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Bell Tolls: Why Elvis wouldn't want Falcons tickets
Let's face it: the Atlanta Falcons are boring.
The quarterback, Matt Ryan, is so nice you'd introduce him to your sister.
The head coach, Mike Smith, was a lifetime assistant before he got the gig.
Ageless wonder Tony Gonzalez breaks records galore, but he is a vegan.
Even with the NFL's best set of wide receivers, Roddy White and Julio Jones, they lack a certain sizzle. I mean, their headquarters is located in a place called Flowery Branch.
Where's the controversy? Oh, running back Michael Turner got popped for speeding.
This is not a team you want to see on Hard Knocks. They have zero cult figures (Tim Tebow), no sons of Buddy Ryan to fire up the opponents' bulletin boards (Rex, Rob), no commercial star offering a double-check discount (Aaron Rodgers) and nobody with a must-see pre-game introduction (Ray Lewis).
They stopped with the Dirty Bird dancing deal when Jamal Anderson's knees gave out.
Can somebody please shoot a video or something?
Even with White acknowledging that he is hoping they can go 16-0, this is not a team poised to take our minds off the Fiscal Cliff.
The GM, Thomas Dimitroff, came from the New England Patriots. Nobody said he had to bring the Patriot Way with him.
The Falcons have committed the fewest penalties in the NFL (26) and they rarely turn the ball over. Their seven giveaways are the second-fewest in the league. How exciting.
Quick: Name two Falcons offensive linemen. Now name two defensive linemen.
It hasn't always been this way. Shoot, when Michael Vick got exposed as a dogfighting fool, the Falcons were the talk of the NFL. When Bobby Petrino bolted in the middle of the night, major drama. Andre Rison and Deion Sanders used to play for this franchise (before Prime Time won his Super Bowl rings), when MC Hammer hung out on the sidelines.
There was a time when coach Jerry Glanville, dressed in black and left tickets for Elvis. In another era, they had a run-and-shoot offense. Now that was excitement!
No, it hasn't always been this way. The Falcons have never been 8-0. Not with Tommy Nobis in the middle, not with Steve Bartkowski flinging rainbows, not with the Grits Blitz.
Bet these Falcons, gearing up for Sunday's grudge match at the New Orleans Saints, will take having a low profile if these results continue. Boring can be so cool.
They are the 15th team to start 8-0 since the 16-game schedule was instituted in 1978, and nine of the previous 14 went to the Super Bowl.
Surely, it's a bit premature to talk Super Bowl. In the top-heavy NFC, the Bears, 49ers, Packers and even the defending champ Giants are much sexier picks. The Smith-coached Falcons haven't even won a playoff game (0-3).
At least they're in the conversation of contenders. But until they advance in January -- they were bounced as a No. 1 seed by the Packers two seasons ago -- the Falcons get little benefit of the doubt.
Besides, being the NFL's last unbeaten team does not forecast championships. Over the past dozen years, just one team, the 2006 Indianapolis Colts, won the NFL crown after being the last unbeaten. It's not how you start, but how you finish.
Still, the Falcons are not totally boring.
They play home games at the raucous Georgia Dome and keep their faithful on the edge of their seats. In hitting the halfway mark with a perfect record, they have demonstrated a flair for finishing a game.
Of the eight W's, five were decided by seven points or less. Only other two teams -- the 2006 Colts and 1990 San Francisco 49ers -- have done that during an 8-0 start.
Guess that's the calling card. Efficiency in crunchtime.
Surely, the Falcons can make a major statement against the Saints, to whom they have lost 10 of their last 12 meetings. Maybe they can win with Ryan directing another furious, last-minute scoring drive.
Unless they finish a season strong, however, ho-hum it is.
Also in play for Week 10:
► WHO'S HOT: Doug Martin. In his past two games, the Buccaneers rookie running back, aka Muscle Hamster, has produced 486 yards from scrimmage. Know how far back you'd have to go to find an NFL player who had that many yards in consecutive games? Back to 1977, with Walter Payton. Martin, drafted 31st overall from Boise State, has rocketed up the charts over the past month. He ranks second in the league with 1,039 yards from scrimmage, and is averaging 5.2 a pop with his 794 rushing yards. The Chargers, visiting Tampa on Sunday, are warned.
USA TODAY EXCLUSIVE:Story behind "Muscle Hamster"
CAN YOU DO BETTER?:Martin needs new nickname
► PRESSURE'S ON: Demetress Bell. This week's shuffle with the Eagles' depleted offensive line results in Bell's return to the lineup as the starting left tackle. It's the spot where King Dunlap manned (or unmanned, if you will) on Monday night. Dunlap switched to right tackle (Michael Vick's blindside, have mercy) after Todd Herremans was lost for the season with bone and ligament damage in his right foot. Herremans is the fourth starter on the line to go down, following all-pro left tackle Jason Peters (Achilles), guard Danny Watkins (ankle) and center Jason Kelcie (center), which is one reason Vick has been sacked 27 times and taken an NFL-high 71 quarterback hits.
Still, there's at least some symmetry in play. When Peters left Buffalo as a free agent, Bell replaced him at left tackle for three seasons. But the really bad news is that when the Cowboys visit The Linc for a desperation game on Sunday (both teams, 3-5), Bell, a fifth-year pro, will often be matched against DeMarcus Ware, who is tied for the NFL lead with nine sacks.
VICK'S VOW:I have to put Eagles on my back
► ON THE COUCH: Mark Sanchez. Remember when Sanchez left Southern Cal a year early and entered the 2009 NFL Draft? His college coach, Pete Carroll, ripped the move and declared that his national championship-winning quarterback wasn't ready for the big leagues. Sanchez quarterbacked the Jets to back-to-back AFC title games during his first two NFL seasons, but has since fallen on hard times. Now he's poised to cross paths with Carroll on Sunday at CenturyLink Field, where the Seahawks are undefeated this season and will greet Sanchez with one nasty defense.
HEY, TEBOW:Shut up already!
And given a choice, Carroll would probably prefer his sensational rookie quarterback, Russell Wilson, over Sanchez about now. That's only a fresh problem for the beleaguered triggerman for the NFL's 27th-ranked offense, who hasn't been helped by a sputtering rushing attack while a constant drumbeat persists for coach Rex Ryan to replace him with the pass-deficient Tim Tebow. Besides that, Sanchez, whose 72.8 passer rating is 30th in the league, has been in the tabloids in recent weeks for a breakup with girlfriend Eva Longoria.
► ROOKIE REVUE: Blair Walsh. The Vikings kicker ranks third in the NFL in scoring with 80 points, and he's been nearly perfect in hitting all 19 PATs and 19 of 20 field-goal tries -- including 5-of-5 from 50-plus yards. Who could see such accuracy coming? Walsh missed 14 of his 35 field goal attempts as a senior last season at Georgia.
Maybe Vikings GM Rick Spielman saw it when he drafted Walsh in the sixth round. In any event, Walsh's strong leg -- which enabled him to become the first rookie in NFL history with treys of at least 50 yards in each of his first three games -- is also working on his booming kickoffs. He ranks second in the league with 35 touchbacks. Don't pin all of that on the fact that Walsh plays his home games at the Metrodome, where the Vikings host Detroit on Sunday. In 2011, Minnesota had just 19 touchbacks all season.
► KEY MATCHUP: Arian Foster vs. Bears defense. The huge Sunday night matchup at Soldier Field, pitting a pair of 7-1 teams, could hinge on the multi-dimensional Houston running back's ability to crack the code of the revived Chicago defense. Good luck. The Bears defense ranks fourth in the NFL for yards allowed (third vs. the run, 88 yards per game), but it is flat-out the league's best unit, bolstered by an NFL-high 28 takeaways. And it is dirt-tough in the red zone, with an NFL-low 36.8% touchdown rate. Foster, though, might represent the toughest test yet for the Bears. He leads the AFC with 770 rushing yards and has scored an NFL-high 11 TDs. But you know what Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Julius Peppers and crew are thinking: Something must give.
► NEXT MAN UP. With Darren McFadden hobbled by a high ankle sprain that continues his unfortunate streak of seasons derailed by injuries, Jones is poised to make his first NFL start at Baltimore. A fourth-round pick from Eastern Washington last year, Jones might be the fastest Raider -- which says something when considering the presence of Darrius Heyward-Bey and Jacoby Ford, receivers with world-class speed. Jones has clocked as low as 4.3 in the 40.
To this point, though, that speed hasn't been seen much on an NFL gridiron. He's carried once this season for two yards and logged just 16 carries for 73 yards as a rookie. But he may get an extended opportunity. In addition to McFadden's setback, the Raiders also lost backup running back Mike Goodwin to a high ankle sprain.
► REALITY CHECK: Last year, GM Scott Pioli fired Todd Haley as Chiefs coach after less than three seasons, but the waters have been much rougher during this 1-7 campaign with Romeo Crennel at the helm. Hello, Todd Haley? With the added bonus of returning to his hometown, Haley is finding some rhythm in his new gig as Steelers offensive coordinator. Monday night's encounter at Pittsburgh sets him up for a "Remember me?" moment.
If he doesn't already, Haley may ultimately reflect on his Kansas City departure as a blessing. And if rabid Chiefs fans have their way, Pioli's departure is coming. Still, in their second season together in Kansas City, the Bill Parcells-connected duo (Haley was mentored by the Tuna, who is Pioli's father-in-law) won the AFC West. But their relationship deteriorated in a hurry, complete with a clash of strong personalities.
► ROAD TO SUPER BOWL XLVII GOES THROUGH … New Orleans. The season is on the line (again) for the Saints, who would like nothing better than to muddy up the Falcons' perfect record. After an 0-4 start on the heels of the offseason (and still ongoing) Bountygate scandal, New Orleans has rallied to win three of its past four games. Hope remains for a mad dash for the playoffs down the stretch run -- even with that leaky defense.
But first they have to deal with the Falcons in another chapter of the most fierce rivalry in the NFC South. The Saints have won 10 of the past 12 games in the series, and one player even urinated on the Georgia Dome carpet after a game two years ago. Maybe the Dirty Birds get some revenge, the clean way. But like all teams that visit the Superdome, the Falcons have to find a way to disrupt the prolific Saints offense. Sure, do something about Drew Brees. That mission is a given.
But New Orleans struck a nice balance in Monday night's win against Philadelphia by rushing for 140 yards. Even without scatback Darren Sproles (who will miss a second game due to a broken hand), the Saints offer a headache with a three-headed monster of running backs -- Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram and Chris Ivory -- that could represent the swing factor.
SIT OR START ELI?:Is he ready to torch Bengals?
► DID YOU NOTICE? Eli Manning travels to Cincinnati to face the Bengals … a week after his big brother Peyton traveled to Cincinnati and passed for 291 yards and 3 TDs against the Bengals. There was some definite information-sharing going on this week. The Manning brothers hardly deny that. We can imagine this tip from Peyton: Keep an eye on Terence Newman. It was Newman who snagged both of Peyton's picks last weekend. In a season with the Manning brothers.


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Great Stuff Fireblock Insulating Foam-Old Product
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Home maintenance » insulation, fire-stop » Sealant
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Dow Chemical Company, The
2030 Willard H. Dow Center
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The following information (Health Effects, Handling/Disposal, and Ingredients) is taken from the product label and/or the (Material) Safety Data Sheet, (M)SDS, prepared by the manufacturer. The National Library of Medicine does not test products nor does it evaluate information from the product label or the (M)SDS.
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DANGER! Flammable Gas. Vapors may cause flash fire. This product is extremely FLAMMABLE during dispensing. DO NOT SMOKE WHILE DISPENSING OR USE NEAR OPEN FLAME. Shut off pilot lights and sources of ignition until foam is tack free. KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN.Do not breathe vapors. Inhalation and skin exposure may cause sensitization. Ensure good ventilation. Open all windows and doors in the room. If no ventilation is available, wear a NIOSH approved respirator with an organic vapor and particulate filter (P-100). Contents under pressure. Do not puncture or incinerate. Do not store above 120F (49C) or in areas of high heat. The cured foam is combustible. Do not expose to temperatures above 240F (116C). Extremely sticky and very difficult to remove from skin and other surfaces. Prevent skin and eye contact. Wear gloves and protective eyewear. Protect work area with a drop cloth or newspaper. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. SCREW threaded end of straw assembly securely onto valve. Dispense slowly. If product does not flow easily, do not force product from can. Familiarize yourself with foam by practicing on newspaper.CLEAN UP: If you get GREAT STUFF on your skin, remove excess carefully with a dry cloth, being careful not smear the foam to other unexposed areas. Wash with soap and water. Frequent application of petroleum jelly or vegetable oil may help sooth the skin. Cured foam must be mechanically removed or allowed to wear off in time. There are no solvents or cleansers that will dissolve the cured foam; using such solvents may cause harm and chemical burns. On solid surfaces, uncured foam dissolves with acetone. Test a hidden area before applying to the exposed area. Cured foam will discolor if exposed to ultraviolet light. Paint or coat foam for best results in outdoor applications.DO NOT OVERFILL. Fill openings less than 50 percent full. For large voids, mist water between foam applications to speed cure. Overfilling can buckle substrates. Overfilling the gap is common, but easy to remedy. Once dry, trim excess foam with any sharp knife or serrated blade.
Acute Health Effects:
From MSDS:Hazards IdentificationEmergency OverviewColor: YellowPhysical State: FoamOdor: MildHazards of product:DANGER! Flammable gas - May cause flash fire. May cause allergic skin reaction. May cause allergic respiratory reaction. May cause eye irritation. May cause skin irritation. May cause lung injury. Vapor reduces oxygen available for breathing. May cause anesthetic effects. May cause respiratory tract irritation. May react with water. Evacuate area. Keep upwind of spill. Stay out of low areas. Elevated temperatures can cause hazardous polymerization. Toxic fumes may be released in fire situations. Contents under pressure. Avoid temperatures above 105F (41C).This product is a ***Hazardous Chemical*** as defined by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200.Potential Health EffectsEye Contact: May cause eye irritation. May cause slight temporary corneal injury.Skin Contact: Prolonged contact may cause moderate skin irritation with local redness. Material may stick to skin causing irritation upon removal. May stain skin.Skin Absorption: Prolonged skin contact is unlikely to result in absorption of harmful amounts.Skin Sensitization: Skin contact may cause an allergic skin reaction. Animal studies have shown that skin contact with isocyanates may play a role in respiratory sensitization.Inhalation: In confined or poorly ventilated areas, vapor can easily accumulate and can cause unconsciousness and death due to displacement of oxygen. Excessive exposure may cause irritation to upper respiratory tract (nose and throat) and lungs. May cause pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs.) Effects may be delayed. May cause central nervous system depression. Symptoms of excessive exposure may be anesthetic or narcotic effects; dizziness and drowsiness may be observed. Excessive exposure may increase sensitivity to epinephrine and increase myocardial irritability (irregular heartbeats). Decreased lung function has been associated with overexposure to isocyanates.Respiratory Sensitization: May cause allergic respiratory response. MDI concentrations below the exposure guidelines may cause allergic respiratory reactions in individuals already sensitized. Asthma-like symptoms may include coughing, difficult breathing and a feeling of tightness in the chest.Occasionally, breathing difficulties may be life threatening.Ingestion: Low toxicity if swallowed. Small amounts swallowed incidentally as a result of normal handling operations are not likely to cause injury; however, swallowing larger amounts may cause injury. Observations in animals include: Gastrointestinal irritation.Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Excessive exposure may aggravate preexisting asthma and other respiratory disorders (e.g. emphysema, bronchitis, reactive airways dysfunction syndrome).
Chronic Health Effects:
From MSDS:Tissue injury in the upper respiratory tract and lungs has been observed in laboratory animals after repeated excessive exposures to MDI/polymeric MDI aerosols. Contains component(s) which have been reported to cause effects on the following org
Lung tumors have been observed in laboratory animals exposed to respirable aerosol droplets of MDI/Polymeric MDI (6 mg/m3) for their lifetime. Tumors occurred concurrently with respiratory irritation and lung injury. Current exposure guidelines are expect
First Aid:
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with water; remove contact lenses, if present, after the first 5 minutes, then continue flushing eyes for at least 15 minutes. Obtain medical attention without delay, preferably from an ophthalmologist.Skin Contact: Remove material from skin immediately by washing with soap and plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes while washing. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. Wash clothing before reuse. An MDI skin decontamination study demonstrated that cleaning very soon after exposure is important, and that a polyglycol-based skin cleanser or corn oil may be more effective than soap and water. Discard items which cannot be decontaminated, including leather articles such as shoes, belts and watchbands.Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration; if by mouth to mouth use rescuer protection (pocket mask, etc). If breathing is difficult, oxygen should be administered by qualified personnel. Call a physician or transport to a medical facility.Ingestion: If swallowed, seek medical attention. Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel.Notes to Physician: Maintain adequate ventilation and oxygenation of the patient. May cause asthma-like (reactive airways) symptoms. Bronchodilators, expectorants, antitussives and corticosteroids may be of help. May cause respiratory sensitization or asthma-like symptoms. Bronchodilators, expectorants and antitussives may be of help. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled beta2 agonist and oral or parenteral corticosteroids. Respiratory symptoms, including pulmonary edema, may be delayed. Persons receiving significant exposure should be observed 24-48 hours for signs of respiratory distress. Exposure may increase ***myocardial irritability***. Do not administer sympathomimetic drugs such as epinephrine unless absolutely necessary. If you are sensitized to diisocyanates, consult your physician regarding working with other respiratory irritants or sensitizers. Although cholinesterase depression has been reported with this material, it is not of benefit in determining exposure and need not be considered in the treatment of persons exposed to the material. No specific antidote. Treatment of exposure should be directed at the control of symptoms and the clinical condition of the patient.
Health Rating
Flammability Rating
Reactivity Rating
HMIS Rating Scale:
0 = Minimal; 1 = Slight; 2 = Moderate; 3 = Serious; 4 = Severe;
N = No information provided by manufacturer; * = Chronic Health Hazard
MSDS Date:
Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Avoid contact with eyes. Avoid contact with skin and clothing. Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin. Avoid breathing vapor. Wash thoroughly after handling. Keep container closed. Use only with adequate ventilation. Keep out of reach of children. No smoking, open flames or sources of ignition in handling and storage area. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel a long distance and accumulate in low lying areas. Ignition and/or flash back may occur. Contents under pressure. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Containers, even those that have been emptied, can contain vapors. Do not cut, drill, grind, weld, or perform similar operations on or near empty containers. Do not enter confined spaces unless adequately ventilated. Never use air pressure for transferring product. Use of non-sparking or explosion-proof equipment may be necessary, depending upon the type of operation. Minimize sources of ignition, such as static build-up, heat, spark or flame. Store in a dry place.
DO NOT DUMP INTO ANY SEWERS, ON THE GROUND, OR INTO ANY BODY OF WATER. All disposal practices must be in compliance with all Federal, State/Provincial and local laws and regulations. Regulations may vary in different locations. Waste characterizations and compliance with applicable laws are the responsibility solely of the waste generator.
Ingredients from (M)SDS/Label
CAS No / Unique ID
Methylene bisphenyl diisocyanate (MDI)
Dimethyl ether
Polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate
Isocyanic acid, polymethylenepolyphenylene ester, polymer with alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxypoly(oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl))
Polymethylenepolyphenylisocyanate, propoxylated glycerin polymer
Chlorinated paraffin waxes
Complete (M)SDS for this product
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Surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks of Himalayas, Gulmarg is a small but picturesque town situated on a high mountain 53 kilometers Southwest of Srinagar. Truly one of the beautiful places in the world, Gulmarg literally means a field of flowers. Unlike most of the tourist destinations in Kashmir, where you stay at one place and hire a horse or a vehicle to visit the actual place of interest, Gulmarg itself is where you want to be. Just a peek out the window of your hotel room greets you with lovely views of pastures and flowerbeds blanketing the low mounds spread all over the town. This beautiful region is circled by a forest of pine trees, beyond which rise the great, snow-clad mountains. During day, the game of sun and shadows that goes upon these pastures with clouds flying low over the town is extremely eye pleasing. And so is the view of horses grazing upon them.
From Srinagar, you first arrive at Tangmarg. It is a place at the bottom of the mountain atop which Gulmarg is settled. Here, you pass through a checkpoint where you have to register your name and the number of your vehicle. There is also a facility here run by J&K Government where you can hire licensed guides and gear for cold such as gumboots, jackets and gloves. Although it is recommended that you hire a guide from this point, there are several good options atop from where you can hire the gear as required. Further, a 30 minute drive up the mountain, spanning 13 kilometers to be precise, brings you to Gulmarg. The very first view of Gulmarg, that of high mountains in west, the famous temple of Shiva on a green mound in the centre, a cozy-looking settlement of hotel buildings in east and wooden cottages spread around the edge of the town is mesmerizing.
Of several attractions at Gulmarg, the major ones are the Golf Course, the highest in the world as claimed by the locals, a beautiful place called Khilanmarg, to which you have to ride a horse for 30 to 40 minutes and the cable car called Gondola, which takes you atop a high mountain within minutes. Apart from this what you can really enjoy in Gulmarg is a leisurely walk over the picturesque road that weaves through the green slopes. But this is all for summers. If you decide to come to Gulmarg during winters, you will be surprised by a high number of foreign visitors who come here from all over the world, when Gulmarg becomes an international skiing hub.
Gondola, the cable car at Gulmarg is the highest in the world. It serves both ways, as a tourist attraction and as a high utility means of transport. The cable car runs in two phases. The journey in the first phase flies you from Gulmarg to Kongdori Valley, at the height of 2600 meters (nearly 8530 feet). It is a scenic place on the shoulder of Kongdori Mountain offering beautiful top angle views of Gulmarg. There are several cafes and restaurants here where you can enjoy a delightful meal on a heart pleasing location. The pony owners, or pony-walas as they are called locally, offer you a ride to a nearby location that offers great views of the valley and the mountains.
The next phase of the cable car journey is even more thrilling. It takes you from the Kongdori Valley to the upper region of Kongdori Mountain, at the height of 4200 meters (nearly 13780 feet). The cable car is capable of conveying more than 600 people per hour. You have to buy a ticket, a return ticket if you don't wish to trek down, from the window at the base station.
The cable car was mostly designed to serve as a lift to skiers, who come here during the winters when Gulmarg becomes a skiing paradise. Undoubtedly the best location for skiing in India, Gulmarg attracts skiers from around the globe as it is one of the rare places offering powder snow that skiers greatly enjoy. The best season for enjoying skiing at Gulmarg is from December to March, although the earlier half of April also sees a good number of satisfied skiers.
Gulmarg has featured in several Bollywood movies, including some of the famous ones. During summers, the days are mostly sunny and the atmosphere, in these lovely surroundings, is something you would want to carry back home. Personal vehicles are not allowed in the heart of the town where all the sites are situated. This is mainly for the benefit of the local pony-walas who feed upon the income received from the tourists who wish to take a round of the town counting nearly 8 kilometers. Some local vehicle owners offer the same trip in their cars and SUVs.
The Shiva temple in the town, centrally located and visible from almost every angle is visited by several tourists every day. It came to fame after the famous Hindi song 'Jai Jai Shiv Shankar' was shot around it. There is also a famous Dargah of Baba Reshi located on the way from Tangmarg to Gulmarg. Drung Valley, situated further up the way from Baba Reshi Dargah is also an interesting place. It is highlighted by Drung River that melts down the surrounding mountains and flows through a picturesque territory. Fishing is one of the popular activities here.
Gulmarg has more than 40 hotels. It is highly advised that you book your room well in advance, whether you come during summer or winter. If you are here to enjoy skiing, you will certainly choose to stay, but during summers you can plan a daylong visit starting from Srinagar and returning back before nightfall. However, it is a strong recommendation that you spend at least one full day here at leisure and stay by night. Very few people around the world are blessed with hometowns so beautiful. The rest of us should at least spend a day or two at a heavenly place like Gulmarg while we can and savor the taste forever.
Quick Reference
Situated 53 kilometers to the Southwest of Srinagar, Gulmarg is a picturesque town. Gulmarg literally means 'field of flowers' and is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Tangmarg is the first stop on the way to Gulmarg where you need to register your name and the number of your vehicle. Here you can hire a licensed guide and winter gear like gumboots, gloves and jackets. A thirty minutes drive from this point gets you to Gulmarg. The main attractions of Gulmarg are the Golf Course, Khilanmarg and Gondola- the cable car that takes you atop the mountains within minutes. Gulmarg is a paradise for skiers and has featured in many Bollywood movies. Personal vehicles are not allowed in the heart of the town. gulmarg has more than 40 hotels. But it is recommended that an advance booking must be made. Gulmarg is a treat to the tourists who love natural beauty.
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Amazon to Collect Massachusetts Sales Tax Next Year
BOSTON — Massachusetts residents will have to pay a little more next holiday season for their online purchases.
Gov. Deval Patrick and Amazon announced on Tuesday an agreement for the online retail giant to collect and remit state sales taxes beginning next Nov. 1. According to the press statement, Amazon also plans to create hundreds of high-tech jobs in Massachusetts in coming years.
Online retailers for years have been under pressure to collect state sales taxes even if they don't have a physical presence in the state. Brick-and-mortar merchants say Web retailers failure to collect taxes puts them at a disadvantage, states that they're losing billions in revenue.
The Congressional Research Service says states lost some $8.6 billion in tax revenue in 2010 alone.
Amazon already collects sales taxes for California, Kansas, Kentucky, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington. Massachusetts and five other states will be added in the next couple years.
"We are thankful Amazon was willing to come to the table and we will continue our conversations with them about creating jobs here," said Patrick in a statement. "This agreement is a win for all sides, and I am pleased it promises to generate millions in long-term revenue for the commonwealth."
Patrick and Amazon officials reiterated support for federal legislation to resolve the sales tax issue. The Supreme Court in 1967 determined that collecting sales tax would place an undue burden on what were then catalog sales but technology has vastly changed the remote retail industry.
"We appreciate Governor Patrick's commitment to Massachusetts jobs and investment and his support for legislation now before Congress that would provide a final resolution to the sales tax issue," said Paul Misener, Amazon vice president of global public policy. "We look forward to creating hundreds of high tech jobs in Massachusetts and continuing to work with Governor Patrick, state leaders, retailers and Congress to pass federal legislation permitting interstate sales tax collection."


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BabieTeaseLLC needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 10 designs submitted by 5 freelance designers.
HELP ME! Get paid!!!
Babie Tease, LLC is a brand new company (not even up and running yet) and NEEDS A LOGO!!!
FOR WHAT? Babie Tease, LLC. sells Fun and witty baby t-shirt designs!
Find the perfect gift for yourself or the mom and dad to be...
We will be selling t-shirts mainly for infants: boys and girls... I don't have anything particular in mind just something that really stands out!!!
http://www.BabieTease.com & Babie Tease, LLC.
none unless you have a great one :)
Desired Color Scheme:
baby colors: light pink and blue, canary yellow... preferred but not mandatory- have another color scheme-- DO IT, just make sure it appeals to both BOYS AND GIRLS since we sell to both
Desired Style:
I prefer a girly look, IE curly words-- but I am open to almost anything.
Accepted File Formats:
Vectored file- original EPS or AI file format.
Still not sure what we will be selling- our shirts will all have funny/witty sayings on them, like: I cry over spilled milk... GOT BREAST MILK? etc... WARNING: Might Puke... YOU'VE SEEN THE SHIRTS :)
More questions for what I am looking for? Just ask...
NOTE: After contest I retain all rights to the winning logo once winner is paid.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Dime A Dozen Lyrics
When did I become the bad guy?
The winter weather never felt so cold
My love was pure as gold
As simple as it seems, I don't know what love means
I'm a dime a dozen, but your loving will make me more
It's safe to say you went of your way to make known that you're mad
Your sense of humor is oddly entertaining
And just like I was saying, now I'm eating it up
My torture is your pleasure
Tell me, tell me why my torture is your pleasure
When did I become the bad guy?
I've given all I have to you, my friend
You have never been entirely truthful when you say we're meant to be
Cause I took your heavy heart before you gave it to me
This sidewalk is your runway
I'd take a bullet for you


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Gout Causes
Gout appears to come on suddenly, often in the form of a painfully swollen big toe or lower body joint. In reality, it's the end result of a process that's been taking place in the body for a while.
The underlying cause of gout is different from those things that trigger a gout attack. Gout is the result of excess uric acid in the body, a condition called hyperuricemia.
Uric acid is a substance that normally forms when the body breaks down purines, which are found in human cells and in many foods. Uric acid is transported by the blood to the kidneys and eliminated in the urine. However, some people either overproduce uric acid or they produce a normal amount, but their kidneys can't process it efficiently and an excess of uric acid builds up. Some, but not all, of those people may develop gout.
Lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in certain high-purine foods, obesity and excessive alcohol use – especially heavy beer consumption – also can contribute to development of hyperuricemia and gout.
Gout Triggers
Medical or health triggers of gout:
- Joint injury
- Surgery or sudden, severe illness
- Infection
- Taking certain diuretic medications for high blood pressure, leg swelling (edema) or heart failure
- Taking the drug cyclosporine
- Starting a uric acid-lowering treatment
- Chemotherapy
Lifestyle triggers of gout:
- Crash diets and fasting
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating large portions of certain foods high in purines (red meats or shellfish)
- Dehydration (not getting enough fluids)
- Sweet sodas
Learn More About Gout
- Symptoms of Gout
- Diagnosing Gout
- Gout Treatment
- Gout Self Care
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading organization
providing support and funding research to improve the
lives of individuals with arthritis. You can help!


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yktyk by Chris Kirby-Ryan and Glenda Stenner
by via_web on
January 13, 2012
Filed under App DB, Lifestyle, Social Network, iPhone Apps
yktyk (pronounced yacketyak) is a new iPhone app that's fun for people into acronyms. With over 1800 you'll want to scroll through the database to drop your favorites into conversation at that perfect moment! You can text, share on Facebook, Twitter or just use these clever acronyms whenever. Get yktyk for just 99 cents at http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/yktyk/id465280868?mt=8&ls=1
See the Lamp Boys review at http://youtu.be/EKJBx-HRxPY
Developer Website: http://www.yktyk.com


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About Human Resources
By being hired into one of our Human Resources jobs at Lilly, you'll be a key member of the Lilly team. Professionals in Human Resources careers come from a variety of backgrounds, bringing an assortment of knowledge and skills to every area of our business. Please click on your desired Human Resources job to learn more about the exact qualifications. A Human Resources job at Lilly may be waiting for you!


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1M Warm White 5050 High Power LED Tape Kit
Ultra High Power Output Warm White LED flexible strip with self adhesive tape for ease of fitting.
Ideal for under shelves, cabinets and plinths.
The flexibility of the tape makes it a perfect solution for curved surfaces.
10mm, 60 LEDS per metre, 14.4W per metre
Includes driver and input cable
Available in lengths 1m,2m,3m,4m,5m and 6m (sold separately)
These can be cut down to a small size if required or alternatively placed next each other to achieve a longer run.
If you require any specific cut lengths please feel free to call us and we will be happy to help.


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Julie Herman lives in the San Diego and started sewing in 2002 and blogging in 2009. The goal when she started her blog was to share her quilts & have a journal of them. Since starting her blog she has been published in many magazines, started her own pattern company, and developed the Hex N More Ruler. Her book "Skip the Borders" was released in August of 2012. To read more about Julie, check out her blog jaybirdquilts.com.
A bit about Julie's class:
In the Sidekick Sampler Workshop students will learn to use the Sidekick Ruler.This new ruler was designed to cut 3 shapes in 4 sizes! As a result it gives you limitless possibilities. All of the pieces can be rotary cut from strips. In addition to developing the ruler I also have designed many patterns to go with it. The class is divided into two parts. In the first part of class you will learn how to cut Diamonds, Triangles, and Half Triangles. In the second part of class you will use the fabric provided with the class kit to create a small project using the Sidekick. Students can expect to create a small project or blocks during the class.
SewDown Portland is bound to be amazing with all our fantastic teachers! We are sold out but do still have space in our lecture series. Sign up for those here.


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I'm famous!
I've been doing lots of work with the Linux Kernel at work. Seems I've gotten some press with a couple of sensor drivers I wrote 🙂 Pretty neat.
I've been doing lots of work with the Linux Kernel at work. Seems I've gotten some press with a couple of sensor drivers I wrote 🙂 Pretty neat.
Independence Day in a small town is great. I'll describe the scene today. Basically, everyone drove out to the airport, where the fireworks show is held. Then, since there is plenty of free space on the tarmac, everyone sets off tons of huge fireworks while waiting for the real show. Totally dangerous, but totally awesome. Also, other fun things like throwing/kicking a ball around, etc. And BBQing. Mmmmm.
Then, the main show started after it got dark. And it gets
I totally recommend it. I'm glad I was invited to tag along.
Well, today was a fun day. I managed to burn up the CPLD on the Freescale evaluation board I've been using at work. I'm not sure if it was code that I wrote (though I don't think so, I didn't program the CPLD at all) or if I managed to shock it. My desk doesn't have any electrostatic protection, so that is quite likely.
So, we've ordered a new one, so that I can continue to work. Still, I feel pretty bad that I burned up such an expensive piece of equipment. Better luck with the next one, I guess. 😀
Well, if you're seeing this site, everything worked. Over the weekend, I migrated from the old TextDrive BSD Shared hosting to the new Joyent Shared Accelerators. It's all the same company, just new and faster servers. Since they're faster and have more software I need, I decided to move some stuff I hosted elsewhere onto this domain.
So, a quick rundown of what I have here:
I'm finally going to be able to shut down my webserver at home, saving power as well as maintenance headaches. Not that I didn't like running the server, but I'd rather put it on better hosting for now.
I've been doing quite a bit of messing around with text rendering on Linux recently. I've got a lovely setup which looks absolutely wonderful. It puts the font rendering on Windows to shame.
Interestingly, there is quite a performance difference between my laptop and my desktop, when using identical setups. Using gtkperf, the laptop takes ~2.28 seconds to complete the hardcore text test. The same test on my desktop takes ~22.4 seconds. So, it's about 10 times slower. It turns out to be the subpixel smoothing that does it. With just grayscale smoothing, it takes <1 second for the test. A hell of a speedup, but the subpixel smoothing is oh so good.
I know nVidia has had some interesting problems with pre-6xxx cards, especially when rendering colored text (with the closed-source driver). My desktop uses such a card. My laptop uses an Intel i950, which so far has been a tremendously good card.
So, to Intel: start making some standalone AGP / PCIe graphics cards! I'll buy at least two! (As long as they're not terribly expensive)


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The UMBC men's lacrosse team faces its fourth ranked team of the 2013 season when the Retrievers (5-6, 2-1 America East) meet the 10th-ranked Albany Great Danes (9-3, 3-0) at John Fallon Field in Albany, N.Y. on Friday, April 19. The opening face-off is set for 7:00 p.m. and the contest will be broadcast on Q1370 (www.q1370.com) with Steve Levy on the call and televised live by Time Warner Cable in the Capital Region.
Freshman midfielder Pat Young broke a 12-all tie by scoring with 2:39 remaining and visiting UMBC won a critical America East Conference contest, 13-12, at defending champion Stony Brook at LaValle Stadium on Saturday. Young was amongst four Retrievers who tallied a pair of goals. UMBC won on the road and won back-to-back games for the first time in 2013.
A LOOK AT THE OPPONENT: Albany (9-3, 3-0) has won five consecutive games and has risen to No. 10 in the nation in this week's USILA poll. The Great Danes lead the nation in scoring at 15.81 goals per game, assists per game (9.33) and shooting percentage (37.3).Attackmen Lyle Thompson (34 goals, 44 assists) and Ty Thompson are ranked Nos. 6-8 respectively in goals scored per game. and Lyle is second in the nation in assists. Linemate Miles Thompson has only played eight games , but has also hit the 30-goal plateau. Albany has victories over Syracuse (No. 13 at time), U. Mass (No. 9) and Johns Hopkins in 2013. They are averaging 22.0 goals per game in their 3-0 America East start.
ALL-TIME SERIES: UMBC leads the all-time series, 10-5, but only five of the previous 15 contests have been played at Albany. The two teams have met six times in nine previous league seasons at the championships and five of those contests have taken place in Baltimore. The Retrievers are 3-2 in Albany, including a 13-9 victory in the last meeting in 2011.
THE LAST TIMES WE MET: The two teams met twice in a span of three weeks in 2012. UMBC rallied from a five-goal deficit with less than six minutes to play and a Scott Jones OT goal gave the hosts a 17-16 victory on April 21. But the Great Danes avenged that defeat with a 19-8 victory over UMBC in the America East semifinals on May 2.
UP NEXT: UMBC completes the regular season on Sat., April 27 when they host the Binghamton Bearcats. The Retrievers' 14 seniors will be honored in pregame ceremonies.


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Free N900
At the Maemo Summit Conference in Amsterdam, Nokia gave out over 300 N900 phones running Maemo 5. The N900 is the successor to the N810, over a hundred of which were handed out at Akademy a year ago. Read on for some opinions about the N900 and the results of 3 days of hacking.
Unlike its predecessor, the N900 has phone and 3G capabilities, which make this device much more versatile. It has a 600 mhz processor with a fast graphics co-processor, 32 GB flash and 256 MB ram + 768 mb swap. Of course it sports a large touchscreen (800x480), keyboard and functionality like wifi, GPS and a camera. However, it is not the hardware which is most interesting to us - it is the software. The N900 runs Maemo, a Debian Linux based operating system for high-end smart phones. Compared to pretty much all competition, the N900 offers a very open software platform and provides a terminal application by default. Most of the GUI is currently build upon GTK, using Clutter on OpenGL and various other FOSS components in the lower stack. But the upcoming release, Maemo "Harmattan" 6 will receive a new, Qt based GUI. Qt is already available for the N900 and in the first half of next year we can expect an officially supported Qt 4.6 release for Maemo "Freemantle" 5.
During the conference various applications were seen running on the Maemo, from the Qt examples we've seen from the blogs to KOffice and a Qt port of KLines. We spoke with some KDE people at the conference, asking about the N900.
Jos van den Oever, Boudewijn Rempt and Thomas Zander from KOffice fame obviously considered the KOffice viewer (expect an article about this tomorrow) Jos had running on his N900 the coolest application available. But, as Jos said, mostly because it has a lot of potential. The best of the currently installed applications is, in his opinion, the web browser - it has a good interface, is fast enough and the gestures rock. Sure, some might say WebKit will work better - but it's not there yet. Niels Slot managed to get Arora, a Qt-only WebKit based browser, working. Arora brings slightly better scrolling when zoomed in but web page loading seems slower and kinetic scrolling doesn't work yet. Luckily we have Ariya Hidayat who intends to work on WebKit support over the next weeks. Speaking of Ariya, he has been showing off his E71 with the Qt 3D demo he blogged about earlier.
Niels also has a Qt-only version of KLines, earlier used for a Symbian port, kind of working. Some KDE PIMsters are playing with the N900, dreaming of beautiful things-to-come and the Gluon developers are working on getting their game framework ported as well. From all the things going on here we're convinced the N900 will see some cool KDE technology over the next months.
The most impressive demonstration of what is to come had been hacked together by Marijn Kruisselbrink, famous for his earlier work on porting KDE to the N810. As he blogged earlier this weekend, he has been able to port the Plasma framework to Maemo. It took compiling Qt and KDElibs and a few hours more of figuring out how to get the widgets working properly. According to Marijn, he needed no more than about 20 lines of code to get things to work. As can be seen in the blog, the widgets look and feel like native Maemo widgets. Furthermore, the Plasma Netbook interface works as well (the normal plasma-desktop not yet). Despite the high resolution creating some problems (buttons are very small and hard to hit), the Netbook interface is reasonably usable. Of course this device has a screen too small for the Netbook interface, but it shows the N900 could run plasma very well. Watch the planet for a blog from Marijn on how to get plasma running on the N900!
Most people at the conference considered the N900 a 'very fine piece of equipment', to use the words of Till Adam. It has already replaced a few mobile phones here in Amsterdam. Till lost his N97 in a cab a while ago so he's glad to be back in the game, and Boudewijn is also hooked - he gave his old phone to his daughter. And your author had been looking for a new phone for a while so he is happy as a clam. All in all, we see a bright future for the N900 series.
OMG if I could be there maybe
OMG if I could be there maybe I will receive N900. But unfortunately I was in Indonesia, so I can not get it: (.
if anyone would give it to me freely, I would be very grateful. KDENews.ORG may want to give it to me? I'll gladly accept :D
Thank you in advance if anyone would donate to me a N900
Foo Iskandar
By FoO Iskandar at Mon, 2009/10/12 - 11:09am
Btw are already have it
Btw are already have it ?
could you give to me ?
if you can ....
By FoO Iskandar at Mon, 2009/10/12 - 11:25am
Waa!! I want one too...
By Gaurav Chaturvedi at Mon, 2009/10/12 - 11:30am
Btw OK if i'am ask to NOKIA
Btw OK if i'am ask to NOKIA INDONESIA hmmmm never :D couse the management nokia indonesia is not cool people :(
if you have a time could please take once again for me ? :D
ok let's chat at YM Please my accounf [email protected] that if you have more time :D
By FoO Iskandar at Mon, 2009/10/12 - 11:34am
Makes no sense
Would you yourself give it away, just because someone on the dot requested it?
And let's not forget, developers got these devices, they use it to test and develop their software on/for it. So there is a reason that they got one.
By Ingo Malchow at Mon, 2009/10/12 - 6:04pm
Wise move
I think this is a great idea by Nokia - nothing is going to motivate devs to start coding things for the N900 than actually having one to use. Phone hardware has been generally ok for a while now but the fault tends to be in software suckage so having the best software available for your phones is important.
By Stuart Jarvis at Mon, 2009/10/12 - 7:45pm
arg!!! Gluon team need it too!!
Ah!!! You are so lucky!!Currently we are working on GLuon in munick nokia office and we didn't receive anything to port gluon on maemo5.... :( :( If the Qt's god is listening... send me one, !!:) :)
By sacha at Mon, 2009/10/12 - 9:37pm
Looks very nice.
Does anyone know how easy it is to get an ssh shell on this thing? ( in it's default configuration ) I heard this tablet will actually allow you to call people so i am really considering buying this one as my next phone replacement.
konsole would be killer to have with me all the time too. ;)
By Mr Me at Thu, 2009/10/15 - 7:55pm


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Cheese Nips and Kylie for Darren
My main gay Darren has been working hard, travelling from one coast to another for several months. As such, we haven't been drunk together nearly enough all year. Darren misses me. He missed me so much yesterday he actually watched part of the hockey game and texted me from home, not knowing what he was looking at but wanting to feel close to me. I was touched. So here are two gifts in return for my 'mo.
First a piece of cheese. Or a pair of cheese nipples depending how you look at it. Mario Lopez last night leaving Katsuya. Gross. Not Katsuya. Mario Lopez. Like really, really disgusting. I will never understand women who swoon at this beefcake business. It's repels me. I actually feel queasy.
Darren however is all over it.
He'll also be all over this:
Kylie Minogue announced her first North American tour today. Six cities – and Toronto is one of them! Thanksgiving weekend! Click here for more information. Book the flight, sister!
Photos from Wenn.com


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Watch this video. It's 6 minutes long, but at the end, the radio ends up working.
Watch this video. It's 6 minutes long, but at the end, the radio ends up working.
That makes sense. Hopefully it helps some people around here with antenna issues. Thanks for sharing.
Charles LaRocca
SiriusBuzz Founder
Consider antennas a disposable. Have extra. One time I week wacked the wire - tore it right in half. It's not like you can go down to the corner store and pick one up.
1) Take the head unit and hold tighly in one hand. With a leather punch or some similiar strong pointed object push outward softly on the copper outer contacts of the ANT connection. Basically just ever so slightly push the copper contacts outward slightly. This will allow them to make better contact with the base mount.
2) Take 2 strands of 18-22 gauge wire cut to 1/4" in length. Curve them both into a very slight "S" shape curve. Now take needle nose pliars and one at a time push the strands of wire into the hole in the head unit. What this will do is basically create a spring contact between the end of the ANT bore (hole in the head unit ) and the pin ANT contact of the base unit.
If you leave the unit installed this will last for several months. I have done it (2) times on my head unit and each time it has lasted about 6 months.
I am looking into replacing that small ANT connection if I can find the part but no success as of yet.
Dear Sirs,
I am new to this site so please forgive me if my etiquette is not correct. I have 5 Sirius Satelite receivers in various vehicles and homes and have had the same issue on 4 of them. I have tried all of the solutions that I have found online but only one solution have I found to be permanent and work on all 4 units. The issue that I have had on all 4 units and can be visually confirmed is that the physical solder joint between the ANT connection at the connector of the head unit and the internal PWB is cracked and causing intermittent connection depending on temperature and pressure. This issue has been reported on other sites and I have found that this crack is present on all 4 of my units. I have fixed one unit and it now works flawlessly. I will be fixing the others over the next few days. Just wanted to let others know that although this may not be the solution for every unit, for me it has been 4 out of 4.


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Sebelius ordered to make exception on transplant
A federal judge on Wednesday ordered HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to allow 10-year-old Sarah Murnaghan to be moved to the adult lung transplant list, giving her a better chance of receiving a potentially life-saving transplant.
The quick and unusual ruling, made after a hastily scheduled emergency hearing, follows a campaign by the family and some members of Congress to pressure the Obama administration to change a federal policy that puts children under age 12 at the bottom of the list of those who can receive donated adult lungs.
Story Continued Below
Murnaghan has cystic fibrosis and her doctors have said she may only live a few weeks without the transplant. She has been on the waiting list for pediatric donors for 18 months, but they are more rare and her condition is worsening. There's no guarantee that even with the judge's ruling, a suitable donor will become available in time, but her odds would be better.
( Also on POLITICO: Family goes to court over transplant)
The case played out amid growing controversy with Sebelius in the spotlight. Several right-wing blogs and commentators depicted her as a one-woman "death panel." The child's mother said Sebelius was choosing to let children die.
The judge's action may have taken some of the immediate heat off Sebelius and the Obama administration. Yet it opened up a host of other questions about organ donation policy and hot-button health care politics.
U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson wrote in a temporary restraining order that by refusing to set aside the existing rule for children, Sebelius had failed "to protect the very few children nationally who are subject to it." He added that the evidence showed that the rule "discriminates against children and serves no purpose, is arbitrary, capricious and an abuse of discretion." Baylson, a George W. Bush appointee, scheduled a hearing for June 14.
( QUIZ: How well do you know Kathleen Sebelius?)
It wasn't immediately clear what the judge's order would mean for the rules that match patients with donors for lung transplants in the country, or how other patients and families in life or death situations would react. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network — which helps set national policy — has scheduled an emergency meeting for next Monday and will consider suspending the lung donor policy while it is reviewed, an HHS lawyer said at the emergency hearing in Philadelphia.
Transplant policy — for lungs and other organs — in the U.S. is made and administered by the OPTN working with the United Network for Organ Sharing under contract with the government. It's inherently difficult because there aren't enough organs for everyone who needs them, and people do die waiting.


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drop (one's) guard(redirected from drop his guard)
drop (one's) guard
To become less guarded or vigilant; to stop being cautious about potential trouble or danger. We'll wait long enough for them to drop their guard before we launch our invasion. There will always be people in this business looking to exploit you, so you can never drop your guard.


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BALTIMORE, May 19 (UPI) -- I'll Have Another caught Bodemeister in the final strides to win Saturday's 137th running Preakness Stakes and is one win short of the Triple Crown.
Creative Cause finished third in the $1 Million, Grade I Preakness Stakes and Zetterholm was fourth.
"On to New York, baby," winning trainer Doug O'Neill said after his Flower Alley colt got by pacesetting Bodemeister to win by a neck.
I'll Have Another must win the Belmont Stakes in New York June 9 to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.
Bodemeister jumped to the front right out of the gate in the 1 3/16-miles Preakness at Pimlico and set an uncontested and reasonable pace into the top of the stretch. At that point, jockey Mario Gutierrez had I'll Have Another rolling outside of rivals and set him down for the stretch run.
After a grinding stretch run, I'll Have Another just edged to the front in the final few jumps and won by a neck, finishing in 1:55.94.
I'll Have Another paid $8.40, $3.80 and $2.80. Bodemeister returned $3.20 and $2.80. Creative Cause paid $3.60. The $2 exacta with the two favorites in reverse order paid $18.60.
I'll Have Another, a Kentucky-bred son of Flower Alley, remains undefeated as a 3-year-old. He won the Robert B. Lewis Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby in California before his triumph in the Run for the Roses.
The Belmont has been a graveyard for Triple Crown hopes, however. Run at 1 1/2 miles over the sweeping Belmont Park main track, the race tests the conditioning of a horse in running three tough races in a five-week span, and his endurance over a distance unusually long by American standards.
In recent years the likes of Sunday Silence, Silver Charm, Real Quiet, Smarty Jones and Big Brown have fallen one "jewel" short of completing the difficult triple.


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Document Actions
Inside Our Fall Issue
New Livelihoods
When we decided to do this issue in early 2011, the jobs crisis had slipped off the political radar. We decided to focus on jobs and livelihoods anyway, because it was clear that to ordinary Americans, jobs and the economy are the issues they most worry about. This issue shows that we can build strong local economies that can sustain us, even in an era of ecological limits. And it shows how we can support each other in challenging times and begin to build a more just and sustainable American Dream.
New content will be added periodically.
Sign up for YES! by Email and be the first to know about it.
New Visions
Solving today's big problems will take more than a quick fix. These authors offer clarity about the roots of our problems and visions of a better way.
Who's Building the Do-It-Ourselves Economy?
Corporations aren't hiring (at least not at home). And Washington is gridlocked. Here's how we take charge of our own livelihoods.
PLUS: Lies, Damned Lies, and Economics
VIDEO: Creating Jobs in the New Normal: Sarah van Gelder talks about the new issue on Free Speech TV
Van Jones is leading a national mobilization to rebuild the middle class—through decent work, fair taxes, and opportunities for all.
PLUS VIDEO: The American Dream, Reloaded
Now's the time to challenge economic orthodoxy—but only a massive social movement can turn things around.
World and Community
New models that foster justice and real prosperity, and sustain the Earth's living systems. How can we bring these models to life and put them to work?
Best Job in the Neighborhood—and They Own It
Solar power, a laundry, a newspaper and a greenhouse—Cleveland worker co-ops bring living-wage jobs to the Rust Belt.
PLUS VIDEO: Why the Evergreen Cooperatives work.
Free Geek computers, Citizen Space, Fab Labs, Freelancers Union are among innovations that support local jobs.
The citizens of two cities are finding the customers, finances, and skills to put together green jobs.
State Banks Bring the Money Home
Big banks freeze out small business, but North Dakota's state bank supports local jobs. The idea is catching on.
PLUS VIDEO: Free Speech TV talks to Stacy Mitchell about what we can do about the jobs crisis.
The Power of One
Stories of people who find their courage, open their hearts, and discover what it means to be human in today's world.
Graduates Get a Crash Course in Sharing
New graduates improvise when expected careers don't pan out.
Share the work, reduce your eco-footprint, and reclaim your time.
PLUS: More articles on how to take back your time—and share it, too.
Elders a (Labor) Force for Social Change
Boomers will bring experience and savvy to encore careers with purpose.by Marc Freedman
Breaking Open
Humor, storytelling, and the arts—taking you into unexpected spaces where business-as-usual breaks open into new possibilities.
Share the work, reduce your eco-footprint, and reclaim your time.
PLUS VIDEO: How art healed and united Philadelphia communities.
5 Steps to Redefine Making a Living
Life out of balance? Ask yourself this ...
Also in the Fall 2011 Issue ...
Poet Laureate W.S. Merwin on Doing the Impossible
W.S. Merwin accepted an appointment as U.S. poet laureate so he could offer just one simple warning.
How one man's story changed everything I thought I knew about the Israel-Palestine conflict.
PLUS VIDEO: GRITtv's Laura Flanders talks to Jen Marlowe and Sami al Jundi about their book.


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Many of the appraisals we have done have been in the Greater Sacramento Area (this can include Placer, El Dorado and Yolo Counties), When it's OK to do are employed in other areas, there is one warning, the appraiser needs to be geographically competent. This means doing whatever is needed to discover the market place. Interactions with Real estate professionals, an intensive assessment of MLS sales and understanding which locations would be the most appealing or least appealing are only a number of means of getting geographically capable. The Sacramento Location has many 'submarkets'. One example is surely an area referred to as the Fab Forties in Eastern Sacramento: someone from out of community might not recognize that this can be a industry unto on its own and to acquire correct equivalent revenue, the appraiser must stay in the well described region. New Homes in Carmichael
- How could learning the place well and carrying out many appraisals in your community make any difference?.
- There are no latest income inside a couple kilometers. For this reason, equivalent revenue had been hard to find..
- It's understandable that this happened. Often you're undertaking an assessment where there are simply.
- New Homes in Carmichael.
Just how can learning the area effectively and performing many appraisals in the community change lives? Well, this week we managed an appraisal for the sizeable, custom built house which was created employing good quality resources, has been impeccably taken care of, and it is found on a gated neighborhood of just 4 similar homes. It is located in Honest Oaks, which is an area of midsection- to substantial-end homes and it is a multi-thousand $ house. There were no income on that road in the past many years, and though there are homes of similar high quality and dimensions in the community. New Homes For Sale Carmichael
It is
There were no the latest product sales in just a husband and wife mls. As a result, equivalent income were hard to find. The homeowner shared with us that he got an evaluation completed a few yrs ago, and then in the appraisal, comps have been used through the location correct around the house-- these folks were wonderful houses and current income, but they were not found on a hidden exclusive neighborhood, these people were not residence-type residences on an acre or higher, and so they have been not custom made of the highest quality. Because of this, the evaluation arrived at about half value of the preceding two appraisals about the house as well as the before buy. Homes for sale Carmichael
Equivalent income were hard to find
It's understandable that it taken place. Sometimes you're undertaking an assessment where there are merely no comps, which means you believe, properly, I'll have to use what I can. This appraiser almost certainly had no idea there are far more very similar homes offered. The way we managed it was by deciding on revenue comparables which are comparable in quality, sizing, and situation. These were situated additional out compared to the instant region, however they were actually really the only correct comparable income readily available. There are many streets which are very similar to normally the one the topic is on with related custom residences, however are not in Acceptable Oaks-- they can be in the nearby towns of Carmichael and Sacramento. Although distance is essential, it is not usually the main. If you are appraising a residence with a much smaller industry sector of purchasers, including the kind of clients who would like to invest $1 million in addition over a customized house, the current market area from which to choose revenue comparables receives bigger. Whenever we have been not informed about the spot like a Sacramento appraiser, we could have been more unlikely to find the "best" revenue comps for that house. Homes for sale Sacramento
Over a customized house the
- It's easy to understand that this took place. Often you're undertaking an.
- Homes for sale Carmichael.
- Many of the appraisals we now have completed will be in the better Sacramento Area.


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Dorkly readers, you did it. Your votes have determined the greatest Sega Genesis games of all-time. Over 200,000 votes were tallied (you can check out the results here), and we have below the top 25 (fair warning - we only included the top performing game from each series, so that you wouldn't have to read about Streets of Rage three times). So sit back, relax, grab your Sega Nomad and six AA batteries, and let's look back at what you've decided are the 25 greatest Sega Genesis games of all-time.
One genre that was noticeably under-served on the Sega Genesis was the RPG. With Final Fantasy (and other Square games) firmly entrenched over on the side of Nintendo, something needed to make up for the deficiency for Sega. Thankfully, the Phantasy Star series came along, and the 4th entry proved to be not only one of the greatest Genesis RPGs of all-time, but one of the greatest RPGs period. The game combined deep storytelling, well-honed game mechanics, and a unique take on combining fantasy and science-fiction to create one of the most memorable RPG experiences ever crafted. They were so confident in their games, they didn't even care how they spelled "fantasy."
Shining Force II is one of the greatest tactical RPGs ever created, not that that sounds too impressive when you realize how few tactical RPGs there really are out there. One of the reason there are so few is because everyone saw this game come out and figured "who could possibly top this?" But Shining Force II was something more special than just that - it had unparalleled depth in both gameplay and story, and more characters ready to join your party than an episode of Game of Thrones. The only drawback was the game required a huge time investment to fully appreciate it - but at least you weren't technically lying when you told your friends you couldn't hang out because a huge party was taking up all your time.
There were a lot of great co-op games back in the days of the 16-bit console - but many were similar beat-em-ups that didn't offer much in the way of variety. Gunstar Heroes was something else entirely. Two players could run 'n gun their way through some supremely colorful levels, facing off against some of the most awesomely-rendered bad guys in the history of the Genesis. And what made it so memorable was the sheer madness to everything - there was a near-constant stream of explosions and gunfire going on at all times (and your ability to combine weapons made for some interesting gameplay), yet everything was always clear and comprehensible. It was like a more chaotic, better-looking Contra - which is one of the best game descriptions I think I've ever heard.
Few greater joys exist than throwing shurikens as an endlessly powerful ninja, as The Revenge of Shinobi was proud to remind us all. In addition to the usual trappings of a ninja arsenal, you had the ability to use several ninjutsu techniques, which were essentially magic. Ninjas and magic, this all sounds good, but what else is there to really add in the nerd appeal? Well, you also got to fight a T-Rex in the middle of a New York City dock and say hi to Spider-Man. Eat that, every other game ever.
There are tough games, and then there's Ghouls 'n Ghosts - a sometimes impossibly difficult game that has no right to be as fun as it is. Yet with the right mix of memorable music and solid gameplay, it managed just that. You play as the knight Arthur, racing through the standard medieval levels crawling with undead hellspawn, trying desperately to not get hit, lose your armor, and be stuck moving forward in only your boxers. If this doesn't sound too difficult, just ask someone who have played the game about the purple tongues and watch years of repressed rage burst out.


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Kids Space Shirt
*Note: Ships June 8, in plenty of time for Father's Day.*
Zoom cars on your belly and across the galaxy in a Space Play Mat Tee! A fun gift for spacey toddlers!
- Black cotton tee. Sizes 2T - 5/6
- Can shrink. Air dry or get 1 size up.
- Back blank. Toy cars not included.
Power Up Your Gift
Ready to ship in 1-3 days
I ship all in-stock items within 1-3 business days of your purchase (and funds clearing if you pay with a bank draft or e-check), unless otherwise noted at the time of your purchase.
USA Delivery
Delivery averages 2-3 business days. Can take up to 5 business days. Items ship via USPS First Class mail with tracking.
International Delivery
Most international packages average 2 week delivery. Arrival varies based on location and your country's customs policies. Standard shipping is USPS First Class International mail.
Customs or Import Fees
Returns, Refunds, and Exchanges
If you're not satisfied with your order, please contact me before returning it at firstname.lastname@example.com Exchanges and returns should be mailed back within 30 days of delivery.
Size Exchanges
Need a different size? No problemo. Email me with your desired size at firstname.lastname@example.com, and we'll make arrangements.
Ususally, I'll mail your new size once I receive your old one. For U.S. orders, you cover cost of return shipping, and I pay to re-ship your requested exchange size. Ex: You pay to send me your large shirt that is too big, and I pay to send back a medium shirt.
USA Returns
Buyer pays return shipping cost unless return is due to item flaw, or item being damaged upon delivery. A total order refund or an item replacement (buyer's choice) will be offered for flawed or damaged items. Refund or replacement is issued upon receiving returned items. Items must be returned in original condition. Items that have been washed, smell strongly (smoke, pet odor, etc.) or are stained and are therefore unsellable, will not be accepted.
International Returns
International orders can be returned for an item refund or replacement only if the return is due to item flaw, or item being damaged upon delivery. Item refund or replacement is issued when we receive returned items. Items must be returned in original condition. Items that smell strongly (smoke, pet odor, etc.) or are stained and are therefore unsellable, will not be accepted. Original shipping costs cannot be refunded.
Lost or Delayed International Packages
If you think your package is lost, please allow up to 6 weeks before filing a claim. On a rare occasion, a package will get delayed in customs and can take up to 6 weeks to arrive. Make sure you're familiar with your country's customs policies. In the case of a lost package, I will assume the loss of merchandise but ask you for additional payment to re-ship your item. Or, I can simply refund you for the product cost, and not re-send. International shipping costs cannot be reimbursed.
$ 17.50
$ 17.50
$ 17.50
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$ 8.50
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One explanation of having over and done with is to have some house to you in all of the suites. Not only this but they can also be tremendous to keep heat in when it's frosty and they can control the amount of light that comes through when it is sunny. Also, they vary in price so you could get budget curtains which can look really good, to the more luxurious ones which look amazing. It all depends upon your own personal tastes.
The foremost issue that you need todo is measure your transom. Measure the length as well as the width. Then you should decide how far you want your Double Curtain Rod to hang. Wither you want them to stop right below the window, or hang and puddle on the floor. Increase these inches into your window measurements. Next you should decide on the rod sleeve, and the hem. You will need to allow inches for both of these, and you will find that the larger the hem on your contemporary fabric curtains, the better the curtains will glance.
Once you know how much yardage of fabric you will need per window, you will be ready to go and buy the fabric for your curtains. You can have them lower each panel for you, so that you can just come home and sew, or you can lower them yourself once you get home. You also need matching thread, and you will be using a serer and a tapestry appliance.
Picture of Double Curtain Rod is awesome for your furniture design idea at home. The image Resolution 800 x 645 px and the image size only 37 kb. Our Readers select this pictures as favourite in Curtain Category.
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IDC: Archiving pushes storage software demand
According to IDC, data archiving led storage software growth last quarter; vendors buff up storage offerings for server virtualization environments.
IDC says archiving drove software demand
According to IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Storage Software Tracker, the worldwide storage software market experienced its 16th consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth in the third quarter of 2007 with revenues of $2.8 billion, a 9.8% increase over the same quarter one year ago. EMC was tops in market share with 27.6%. Symantec followed with a 16.6% share, followed by IBM with 11.7%, Network Appliance (NetApp) with 9.1%, Hewlett-Packard (HP) with 4.7% and CA with 4.5%.
Storage features for server virtualization environments got a boost this week with the general availability of VMware's Infrastructure 3.5. VMware rival Virtual Iron Software brought out version 4.2 of its virtual machine, which includes the ability to dynamically increase disk groups and virtual disks for storage on demand, multipathing features for high availability and disaster recovery, and hot snapshot capabilities. Meanwhile, storage vendors continued to rally around VMware. QLogic has N_Port_ID Virtualization (NPIV) ready to go for the newest release of VMware in its SANblade HBAs. Remote Backup Systems (RBS) announced that its RBackup remote backup software is now compatible with VMware ESX Server.
Reldata goes after Sanrad with trade-in program
Reldata disclosed a trade-in program "for current Sanrad users who need a proven iSCSI SAN and WAN replication solution that simplifies storage management. Products available for trade-in include the Sanrad 3000/3800 and the Sanrad 2000 SCSI and Fibre Channel. The offer includes up to a 27%savings off the list price of a new Reldata 9240 Unified Storage Gateway licensed for iSCSI and WAN replication.
Hitachi launches 'green' data archiving service
Hitachi (HDS) has teamed up with Data Islandia to offer data archival management services. Data Islandia claims to have the "greenest" data centers in the world, powered 100% by geothermal and hydroelectric energy. Data Islandia will manage the data for the service, using HDS' software tools and storage frames for the service.
Brookhaven National Lab deploys BlueArc
BlueArc said Brookhaven National Lab has deployed a BlueArc Titan 2200 cluster with nearly 300 TB of storage. Brookhaven has deployed a two-node BlueArc Titan 2200 cluster with 6 Gbit connections trunked together and 288 TB of Fibre Channel disk capacity.
Whole Health, Finam Investment deploy FalconStor
FalconStor said Whole Health Management is using FalconStor Network Storage Server and IPStor storage virtualization. Chi Corp., a leading FalconStor Solution Provider partner, integrated the FalconStor IPStor SAN consisting of two NSS appliances into Whole Health's existing SAN infrastructure.
FalconStor also announced that Russian brokerage firm Finam Investment has also deployed NSS to consolidate more than 20 TB of NAS and SAN data.
StoneFly awarded storage virtualization patent
StoneFly said the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted the company U.S. patent 7,302,500, entitled "Packet-Based Storage Processing." The patent is for technology developed by engineers at the company's development center in San Diego that allows communication to be classified into data or command "packets" for more efficient internal routing.
MessageOne launches quick-start email archiving program
MessageOne announced a quick-start email archiving program meant for companies facing pending litigation. When users engage the service, MessageOne will deploy a package of its Exchange, Outlook and Active Directory integration modules, as well as its file recovery, e-discovery, legal hold and storage management software. The package can be applied to any number of mailboxes in the environment through a new targeted archiving feature of the software. Pricing starts at $1,000 per month for 150 users.
AXS-One updates archiving software
AXS-One released the AXS-One Compliance Platform 3.7, called the Data Preservation Edition. The new release includes revised workflow-based case management capabilities, PST and file system archiving functionality, enhancements to Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes and Domino email archiving modules, an online monitoring dashboard and native user interfaces.
NetApp gets FIPS certified
NetApp received Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 Level 3 certification for the storage encryption processor used in the Decru DataFort and Lifetime Key Management (LKM) appliances. FIPS certification is focused on physically tamper-proofing data security devices and was NeoScale's claim to fame for its encryption products before its assets were snapped up this week by nCipher for $1.9 million.
Eze Castle Integration teams with Iron Mountain Digital
Eze Castle Integration has forged a partnership with Iron Mountain Digital resulting in an Eze Vault powered by Iron Mountain services. The new service combines Eze Castle's IT management services with Iron Mountain Digital's data backup and recovery infrastructure.
Stockholders sue Isilon
Law firm Cohen, Milstein, Hausfeld & Toll has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington on behalf of purchasers of Isilon common stock during the period between last Dec. 14 and Oct. 4. The complaint charges Isilon and some of its officers and directors made positive but false statements about its business that caused the stock to rise in price after its initial public offering, only to crash after disappointing results for the third quarter of 2007.


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Falke Trekking 2 Medium Sensitive Socks - Black Mix
Regular price
View More - Falke - Men's Socks
Product Information
These men's trekking 2 medium sensitive socks have been made from 45% polypropylene, 20% acrylic, 18% polyamide and 17% wool, featured in a black colour and are from the brand Falke. Also the black mix socks are designed in a block pattern, It is recommended to wash at 30 degrees and do not tumble dry to keep these socks in good condition. All the socks come complete with falke tags. The Falke Trekking 2 Medium Sensitive Socks - Black Mix offer you amazing comfort and thermal insulation with its fibre mix. These socks prevent the cuffs from digging into your calves which are pressure free and have silicone nubs on the inside which prevents the socks from slipping down. There medium cushioning makes these socks ideal for easy trekking, making them a must have for any keen hiker.
- Anatomical Fit
- Mid Calf
- Smooth
- Medium
- 45% Polypropylene, 20% Acrylic, 18% Polyamide and 17% Wool
- Wash at 30 degrees and do not tumble dry
- Complete with Falke tags.
Flat rate of £1.95 for orders under £50. Orders in the UK have an estimated delivery time of 2-4 business days once shipped.
Next Day UK Delivery* - £5.95 on all orders.
*Please note that all orders placed prior to 3PM Monday - Thursday & Midday Friday will be dispatched on the same day unless otherwise stated on the product page. Orders are not dispatched on weekends or bank holidays.
International Delivery
We offer delivery from £5.95 to most countries around the world. Please note that there may be a Heavy Duty surcharge on some heavier products.
For more information please visit our delivery page.
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply return the item(s) to us in their original condition within 18 days of receipt and we will issue a full refund on receipt, or exchange them, if you prefer.
More Information
Please be aware that we cannot accept returns on certain products including underwear, tights, stockings, pierced jewellery and grooming products for reasons of health and hygiene.
For full details on our returns policy please visit our returns page.


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Difference between revisions of "GenGIS Tutorials"
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We have put together a few tutorials to get you quickly started with GenGIS.
We have put together a few tutorials to get you quickly started with GenGIS.
=== Tutorial 0: Obtaining Custom Digital Elevation Maps (DEM) ===
=== Tutorial 0: Obtaining Custom Digital Elevation Maps (DEM) ===
Revision as of 13:00, 8 August 2013
We have put together a few tutorials to get you quickly started with GenGIS.
Short video tutorials
Creating a basemap
Here is a short illustration of basemap creation using both raster and vector data. Media:Basemap larger x264.mp4
Walkthrough tutorials with files
Tutorial 0: Obtaining Custom Digital Elevation Maps (DEM)
The simple way to obtain DEMs suitable for use in GenGIS is described here. An older set of instructions on how to manually contruct a custom DEM is available here. You can also obtain 2D maps compatible with GenGIS using MapMaker.
Tutorial 1: Banza Katydids of the Hawaiian Islands
In this tutorial, we consider the phylogenetic tree of Banza katydids (acoustic insects) from the Hawaiian Islands recently recovered by Shapiro et al., 2006. This tutorial gives an overview of the GenGIS interface, demonstrates how to load data, and illustrates how to change the visual properties of a map, location markers, and trees. The tutorial concludes with an analysis which suggests geography has had a substantial influence on the evolution of Banza katydids.
Tutorial 2: Marine Microbial Communities from the Atlantic Seaboard
Here we examine samples collected as part of the Global Ocean Sampling expedition (Rusch et al., 2007) in order to investigate the influence of environmental factors on the composition of microbial communities from marine ecosystems. This tutorial demonstrates how to load data, illustrates how to change visual properties, presents a detail analysis of the geographic structure of these microbial communities, and examines the distribution of taxa within these samples.
Tutorial 3: Microbial diversity at 28 human body sites
Costello et al. (2009) collected microbial marker gene samples from 28 distinct human body sites to assess variation across sites, broad cateogories of sites (for instance, skin vs. gut) and through time. The following tutorial shows how to use plugins to perform statistical tests and generate visualizations, and how roll your own analysis scripts using Rpy2.
Tutorial 4: The Ensatina eschscholtzii ring species
The Ensatina eschscholtzii salamander from the western United States is a classic example of allopatric speciation. In this tutorial, we demonstrate how GenGIS can be used to analyze non-linear geographic gradients (Parks and Beiko, 2009).
Tutorial 5: Plugins
The functionality of GenGIS can be extended by writing a Python plugins. GenGIS comes with a number of Python plugins which can be accessed through the Plugins menu. Below is information about each of these plugins and instruction for developing your own plugin.
Tutorial 6: Custom Data Visualizations and Movies
We have put together a number of examples illustrating how custom data visualizations and movies can be created using the API exposed to the Python console:
- An example showing how GenGIS can be used to visualize the mobility rates of HIV-1 subtype B in Europe as proposed by Paraskevis et al. (2009) has been posted here. This example includes a Python class demonstrating how a custom visualization can be made.
- Short examples of using the Python API to access data are available in the GenGIS manual.
- Details on creating fly-through movies with GenGIS are available in the GenGIS manual.
Costello EK, Lauber CL, Hamady M, Fierer N, Gordon JI, Knight R. 2009. Bacterial community variation in human body habitats across space and time. Science, 326: 1694-1697. (Abstract)
Parks DH and Beiko RG. 2009. Quantitative visualizations of hierarchically organized data in a geographic context. Geoinformatics 2009, Fairfax, VA. IEEE Xplore
Rusch DB, Halpern AL, Sutton G, et al. .2007. The Sorcerer II Global Ocean Sampling Expedition: Northwest Atlantic through Eastern Tropical Pacific. PLoS Biol. 5:e77. PubMed
Shapiro LH, Strazanac JS, and Roderick GK. 2006 Molecular phylogeny of Banza (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), the endemic katydids of the Hawaiian Archipelago. Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 41:53-63. Pubmed


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Google's Chrome OS: Maybe Not a "PC" OS After All
Everyone is talking about Google's announcement yesterday that it plans to create its own PC operating system, aimed initially at the netbook market. The new OS will be called Chrome, just like Google's browser, and sounds like it will primarily be the browser on top of a stripped-down Linux kernel.
My first reaction is to wonder why everyone seems to be surprised. Google has been moving down this road for a long time, both with Chrome and with Android, its operating system for handhelds. Indeed, I was disappointed not to see more Android-based machines at the Computex show last month. But then I thought, what if this wasn't really a "PC" operating system at all?
There were a couple of twists in Google's announcement. First is that the OS will be called Chrome instead of Android; and second, that it isn't scheduled to ship until the second half of next year. I would have expected to have seen it sooner; indeed, it throws into question anyone's plans for Android-based machines later this year. Google's blog post says that Android is designed for "a variety of devices from phones to set-top boxes to netbooks" while Chrome "is being designed to power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems."
All this has led to more questions. My colleague Lance Ulanoff listed 10 good questions here. A number of people have posted blogs asking if this will just splinter the Linux platform. (Indeed, if you're looking for a desktop Linux, it sounds like you'd be better off with something else--say, Ubuntu or Intel's Moblin project.) And there are no shortage of news stories and blogs talking about how this will compete with Windows.
But rather than looking at Chrome as just another desktop operating system, I'm more inclined to take the blog post at face value and wonder about what kind of a system you could create with the goals that Google has set out.
Google says Chrome is designed "for people who live on the web," and describes the OS as the Chrome browser "running within a new windowing system on top of a Linux kernel." But that doesn't mean this will necessarily run Linux applications--indeed, Google is very clear that, "for application developers, the web is the platform."
Other parts of the post say the OS will "start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds." We all want that. And it said it would be designed so that "users don't have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates." That sounds great, but it initially struck me as ridiculously over-reaching, much like Bill Gates saying in 2004 that he expected the spam problem would be solved by 2006. (After all, if you run the Chrome browser today, you still need to install security updates.)
But then I started thinking: What if the OS really is completely web-focused? If so, a user wouldn't need--or be able--to download or install any application, or indeed any file. Instead, you'd just use the browser and run a web application, whether Google Apps, or Picasa Web, or Photoshop.com. Thus, downloading malware or viruses would be impossible. (That doesn't mean the OS couldn't have security problems, but if you can't add software to the machine, it gets rid of the most common attacks.)
Theoretically, you could put the OS completely in ROM and make it impossible to upgrade. I think that's unlikely--even on most mobile phones, the OS can typically be upgraded--but it would certainly have some security advantages, and could make the device much faster to boot.
You could take it even further and get rid of all the expansion ports; if you can't plug in a device, you don't have to worry about device drivers, and the occasional malware or malfunction that comes with them. You would obviously need to have a network connection (and in fact, my guess is multiple ones for different networks--wired, Wi-Fi, and mobile broadband). But would such a system have to support printers, for instance? I'm not sure it would. You might want support for memory cards for uploading photos, but maybe not in all cases.
Such a system wouldn't need a hard drive, and maybe very little long-term storage of any kind, because all the data would be stored on the web. For a netbook-like machine, you probably will want a bit of storage in any case, though, just because there are times and places where mobile broadband is unavailable. That would require a very reliable version of something like Google Gears for caching web applications.
What would such a system look like? It wouldn't be what we think of as a PC; instead it would be much more purpose-built for surfing the web than even today's netbooks. It wouldn't run any local applications: no Microsoft Office, of course; but also no Open Office, iTunes, or even a local mail client, although a webmail client could be cached by Google Gears. But it could boot much faster, be more secure, and could be less expensive.
Is that what most people want? Today, the answer is clear: no. The first netbooks mostly ran Linux, which again can boot faster, has fewer problems with malware, and is less expensive than Windows. But the vast majority of users wanted Windows XP, because they wanted the interface they were familiar with, application compatibility, and support for all their devices. In part, though, that may be because netbooks looked like--and were often marketed as--inexpensive notebooks. I can image a class of devices that are marketed not as "mini-notebooks" but as "mobile browsers" with a different class of expectations.
In other words, these would really be "companions" to full PCs, not replacements. To a great extent, this is also what Qualcomm is talking about with its "smartbook" concept, and the other ARM-based vendors as well. So Google isn't really trying to create a new device; but rather be the software for it. How big is that market? I have no idea. But my guess is that mobile broadband vendors would like to give it a try.
The OS that would drive such a system would require a lot of work beyond just hosting a browser on Linux, which may be why Google says it is a year or more away. That's because many of the add-ons that we need to enable web sites to properly function would need to be moved from desktop applications to become a part of the OS. I'm talking about things such as media players, codecs and add-ons that support PDF and other file formats, Adobe Flash, or even Microsoft Silverlight. Google Gears, or whatever caching technology, also needs a lot of work.
Is this what the Chrome OS is really aimed at? I'm not sure, and Google isn't offering many details yet. But note the blog post pointedly does not talk about the "PC" or a "personal computer." If Google really is aiming at a different kind of machine, it would be far more interesting than just putting Chrome on top of a Linux distribution.