from the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund into the state Education Fund.
The measure, SCR-3, would direct millions of dollars currently going to fund the purchase of open space, parks and conservation programs into education from 2013 to 2017. While it's too son to take a formal position on whether voters should support that idea, we hope that they're at least given the opportunity to consider it.
After all, it's not as though schools are flush with cash.
As the Post's Tim Hoover reported this morning: Per-pupil funding is staying constant for K-12 schools this year, though Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute analyst Carol Hedges "points out that it's still $603 per pupil less than the 2009-10 level. And Colorado would be spending $1,307 more per pupil in 2012-13 if the state were still funding schools under its original interpretation of Amendment 23."


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Over 1.8 million nonprofits and charities for donors, volunteers and funders
10,830 pageviews
Causes: Crime & Law, Domestic Violence, Family Violence Shelters, Homeless & Housing, Spouse Abuse Prevention, Unknown
Mission: The mission of La Casa de las Madres is to respond to calls for help from domestic violence victims, of all ages, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We give survivors the tools to transform their lives. We seek to prevent future violence by educating the community and by redefining public perceptions about domestic violence.
Results: Our success is two-tiered. Each time a contact is made, educational presentation given, the crisis line rings or someone requests counseling we are successful. There are many choices to be made by a person seeking to address or escape violence in his or her life. Each step is invaluable in what is usually an incremental move toward safety. We measure this impact by tracking services and participants. In FY 2009-10, La Casa de las Madres' services were utilized as follows: • 4,295 callers received crisis counseling, resources and referrals through our statewide, toll-free Adult and Teen Crisis Lines; • 893 domestic violence victims accepted Domestic Violence Response Team crisis or follow-up assistance; -Among them, 136 accessed DVRT legal assistance in pursuing a restraining order; • 219 women and 206 children received emergency shelter and support services; • 474 women and families received practical and emotional support through the Drop-In Counseling Center; -Among them, 46 families received specific assistance with custody and visitation; • 212 adolescents participated in individual and group activities of the Teen Program; • the MEI Case Management Program provided housing stability, community-building and emotional support services to 177 residents of the Mary Elizabeth Inn and Verona Hotel; • the Safe Housing Project worked with staff and residents of 75 Bay Area supportive housing sites and provided direct intervention to resident women and families; and • 430 community education and outreach activities educating 7,907 teens and adults and reaching more than 49,000 community members were undertaken. We also strive to offer services wherein victims can immediately access needed support, be safe, and build a stable foundation from which to start or continue an independent life free from abuse. So we are successful when we have provided a timely, relevant response; alleviated crisis; and facilitated improved quality of life through an increased sense of safety, prevention of homelessness, and encouragement of thriving. To determine if we are reaching milestones and benchmarks specific to each program, we solicit feedback in periodic surveys and exit interviews about experiences with services, what has worked or is not working. A sample of results include: 94% of women exited emergency shelter with an increased sense of self-efficacy, and were better able to identify the warning signs of a dangerous relationship. Among adult Drop In Center participants, 92% felt better able to advocate for themselves and/or their children's needs in the community. Among moms engaging in clinical child-focused trauma interventions at the drop in center 84% reported their children exhibited more positive attachment and/or improved behavior. Finally, among teen educational session participants, 91% agreed that, in a relationship, everyone is responsible for their own behavior; and 2% requested individualized follow up services.
Target demographics: Domestic violence is a crime that affects all members of society regardless of race, culture, economic class, educational background, age, sexual orientation or physical ability. Accordingly, La Casa's services are available to all domestic violence victims and survivors. To facilitate access, we also actively strive to reach underserved and vulnerable groups including women of color, low income families, young mothers, youth aging out of foster care, immigrants, monolingual non-English speakers (particularly Spanish), LGBTQQI, the geographically isolated, and women with disabilities.
Direct beneficiaries per year: 14,386
Geographic areas served: Women, children and Teens in the bay area
Programs: Domestic violence victims must be able to access safety as well as services supporting their transition to a violence free life. La Casa provides that bridge for battered women, teens and children seeking to escape abuse in their intimate partnerships. Our comprehensive services are multilingual, with specific English/Spanish capacity, and completely free of charge. Our expert intervention and prevention services reach more than 50,000 community members each year. Calling a crisis line is often the first step for a victim of domestic violence to reach out for help. Through our two (2) 24-hour Crisis Phone Lines we are able to provide callers with statewide, toll-free support, crisis counseling and information about community resources and services. La Casa Family Advocates are also on-site with the San Francisco Police Department's Domestic Violence Response Unit, at what is often the first point of access for domestic violence victims. Through the Domestic Violence Response Team, our Advocates accompany officers in responding to crime scene calls, follow up on police and medical reports indicating violent crimes against women, and assist medical personnel responding to abuse. Advocates provide crisis intervention and help professionals to identify victims' needs, encourage victims' safety and facilitate their access to services. Skilled legal service coordination also ensures victims' civil legal needs, like restraining orders, receive immediate attention. La Casa also has the capacity to shelter and provide comprehensive advocacy and support services to 35 women and children per night. Our 8-week Emergency Shelter Program emphasizes independent living skills and individual counseling, support groups and vocational/educational referrals to reverse the isolation caused by domestic violence. Family Advocates assist each woman and her children with counseling, referrals, court and social service accompaniment, advocacy re legal, housing, job training and placement, financial and medical needs. The shelter program also utilizes family-based interventions, working with women and their children together as a family unit to strengthen families in crisis and break the intergenerational cycle of violence. Our collaborative model supports mothers in providing positive and developmentally enriching experiences for their children through mother/child playgroups; individual counseling; art and movement therapies; and day care, after-school and day camp programs. Through the Drop-In Counseling Center La Casa is able to meet the initial and ongoing needs of battered women and their children. Drop-In Counseling Center staff provide individual counseling and facilitate support groups for women who have left the shelter but wish to continue their counseling sessions and women who are not seeking emergency shelter, but who wish to address the impact of domestic violence on their lives. Child-centered clinical counseling is also available through La Casa's Intern Program and in collaboration with San Francisco General Hospital's nationally-reknowned Child Trauma Research Project. In addition, resource advocacy, referrals, emergency food and clothing are available. The Safe Havens Project, a collaboration with the San Francisco Unified Family Court and Saint Francis Memorial Hospital's Rally Visitation Program, enables La Casa to address the needs of domestic violence victims as they develop and implement custody arrangements with their batterers. La Casa's Advocate assists survivors in realizing shared custody and visitation schedules, where they are ordered by the Court, that prioritize the parent and children's safety while providing support navigating what can be an intimidating and punitive system. La Casa's Teen Program provides adolescent-appropriate intervention and prevention services to battered and at-risk youth and their children/siblings. Using La Casa's basic service model, counselors assist each teen client with individual counseling, support groups, court and social service accompaniment, advocacy regarding legal, housing, financial and medical needs, and referrals for job training and placement. Our Teen Advocates are available at our Drop-In Counseling Center and also hold counseling hours at nine (9) San Francisco high schools to facilitate support for adolescents. Interaction focuses on helping teens recognize potentially abusive relationships, better understand what creates a healthy relationship, and gain an understanding of how the "Cycle of Violence" may apply to their lives. La Casa's on-site Case Management Programs support up to 158 residents of two single women's transitional/permanent housing facilities in the Tenderloin—the Mary Elizabeth Inn and Verona Hotel. Offering housing stability and emotional support services, the case managers provides advocacy, counseling and referrals to help formerly homeless residents sustain independent housing, build skills and community, and continue to move through the healing process, while building permanently violence free lives. The Safe Housing Project is working to empower residents of San Francisco's permanent supportive housing sites to create communities that foster and demand violence free lives. Originating from the San Francisco Family Supportive Housing Network member sites' articulated need to systematically address domestic violence, the program brings La Casa's expertise onsite—through widespread outreach, staff and resident education, community-building efforts, site-specific direct service designs and relevant policy review and advocacy—to raise awareness of abuse, its effects and alternatives, provide tailored support, and help residents build a community, from within, that does not tolerate violence. An integral adjunct to our direct services, La Casa's Community Education and Outreach Program provides outreach to media, schools, corporations and community groups. Program activities seek to prevent domestic violence among teens and adults, give voice to silenced victims of domestic violence, and motivate social change through community education and public awareness.


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Thailand has something like the second largest market in the world for pickup trucks (though it's probably still somewhere behind that of Newton County, Texas). It's also the culinary home of Pad Thai (i.e., linguini with shrimp and peanuts) and is the regional production hub for Ford's one-ton pickup trucks exported to Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Middle East and ASEAN countries (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines). If you were wondering, that's why (minus the linguini) Ford will introduce its new Ranger pickup at the Bankok International Motor Show on March 22. In appearance, the 2007 Ranger is more closely aligned with Ford's full-sized F-150 pickup than is the current version, and the new model will come with a choice of new, common-rail 3.0L and 2.5L DURATORQ TDCi diesels. At the show, Ford will also roll out its latest 4 Trac concept (below), which is an ultra-stylized version of the standard Ranger, neither of which is slated to come to the states this go 'round.
(Hat tip to Left Lane News)
Ford to Unveil 4-Trac Concept in Bangkok; The Free Trade Boys Are Clucking: Repeal the Chicken Tax? [internal]


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In the age of hyper-fast information sharing, Twitter is all the rage. What better way is there to let everyone you care about -- or who cares about you -- know what you're doing minute by minute?
Microsoft is answering that question with another one-word answer that will undoubtedly join the many trademarks of the modern age: Vine.
When much of the Silicon Valley lost communication via cell and traditional phone lines on April 9 because someone cut underground lines, many turned to Twitter as the way to find and spread information. Microsoft sees the day when Vine is the network everyone turns to as the way to get the word out in a situation like that.
The company is taking online reservations starting today for a limited beta version of the service that will give users a way to stay in touch with family and friends, especially in an emergency situation.
The Microsoft Vine Beta connects you to the people and places you care about most, when it matters. Stay in touch with family and friends, be informed when someone needs help. Get involved to create great communities. Use alerts, reports and your personal dashboard to stay in touch, informed and involved.
For users accessing Vine via the Internet, the software component of the beta service requires a PC running XP SP2 or Vista; and 600 MB of hard disk space, according to ZDNet reporter Mary Jo Foley.
"The baseline offering of Microsoft Vine will available at no charge," a spokesperson told Foley, "Over time, you can expect to see premium services added on to the baseline offering, for a fee."
Small groups of people are Microsoft's target for their version of the micro-blog. But they don't want to be mixed into the social-networking bag. They prefer the Vine to be known as a "societal networking" service, Foley reports.
Vine service should be open to testers in May.


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Congratulations to Mr. Herring on the purchase of his gorgeous 2003 Ford F150 FX4! He got a rock bottom price he couldn't resist! Another satisfied customer at Dunn's Auto!
Dunn's is Dealing! Thank you Mr. Pope for joining the Dunn's Auto Family!
Congratulations to Jerry Hutton on his brand new purchase of his 2012 Nissan Sentra!!!! He was amazed at the deal he has able to get on this low mileage beauty!! Yet another Dunn Deal!!!


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Bosch 13-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
This pricey 6.5-horsepower vac is a contractor's dream. While light on attachments (offering only a 10-foot hose) and heavy (46 pounds), it's immensely powerful. Speeds range from 5 to 11 – at 5, it's average; at 11, it's suck-your-fillings-out strong and devoured any debris we put in front of it. Its HEPA filters even shake automatically to prevent clogging. [$550; homedepot.com]
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!Back to top


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Google and Apple are interested in buying hot microblogging startup Twitter?
Not true, reports BoomTown's Kara Swisher.
It's actually, Google, Apple and Microsoft and News Corp that are sniffing around. Kara reports:
Because this is America, a bid for Twitter could come at any time and in any amount.
That's why Apple has indeed said hello. Why Microsoft's business development team has been busy formulating a valuation. Why Google's M&A guy, David Lawee has called into its HQ many times with kind expressions of desire. And why News Corp. execs, including Rupert Murdoch himself, have murmured tweet nothings to the Twitter team.
Kara says it's pretty clear to her that Twitter execs don't want to sell the company because "there is a sense when you talk to its founders and investors that they truly believe they are onto some very important interactive communications paradigm shift in the Internet arena with their start-up."
But if it one of those suitors were to come out with something like a $700 million offer, "an epic free-for-all wrestling match to the death would break out among all of them, most especially Google and Microsoft."
We can't wait!
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Note: Cover may not represent actual copy or condition available
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E-mail a link to this book
Biblio.co.uk member since: 2008
Biblio.co.uk member since: 2008
Grottoes, Virginia
Author's signatures can undoubtedly increase the value of a rare book or first edition. The more scarce the book is, the more an autograph adds to its value. But how to tell if the signature is real? Find out how you can avoid common pitfalls in identifying an author's signature.
Even if you're only peripherally aware of book collecting, you've doubtless heard the term, first edition, bandied about but you may still be in the dark as to what makes them such a big deal. Learn about first editions and why collectors value them here.


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hoa khai trương
hoa sinh nhật
hoa tươi
whats up dude i think you need to change your picture. lol
I'm located in Wadsworth. I 'm up in Parma quite a bit too. Here's my number is 567.203.2935.
What? Is this fool sandwich crazy or something?
wut up broski
what the fucken fuck
whats up trick
Send an Instant Message to blue64tsi Using...
evo time!!!
Low Boost n00b
I need t-bolt clamps
Speed and boost are drugs
Be kind to Dogs.. Eat cat
Still in vacuum
Oil Slick


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Dec. 8, 2002
Recap| Box Score| Notes| Photo Gallery
Santa Clara Broncos
On Portland
"Congratulations to the University of Portland. To be honest, I couldn't be happier for Clive. If we can't be the National Champions, I would want it to be my good friend Clive and the Portland Pilots. Congratulations to them on a great season and a great match today."
On Santa Clara's performance
"I am very proud of my team. I think we played well. We settled down in the second half and gained the momentum. I thought we had some good chances to score; there were a couple of close shots. Chardonnay's goal was almost over the goal line. A game this tight is a matter of inches. Again, I am very proud of my team. We gave everything we had out there today."
On the game-winning goal
"You've got to give Portland credit. They went after the ball really hard, got a piece of it, fought for it and put it into the net. I think Alyssa (Sobolik) made a good decision. In slick conditions, it's hard to know which way the ball is going to go, but you can't take anything away from Portland's effort. They did well to get into position and put it [the ball] into the net."
On the game-winning goal
"The Portland player crossed the ball as I was coming across the goal and it hit me. My momentum then took me away from the ball. It [the ball] hit the post and was bouncing around. Portland then happened to be in great position to put the ball into the net."
On Portland
"Portland is such a great team. If we can't win it all, I am glad it was Portland. Of course, we wanted to win, but you can't take anything away from them. This [national championship] has been long overdue for them. It's just too bad it had to be against us."
Portland Pilots
On the game
"Once again, I would like to congratulate Santa Clara on a great year. They took a good stance and the game could have gone either way. They showed a lot of action tonight on the field. I am proud of our team. We are not a big squad, but we work hard at what we do and they deserve this win."
On the game-winning goal
"I was completely breathless. I was sitting there dreading penalty kicks and all of a sudden, there was a break and the ball ended up to the right person. It felt like 10 tons were lifted off my shoulders."
On the game
"I feel that Santa Clara's goal gave us momentum and helped us realize that we needed to get focused and win the game. Our past experiences have helped us prepare for this game. It's an awesome feeling."
On her two goals
"For the first goal, I kept the ball down the line, made the cross towards the net and it found the far post. On the second goal, Kristen [Moore] made an excellent cross. It was nice to finish off the shot. The ball was slippery and it skipped. It was not the prettiest goal, but it counted and that is all that matters."
On the game-winning goal
"I was setting up the cross, looked right before I sent it and saw Christine (Sinclair). The goalkeeper [Alyssa Sobolik] gave me more room than I had expected. It was a great relief when the ball found the back of the net. We worked hard all season and this is an awesome feeling."


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Bitcoin: Tax haven of the future
Stashing money in a Swiss bank account is so passé.
Tomorrow's tax havens could be fueled by new technology like Bitcoin and Litecoin — online currencies that can be used to purchase everything from coffee to illegal drugs.
Story Continued Below
The problem for government coffers: There's no mechanism to ensure that people who make money through such digital currency report the income to the IRS.
( WATCH: Obama says he'll decide new Fed chair in fall)
In its fight against tax evasion, the U.S. is largely focused on shining a light into bank accounts held by Americans in other countries. But experts say the rise of Bitcoin, which doesn't require a bank account, could force the U.S. to rethink its approach.
"It has the potential to become a real problem for tax collectors because Bitcoins have all the traditional advantages of tax havens," Omri Marian, a professor at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, told POLITICO. "But unlike traditional tax havens, … the operation of Bitcoins is not dependent on the existence of financial intermediaries such as banks."
Trace Mayer, an expert on Bitcoin taxation, describes digital currencies as "the ultimate offshore bank account."
"For someone who does want to be creative and avoid taxes, digital currencies are a tool they can use," said Mayer, who invests in one of the online shops that sell Bitcoins.
( Previously on POLITICO: G-8 leaders issue declaration on corporate tax evasion)
The most popular digital currency, Bitcoin, was developed in 2009 by a programmer or programmers working under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Today, it makes up the vast majority of the digital currency economy and has seen prices for each coin jump to $230 in April from $13 in January.
Bitcoins are created through a complex process known as "mining." When a buyer purchases the coins from an official exchange service, the sale is added to a ledger which then creates new coins. At that point, the money can be used like traditional currency at participating online retailers.
The digital currency market is relatively small for now — estimated at about $2 billion.
( Get the latest tech policy news straight to your inbox: Sign up for POLITICO's Morning Tech newsletter)
But Washington is beginning to pay more attention to virtual currency and its implications.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, the tax-writing panel's top Republican, asked the Government Accountability Office to study the issue.


text: The DCIG 2013 Private Cloud Storage Array Buyer's Guide assists organizations in making decisions about which storage solution to use as a private cloud platform for some or all of their critical applications. This Buyer's Guide covers private cloud storage arrays with capacities that have maximum capacities in the hundreds of terabytes to those that have the potential to scale into the exabytes of storage capacity. This informative guide represents months of rigorous research that your organization can leverage to kick start its evaluation process. Read on to learn which private cloud array will qualify as best-in-class for your company. NetApp Privacy Policy


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You are one-of-a-kind, shouldn't your artwork be too?
We create art that is as unique as you are. Below is the current inventory we have available for purchase via the web.
Don't see what you are looking for? Let us handcraft you a statement piece. As each frame is made with materials that have been salvaged, no two will be the same. Please check out the Custom Orders tab for more info on us creating you your own one-of-a-kind piece of artwork.
We do our best to ship orders within 2-3 business days. However, if timeliness is important, please Contact Us to make sure it is possible BEFORE ordering.
LOCAL PICK-UP is available at ArtZ Gallery in Amery, WI or at one of our shows. If you wish to pick art up rather than having it shipped, please email us BEFORE ordering on the website, otherwise you will be charged shipping!


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Evaluating Your Financial Risk Profile during Economic Uncertainty
Have realistic expectations of market behavior during an uncertain economy so you're ready to implement an appropriate investment strategy. Consider three perspectives that together make up your financial risk profile and design your investment portfolio based on the lowest level of volatility:
Risk capacity: How much risk should you take, assuming a worst-case scenario? Take into account your age and family situation, your income, and your other assets and resources. Keeping these factors in mind, how much risk should you take to achieve your goals?
Risk tolerance: How much risk can you take? Consider your ability to stick with your investment plan without losing sleep or getting stressed out. Do not take on any more risk than you can comfortably tolerate.
Risk required: How much risk must you take? You are exposed to certain risks whether you like it or not. However, many financial risks can be minimized or avoided. To do so usually means that you must accept a lower return on your investments. To meet your personal goals and objectives in the time frame you'd like, you need to take some risks, but take no more risk than you must to achieve your goals.


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Drawers are constructed with dovetail joinery, ensuring long-lasting strength and storage. A time-tested joint that predates written history, dovetail drawers are a mark of quality furniture construction.
This storage piece features cedar-lined drawer(s) to help protect your clothing. Cedar acts as a natural repellent to mildew and moths.
Dust proof panels keep your drawers smooth and easy to open. This feature prevents air circulation from delivering dust particles into the case and onto your belongings.
Drawers feature wood-on-wood guides and smooth, reliable drawer function. Wood-on-wood guides maintain the quality and authenticity of traditional wood craftsmanship.
Bring rustic charm and convenient storage into your bedroom with this solid wood dresser. This dresser features nine drawers in varying sizes to fit your unique storage needs while the cedar-lined bottom drawers promise protection against mildew and pests. Heavily distressed with a few modern details such as tapered legs and clean panel molding, this piece will help you style that shabby chic bedroom you've been dreaming of.
The Escarpment Dresser with Cedar-Lined Bottom Drawer by Durham at Stoney Creek Furniture in the Toronto, Hamilton, Vaughan, Stoney Creek, Ontario area. Product availability may vary. Contact us for the most current availability on this product.
Distressed to impress, this solid wood collection of bedroom furniture will help you create that modern farmhouse or shabby chic room you've been dreaming of. Each piece in this collection is heavily weathered for an aged, well-loved look while the tapered legs, clean panel molding and modern features such as soft-close drawers, cedar lining and USB ports give it the updates it needs. Crafted with a focus on sustainability, this Canadian made furniture is built with solid knotty maple wood from replenishing North American forests. Choose from a variety of beds and bedroom storage pieces all available in multiple finishes to create the perfect set for your space.
The Escarpment collection is a great option if you are looking for Rustic
Relaxed Vintage
Cottage furniture in the Toronto, Hamilton, Vaughan, Stoney Creek, Ontario area.
Browse other items in the Escarpment collection from Stoney Creek Furniture in the Toronto, Hamilton, Vaughan, Stoney Creek, Ontario area.
This item has been tagged as: Dresser, Bedroom Dresser, Dresser Chest, Chest of Drawers, Dresser Set, Dresser and Mirror, Bedroom Furniture, Bedroom Storage, Bureau, Clothing Storage, Linen Storage, Bedroom Cabinet, Chiffonier, Bedroom Closet, Highboy, Wardrobe, Vanity, Vanity with Hutch, Make - Up Table, Make Up Table with Hutch, Dresser to Sit At, Vanity Dressers, Large Commode
Nothing on this page may be copied or reproduced without explicit permission.


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Pomegranate Spread Recipes
Muhammara and Cucumber Bites (Healthy Appetizer Recipe)
I created these irresistible appetizers for the California Lavash team a while back. It was their idea to combine muhammara (walnuts, charred red bell pepper, fresh pomegranate seeds and mint flavored spread), cucumber, dill, mint and cilantro in their fabulous, healthful lavash flatbread.
Being the ultimate hostess, in my opinion, requires the art of not only making delicious food but also creating enticing and delectable bites to make sure you please all your guests. I formed twirling portions, which is ideal if you're serving a small number of people. If you're hosting a large party, I would suggest rolling regular pinwheels to save time.
I think this type of food is especially appealing to female guests. The colors are striking, almost bewitching. The appetizers have a lot of flavor, yet are super healthy. If you're looking for store-bought muhammara, I highly recommend Haig's. But if you don't want to be too adventurous, you can replace the pomegranate spread with others such as crumbled feta and chopped olives mixed with Greek yogurt and lemon juice and substitute a touch of oregano for the mint.
Full Recipe...
Muhammara Recipe (Walnut and Pomegranate Dip)
I had never heard of or tasted muhammara before until I met the folks at California Lavash. Every time I met with their team, I would hear how exquisite it tasted. In all seriousness, when you hear about a combination of walnuts, charred red bell peppers, fresh pomegranate seeds, lemon juice, garlic, mint, salt and pepper, it's difficult to imagine how it couldn't taste amazing!
To thicken the texture of the dip, I added bread and extra virgin olive oil, and balanced the flavors with dates, a hint of ground cumin and red chili powder. You could use it as a dip served with toasted pita bread or cucumber and celery sticks but in my case, I used it as a spread for a roasted lamb sandwich. It was delicious!
Full Recipe...


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more from Maximum Fun
I think what religion and politics have in common is that they become part of people's identity, and people can never have a fruitful argument about something that's part of their identity. By definition they're partisan.Bruce Carlson, host of My History Can Beat Up Your Politics [iTunes], knows this. The historical lens glimmers as one of our last hopes for a way to talk about politics, a reasonable-izing agent, a technique that neutralizes the way politics can get so, well, political, and so he uses to look at current political questions. You might say that he either approaches history through politics or approaches politics through history — both seem true enough. Does the politics spice up the history, or does the history temper the politics? Does the history offer a way to understand the politics, or does the politics offer a way to understand the history? Does it matter?
Which topics engage people's identity depends on the people, not the topic. For example, a discussion about a battle that included citizens of one or more of the countries involved would probably degenerate into a political argument. But a discussion today about a battle that took place in the Bronze Age probably wouldn't. No one would know what side to be on.


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- Page 1 Sony Bravia KDL-40EX503 40in LCD TV Review
- Page 2 Sony Bravia KDL-40EX503 Review
- Page 3 Sony Bravia KDL-40EX503 Review
- Page 4 Sony Bravia KDL-40EX503 Review
- Page 5 Feature Table Review
- Freeview HD included
- Bravia Internet video platform
- Excellent black levels
- Slightly washed-out colours
- No 200Hz engine
Key Specifications
- Review Price: £814.99
- Freeview HD tuner
- 4 HDMI v1.3 ports
- 100Hz motion engine
- 1080p panel
- 2x10w audio output
(centre)Best TV Under £750(/centre)
This might seem a bit of a strange thing to say at the start of what you've doubtless already noticed is going to be a very positive review, but frankly I found testing the KDL-40EX503 a royal pain in the backside.
The thing is, I live in Derbyshire. This is not usually a bad thing in itself, of course – aside from it requiring me to support the 'Ramtastic' football club that boasts the record for the lowest tally of points ever recorded in a Premiership season. But living in Derbyshire is definitely problematic if you're a TV reviewer who's just received the first commercially available TV able to receive the new (they launched in December) Freeview HD broadcasts.
According to the latest information from the Freeview HD coverage checker on freeview.co.uk, my postcode is not going to be getting Freeview HD broadcasts until 2011. Not next week, not next month, but next year! Needless to say, 12 months seemed a bit of a long time to wait before there was any point getting the 40EX503 out of its box to review. So I had no choice but to come up with a drastic contingency plan. A contingency plan called Neil.
For Neil it is who happens to be both a mate and a bloke with a house within comfortable reception distance of the Crystal Palace broadcasting transmitter – one of the only two transmitters (the other being Winter Hill near Blackburn) broadcasting Freeview HD at the time of writing.
Obviously catching up with a mate I hadn't seen for ages was quite nice. Not quite so nice was having to load the TV and all my testing gear up into my car, and hot-foot it from Derbyshire to deepest London – all without, I might add, any expenses being added to my usual review charge. Outrageous!
Of course, many of you will probably consider all this but a small price to pay for the chance to get early dibs on a Freeview HD TV. But I have to say I find it a bit ludicrous that in 2010 we have a situation where a really quite key bit of technological innovation is only available initially to people lucky enough to live in the right postcode. Especially as I don't remember dear Aunty Beeb offering me any refund on my license fee until I was able to get the same level of service that other parts of the country are getting. Freeview HD = 'free HD for all'? Pah!
Before I get too worked up, though, it's high time I pointed out that precisely none of what I've been ranting about in the previous paragraphs is the fault of Sony's 40EX503. This is simply a TV that's designed to receive Freeview HD broadcasts whenever – and wherever – it finds them. It has no say in how fair or otherwise the broadcaster's HD coverage might be, and would in fact doubtless be ecstatic if Freeview HD was already a national phenomenon. If a TV was capable of having feelings.
So let's put the griping behinds us – until the next Freeview HD TV arrives through my door, at any rate – and start focussing on the specifics of the 40EX503.
Unlike other sites, we thoroughly test every product we review. We use industry standard tests in order to compare features properly. We'll always tell you what we find. We never, ever accept money to review a product. Tell us what you think - send your emails to the Editor.


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Gofor provides drones on demand. Using our mobile app, you can task a drone to complete a variety of helpful tasks. "Uber, for drones".
Gofor for iPhone
Drones are summoned much like taxis in other popular service apps. Your desired task is either noted at the outset using presets, or customized using voice commands. Once the drone arrives, your phone's flashlight is used to pair your device with the drone. From there, it depends on the task, the object-based UI is very easy to understand.
How It Works
Users of apps like Uber or Lyft will be familiar with the map-based dispatch interface. Drones in the vicinity appear over the map, and an approximate ETA is shown depending on the requested task.
Drones can be requested to perform one of five preset task assignments. From location scouting to home security, Gofor adds an entirely new layer of service to the consumer drone market.
Object Tracking UI
One of the features that sets Gofor apart is an object-tagged heads-up-display, which allows users to interact with certain objects during a Gofor flight. People, places, drones, and audio all show up as tags over the live video feed, and can be clicked to call up more detailed information.
Gofor for iPad
The Gofor mobile app is also optimized for the iPad. Priority is placed on the live feed video, which displays for every Gofor flight. In addition to providing task status, you can also interact with select object tags during flight. For example, if a place tag appears, clicking it will bring up information from Google Places, Foursquare, and OpenTable. More integrations pending.