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Opera 36 Development Update Brings Nice Features
The new Opera 36.0 Build 2106.0 has been pushed to the Opera Developer channel. With lots of new features and multiple modifications to the layout of the Start Page, it includes lots of nice new features. Including a left-positioned navigation panel and we see the merge of Speed Dial and News as well as newly enabled extension expander functionality for users who have many extensions displayed on the browser's main toolbar and want to access them all without the hassle of having to modify the opera extensions setting. Continue reading this story here.
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Magnified Louse
"A genus of insects, the type of a very numerous family, which forms the order Parasita or Auoplura. The body is flattened, almost transparent; the segments both of the thorax and abdomen very distinct; the mouth is small and tubular, enclosing a sucker; there are no wings; the legs are short, and are terminated by a claw adapted for taking hold of hairs or feathers. The eyes are simple, one or two on each side of the head. All the species are small, and live parasitically, on human beings, terrestrial mammalia, and birds." — Chambers, 1881

subset: commoncrawl


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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Fish Sauce
Veggies love heat – especially the intense heat of the grill, cast iron skillet or oven (or yes, deep fryer) that's hot enough to caramelize their sugars (vs the heat of a pot of water, which historically has boiled poor Brussels sprouts to the point of being grey and spreadable). Quickly, crisply-fried Brussels sprouts are taking over restaurant menus, and I love them all. Roasting is easier to do at home, of course, although if you don't mind i getting a bit splattery, you can do it in a shallow pan of oil. And so after W was invited to a friend's house for dinner and we made an impromptu escape to Anju on Friday for gochujang wings, Korean fried chicken and Brussels sprouts in lemongrass and fish sauce that are so good, I rummaged around the fridge and came up with enough B. sprouts to give it a go at home.
When I poked around the internet, the most popular version is, not surprisingly, from Momofuku – I played around with it a bit, and likely will even more – the sprouts at Anju have bacon in them too, and are a bit sweeter, but I like the combo of fish sauce, garlic, chiles and lime – in the second batch I swapped in some soy, too.
And because I just got my nails painted red, I decided to do a video.


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In the past, the mere mention of the phrase 'kid's gadgets' triggered thoughts of toys such as Leapfrog and many other junk toys marketed as 'for kids'. The new Nabi 2 tablet now shatters this mold and takes the definition of 'kid's gadgets' to a whole new level – a gadget that runs on a quad-core Tegra 3 processor and an array of amazing educational software.
The Fuhu Nabi 2 Kid's tablet is a rugged and has pretty impressive specs – a 7 inch screen, 1 GB of Ram and 8 GB inbuilt storage. The tablet has been available for pre-order for a couple of days now on Walmart, Gamestop, Best Buy and other outlets and was set to launch and start shipping today. The tablet is also available on Amazon and other leading outlets already.
Although it is marketed as an educational tool for kids, the Fuhu Nabi is an Android tablet that could as well be used like any other Android tablet. $199 is not too high for such a high end Android tablet with such features, especially since it comes with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS, a 2 Megapixel camera that can take 720p video and a bumper case that provide extra protection from shock such as accidental dropping. One major downside of the Fuhu Nabi 2 tablet is that unlike other Android tablets, it has no access to the Google Play Store and it does not come with the many Android pre-loaded applications. However, one can load the Amazon Appstore on the device and take advantage of the many applications on it.
Here is a summary of the core features of the Fuhu Nabi 2
Display: 7″ 1024×600
Processor: 1.3Ghz quad-core Tegra 3
Storage: 8GB, microSD card slot
Camera: 2MP front-facing camera with 720p video capture
Ports: microUSB, miniHDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack
Battery: 4,000mAh
OS: Android 4.0.4
Dimensions: 6.05″ x 8.69″ x 1.14″ (with bumper case); 1.31 pounds
[easyazon-link asin="B008DBI5RI" locale="us"]Price: $199[/easyazon-link]
[easyazon-block align="center" asin="B008DBI5RI" locale="us"]
[easyazon-cta align="center" asin="B008DBI5RI" height="42" key="amazon-us-tall-orange" locale="us" width="120"]


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Just when they thought we weren't looking, the Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee snuck through a bill last week that would provide "regulatory relief" to "small banks" that are not "systematically important." While Republicans do have a well-known tendency for understating the size of regulatory reform and businesses, their rhetoric on the Financial Regulatory Improvement Act of 2015 is an unprecedented step in the war on adjectives.
Despite the fact that 760 banks were important enough to be bailed out in 2008, the Senate Banking Committee's bill would remove the designation of "too big to fail" from all but six, and would exclude such "unimportant" banks as PNC, Suntrust, and HSBC North America. All this really does is exempt banks from important regulations such as limiting borrowing and requiring contingency plans for bankruptcies.
For banks that are smaller, though not passably "small," Senate Republicans are pulling out all the stops and eliminating the "Volcker rule" that would prohibit banks from engaging in speculative investments with depositor dollars. Any bank with under $10 billion in total assets could go back to the good old days when they could gamble with exotic financial products using your deposits. The fact that we have both deposit insurance and an unwritten agreement we will bail banks out means that they will not only roll the dice with your money, but with public funds as well.
Perhaps Wall Street thought its existing representation in Congress was too expensive, because the Republicans also seek to create a taxpayer-funded Office of Examination Ombudsman whose sole job is to represent banks. The office would be faced with the onerous task of hearing out all the whining from the financial lobby, and the somewhat less onerous task of investigating regulators if they do their job.
If there is anyone who needs relief right now, it is not Wall Street, but Main Street. While wages have continued to stagnate or fall, Wall Street has been making, well, bank. This suggests not an industry struggling with red tape but one that needs to come to terms with reality. The real problem that the Banking Committee should address is that our financial system seems to serve itself with bonuses and buybacks rather than support American entrepreneurship and innovation.
The way ahead for this bill is uncertain. Even though it cleared the Banking committee, it needs the support of 60 senators to come to an up-or-down vote. Should this fail, all this bill will ever be is a testament to Wall Street's capture of the Senate Banking Committee. But recent history is not reassuring; last December a few supine representatives on the House Appropriations Committee attached a Wall Street wish list to the 2015 budget. The budget passed, the government got funded and did not shut down, and Wall Street got away with a lot of "regulatory relief."
We must make sure such political chicanery is not pulled again. Counter to the delusions of the Republicans on the Banking committee, these banks are still too big to fail and our only hope is to regulate them as such. Otherwise, we put the financial system where it was a decade ago, driving off to the casino with our savings in their pockets and our tax dollars on their debit cards.


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One more variation for my popular pearl and leather choker necklace--a pearlized ivory beige leather, very pale and summery, an elegant foil for the off-white freshwater pearl. Will be made just for you with one or three pearls.
Robust 2 mm leather secures the 9 to 10 mm pearl (or 3 pearls) with knots in the center front. Closes at 17" with a silver plated brass lobster clasp. You'll choose the number of pearls-1 or 3-as you check out.
Since each necklace is made to order, you can request a size adjustment using "notes to seller" at check out for a total finished length that's shorter than 17", or longer, up to 20". Clasp and ring are tightly bound to the leather ends with sterling silver wire. Comes to you coiled into a small velvet pouch, mailed in a bubble lined envelope. So easy to wear and you can wet the leather to get it to conform to your neck so it fits like a glove.
Check out my new addition to the "I Love Pearls" line: new pearl hoop earrings that coordinate perfectly with these chokers https://www.etsy.com/listing/519923126/sterling-silver-hoops-with-large
If you like simple bracelets, find a coordinated pearl and leather version here https://www.etsy.com/listing/509162617/leather-and-freshwater-pearl-bracelet?
Prefer dark pearls? Check the peacock pearl and leather choker here
Like gray pearls? Look here
Other colors of leathers? Check here
And here https://www.etsy.com/listing/187746135/more-pearls-and-leather-chokers-choose?
If pearl & leather chokers aren't quite right, consider these retro hippie glass bead & leather chokers instead! https://www.etsy.com/listing/199779896/leather-choker-with-bright-glass-beads
I love this casual style, that goes with so many looks. I'm wearing one full time because it's so easy to wear these!! I bet you'll love one, too--and they make easy, lovely, affordable gifts!
Please view my other original creations, including a lot more pearls and other beautiful materials, here https://www.etsy.com/shop/WillOaksStudio
Etsy direct checkout offers a range of secure payment methods. I reserve the right to cancel your order if payment arrangements are not made within 24 hours of your purchase and I will not ship your order until payment has cleared. Illinois shipping addresses will have local sales tax automatically added to their invoices.
Cancellations are possible within 24 hours or less by contacting me through my shop. Layaway and payment plans can be arranged by contacting me. Special orders are accepted with a minimum of 1/2 deposit when placing the order & the balance is due prior to mailing
I ship USPS first class parcel, with delivery confirmation to your address as entered on Etsy during check-out. Postage upgrades to Priority mail are can be added to most orders. USPS tracking codes are sent to you at the time your order is shipped so that you may track the shipment. These are useful in the event an order is waylaid, etc. Please contact me if there is any delivery problem and we'll work with the post office to solve the problem.
If your Etsy address and your PayPal address are different, I will default to your Etsy address. I'm happy to ship gifts from my studio for you. Simply enter the recipient's address when checking out, and add a "note to seller" with your note for the complimentary greeting card I'm happy to include.
Some of my pieces are ready to ship and bespoke pieces are made to order, which can include custom adjustments to sizes or other features, if you contact me to make these arrangements. I will give an estimate on shipping time and will try to keep you updated if there are changes in time needed to create your order. I'll contact you with tracking details and shipping information when your order is on the way.
International orders are shipped via US Mail First Class parcel with customs tickets attached and marked as "merchandise" with the value declared, any duties or taxes are handled by the country of destination & are collected from the shopper. I'm not responsible for delays in shipping or due to customs clearing. Please drop me a note if you have any questions or concerns about shipping.
Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
I want you to be thrilled with my pieces and will exchange or refund items returned within 14 days of receipt provided they are in their original, unworn condition. Contact me within 7 days of receipt to confirm return procedure. Returns may require a 3.5% restocking fee and the refund does not include shipping charges. Custom work and bespoke orders are generally not returnable. Please photograph any shipping damages so I can file insurance claim forms.
Thanks again for visiting and for your interest in my work!!
Karen Stahlecker
WillOaks Studio
Woodstock, Illinois
Every piece ordered is sent in my signature packaging-velvet bag or box-with a satin tie & glass bead to embellish. A complimentary gift card-including your personal message-can be included (add info in notes to seller) & I can ship gifts directly to your loved one-use their name & address in "ship to" information.
Please contact me directly for information on wholesale or consignment orders and information at willoaksstudio (at) aol.com
Aug 24, 2018
Jul 24, 2016
Such a stunning necklace! Made exactly as I requested, even in the custom length. The three pearls are beautiful. I receive so many compliments on this necklace. Such a great buy!
Apr 6, 2016
Beautiful choker. Thank you for the fast shipping.


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Major General James David Bryan, U.S. Army (Ret.) Brings Deep Domain Experience on Advanced Cyber Security Threats
SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwired - Mar 13, 2014) - DB Networks, an innovator of behavioral analysis in database security, today announced that Maj. Gen. James David Bryan, U.S. Army (Ret.) has joined its board of advisors. In this new role, Mr. Bryan will provide insight and counsel as the company takes its behavioral analysis technology for database security into new growth markets.
Mr. Bryan is a recognized technical expert in the areas of DoD enterprise terrestrial and space-based telecommunications, information technologies, global network operations, cyber security, and strategic business planning. He is currently also a senior member of the Board of Directors of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) International Education Foundation.
"The SQL injection threat continues to put our nation at risk. DB Networks is applying behavioral analysis technology to sort out these attacks," said MG (Ret) Bryan, President/CEO Bryan Business Management and Technology. "This is truly groundbreaking technology. I could not be more proud to serve as an advisor to them as they continue to rapidly advance their capabilities to address this longstanding cyber security threat."
"We're extremely excited to welcome a leader of Dave's caliber to the DB Networks advisory board," said Brett Helm, Chairman and CEO of DB Networks. "Dave is an expert in the information technology disciplines of Defense Transformation. Previously as Vice Director of the DISA and the Commander of the Joint Task Force for Computer Network Operations, he was responsible for planning the future networks and systems to support the DOD and other government agencies. His experience, accomplishments and his leadership vision will be a tremendous asset to DB Networks."
Mr. Bryan began his career in 1970 as a signal officer in the Army. He later became commander of the 112th Special Operations Signal Battalion and 35th Airborne Signal Brigade. In 1998, as a Brigadier General, he became Director, Command, Control, Communication and Computer Systems, J-6, U.S. Pacific Command, Hawaii. In 2000, he was named Vice Director of DISA/Commander, Joint Task Force for Computer Network Operations and promoted to Major General.
Upon his retirement from the Army in 2004, Mr. Bryan served as the Vice President for Defense Transformation and Sector Vice President for Global C4ISR and Space, Northrop Grumman Corp; President of the Defense Systems Group, then Corporate Executive Vice President, ManTech International Corp; and President of the Strategic Solutions Group and National Security Group, USfalcon Inc. Today he serves as founder and President/CEO of Bryan Business Management and Technology.
Mr. Bryan has a bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State University and a Master's Degree from North Carolina State University. He is an Honor Graduate of the Signal Officer Advance Course, and a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College.
About DB Networks
DB Networks is innovating behavioral analysis technology in the field of database security. Developed for organizations that need to protect their data from advanced attacks, including Zero-Day attacks, DB Networks offers effective countermeasures against SQL injection attacks. Database attacks happen rapidly -- in a matter of minutes -- and bypass traditional perimeter security measures. DB Networks' unique approach uses behavioral analysis technology to automatically learn each application's proper SQL statement behavior. Any SQL statement dispatched from the application that deviates from the established behavioral model immediately raises an alarm as a possible attack. DB Networks is a privately held company headquartered in San Diego, Calif. For more information, see http://www.dbnetworks.com, or call (800) 598-0450.
DB Networks is a registered trademark of DB Networks in the United States and other countries. All other company and product names are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Contact Information:
Dan Spalding


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Make It Your Kind of Special.
Our Rock Island Lodge and site is perfect for outdoors connected occasions including weddings, workshops, conferences, family reunions, concerts and classrooms. Our 25×36 front room overlooks Lake Superior and the spectacular western sunsets. Learn more about or wedding packages here and our conference facilities here.


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The PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is due for an update next year, and the upcoming version of the standard could define securing cardholder data in virtualization environments.
The PCI Virtualization Special Interest Group (SIG), made up of auditors, vendors, merchants, banks, and quality security-assessment firms, this week met to hash out a proposal for how to include virtualization technology in PCI. The group is working on proposed changes to the DSS, as well as guidelines for how to map virtualization to the existing PCI spec.
"Because DSS does not even mention virtualization, there have been a lot of questions about how it applies, whether it can be used for PCI, and what areas are not in-scope," says Kurt Roemer, a member of the PCI board of advisers, chief security strategist for Citrix, and a member of the PCI DSS board of advisers. "We're addressing these questions."
The group is putting the final touches on a white paper and mapping "tool" document that explains where virtualization applies within each requirement of the DSS. "We're not out to replace or change PCI," Roemer says. Instead, the group is providing "an information supplement and additional guidance" for making virtualization environments PCI-compliant.
Roemer says the group is gathering additional input for proposed changes to the DSS. It will deliver the information to the PCI Standards Council, which meets in January to begin the process of building version 1.3 of the standard, due in October 2010. At this point, all of the proposals are basically a supplement to PCI, and it's up to the council to decide whether the spec itself is updated to include virtualization.
This is the latest effort in expanding PCI to incorporate emerging technologies. The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) recently unveiled best practices for retailers to defend themselves against the growing number of credit- and debit-card skimming scams, and in July a council working group created a set of recommendations for wireless deployment for PCI.
Mark Weiner, managing partner of virtualization vendor Reliant Security and a lead author of the PCI virtualization white paper, says companies and auditors have had to make their "own assumptions" in the absence of official PCI guidelines for virtualization. "That illustrates the need for this work," he says.
The hot topics are virtualization of point-of-sale (POS) systems and electronic commerce, Weiner says. "This is becoming hotter as retailers try to use virtualization for the cost benefit," he says. Ecommerce has raised issues, such as segmentation and the role of the hypervisor with cardholder data.
Among some of the technical issues are segmentation of the network, encryption, and how the presence or absence of virtualization will affect PCI compliance, says Richard Rees, security solutions director for SunGard Availability Services and a contributor to the PCI virtualization working group. "Answering questions -- such as, are all virtual machines on the same hypervisor as cardholder data VMs in scope, does virtualization violate the 'one primary function per server' tenet, and do virtual switches and virtual security appliances truly segment virtual environments on the same hypervisor -- are all things we are looking to the PCI Council, technical working group, and virtualization SIG to help answer," Rees says. "At this point, that's open to the interpretation of each QSA. "
And physical security with cloud computing is another tricky area that's under discussion. PCI DSS has specific requirements and audits for physical security. "If you're outsourcing part of your environment with cloud computing and don't understand their physical security, or can't get access to local controls, you're still obligated to protect [the cardholder data]," Rees says.
Have a comment on this story? Please click "Discuss" below. If you'd like to contact Dark Reading's editors directly, send us a message. Kelly Jackson Higgins is the Executive Editor of Dark Reading. She is an award-winning veteran technology and business journalist with more than two decades of experience in reporting and editing for various publications, including Network Computing, Secure Enterprise ... View Full Bio


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Robert Capa
Austrian-Hungarian (1913-1954)
Biography | Bibliography
Born in Budapest, Austria-Hungary in 1913 as Endre Ern Friedmann, Robert Capa left the country in 1932 after being arrested because of his political involvement with protesters against the government (his parents had encouraged him to settle elsewhere).
Capa originally wanted to be a writer; however, he found work in photography in Berlin and grew to love the art. In 1933, he moved from Germany to France because of the rise of Nazism (he was Jewish), but found it difficult to find work there as a freelance journalist. He adopted the name "Rober Capa" around this time because he felt that it would be recognizable and American-sounding since it was similar to that of film director Frank Capra. (In fact, "cápa" is a Hungarian word meaning shark.)
From 1936 to 1939, he was in Spain, photographing the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. In 1936 he became known across the globe for a photo he took on the Cordoba Front of a Loyalist Militiaman who had just been shot and was in the act of falling to his death. Because of his proximity to the victim and the timing of the capture, there was a long controversy about the authenticity of this photograph. A Spanish historian identified the dead soldier as Federico Borrell García, from Alcoi (Valencia). There is a second photograph showing another soldier who fell on the same spot.
Many of Capa's photographs of the Spanish Civil War were, for many decades, presumed lost, but surfaced in Mexico City in the late 1990s. While fleeing Europe in 1939, Capa had lost the collection, which over time came to be dubbed the "Mexican suitcase". Ownership of the collection was transferred to the Capa Estate, and in December, 2007, moved to the International Center of Photography, a museum founded by Capa's younger brother Cornell in Manhattan.
At the start of World War II, Capa was in New York City. He had moved there from Paris to look for new work and to escape Nazi persecution. The war took Capa to various parts of the European Theatre on photography assignments. He first photographed for Collier's Weekly, before switching to Life after he was fired by the former. When first hired, he was a citizen of Hungary, but he was also Jewish, which allowed him to negotiate visas to Europe. He was the only "enemy alien" photographer for the Allies. On October 7, 1943, Capa was in Naples with Life reporter Will Lang Jr. and photographed the Naples post office bombing.
His most famous work occurred on June 6, 1944 (D-Day) when he swam ashore with the second assault wave on Omaha Beach. He was armed with two Contax II cameras mounted with 50 mm lenses and several rolls of spare film. Capa took 106 pictures in the first couple of hours of the invasion. However, a staff member at Life made a mistake in the darkroom; he set the dryer too high and melted the emulsion in the negatives. Only eleven frames in total were recovered.
Although a fifteen-year-old lab assistant named Dennis Banks was responsible for the accident, another account, now largely accepted as untrue but which gained widespread currency, blamed Larry Burrows, who worked in the lab not as a technician but as a "tea-boy". Life magazine printed 10 of the frames in its June 19, 1944 issue with captions that described the footage as "slightly out of focus", explaining that Capa's hands were shaking in the excitement of the moment (something which he denied). Capa used this phrase as the title of his alternately hilarious and sad autobiographical account of the war, Slightly Out of Focus.
In 1947, Capa traveled into the Soviet Union with his friend, writer John Steinbeck. He took photos in Moscow, Kiev, Tbilisi, Batumi and among the ruins of Stalingrad. The humorous reportage of Steinbeck, A Russian Journal was illustrated with Capa's photos. It was first published in 1948.
In 1947, Capa founded Magnum Photos with Henri Cartier-Bresson, William Vandivert, David Seymour, and George Rodger. In 1951, he became the president.
In the early 1950s, Capa traveled to Japan for an exhibition associated with Magnum Photos. While there, Life magazine asked him to go on assignment to Southeast Asia, where the French had been fighting for eight years in the First Indochina War. Despite the fact he had sworn not to photograph another war a few years earlier, Capa accepted and accompanied a French regiment with two other Time-Life journalists, John Mecklin and Jim Lucas.
On May 25, 1954 at 2:55 p.m., the regiment was passing through a dangerous area under fire when Capa decided to leave his jeep and go up the road to photograph some of the advance. About five minutes later, Mecklin and Lucas heard a loud explosion. Capa had stepped on a landmine. When they arrived on the scene he was still alive, but his left leg had been blown to pieces and he had a serious wound in his chest. Mecklin screamed for a medic and Capa's body was taken to a small field hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He had died with his camera in his hand.
Henri Cartier-Bresson, Cornell Capa, Richard Whelan, Robert Capa Photographs, New York: Aperture, 1996.
Cornell Capa, Richard Whelan, Robert Capa: The Definitive Collection, New York: Phaidon Press, Inc., 2001.
Robert Capa, Robert Capa: Slightly Out of Focus, New York: Henry Holt & Company, Inc., 1947.
Robert Capa, Robert Capa: Photographs, New York: Alfred K. Knopf, 1985.
Robert Capa, Cornell Capa, Robert Capa, Retrospectiva: 1932-1954, Madrid: Fundacion Caja de Pensiones, 1989.
Robert Capa, Children of War, Children of Peace: Photographs by Robert Capa, New York: Bulfinch Press, 1991.
Robert Capa, Esperanza Aguirre Gil De Biedma, Jose Guirao Cabrera, and Cornell Capa, Heart of Spain: Robert Capa's Photographs of the Spanish Civil War, From the Collection of the Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofia, New York: Aperture, 1999.
Marc Scheps, Cornell Capa, Micha Bar-Am, haim Gouri, John Steinbeck, Robert Capa: Photographs From Israel 1948-1950, Or Yehuda, Israel: Zmora-Bitan, 1988.
Richard Whelan, This is War! Robert Capa at Work, New York: International Center of Photography, 2007.


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Nike just said 'fuck it' and surprise released the Nike Air Yeezy 2 on February 9th. After months of hype, speculation, release dates, release cancels, Kanye leaving Nike, and more, Nike took control of the release and put these rare kicks up on Nike.com without warning. They were priced at $245; I say 'were', because they sold out in 11 minutes. No word on how many pairs were available, but at this point no one really cares anymore. Sneakerheads can breathe a collective sigh of relief and focus on Kanye's next hype project: his upcoming Adidas collection. Check out the Red Octobers below:
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In their Q2 earnings release, Best Buy signaled a significant expansion of their efforts in virtual reality products: "By holiday, we expect to be selling an expanded assortment of virtual reality products in the vast majority of our stores and more than 500 stores will be equipped with demo stations". BBY's CEO Hubert Joly practically gushed about VR as he described the advantages of a brick-and-mortar specialty electronics store like Best Buy in selling such a product. BBY currently sells the Oculus Rift with demonstrations, but only at selected outlets. It's clear that BBY intends to broaden that approach substantially.
Joly is certainly right that VR as a product category is likely to be sold only after demonstrations. Any scan of product reviews on VR products will reveal both enthusiastic fans and some disappointed by artifacts and/or limitations on software. VR has also been plagued by reports of motion sickness among some users; thus it would make sense that before shelling out $600 for an Oculus Rift a consumer might want to try it out first. Thus Best Buy is in a unique position to push the VR market forward; by the time they have rolled these demos out to 500 stores, Best Buy will likely become by far the biggest demonstrator of VR technology in the US, if not the world.
Joly brought investors back to earth, though, with the next comment on VR: "I am not expecting a material financial impact this year given the timing of launches, inventory availability and the fact that we are early in the cycle". What's a "material financial impact" for Best Buy? One indicator can be found in their press release concerning domestic segment revenue: "we are reporting comparable sales growth of 0.8% versus guidance of approximately flat". I found that statement a bit strange, because I would have considered 0.8% growth to be the same as approximately flat, but Best Buy reported that growth, so they considered it material.
Using Best Buy's domestic segment revenue, the 0.8% represents $63 million in revenue, so if VR sales in the rest of the year will not be material, they should be less than $63 million. If we put an upper bound of $50 million for Best Buy VR sales, that would imply less than 100,000 units (likely much less) if all the revenue were Oculus Rift-type products at $600. This would compare with millions of TVs, PCs, tablets and phones during the same period.
So though VR is an exciting new product development, in the current generation the interest and purchase intent will be limited to true "early adopters", and is still a long way from the mainstream market. BBY is undoubtedly trying to excite investors by tapping into VR hype, but they are responsible enough to be clear that in the current marketplace there's more hype than actual purchasing.
Leaving aside the VR comment, Best Buy had an outstanding quarter, with revenues and EPS exceeding expectations. BBY seems to be executing well in a difficult environment; for more detailed analysis of Best Buy's Q2 earnings report see my article "Best Buy Q2 – Swimming Strongly Upstream" in the Display Supply Chain Monitor, available at the store on the Display Supply Chain Consultants website.
By Ross Young
If you had invested $1000 in a basket of panel suppliers' stocks weighted by market cap on May 2nd, you would have made 12% or $118 by last Friday August 12th as shown in the figure below, an excellent return in just over 3 months. The 12% return was double the return of the S&P 500 (SPY) at 6% and 27% better than the emerging market index (EEM), which has also performed well over this time on rising oil prices, up 9%. However, if you would have focused just on Taiwan panel suppliers, you would have made an incredible 35%, 6X the S&P and 4X the emerging market index.
Display stocks have popped which can be attributed to:
Panel suppliers and research firms expect supply/demand to remain tight through 2017 which should result in improved margins and continued gains by the index. Who are the biggest winners so far? The stock price results by supplier since May 2nd are shown in the figure below. As indicated:
Note, DSCC's new Panel Supplier Stock Index is updated and analyzed daily and sent to customers who upgrade to the daily option of The Display Supply Chain Monitor. The Panel Supplier Stock Index is based on each company's stock price and # of outstanding shares with the market cap calculated and weighted for each company in $US and updated daily. Contact firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.
In my recent blog posts, I've given several signs that the TV market is pulling the LCD industry out of its slump (see "Can 4K Drive Replacement Cycle Growth in TV?" and comments in "Corning's 2nd Quarter Earnings…"). Recently we've seen yet another strong sign: strong profits from the major TV brands.
With several LCD makers (LGD, AUO, Innolux) quarterly financial statements give a complete picture of the health of the LCD panel-making industry, because these companies are LCD "pure plays". At the brand level, though, none of the leading global brands is reliant mainly on TV, but in each case the results of the TV business are reported in divisional results. Samsung reports sales and operating profit for Consumer Electronics, and reports sales only (not OP) for Visual Display, which is mainly TV and comprises ~60% of CE revenue. Similarly, LG reports sales and operating income of Home Entertainment, and Sony reports revenue and OI of Home Entertainment & Sound. The businesses including TV account for 21%, 30%, and 15% of the revenues of Samsung, LG, and Sony, respectively.
Because we don't get full financial results for the TV business, it can be difficult to evaluate the health of the business. TV is a relatively low-margin business, as judged by return on sales, but it is also a low-asset business. A TV assembly factory requires an investment of the order of $100 million (for a vertically integrated player like Samsung; some TV makers like Sony outsource most of their TV production), compared to the $ billions required for the latest LCD fabs (with OLED even more expensive). Consequently, the biggest part of assets for the TV business is working capital, and asset turnover (sales / net assets) of 6x, 8x or even 10x is achievable. Thus a 5% operating margin represents 30% or higher return on assets, a very attractive return.
With the combination of healthy end-market demand and low panel prices, the three top brands achieved record-setting operating margins in Q2 2016. This chart shows the margins for these businesses since 2013:
Because of changes in division structure, longer-term comparisons are awkward: for example, prior to 2013 Sony included TV in a Consumer Products & Services division, which also included its substantial (at that time) PC business. However, the product division including TV at Sony last achieved margins like this in 2007, in the initial surge of LCD TV. For Samsung and LG, these operating margins are unprecedented in the flat-panel TV era.
So what are the implications of this strong profitability for the wider display industry? First, it eases the pressure on cost reduction and opens the door to panel price increases. When considering how much room panel prices can increase, consider that the Q2 profits of TV makers are based largely on Q1 panel prices, when the industry hit bottom. Although panel prices have increased 5-20% from their low points, they are still less than 1/3 the corresponding TV prices, so I think they've got room to increase further. Second, expect a spillover effect on IT panel prices, as panel makers shift capacity to TV. Third, expect an acceleration of expansion plans from the Chinese to take advantage of higher prices.
Finally, expect increasing competitive pressure in the TV space to push down TV prices, especially for sets with higher-end features. The TV business has historically been one with relatively low barriers to entry, and the global leaders will face competition from established Chinese brands like TCL, Hisense, Haier, and Skyworth. Further, we may see a new global player emerging with LeEco's recent acquisition of Vizio. The combined entity has a strong position in the two largest and most competitive markets, and a track record in both companies of innovative business models and aggressive prices of high-featured TV sets.
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Ross Young
December 2019


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My birthday was this week. And you know something? I love getting older. It's not because I'm still a 20–something and therefore young — I am genuinely excited about what the passing of time means.
In my relatively few years I've done a bunch of cool stuff: grown from a baby to a child to an adult, traveled, gotten married, had two kids. I've also learned a lot: how to love, be a responsible grown-up, find joy. There have been plenty of hard times and seasons I would rather have not happened but they're a part of who I am, too. It's with each passing year that I become more of who I am. I know myself better and have the experiences that define me. I become more comfortable with myself and my strengths and weaknesses. I become the woman I was meant to be. Continue reading


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Published at Saturday, April 27th, 2019 - 14:50:09 PM. Worksheet. By Karoly Leduc.
Create worksheets with your co-educators. To ensure your worksheets are uniform for the whole grade or year level and informative down to the last detail, you'll need to get your co-teachers' insights and feedback. Teachers run hectic schedules every day, and collaborating face-to-face can be hard. Canva makes it easy to work with your co-educators with our practical share features on the editor toolbar. Once you're done creating a worksheet, click on the Share button and get your design's unique link. Decide whether to give them viewing or editing access before sending the link via their email addresses or simply message it to them. After logging into their own Canva accounts, they can view and edit your worksheet on any computer, iPhone or iPad device.
Worksheets are Too Abstract, Young children are still in Piaget's Preoperational Stage, which means they need symbols to represent objects. These young children cannot think abstractly. For example, they need a ball in their hands to understand what a ball is. Seeing the word ball on a worksheet or sometimes even just a picture of a ball, means nothing to them. That's why hands on learning is best because it gives the child a symbol for their thinking. Related: Cognitive Development. Writing on Lines is Not Appropriate. A very popular type of worksheet for this age group is handwriting sheets where the child is expected to trace the letter. These are not developmentally appropriate for young children. Even though huge letters that take up the whole page may be annoying to most adults, it's normal for a child to write this way. Their fine motor skills are not refined enough to focus on tracing small letters. I know worksheets are the easy way to give a child something to do and easy to plan, but sometimes the best things in life are not easy. Happy Learning!.
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Scott: One Man's Experience Surviving Acute Liver Failure
Monday the 29th of February, 2016, is a leap day Scott will not soon forget. It's the day when he went from feeling he had a bad case of the flu—to the shock of learning that both his liver and kidneys were failing. In an instant, his thoughts racing as he confronted his mortality at only 34 years of age, he recalls thinking, "What if I actually do need a new liver?... Is this really going to happen?" Luckily for Scott, his condition had been the subject of decades of intense research efforts supported by the NIDDK, including clinical trials testing new treatments for acute liver failure.
From Aches and Pains to Organ Failure in 24 Hours
"Every single joint ached…. I just figured I had the flu," says Scott. But tests of his liver and kidney functions came back with alarming results.
In late February of 2016, Scott was feeling ill with fever, muscle aches, and nausea. Staying home sick in Ruckersville, Virginia all week from his job as a production art manager at a T-shirt design company in nearby Charlottesville, he started to feel better, then took a turn for the worse on Sunday night. "Every single joint ached. It hurt to move," he remembers. With a high fever that caused him to sweat through his bathrobe and sheets, and nausea limiting his water intake, he became profoundly weak. "I was walking in my kitchen, trying to make some tea, and had to put myself on the floor rather gently," he recalls. After losing consciousness, he later woke up and remembers thinking "I've got to get back to bed." When the local sheriff came by at the request of his company to check up on him, he was able to answer the door and agreed to have an ambulance called. "I just wasn't feeling right.... I just figured I had the flu," says Scott.
"'You look fine, but your numbers say you are not fine…. You are going to be sent to the hospital,'" Scott recalls his doctors saying.
At the local outpatient emergency room on Sunday, February 28th, the staff treated his dehydration with intravenous saline. Scott called his workplace to let them know where he was and that he would likely be out for a few more days. As he understood it, the treatment plan was "…we're going to get some fluids in you, we're going to get you kind of stable there, and then we're going to see if you can keep fluids down … if you can do that, we'll send you home." But over the next day and into early Monday, it became clear that something more serious was going on. Tests of his liver and kidney functions came back with alarming results: possible kidney and liver failure. He recalls the doctors telling him, "You look fine, but your numbers say you are not fine…. You are going to be sent to the hospital." The staff quickly called around to area hospitals to see which intensive care units had beds available. He was ultimately transferred an hour's drive away to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond. In the early hours of Monday, February 29th, Scott was driven by ambulance to VCU, feeling awful and vomiting blood. "It was a pretty long drive," he recalls.
The doctors were perplexed as to the cause of his sudden organ failure, particularly in someone so young without any previous history of liver or kidney problems. They questioned him repeatedly about his lifestyle and whether he had taken any medications recently, particularly the pain reliever acetaminophen. But Scott reported that he had deliberately avoided taking any acetaminophen during his illness because he was made aware of its potentially harmful effects on the liver by friends who were doctors. Instead, he had taken only aspirin for pain relief during the past week. They also asked him routine questions to test his mental clarity, considering that his organ failure had elevated ammonia levels in his body to a point that can cause cognitive impairment and even coma. "They kept asking, 'What day is it? Who's the President?,'" Scott recalls. Despite his discomfort and precarious situation, he retained his sense of humor. When asked once again by his doctors if he took drugs, he waved his hand attached to the intravenous (IV) drip, saying, "You mean this stuff?"
The medical team continued to search for clues to the cause of his organ failure. The sudden onset and marked abnormalities in his liver test results would usually point to an acetaminophen overdose, but Scott had not taken the drug. To help find out the cause, they took a liver biopsy, which showed small droplets of fat in the liver cells. Such changes are typical of a now-rare condition called "Reye syndrome," a disease caused by a "perfect storm" of severe viral infection and aspirin. Aspirin in the recommended dosage is usually harmless, but can cause problems if taken during infections with chicken pox or influenza, particularly at higher doses. Though the doctors were not entirely sure that aspirin was the cause, they proceeded with treating his organ failure. Scott was put on dialysis and a special diet for his kidney failure. For his liver, he was treated with a drug called N-acetylcysteine, which is a safe and effective treatment when given early for acute liver failure. Also, on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 1st, they offered him the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial testing another, new treatment for acute liver failure. Though he was reluctant at first to take an experimental drug, after thoroughly reviewing the paperwork and discussing it with the study doctors, he agreed to participate. As a backup, his doctors also set up meetings the following day, a Wednesday, with the liver transplant committee, to prepare for the worst-case scenario: the need for a life-saving organ transplant, assuming a donor liver would be available. That Wednesday night, with the situation clearly dire, he finally called his family, whom he had been reluctant to contact for fear of upsetting them unnecessarily.
Acute Liver Failure and Reye Syndrome
Acute liver failure or "ALF" is relatively rare in the United States, but can be caused by over-the-counter and prescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Its most common cause in this country is the over-the-counter pain reliever acetaminophen. However, in Scott's case, he had avoided taking acetaminophen during his illness, taking aspirin instead. Aspirin, the most commonly used pain-reliever or fever-reducer in the world, is a rare, but sometimes life-threatening, contributor to ALF. ALF from aspirin is called "Reye syndrome;" it was first reported by Dr. Douglas Reye in Australia in 1963 in children who had recently had a severe viral infection such as influenza B or chicken pox. Subsequently, more and more reports of Reye syndrome in children came in from around the world, peaking in the 1970s and 1980s. In the United States, staff of state health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and others, including NIH staff, reviewed case reports and conducted careful epidemiological surveys that linked Reye syndrome to the use of aspirin during the early phase of viral illness, mainly in children. This led to wide-scale public warnings in the 1980s advising that aspirin not be used in children, after which reported cases in the United States fell precipitously, from more than 500 per year before 1986 to less than 2 cases per year since then. Although rare, the syndrome is still seen from time to time, almost always in children, but sometimes in young adults.
Reye syndrome is marked by dysfunction in the mitochondria - structures within cells that generate their energy - causing a build-up of fat in the liver and lactic acid in the blood. This likely occurred in Scott when he took aspirin during his infection with a flu-like virus. Along with the acute liver failure of Reye syndrome, ammonia levels rise in the blood and enter the brain, where they can cause swelling, as well as confusion, altered consciousness, and even coma. The syndrome also causes depletion of another energy source within the liver: glycogen, a stored form of glucose, as the body tries to compensate for the failing mitochondria. If appropriate medical care is not received, the syndrome can swiftly turn fatal. Fortunately, the effects of Reye syndrome can reverse spontaneously once aspirin is stopped. Its negative consequences can be managed by supporting the patient during the dangerous period of severe liver and kidney failure, so that the injury is not permanent and the organs recover with time.
STOPping Acute Liver Failure in Its Tracks
In Scott's case, his doctors attributed his acute liver failure to an adult form of Reye syndrome, caused by his use of aspirin in combination with his flu-like viral infection. After consenting to participate in the clinical trial, called "STOP-ALF," he was treated over the next few days with an experimental drug called ornithine phenylacetate, delivered intravenously, in addition to the other standard medical treatments he received. Based on promising results from prior research, the doctors hoped that the drug would detoxify the ammonia buildup caused by his failing liver and thereby protect his brain while the liver and kidneys slowly recovered. The doctors continued to monitor his liver and kidney functions, which soon started to improve, obviating any further discussion of a transplant. His mother stayed nearby and acted as an advocate for Scott, taking notes during visits from the doctors and handling calls to his health insurance company. During his second week in the hospital, his liver function numbers were back to normal, while the kidneys took some additional time to recover. By the time he left the hospital on March 15th, his liver had fully recovered, but he was scheduled to come back for more dialysis. Fortunately, at that later appointment, he was informed that his kidneys had improved to the point where dialysis was no longer required. He has continued to return to VCU to check in with his doctors there.
The STOP-ALF trial is part of a larger research effort supported by the NIDDK called the Acute Liver Failure Study Group, a group of clinical centers throughout the country committed to advancing understanding of acute liver failure and improving its care. The Study Group has documented the increasing frequency of acute liver failure due to drugs in the United States. In 2009, the Study Group published results of a large clinical trial showing that N-acetylcysteine was successful as an early treatment for non-acetaminophen-related acute liver failure, a finding that led to the main course of treatment chosen for Scott. More recent work by the Study Group highlights the steady improvement over the past several years in outcomes and survival for people experiencing acute liver failure, particularly in those who do not receive a liver transplant, which may be due in part to wider use of the N-acetylcysteine treatment.
Another NIDDK-led research effort, the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network, collects and analyzes data from people with severe liver injury caused not only by over-the-counter and prescription drugs, but also by alternative medicines, such as herbal products and dietary supplements. This research has helped doctors to better understand and diagnose liver injury caused by drugs and other agents. The NIDDK also partners with the NIH's Library of Medicine on the "LiverTox" website (http://livertox.nih.gov/), which features sample cases of people with drug-induced liver injury based on the Network's data, as well as a database summarizing liver injuries caused by drugs, including aspirin, acetaminophen, and various herbal and dietary supplements.
Life After Surviving Acute Liver Failure
All signs indicate that Scott has made a full recovery from his liver and kidney injury. In mid-April 2016, he was able to return to work and conquer the "tsunami" of email received during his absence. He has also been able to get back to enjoying his hobbies, including building model cars and seeking real project cars to work on. However, his stamina remains limited, as he notices in his regular activities, such as when he uses his push lawnmower on his half-acre property. Although he is cleared to take a reduced dose of acetaminophen as needed for everyday pain, he avoids all over-the-counter pain relievers - especially aspirin - as well as alcohol, to protect his recovering liver. "If I get a headache, I will grin and bear it," he states resolutely.
A silver lining of Scott's experience with acute liver failure and the extended hospital stay is his renewed commitment to better health. "I was a smoker, and so I said … maybe I should use this as an opportunity to quit," he says. Now, in the time he previously used for smoke breaks, he instead takes a walk around his office building. He also eats more healthfully after his experience on the special renal diet. He continues to have his health monitored by his primary care physician and the doctors at VCU.
"If it helps other people," Scott says of his participation in the STOP-ALF clinical trial, "I'm more than happy to participate."
Overall, his experience with participating in the STOP-ALF clinical trial was a positive one that Scott would recommend to others who might find themselves in similar circumstances. "If it helps other people, I'm more than happy to participate and do follow-up," he says, though he urges anyone considering enrolling in a clinical trial to be fully informed, including asking the medical staff any questions they might have. "It was a scary experience," he says, summing up his ordeal with acute liver failure. "But I definitely had faith in the doctors," he says appreciatively. And, he adds, "every time I've gone back to do the follow-up, I'll check in on the ward and see some of the nurses there just to thank them."
"It was a scary experience," Scott says, summing up his ordeal with acute liver failure. "But I definitely had faith in the doctors," he adds appreciatively.
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings through its clearinghouses and education programs to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.


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Maintaining the right to be present is indeed a running battle. My journaling recently reflected this fight in the pool of my experience.
My first words that day were, "Let go." I was working on an agreement for some new work when I became aware of a thought habit from a more youthful season: "I'll be at peace when …" At that moment I felt the power of my first words. Letting go will never happen if I am always delaying presence with when.
To be deliberately present is to keep an important commitment; to turn off the world and listen to the one thing being given in the moment. I have found I listen in the moment more effectively as I am presently committed to my purpose – a voice-infused presence releasing me from the fearful outcome that yanked me into the future.
I was dragged from presence only because I was holding tight to that filament into the unknown.
"Let go."


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Because teeth whitening products are sold in a few different forms and by so many different brands, choosing just one can be hard to do. I did quite a bit of research before I felt comfortable enough to purchase Crests 3D Professional Effects Whitening Strips. Most of the YouTube video's I watched and online reviews I read praised the product for its results. Out of the complaints, the majority were about how harsh the teeth sensitivity became while using the strips. I have never experienced any sensitivity in my teeth before however, so I figured I would give the whitening system a try. I am super glad that I did because I was actually pretty impressed by the results!
What's Inside
The box itself comes with twenty packs, each pack containing two strips, and an instruction pamphlet on how to use the strips. The box claims that the strips:
- remove 14 years of stains
- are enamel safe
- provide a strong grip, no-slip whitening experience
During the first two uses, I felt moments of sensitivity while the strips were on but not any sensitivity once they were off. For every use after those two, I felt nothing.
The most sensitivity I felt during the entire experience was in my last week of using the strips. I put them on one night while I was in bed and accidentally fell asleep. When I woke up in the morning and realized I had the strips on, I took them off and for that entire day everything I ate or drank had to be lukewarm otherwise I would feel searing pain in my teeth. Lesson of the story: Don't forget to remove the strips! The longer the strips are on, the more sensitivity you feel once you take them off.
The box claims to start showing visible results after the first three uses. For some that may be true but as for me, I did not see a big difference in my teeth until I was midway finished with the box (after using about 10 packets). There were positive results nonetheless, and I was super satisfied with the natural glow these strips gave my teeth!
Ending Impression
Overall, I'd say this is a pretty effective whitening system. I used to drink coffee almost everyday (at least 4 times a week) and so my teeth had a bit of a yellow tint to them (with most of the yellow near the gums of my teeth). By the time I had used every packet in the box, my teeth definitely appeared to be whiter and naturally brighter. If you are considering trying out a teeth whitening system, I would definitely recommend trying this one first (especially if it is your first time using a whitening system!).
If you are interested in purchasing these to try for yourself, i've found them on Amazon for $10-$30 less than what they ordinarily retail for! Here's the link:
Crest 3D No Slip Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Kit 20 ea
If you have ever tried Crests 3D Professional Effects Whitening Strips before, what was your experience like?


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Great Opportunity to own a home on 1/2 acre for under 400K. Come for the remodeled kitchen and stay for the breath taking views. This 1 story bungalow in the hills of Vista is perfect for a 1st time buyer, young family or investor. New multi pane windows, recently remodeled kitchen with new counters, cabinets and appliances. Home is on sewer with newly installed central AC. Tons of potential to add on, build up or use your imagination. Rare find and priced to sell.
- Cooling
- Fireplace
- Heating
- Pool
- Solar


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Mike is a life long resident of Clermont County, Ohio. He grew up with a farming background and was involved with farm equipment and livestock. A graduate of Williamsburg local schools and Ft. Smith Auction School in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Mike is also a livestock auctioneer at Union Stockyards, Hillsboro, Ohio. Mike Brown will deliver the best results to your antique, commercial, estate, farm, household, livestock and real estate auction.
- 1975 Graduate of Ft Smith Arkansas Auction School
- 1976 Licensed Ohio Auctioneer
- 1978 Licensed Ohio Real Estate Sales Agent
- 1978 Licensed Kentucky Auctioneer
- 2004 World Livestock Auctioneer Contest, semi-finalist
- 2004 National Livestock Auctioneer Contest, top 5
- 2005 Ohio Auctioneer Contest, top 5
- 2007 Licensed Indiana Auctioneer
- 2011 World Champion Auctioneer Contest, semi finalist
- Fund Raiser Auctioneer for NRA
- Fund Raiser Auctioneer National Wild Turkey Association
- 100's of successful Real Estate auctions
- 1,000's of successful personal property auctions
- Lead Auctioneer with Huff Realty since 2005
- Premier Auctioneer with Southern Ohio Board of Realtors
We conduct our auctions with a professional attitude from the initial contracting through completion of sale. Copies of buyers list, advertisement expense and closing sheet are provided to the seller.
We're happy to provide references from previous sellers, and if you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 513.876.2572.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We are looking forward to future contact.


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An internal thread--called a female thread--is the thread on the inside of a hole, that a bolt screws into. It is created with a tap. An external thread--such as the threaded end of a gas pipe--is called a male thread. It is created with a die. Taps are cylindrical pieces of metal with a thread on one end which fits into the pre-drilled hole. Dies look like a fat metal washer, with threads around the central hole. This fits over the end of a pipe and is twisted to create the pipe thread.
Drill the hole to the correct depth, using a metal drill bit. Use the same diameter drill bit as the diameter of tap--for example, if the hole is 1/2-inch diameter, use a 1/2-inch diameter tap. Clean away any shavings from around the hole.
Place cutting oil around the tap's thread. Then put the tip of the tap into the drilled hole, making sure the tap is 90 degrees to the hole.
Twist the tap clockwise 1/4-turn. Then twist it counter-clockwise a little, to remove any shavings. Twist it again clockwise another 1/4-turn, before twisting it counter-clockwise to remove more shavings. Continue in this fashion until the tap reaches the end of the drilled hole. Remove the tap by twisting it counter-clockwise, and wipe away any shavings/oil from the entrance of the hole.
Tighten the pipe in a metal vice. Brush cutting oil around the end of the pipe.
Fit the die over the pipe end at 90 degrees to the pipe, and slowly make a clockwise 1/2 turn.
Turn the die counter-clockwise 1/4 turn, to remove shavings. Then make another clockwise 1/2 turn, before turning it counter-clockwise 1/4 turn, as before. Continue in this fashion until the thread's length is a little short of the die's thickness--in other words, stop threading just before the newly-cut pipe thread starts to poke out at the end of the die. Turn the die counter-clockwise to remove it from the pipe.
Wipe any oil and shavings from the pipe thread, and remove the pipe from the vice.
Most recent
- Carefully wipe away the shaving with the rag, as the shavings will be sharp.


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Today we are highlighting a few of the traditional roles that the people in your Country Jewell wedding party will play. These are not strict, set in stone rules, but guidelines pointing towards areas where you can expect a little help.
Bride & Groom
You two are the stars of the show! This entire day is about celebrating the love you share as you become husband and wife. All of the final decisions to be made during the wedding planning are yours, so your roles stretch far and wide.
In relation to your wedding party, an important thing for you to do is to convey your wishes for the to the people that will be assisting you. Stay true to who you are as a couple, and do your very best to stick to the budget you have set for yourself. Oh, and above all, have fun!
Maid/Matron of Honor
This is the bride's right-hand-woman. She will be your closest backup during the planning and on the wedding day. She will be the person in charge of corralling the other bridesmaids, and also the one that needs to make sure other major events, like the bridal shower and bachelorette party, get planned. This is an excellent person to ask for opinions on the wedding fashions that you choose too.
On the wedding day, her job is to make sure you have everything that you need, get where you are going on time, hold your bouquet during the ceremony, and make sure your train is straightened and beautiful after you come down the aisle. The maid/matron of honor will also sign the marriage license as a witness, and may be asked to make a toast to the couple.
These girls also have your back and can help to take care of the things that your maid/matron of honor doesn't get to. They will help with the planning and executing of wedding-related parties. At the reception, they can take on a hostess role and offer answers and assistance to guests. They are also great for making sure the dance floor stays full.
Best Man
This is the groom's right-hand-man. He needs to make sure that the groom is ready for the big day, and help him to get to the ceremony on time. The best man is in charge of keeping the groomsmen in line, and is often entrusted with holding on to couple's wedding rings until the officiant asks for them.
He will be the second witness to sign the marriage license, offer a toast at the reception, and is generally the one to plan the groom's bachelor party. If the men's formalwear needs to be returned after the wedding, he is a good person to be in charge of this.
These fellows are there to offer the groom any support he may need and assist the best man. They usually don't need much coaxing to help out with planning the bachelor party, and at the reception they can help the bridesmaids keep the wedding guests entertained and having fun. If you do not have people assigned in the role of usher, the groomsmen can step in and take care of that duty.
Ring Bearer & Flower Girl
You can have any person of any age take over these duties, but it is usually left to some adorable young children. They should attend the wedding rehearsal to get used to the rest of the wedding party, which will hopefully put them at ease enough to perform their duties on the actual day.
These helpers need to dress the part and show up early enough before the ceremony so that they will be there to guide all of the wedding guests to their seats. They can also point out the location of the restrooms, and help to let guests know where to go for the reception. Ushers also release the guests from their seats in an orderly fashion after the new Mr. & Mrs. leave the ceremony.
Letting everyone in your wedding party know what is expected of them before they agree to join you is the best way to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. If they are willing and able to help with other tasks, like picking up rental items or putting up decorations, accept their assistance. The more you allow them to do, the less stress you will have to endure.
We offer wedding planning assistance at our rustic Knoxville wedding venue too. Let us know what you have in mind and the type of help you are needing, and if we don't provide it, we can help you to find the vendors that do. Many of our Country Jewell wedding packages already include things like catering, DJ services, reception decorating, and more. Our team, along with your wedding party, will make sure that this is a very special, very memorable day.
A delightfully quaint Knoxville wedding
& event venue.
6550 Hickory Valley Road
Heiskell, TN 37754
Visit our website: www.CountryJewell.com
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The Republican National convention is being held in Tampa in August 2012. Challenge coins will be very popular as commemorative items for the event. The LT Governor of Alabama commissioned us to produce the coins she will be giving to her constituents while she attends to RNC. The front features the LT Governors position at the convention as the Chair for the Alabama Delegation and the back of the coin features Mitt Romney's campaign logo.
Challenge coins are the type of customized items that make a favorable impression on everyone that sees them. They are attractive and personal which add to their sentimental value. Collectors love custom challenge coins because they're easy to collect, store, and display. Politicians love custom challenge coins because they help win them votes because the items are unique, long lasting, and memorable.
At rallies and fundraisers, custom political challenge coins are the perfect fit. Coins can be placed in velvet bags or boxes and handed out to people attending the speech or making a sizeable contribution. Gift items like custom challenge coins go a long way in earning trust and winning people's votes. Candidates recognize this and use them in a number of different ways throughout their political campaigns.
Get your political challenge coins today by visiting http://www.challengecoinsplus.com. Contact a representative today for a free quote and full color digital proof. Email your inquiries to email@example.com or call 1-800-252-0904 toll-free. We'll be more than happy to answer your questions and make suggestions based on the information you relay to us about your custom challenge coin needs and preferences.


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Interpret Durban is back for the 5th time!
#ID5 is a creative competition covering photography, video, illustration/design and visual art which culminates in a night of exhibitions & music with a prize giving awarding creativity in 5 categories:
Professional Photography – I am Durban
Amateur Photography– Pure Durban
Illustration/design – Durban Bulletin
Video – Durban Atmosphere
Visual Arts– Durban urban
This year's theme considers the building blocks of a city under the title Durban DNA and asks, what makes a city? With over R90 000 worth of prizes and sponsors such as Red Bull Studio's Cape Town, The Delphic Games, Broadcast Lighting and Savior Brand it's a competition you don't want to miss out on if you have a creative streak!
Head to www.interpretdurban.com and download the brief and separate entry form for one of the 5 categories – Submissions close December 12, 2014 at 15h00.


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SEATTLE — Traffic on interstate 5 through Seattle was gridlock Thursday morning after an expansion joint broke forcing WSDOT to rush in and make repairs.
If you were surprised by the mess then you weren't using a traffic app on your smart phone and if you were using a traffic app and you were still surprised you were using the wrong app.
Below are three of the best apps to help you avoid traffic trouble and get to where you are going on time.
1. Waze
-What it is: voice-enabled, GPS navigation app with turn-by-turn driving directions with cute icons and game-like features.
-Stand out feature: Real-time traffic data based on you and other drivers using the app.
-Waze drivers can also report accidents and traffic info.
-Who's it for? People who want to have a little fun, hate too much data and still want to get to work on time.
2. INRIX Traffic
-What is it: This is the all-encompassing data driven traffic nerd app.
-Stand out features: These are the folks who provide traffic data to WSDOT and other state highway agencies. So you know it's good info.
-INRIX drivers can also get traffic news, look at live video feeds, geek out.
-Who's it for? Data nerds!
3. Google Maps
-What it is: Google owns Waze and incorporates the user-generated traffic data into its real-time info on beautiful maps
-Stand out features: Google also integrates different forms of transportation, walking, public transit and cycling.
-Google Maps drivers can also see places along their commute where they might want to stop like bakeries, cafes or stores.
-Who's it for? Everyone, especially those who commute by other means than car.


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Product Development Basics for Hardware Entrepreneurs
... Read more →
Happy Friday! Below is a summary of the most talked about 3D Printing and STEM education news for the past week. Two 3D Printing stories really took off this week Scientists use 3D printer to create 'bionic ear' that hears better than you and GE Prepares to Test the Potential of Additive Manufacturing, so if you are short on time we highly recommend that you check out these two news bits. Regarding STEM, the Smithsonian came out with an interactive infographic in which you can follow the STEM education path from early childhood to workforce entry, and along the way you can see the benefits of a STEM education at the different stages Infographic: Where a STEM Education Can Take You (very cool!).
As always, if you would like to add a news article to the list, please leave it as a comment on this blog post. Thanks!
3D Printing News
STEM Education News
3D Innovations is a full service 3D Engineering/Design company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.


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The firm sounds like an upstart Merrill Lynch, the investment house that brought Wall Street to Main Street.
The company, LPL Financial, has 13,300 brokers, 6,500 offices, 4.3 million customers — and a growing list of problems with regulators.
At a time when many big-name brokerage firms are losing market share, LPL executives in San Diego have guided the company out of obscurity to become the nation's fourth-largest brokerage firm — after Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch — and the largest in much of rural America, where it specializes.
Now, as investors weigh whether to jump aboard the stock market's record-breaking rally, LPL is one of the biggest firms trying to connect them with stocks, bonds and other products. But the low-cost model that has aided LPL's explosive growth has brought with it shortcomings that point to the difficulties regulators face in overseeing far-flung financial advisers.
As LPL has expanded, state and federal authorities have censured the company and its brokers with unusual frequency. LPL brokers have been penalized for selling complex investments to unsophisticated investors, for speculative trading in customer accounts, and, in a few cases, for outright stealing from clients.
"LPL is on our radar screen more than any other firm," said Lynne Egan, who oversees securities regulation in Montana. Last fall, Ms. Egan brought a case against LPL, accusing it of failing to supervise a broker. She said her office is preparing to bring another case against the company, involving multiple brokers.
In the last year and a half, state regulators in Illinois, Massachusetts, Montana, Oregon and Pennsylvania have penalized LPL for failing to oversee its brokers properly. Brokers at the company have faced the most common industry reprimand more frequently than brokers at its large competitors since the beginning of 2012, according to a review of data from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or Finra, the industry's self-regulator.
Executives for the firm declined to comment for this article, but a spokeswoman, Betsy Weinberger, said in a statement that LPL had taken "steps to enhance our overall platform, including investing in our compliance process and oversight capabilities to support our growth. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving investors and doing the right thing."
Ms. Weinberger said the company increased its risk and compliance budget 5 percent last year and 11 percent this year.
LPL was created in 1989 through a merger of two older brokerage firms, Linsco, of Boston, and Private Ledger, of San Diego. It grew to national prominence after 2005, when two large private investment firms, TPG Capital and Hellman & Friedman, bought LPL and financed a number of acquisitions from California to New York. LPL went public in 2010, and its stock has been up slightly since then.
LPL's rapid growth, and the problems that came with it, reflect forces that are changing the way millions of ordinary Americans interact with Wall Street. Since the financial crisis hit in 2008, prominent firms like Merrill, which long catered to individual investors, have lost brokers and customers.
Many investors have turned instead to independent brokerage firms like LPL. Unlike employees of the industry giants, LPL brokers are essentially contractors. They get LPL e-mail addresses and come under LPL compliance but pay for office space and staff.
For LPL and its brokers, it is a lucrative arrangement. With overhead costs relatively low, the company can pass a large percentage of commissions and fees — upward of 80 percent — back to its brokers. LPL has said that such a model is also an advantage for investors because the company does not have its own investment products, like the mutual funds created by the big banks, that it wants to push onto its customers.
But analysts say that the high commissions leave LPL less money for compliance and can attract brokers interested in skirting the rules. Brad Hintz, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, said that LPL's management had done a good job expanding the company and improving its compliance technology, allowing brokers with high standards to do well. But he said the scattered nature of its offices was an Achilles' heel that exposed the company to lawsuits and regulatory risks.
"If the Indians run off the reservations, you have no one guarding the borders," he said.
LPL's promise, and peril, are evident in Montana. Over the last five years, the company's 31 brokers there have been the subject of eight complaints to the state securities regulators, according to state data. Merrill Lynch, which has 42 representatives in Montana, has not faced any complaints. Two brokers at Edward Jones, a large regional brokerage firm with 90 brokers in Montana, have been the subject of complaints in that period.
Ms. Egan, the Montana securities regulator, said the problems at LPL reflected its unusual approach to oversight. Nearly half LPL's brokers in the state are registered as their own supervisor, while other firms put brokers under a separate manager.
LPL's most serious case in Montana was resolved in 2009, when Donald Chouinard, an LPL broker in Kalispell, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for operating a Ponzi scheme. LPL paid Mr. Chouinard's clients $1.3 million, and Ms. Egan's office a $150,000 fine.
Since then, Ms. Egan said, little has changed in LPL's compliance culture, letting what she called "egregious problems" go unchecked. The case she is preparing to bring involves brokers who she said improperly sold complicated real estate investment trusts, or non-traded REITs, to unsophisticated investors.
William F. Galvin, the Massachusetts secretary of the commonwealth, came to a $2.5 million settlement with LPL in February for selling the same product to investors in his state. Mr. Galvin said LPL had failed to properly examine who the products were being sold to, and had pushed the investments without mentioning that they provided big commissions to LPL and its brokers.
"What we really saw was a complete lack of supervision," Mr. Galvin said.
In Washington State last year, authorities brought a case against a LPL broker who had sold nontraded REITs to dozens of older clients. Richard Bender, one of 36 clients pursuing an arbitration case against LPL with the lawyer David Gaba, said that he had trusted the broker because of the LPL name on his business cards. Mr. Bender, who said he lost about half his retirement savings, is trying to renew his Teamsters membership so he can drive trucks again.
"I can't enjoy my golden years," he said.
At LPL, business continues to boom. In the latest quarterly results, executives said they had added 182 brokers and increased revenue 14 percent from a year earlier. Because of a decline in profits, though, they said that they were looking at laying off employees in the main office, and outsourcing some of the firm's compliance work.
The chief executive, Mark Casady, told investors that executives were striving for long-term success by "continually challenging ourselves to do things better, faster, and at a lower cost."


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What should I bring with me?
On top of bringing your family, friends, or coworkers, you will need to bring your inner Sherlock Holmes.
Are cell phones allowed?
The use of electronic devices or any outside tools are strictly prohibited and if found using them, you will be escorted out of the room. Most of the puzzles wouldn't be solved by anything you could find online using your phone, and pictures are not allowed in the room to keep the mystery alive for groups who have not yet played. There will be a secure area outside of each room for you to lock up your small valuables. However, cameras ARE allowed and encouraged in the lobby area.
What happens if I arrive late?
Since all rooms are booked online and in advance, they rotate on a schedule that allows time for instructions, the game, and the solution and pictures at the end. Showing up late would throw the whole day off for future game players, so please arrive 15 – 20 minutes early to make sure you are there before the room is locked. You will not be permitted into the room if you are late. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS.
How old do you have to be?
We recommend age 9 or older to participate with an adult. Of course, you may bring younger children, but they must be closely supervised because no rooms are child proofed and we don't want them to break things in the room or to get hurt. Most people who have brought younger children have fun for 15-20 minutes and then just sit down or mess with things because they get bored. Ages 18 and older can play without a legal adult in the room.
Will there be other people besides my group in the room
No. By booking in advance using our in depth scheduling system, you ensure that only the people in your party will be in the room at any given time. Groups of 3-6 work best for the rooms but you may have up to 8.
What should I wear to play Clue Pursuit?
Clue Pursuit doesn't care what you wear. You may wear formal wear or your marathon running clothes. It doesn't matter. There aren't any obstacles in the rooms to overcome or heavy objects to lift, but you will more than likely be walking around a lot and bending over to search for things so we suggest you are comfortable.
Who will enjoy playing Clue Pursuit?
Relatives and Chums
Are you tired of going to the movies and bowling? Do you wish there was something else to do before or after dinner or on a Saturday when the weather stinks and you can't be outside? Clue Pursuit has the answer! Combining technology, puzzles, and some mechanical clues, the games are fit for all ages! Work together or have fun disagreeing on how to solve your way out of the room. 60 minutes goes by fast when you're having fun!
Escape Rooms started online, but now you can be in one in real life! Come test your skills offline!
Maybe you need a team building exercise out of the office. Maybe you are friends with your co-workers and want to do this over lunch. Maybe you're the head honcho and want something fun to do for a holiday party! Clue Pursuit is mostly for smaller groups, but please contact us about hosting an Escape Room Party for larger groups.
A fun field trip for your high school or middle school or club groups. A great way to encourage problem solving and creative thinking while encouraging team play.
What if there's just 2 of us?
We wouldn't want to be too closed minded about the team size, but it is good to know before booking that with only 2 people the game becomes a bit too difficult, which might spoil the fun part. Therefore, we usually advise people to bring at least 3 members. Certainly, if you decide to take this risk and are willing to pay the minimum fee for 3 players (off peak), we will do everything we can do to make the most of your game experience.
What are your hours?
Springfield-we are open Wednesday evening through Sunday evening. Please refer to the Springfield booking page for more specifics on individual room times. Our first and last time slots of the day are as follows:
Tuesday: 2-9:30 pm
Wednesday:2-9:30 pm
Thursday: 2pm-9:30 pm
Friday: 11 am-10 pm
Saturday: 10am-10:30 pm
Sunday: 12pm-8:30 pm
Kansas City-We are open Wednesday morning through Sunday evening. Please refer to the Springfield booking page for more specifics on individual room times. The first and last time slots available are as follows:
Wednesday: 12:00pm-9:15pm
Thursday: 12:00pm-9:15 pm
Friday: 10:00am-10:45pm
Saturday: 10:00am-10:45pm
Sunday: 11:00am-10:00pm
Our hours are subject to change and we are by appointment only!
What is your cancellation policy?
Since this is a live event and employees are scheduled according to which games are reserved, no cancellations are accepted and no refunds are issued. However, in extreme events, we will do our best to be accommodating for a re-schedule. Please try to give us at least a 24 hours notice if you have an extreme event and need to reschedule.
Terms and Conditions
Terms and conditions for purchasing and playing the game(s) and using the CluePursuitlive Website
1.1. The website www.cluepursuitlive.com is owned and operated by Escape Quest LLC. The company holds the right to amend or vary these Terms and conditions including any of the contents of the website from time to time at its sole discretion without prior notice.
1.2. The terms apply to the use by any visitor of the CluePursuit Website and should be read carefully before any use.
1.3. CluePursuit does its best to supply you with the most current and accurate information on its website.
1.4. The Clue Pursuit website is for your personal and non-commercial use. You may not modify, copy, distribute, transmit, display, perform, reproduce, publish, license, create derivative works from, transfer or sell any information obtained from this website.
1.5. You are not permitted to link to or use all or any part of the CluePursuit website for any purpose which is fraudulent, unlawful, defamatory, harmful, obscene or objectionable.
1.6. You accept that the Internet is not fully secure. CluePursuit will take all appropriate steps to protect the security of any payment card information though CluePursuit shall not be liable for any damage that you may suffer as a result of the loss of confidentiality of any such information.
1.7. CluePursuit shall not be liable to any person for any direct or indirect, consequential or incidental damages, including (without limitation) lost profits or revenues, loss of opportunity, costs of replacement goods or services, loss or damage to data or business interruption, arising out of any use of the website.
2.1. Nothing in these terms and conditions is intended to affect your statutory rights.
2.2. The game is designed for a team of 3-6 people per room.
2.3 The trade marks and logos displayed on the website are the property of CluePursuit. You are not permitted to use these without the prior written permission of CluePursuit and you accept that any such use may constitute an infringement of the relevant proprietor's rights.
2.4. These terms and conditions and any contract concluded incorporating these terms and conditions shall be governed by USA law and all disputes shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States courts.
2.5. All the terms of any contract are included or assigned to within these terms and conditions.
2.6 CluePursuit's website may contain hyperlinks to third party websites. The operation of those websites is out of CluePursuit's control and you use them at your own risk.
2.7. CluePursuit collects and stores your personal details without disclosing it to any 3rd party and is dedicated to ensure that the privacy of your personal information is protected.
2.8. CluePursuit recommends teams to arrive on time, not earlier than 15 minutes and not later than the beginning time of the booking.
2.9. Due to the nature of the game no recordings or photos can be taken inside the room.
2.10. CluePursuit expects the visitors not to disclose any details of the game directly or indirectly to the public.
2.11. CluePursuit may contact you from time to time with offers and promotions via email or phone.
2.12. CluePursuit is entitled to charge the guests for any damage, which is intentional or caused by misuse of items.
2.13. While on our premises, you must ensure to conform to our codes and regulations, adopt proper standards of behavior, and cooperate with our employees having security responsibilities.
2.14. CluePursuit doesn't tolerate any kind of bullying or harassment towards its employees.
2.15. Photos taken by Clue Pursuit may be used on their website or social media pages without your consent and/or without compensation.
3.1. The only language available for the conclusion of a contract online is English.
3.2. Only person(s) who are at least 18 years of age are permitted to book a room.
3.3. It is your responsibility to check that any games issued to you are accurate.
3.4. Any purchase of Game is only valid when processed by CluePursuit.
3.5. If you wish to transfer your Game(s) into someone else's name, you must contact CluePursuit by either email or telephone at least two hours before the start of the game. CluePursuit may refuse this facility.
3.6. Games may not be transferred or resold for commercial purposes or at a premium. If a Game is transferred or resold in breach of this condition, the bearer of the Game or the person claiming the right to attend the event will be refused admission to the game.
3.7. You are entirely responsible for entering your details correctly on the Online Booking Form. By submitting an Online Booking Form you warrant to CluePursuit that all details supplied by you are true and accurate.
3.8. You receive the confirmation of your booking via email or text, whichever choice you choose at booking.
3.9. Online bookings can only be made up to 90 days in advance, exceptions may be entertained if contacting CluePursuit via email or phone.
3.10. A booking becomes a no-show and entry will be declined if the team is late 30 minutes or more. In such a situation the money is not refundable and the booking is not changeable.
4.1. The price of a game is stated on the CluePursuit website of the Booking section.
4.2. The price is set according to number of people in a room (maximum 8 persons) and to the timing of the week.
4.3. Bookings can be made online on the CluePursuitlive.com website, via phone, email or in person.
4.4. Any major credit or debit card will secure a payment online. To use PayPal, you can book by calling or emailing the CluePursuit location and we will send you an invoice.
4.5. Full payment is required at the time of booking.
4.6. CluePursuit is a live event so once the booking is confirmed, refunds, cancellations or reschedules are not accepted.
4.7. In case less people attend the game than what booked, the price difference will not be reimbursed.
4.8. If more people attend the game than it is booked for (up to 8 persons a room) the price difference can be settled upon arrival to the game.
If you need to contact CluePursuit you can do so using any of the following methods:
6.1A Each CluePursuit player will be instructed before their game by their assigned local GameMaster. After learning the rules of the game, each player will participate in the game at their own risk. Also, CluePursuit is not liable for any (personal or equipment) damages caused by game room misuse or not following the rules described before the game.
6.1B Failure to obey rules which result in damage to our props or our building can be charged a repair fee of up to $100.
6.2. If you are late for more than 30 minutes of the original time of your booking, the reservation becomes a no-show automatically and you won't be able to start your game. To re-book another slot must be of your own expenses and according to current availability.
6.3. People under influence of alcohol or un-prescribed drugs might be turned away and their game stated as no-show.
6.4. People who choose to play under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol may be removed at any time from the game room without refund by not obeying the game rules or by causing disruptive behavior which affect the workings and/or functionality of our game rooms.
6.5 Drinks and food may not be brought into the Game Rooms.
6.6. To be admitted you must confirm the full name of the booker and might be asked to confirm phone number and email address.
6.7. Children ages 9- 14 have to be accompanied at least by 1 adult per game, children under the age of 9 are not permitted to enter the Game Rooms.
6.8. CluePursuit suggests customers to wear comfortable clothing for the game.


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Hi guys! I hope that your Saturday has gotten off to an awesome start. Thanks for coming by today's prompt! Today, I'm writing about some of my recent favorite apps. (I don't have an Etsy shop, so today's actual prompt isn't going to work for me lol! I hope you enjoy.)
You can read about what this challenge is here. And make sure to check out Cheila's and Angela's posts for today, too – we're all doing the challenge together!
Favorite Apps
(all of these are available for free in the App Store. Not sponsored.)
Memrise. Since the end of December '16, I've been learning Spanish with this app. I finished the first three levels and learned over a thousand words, and now I'm moving on to Spanish 4! It is, by far, the best language learning program I've used so far – and it's free. I can't wait to complete all of their Spanish courses – and I've even checked out their French 1 course, too, which also looks awesome!
Pocket Planes. I found this in the App Store a year or two ago, and not only is it a fun, addictive game – you can fly your little planes all over the world! – it has also taught me soooo much about the major cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East – which is cool! Up until this game, I wasn't very interested in world geography, lol. I've unlocked something like 60 different airports in those different regions; I love learning all the different names! (Although the actual pronunciation of them is way beyond me.) When you start the game, you pick what region you want to unlock airports in, and it only gets more fun from there. The graphics are my favorite part; they're so cute!
Plant Nanny. It's what finally got me to drink more water every day! You pick what little virtual plant you'd like to grow, and as you drink water, you can log that progress in the app, which then feeds your little plant. Make sure not to go too long without drinking; your plant could end up dying on you, haha
Pinterest. I've loved this website since I was eleven years old, but as of recently, it has been so helpful to have on my phone while looking at recipes, as well as inspirational quotes, blogging inspiration, and mission trip dreaming/planning!
Dancing Line. My brother introduced this one to me on Wednesday! It is an epic, fun music strategy game (reminds me of Guitar Hero, which is my all-time favorite game) where you tap to the beat of piano music, as well as violins and cellos, to lead your trail through a maze. It's kind of hard to explain. You should try it out! I can't get enough of it!!!
Thanks for reading, guys! I highly recommend all of these apps; I appreciate each and every one of them. How about you?
What are a few of YOUR favorite apps?
— Maggie