text:
Dungeons and Dragons Online questions a noob would ask
Ok, so after playing the game for about one week solid and not really advancing too fast, I had to hit up the newbie forums and ask a plethora of really dumb questions for things I just did not understand.
When I start a game I tend to look at the features and figure out if they actually work or if they are gimmicks. The more I learn about this game the more in depth I realize it is, and when I start a game I like to dig under the hood and see what makes it tick (just ask Hicks who I spam all day long in email).
This bag is not loaded with tricks
First issue I ran into was this "Bounty Bag" quest thing you can do. Basically, this is DDO's answer to the daily quests that are popping up in MMO's all over the web now. What this is is a quest that will ask you to go talk to a particular NPC and then he will ask you to enter a dungeon that he is normally associated with. Very clever tactic actually by Turbine here. They added new content without actually having to make new dungeons. You run the same dungeon but have a chance to get a named NPC spawn and when you kill it or perform the daily task you return the bag for XP. Catch is: the named NPC does not always spawn. With no XP per kill in the game this makes it a hard sell, because some of these dungeons can be long and to not have the item drop means more grinding in a place you may hate. I tried one and my NPC did not drop, but at least I got good XP because you can repeat quests again in DDO. So while grindy, I do not mind this it beats grinding faction or some crap like that. Just be warned it is not bugged if you do not get your item.
What is the deal with Tumbling?
Ever watch the neat trailers for DDO where all the people playing are somersaulting and rolling all over like a bad Power Rangers episode? I have and I wondered to myself: WHY? Does the game REALLY take that into account? Well yes and no. There is a difference between TUMBLING and moving out of the way it turns out and to test this I watched my nifty NERD O MATIC die roller that I have displayed on my screen when I play.
Sure enough, when I moved and attacked 3rd person shooter style I lost my +4 to hit and missed a lot more. When I sidestepped, or as I have it mapped, held SHIFT and moved side to side, I kept a +3 or sometimes +4 to hit on my die rolls. So yes the game DOES account for movement. Pretty slick engine. now as for tumbling and putting points into it, the most definitive answers I got were these (I am no expert so I will leave it for them to decide if this is right or not):
I have seen people TUMBLE over water, you do go faster. You only need TUMBLE for doing the Reaver Raid. My advice, make sure your tumble skill is anything BUT not NA. That way, if people cast tumble on you or you buy the tumble buff for 100 GP, you will minimize your damage in the Reaver Raid. If you truly want to role play a rogue then put points into tumble.
Tumble doesn't slow down in water. If you have to fight or move through shallow water it's good to have a total score of 1 tumble after all penalties etc, so that you are able to roll through it at normal speed, instead of doing the 'wading' animation at about 1/3rd speed it feels like.
Tumbling doesn't always stop combat. If you swing once and 'run' forward you transition to the running attack animation. If you swing once, tumble, when you come out of the tumble you should do the second swing in your animation.
and one last mention
Tumble is one of those skills that didn't really make a good translation to ddo. If you have the Feat: Moblity or a Mobility item on, tumbling is a more defensive way to get out of combat (While tumbling you have +4 AC)
So in short, do not worry too much about it but use tumbling to move fast and take a swing without a penalty. As far as I can tell it is not required to roll all around but it sure does look cool. The key thing about DDO in dungeons is not to get left behind or split up. Bad things can happen much like in pen and paper D&D. As a GM, I used to love picking off characters that split up from the main party. That was a sadistic pleasure of mine. Especially when you can make it creepy and tell the other players they can hear their buddy screaming in pain. Oh, umm, where was I? Ah yes.
What if I make bad design choices while leveling up
The next question I brought up was how do I know if I am not making a totally worthless character when I choose my stats and where to use my ability points. This is usually a worry for many online games that feature achievements, talent points, trees, traits and all that gimmicky stuff. In DDO, you need to watch where you put your stat points and how you spend things because it does follow D&D quite a bit in terms of what you can do at higher levels. Syp over at Bio Break covered the great 28 point or 32 point build in a blog post already, so I won't go over that here. Instead I asked about this from a straight new player perspective and got some answers that made me feel ok about my barbarian thus far. Now if you are a cleric or a rogue, have fun. Your choices seem diverse and confusing at the same time.
Some responses I got to this were the following:
The only thing you can't respec are your levels chosen and skill points. And the 1 ability point (str, dex etc) you get to add to your stats every 4 levels. You can reset your enhancements every 3 days at the class trainer…and you can switch feats at fred the mind flayer.
You can respec feats and enhancements, just not stat scores and class choices..You can gimp yourself by multi-classing poorly… One should understand the game fairly well before attempting a multi-class character…
I've made several 28-point builds that I am not going to delete. I have fun playing and that is the most important part. The more you dwell in the details of squeaking out every point of AC or damage, the more it becomes a "job" rather than a game.
My original 28pt char, made with no DDO experience, and faced with three years of nerfs, does just fine. Might not be up to some people's standards, but I wouldn't worry to much if I were you.
The responses were generally that if you pick a basic build template or at least read over your class forum, you should be ok.
What does a guild do?
Well, fairly obvious but I noticed in DDO there is really nothing to making a guild. Then I noticed there was NOTHING TO A GUILD. Ugh. The only downfall about the community I have found so far is that guild's are more or less not supported. The final analysis? Summed up well by a PM I got on the boards:
There are no guild vaults or really anything else that tends to tie anyone to a particular guild except the relationship with members. In fact, guilds in DDO are basically just a way to find groups more easily. Also guild chat can be entertaining… And for new players, they are usually a source of lots of free stuff. (As I'm sure you're familiar with from other games, stuff that is awesome to a new player is completely useless junk to a veteran, so these gifts are win-win.)
I can do that again? OOPS!
I knew you could run quests over and over again, but I did not look into the deeper picture. This is a very instanced game, as it should be since it has DUNGEONS in the title, but I really didn't understand why you would run the same thing over and over until I got my cleric to level 2 in about one hour. My barbarian took me two days. Why is this? Simple, I did not try the same quests over again on higher difficulty. So with my cleric (yes she is a female sue me) I decided to try this and good golly it worked. I got massive amounts of fast XP by doing each mission on solo, regular and then hard. I did try elite once. Once. I got the end and the boss mob was 3 levels above me (I was level one) and I just got destroyed.
Not only is this a good way to get XP you also can choose the rewards again. In many cases I didn't not realize that there were say two different rings offered and especially for casters these work out well. So I would take one ring, then go back and take the second ring. I also had some mastercrafted plate mail drop for her which she put on to look pretty bad ass. So really, I actually skipped a lot of experience the first time through Korthos with my barbarian. The neat thing is I can go back if I want to but I think that perk ends at level 3.
Turn on the class loot option
Amazingly, I did not even know about this. In the options, under gameplay, you can toggle off or on the games smart loot system. Turn it on, and quest rewards are tailored to your character. Turn it off and you can get other items for other classes. What a great idea! I think it is on by default so I didn't have to worry about it too much, but keep in mind this does not effect chest loot.
Well, those are some of the things I learned in just ONE day of research. If anything new comes up I will post it here next week. For now, I have some Dawn of War 2 to play.


text:
Khandua (Also Maniabandi or Kataki) is a traditional "bandha" or ikat sari produced from Odisha [1][2][3][4][5] worn by women during wedding [6][7] and a special type of which is worn by Jagannath. The clothes contain texts of Gita Govinda on them. [8] Kenduli Khandua, a special form of Khandua of 12 ft and 2 kani (each kani measures the length of a hand) is offered to Jagannath to wear as khandua with stanzas and illustration from Gita Govinda. [9][10]
YouTube Encyclopedic
1/4Views:359 803543 859279 9511 454 177
✪ The Right Approach to Duaa - Khutbah by Nouman Ali Khan
✪ Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan - Praying for Success (Khutbah 03- 21-14)
✪ The Wisdom of Prophet Suleiman's Duaa - Nouman Ali Khan - Singapore 2015
✪ How Duaa Works - Khutbah by Nouman Ali Khan
The word Khandua in Odia translates to the cloth worn in the lower half of the body. Traditionally Kentuli Khandua is offered to Jagannath as lower cloth. Due to the place of origin is Cuttak and Maniabandha, the other two names Kataki and Maniabandhi are originated.[10]
Weaver communities of Maniabandha and Nuapatana [10] [11] of Cuttack traditionally weave this kind of pata. During the rule of Gajapatis Sarees are made and transported to Jagannath Temple. Paramananda Patanaika, the king of Badakhemundi (Nilakantha Deva) was offered khandua sari made of one piece of khandua silk called caukandika.[12][13]
Color and Design
Khandua is traditionally red or orange in color. The red color is prepared naturally from the shorea robusta (sal tree). [7] The design motif has an auspicious elephant that represents Buddha surrounded by trailing vine with peacocks in it, a large many petaled flower, a unique Orissan animal called Nabagunjara, a deula kumbha. The elephant in Khandua ikat from Nuapatana usually varies from elephant motives in ikat from Sambalpuri sari as well as ikat from other parts of Orissa.[14] Khandua has plain borders in contrary to borders with motifs in case of the other ikat of Orissa. [15]
- ^ P. K. Mohanty (1 January 2003). Tropical Wild Silk Cocoons Of India. Daya Publishing House. pp. 25–. ISBN 978-81-7035-298-3. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Sorabji M. Rutnagur (1999). The Indian textile journal. Business Press. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Linda Lynton; Sanjay K. Singh (October 1995). The sari: styles, patterns, history, techniques. H.N. Abrams. ISBN 978-0-8109-4461-9. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Chelna Desai (1 December 1988). Ikat textiles of India. Chronicle Books. ISBN 978-0-87701-548-2. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Eberhard Fischer; Sitakant Mahapatra; Dinanath Pathy (1980). Orissa. Museum Rietberg. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Kōkyō Hatanaka (1996). Textile arts of India: Kokyo Hatanaka collection. Chronicle Books. ISBN 978-0-8118-1084-5. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ a b Aditi Ranjan; M. P. Ranjan (29 September 2009). Handmade in India: A Geographic Encyclopedia of India Handicrafts. Abbeville Press. ISBN 978-0-7892-1047-0. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Museum für Völkerkunde und Schweizerisches Museum für Volkskunde Basel; Marie-Louise Nabholz-Kartaschoff (1986). Golden sprays and scarlet flowers: traditional Indian textiles from the Museum of Ethnography, Basel, Switzerland. Shikosha Pub. Co. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Jagannath Mohanty (2009). Encyclopaedia of Education, Culture and Children's Literature: v. 3. Indian culture and education. Deep & Deep Publications. pp. 31–. ISBN 978-81-8450-150-6. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Arts of Asia. Arts of Asia Publications. July 1982. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Hermann Kulke (1993). Kings and cults: state formation and legitimation in India and Southeast Asia. Manohar Publishers & Distributors. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Hans Bakker (1992). The Sacred centre as the focus of political interest: proceedings of the symposium held on the occasion of the 375th anniversary of the University of Groningen, 5–8 March 1989. E. Forsten. ISBN 978-90-6980-036-3. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Blenda Femenias; Elvehjem Museum of Art (1 December 1984). Two faces of South Asian art: textiles and paintings. Elvehjem Museum of Art. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Ṛta Kapur Chishti; Martand Singh; Amba Sanyal (1989). Saris of India: Madhya Pradesh. Wiley Eastern & Amr Vastra Kosh. ISBN 978-81-224-0187-5. Retrieved 27 June 2012.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
"Although there is merit in simply chronicling what is happening, there is still opportunity for humanity to exercise free will.
I have finally found the time to read the entire Hansen et al paper Assessing "Dangerous Climate Change". The complete paper was released December 3rd on the open access journal PlosOne as Assessing "Dangerous Climate Change": Required Reduction of Carbon Emissions to Protect Young People, Future Generations and Nature.
I think this is one of the most important climate papers of 2013. James Hansen and 17 coauthors succeed to boil down the current state of climate research to 26 pages (including the five pages of references). The authors make a strong case that the two-degree-consensus is dangerous. Unlike other high profile climate scientists, actions are proposed that will actually work, included the "N word" advanced 4th generation nuclear power.
To announce the paper Hansen and coauthor Pushker Kharecha published a letter outlining the case that two degrees is dangerous, then go straight into solutions: cooperative technology development and deployment, and especially, rapid deployment of gen 3+ and gen 4 nuclear power.
(…snip…) Governments should also support technology research, development and demonstration of carbon-free energy including advanced generation nuclear power as well as renewable energy, especially in view of the urgency with which emissions from coal and unconventional fossil fuels must be eliminated. (Unconventional fossil fuels include tar sands, shale-derived oil and gas, and methane hydrates.)
A preferable approach, for the sake of both global climate and local pollution reduction, would be a combination of renewable energy and advanced (3rd and 4th) generation nuclear power plants2. Abundant affordable clean energy is essential to provide the energy needed to raise billions of people out of poverty, which empirical evidence indicates is a requirement for reducing fertility rates, thus lowering human population, and giving hope that we can provide the opportunity of a good life to all humanity while allowing other life on the planet to flourish.
When the world's leading nations recognize the urgency of phasing out fossil fuel emissions, and realize that we are all in the same boat, it should be possible to agree on cooperative technology development and deployment. History, including World War II and the Apollo program, reveal how rapidly technology can be developed and deployed. Phase-out of most coal emissions and a substantial reduction of oil and gas use could be achieved rapidly. This would require agreement among leading nations not only to have common internal rising carbon fees, but also an agreement to cooperate in rapid technology development.
Surely rapid phase-down of coal emissions requires a major role for advanced-generation safer nuclear power. Nuclear technology has advanced significantly over the past few decades such that there is now the potential to produce modular 3rd generation light-water reactors that are passively safe, i.e., reactors that would shut down automatically in case of an anomaly such as an earthquake and have the ability to keep the nuclear fuel cool without an external power source. The same concept, modular3 simplified reactor design with factory production and shipping to the utility site, is appropriate for 4th generation reactors, and these should also be pursued to deal with nuclear waste, utilizing the waste as fuel.
Fortunately, the place where deployment of advanced nuclear technology is most urgently needed, China, is also the place that has the potential to rapidly build and grow the manufacturing capability. What is needed is cooperation with nations that have developed relevant technical abilities, especially the United States. Such cooperation has potential for enormous mutual and global benefits via development of scalable affordable carbon-free energy. Contrary to assertions of dedicated anti-nuke activists, such technology can be made more resistant than existing technology to exploitation by terrorists who may seek weapons material. Dangers from rogue states or terrorists will always exist, and the best way to minimize such danger is to cooperate in developing the safest technology, not to pretend that anti-nuclear activism will cause nuclear technology to disappear from the planet.
The principal policy allowing renewable energies to grow to almost 2% of global energy use has been laws imposing specified "renewable energy portfolio standards" (RPS) on utilities or other mandates for renewable energy use. These policies have aided growth of renewables, and by spreading costs among all utility customers of feed-in tariffs, added transmission lines, and the backup power needed for intermittent renewables (usually fossil fuel based), the electricity cost has been bearable as long as the portion of renewables is small. Now for the sake of moving rapidly to carbon-free power while minimizing electricity costs, the need is for "clean energy portfolio standards" (CPS), thus allowing nuclear energy to compete with renewable energies.
The previously discussed 3 November open letter 'To Those Influencing Environmental Policy But Opposed to Nuclear Power' has provoked much needed debate. Let us hope that this new paper and the PlOS ONE call for solutions papers builds on that interest to get something done.
there is still opportunity for humanity to exercise free will.
and free will means "be effective" not more failed "Kyoto commitments".


text:
Old family recipesPosted: August 22, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Recipes | Tags: cake, granny, marga.org | Leave a comment »
My food website now has a new section: Granny's and Gladys' Recipe Book. This new section will consist of the typed-up recipes from the notebook that my paternal grandmother and aunt left me when they passed away. I tasted some of these recipes as a child, and some never at all, but I will try to make them all at some point. There aren't that many. To start, I've typed up this recipe for Apple Sauce Cake a la Lacabe that my sister has been asking me for. I guess I'll have to make it as well 🙂
Granny's Sponge cake with lemon frosting – RecipePosted: April 5, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Recipes | Tags: cake, cakes, gladys, granny, lemon, sponge cake | Leave a comment »
Last night, to celebrate Mika's 7th birthday (which we are celebrating again today, and celebrated before on Wednesday), I made my grandmother's sponge cake. It has been over 25 years since I've had it, but I think what I made was pretty close to the original. The cake, perhaps, wasn't as light – and the lemon curd was too creamy-looking (I remember my grandmother's as being more translucent). But it tasted quite close to what my grandmother made, and it was very yummy.
At first I thought the recipe she used came from the Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook that she used, but then I found a recipe typed up into my aunt Gladys' recipe notebook, so that's the one I made. Here is the recipe.
August 2011 update
Mika wanted sponge cake for a tea we were hosting yesterday so I revisited this recipe with her. It was fun making it together, though a bit messy giving all the sifting and we used up lots of bowls. This time I didn't make the lemon curd (even as a child I preferred with with whipped cream as a frosting), but rather served it along side fresh strawberries and blueberries and whipped cream. It was a big success with kids and adults alike. Thanks Granny!
Granny's Sponge Cake
- 2 cups sifted flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 tsp. lemon rind, grated
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
Preheat oven to 350F
Mix sifted flour with the baking powder and the salt. Sift three additional times. Set aside.
Beat together 4 yolks with the cold water and lemon rind until light and frothy. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups sugar and then the flour. Set aside.
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Add the sugar and lemon juice and beat until it has stiff peaks.
Fold the egg whites into the flour mixture. Pour into ungreased 8″ baking pans. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool, unmold and frost.
Granny's Lemon Frosting
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 1/3 cup water
- 4 tsp. butter
- 2 tsp. lemon rind
- 2 cups whipped cream
Combine the sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, water and butter in a medium pot. Put pot on top of a double boiler, or directly under a very low heat, and cook stirring constantly until it thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove and cool completely.
Fold in the lemon rind and 1/2 cup of whipped cream. Spread between cake layers. Fold in the remaining 1 1/2 cups whipped cream, and frost top and sides of cake.
Granny's and Gladys' Recipe Book
Safeway Ice Cream CakePosted: May 4, 2008 | Author: marga | Filed under: Cafes, Bakeries, Ice Cream..., Food Items | Tags: cake, safeway | 1 Comment »
Yesterday was my birthday and my mom got me (by proxy) an ice cream cake from Safeway. It was a simple affair, a matter of vanilla ice cream sandwiched by white cake, and it wasn't the most delicious thing ever, but pretty satisfying. I do think that I like their regular cakes better. They cost about the same, I think.
Safeway Birthday CakePosted: April 6, 2008 | Author: marga | Filed under: Cafes, Bakeries, Ice Cream..., Food Items | Tags: birthday cake, cake, safeway | 9 Comments »
As I mentioned in my last post, yesterday was Mika's 6th birthday party and as usual I got her a Safeway cake. I'd been going with Safeway cakes for several years – ever since I got a horrible cake from Just Desserts for her welcoming ceremony. Why pay $60+ dollars for something that in the end doesn't taste good?
Part of the reason I go with Safeway is that there aren't many choices for cakes in San Leandro. Costco has cheap cakes, but I dislike the frostings (which you know most likely have hydrogenated oils in them) and they only have basic designs, OK when your kid is very young but a problem by the time they are into cartoon characters. (Yes, I'm one of those parents that gives into commercialism and let's her kids have character parties – I also buy Bratz for Mika! shoot me).
The chinese bakery
has nicely decorated cakes, with cartoon characters and all, but I find their cakes not to be sweet enough. This is a plus for some people, but I'm just not into them.
There is, of course, Marita's, whom I like to support as they are locally and minority owned -, but while I like their cakes (in particualr their frostings), they don't offer decorations. Plus I'm not sure you can get a rectangular cake that is less than a 1/2 or full sheet.
Then there is Baskin Robbins. We've gotten cakes from there before, and they are usually pretty good – if extremely expensive. Indeed, we were planning to get Mika one of them – but they didn't have the Bratz decorations she wanted.
So we went for our tried and true Safeway cake. They didn't have Bratz decorations but they did have Bratz pets decorations (I didn't even know they existed!) and that was OK with Mika – who by then realized there weren't many other choices. Plus the good thing about Safeway is that if you don't want such a junky cake you can order it with whipped cream and strawberries (or another fruit). I usually get the white cake, which is very light, and the results are very good. For Camila's birthday I actually got the whipped cream and banana cake, and I may have liked it even more. Best of all, the kids love it and I don't feel they are eating too much sugar.
The one minus about Safeway cakes is that they aren't cheap. A small, 1/4 sheet cake is about $21! You can get a half-sheet cake for about $16 at Costco. But hey, I'm willing to pay for whipped cream and fresh strawberries (and nice decorations). You can order the cakes just one day in advance, good for us procrastinators.
One thing to keep in mind is that the cake book that they have outside does not include all the decoration options. I was bummed when we didn't find the Bratz there, but Mika insisted that we ask if they had Bratz anyway. I thought it was futile, but once again my 6-yo proved to be smarter than her mother. They indeed have other cake books under the counter – and usually they carry a Bratz cake. Unfortunately, there is a backorder on Bratz decorations and that's why we had to go for the Bratz pets, but the point is that even if you don't see what you want in the book, you should ask.
Anyway, this is a long posting to say that I like Safeway cake.


text:
ROME, Ga. – No. 27 BYU-Hawaii men's tennis swept Shorter 5-0 Friday at the Walt Attaway Tennis Complex to move to 16-5 on the season.
Guillermo Ucelay Pueyo and Simon Guillin rebounded from a rough week with an 8-0 sweep of Mauricio Rancel and Dylan Wood of Shorter (4-11) to give the Seasiders the first doubles match of the day. Chia-Hua Lu and Sterling Galli come out on top 8-4 in No. 1 doubles and Ibrahim Karmadzha and Ian Galli added an 8-4 victory of their own on court two to complete the sweep.
I. Galli recorded his first straight-game sweep defeating Wood 6-0, 6-0 to move within a match of the team victory. Guillin took the clinching point over Mason Barnette with a 6-1, 6-1 win on court four, while the remaining singles matches remained unfinished.
BYU-Hawaii will conclude its regular season Apr. 8 against Hawaii Pacific at 11 a.m. HST at the BYU-Hawaii Tennis Courts. Live scoring will be available.


text:
Durning Family History
14-Day Free Trial
Durning Name Meaning
Scottish: of uncertain origin. It is found primarily in Glasgow, and it may be a respelling of Durnin. MacLysaght, however, suggests that this name is of English origin.
Source: Dictionary of American Family Names ©2013, Oxford University Press
Similar surnames: Dorning, Dunning, Dring, Darling, Dudding, Downing, Durling, Arning


text:
ARLINGTON, TEXAS—Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes, two to Dez Bryant, in the first game with Tony Romo as his backup, and the Cowboys set a franchise season record with their ninth straight win.
The Cowboys (9-1) punted on their first four possessions — a first this season — against the NFL's No. 1 defence. They marched 92 and 88 yards on their first two drives of the second half to break a 10-10 tie. Both drives ended with TD passes to Bryant, who had six catches for 80 yards.
The Ravens (5-5) lost to Dallas for the first time in five games in franchise history.
Patriots 30, 49ers 17: Tom Brady threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns in his first road game against the 49ers team he rooted for as a boy.
Brady found Danny Amendola for a five-yard touchdown to start the fourth quarter then later hit Malcolm Mitchell on a 56-yard score for his fourth TD pass. Brady also threw short touchdown passes to Julian Edelman and James White on his first two possessions and completed 24 of 40 passes as the AFC East-leading Patriots (8-2) bounced back from last week's loss to the Seahawks.
Seahawks 26, Eagles 15: Everyone knew Russell Wilson could run and pass. But catch? The Seattle Seahawks quarterback showed he can do that, too.
Wilson threw for 272 yards and a touchdown, and caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Doug Baldwin as the Seahawks rolled past the Philadelphia Eagles 26-15 on Sunday.
Wilson became the first quarterback in franchise history to catch a touchdown, a perfect end-around pass from Baldwin.
Steelers 24, Browns 9: Le'Veon Bell scored on a one-yard touchdown run long after time expired in the first half and the Pittsburgh Steelers had eight sacks to snap a four-game losing streak.
The Steelers (5-5) scored eight points with zeroes showing on the clock before halftime after they were awarded two extra plays because of defensive penalties against the Browns (0-11). Three NFL teams previously went 0-11 before winning a game, while seven had even worse starts.
Bell finished with a season-high 146 yards rushing. Ben Roethlisberger improved to 20-2 in starts against Cleveland, still paying for not drafting the Ohio native in 2004.
Vikings 30, Cardinals 24: Xavier Rhodes returned one of his two interceptions 100 yards for a touchdown and Cordarrelle Patterson took the second-half kickoff 104 yards for a score as the Vikings stopped their four-game losing streak.
The Vikings (6-4) used those momentum-shifting plays they'd been missing to hold onto a first-place tie with Detroit in the NFC North, with a rematch against the Lions looming in four days.
Buccaneers 19, Chiefs 17: Jameis Winston sliced up a Kansas City defence missing top cornerback Marcus Peters, and Tampa Bay snapped the Chiefs' five-game winning streak.
Winston threw for 331 yards to help set up four field goals by Roberto Aguayo, and hit tight end Robert Cross for a touchdown with just over six minutes left to give the Buccaneers (5-5) a cushion.
Giants 22, Bears 16: Eli Manning threw a go-ahead 15-yard touchdown pass to rookie Sterling Shepard in the third quarter as the Giants rallied for their fifth straight win.
Manning (21-of-36 for 227 yards) also threw a third-quarter touchdown to Will Tye, Rashad Jennings scored on a two-yard run and Robbie Gould kicked a 46-yard field goal on a day he missed two extra points in a gusty MetLife Stadium.
The Giants (7-3) got a second-half shutout from their defence and a clinching interception from Landon Collins.
Colts 24, Titans 17: Andrew Luck led the Indianapolis Colts to a big early lead, and the defence held on in the second half. Indianapolis (5-5) evened its record by winning back-to-back games for the first time this season.
And by earning their 11th straight victory in the series, the Colts climbed into second place in the AFC South.
Lions 26, Jaguars 19: Eric Ebron had a go-ahead one-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. Ebron's first carry of his career, a handoff as he went from left to right after lining up as an off-the-line tight end, was set up by his career-long, 61-yard catch.
The Lions (6-4) have won five of six despite trailing in the fourth quarter of every game.
Dolphins 14, Rams 10: DeVante Parker caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Tannehill with 36 seconds to play, and Miami rallied for two late scores to spoil Jared Goff's NFL debut.
Tannehill passed for 172 yards in the fifth straight victory for the Dolphins (6-4), who were dominated by the Rams' defence until their final two.
Goff went 17 of 31 for 134 yards in a quiet debut by the NFL's No. 1 pick in the Rams' 10th game of the season.


text:
Speaking at the inauguration of FICCI Frames 2016 Media & Entertainment Industry Conclave in Mumbai, Prasad said Digital India is one of the signature campaigns of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to empower the citizens of India digitally.
He said that nearly $400 billion will be added from the electronics manufacturing including mobile phones, solar panels etc, while $350 billion opportunity will be presented by the IT and ITES sector. Communication services will provide business opportunity of $250 billion.
The minister said "the aspirational urge of Indians is driving the digital world in a phenomenal way. And the government's job is to create an enabling eco-system for its growth." Prasad said several of his government initiatives viz Skill India, Stand Up India, Aadhar roll out, Make in India, Smart Cities involve enormous use of digital technology.
"If industry needs more policy initiatives, the government is open to it" the minister asserted. Prasad said with 250,000 gram panchayats being connected through Optic Fiber Network, entire country was being brought under the broadband regime.


text:
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
RG 1/144 GAT-X105 Aile Strike Gundam - Review (Part 2)
7 comments:
Thanks for the informative review. :)ReplyDelete
Can't wait to see what you'll do with this.
- AnaheimElectricApril 13, 2011 at 4:45 PM
the plug on the beam rifle is actually a technical feature of all the MS' from the Seed Universe. They all technically have plugs that attach to the palm so power could flow through. It not like the UC universe where they use minovsky caps internal to the rifle or stored as cartridges. It's similar to the GN condensers and GN injectors concept from the 00 universe.ReplyDelete
Nice Review... gonna get this kit... (^ ^)~ReplyDelete
quality review but im going to pass on this one. a strike is still a strike and i think i have the best one ever made. the pg.ReplyDelete
This kit is a must get now, thanks for the review!ReplyDelete
Hi, just wondering what are the things this kit does better than the MG and PG if you know, okay details are obviously above MG... what about the rest?ReplyDelete
Hey! Nice review. just wish to check whether is there any painting needed for this kit? or it will look awesome even without any?ReplyDelete


text:
Sea Vegetables: Everything You Need To Know About The Anti-Aging, Hormone-Balancing Superfood
Whether you're a superfood aficionado or you've just gotten used to the taste of kale, now there's another group of superfoods floating around your local health food aisle: sea vegetables. But don't worry—if the thought of eating seaweed makes you shudder, sea vegetables actually come in a ton of different forms. Here's a breakdown of what sea vegetables are, the most common sea vegetables you should try, and why it's worth trying them in the first place.
What are sea vegetables?
Sea vegetables are exactly what they sound like: edible plants that come from the sea, as opposed to the land, says Jess Cording, M.S., RDN, CDN, a New York–based nutritionist. If you eat sushi, you're already eating sea vegetables (albeit, a very small amount of them) in the form of the seaweed that holds your spicy tuna crunch roll together. The vitamins and minerals in sea vegetables make them nutritious ingredients to add to your diet on a larger scale.
What are some common sea vegetables I can find in the store?
Both Cording and Alisa Vitti, HHC, AADP a functional nutritionist, mbg class instructor, founder of Flo Living, and creator of Cycle Synching and the MyFLO app, recommend starting with the following sea veggies and seeing which ones work for you. Note that all of these are technically seaweeds (and therefore algae since seaweed is a group of algae), but as you'll notice they go by different names, primarily depending on what species they are:
- Wakame
- Algae
- Dulse
- Kelp
- Arame
- Nori
Notice that hijiki seaweed doesn't make the list. Vitti recommends avoiding it, as it's been shown to absorb the heaviest metals from the ocean.
Why should I be eating sea vegetables?
Sea vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, and the nutrients they contain can be extremely beneficial for women, according to Vitti. "Sea vegetables are rich in magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamin C, which helps the body absorb more iron," she says. This makes them especially crucial to eat during your period since your iron levels tend to dip during menstruation. It's important to keep these levels in check because when your iron gets too low, you could be at risk for developing anemia, a condition in which your body is lacking red blood cells to carry oxygen and remove carbon dioxide (iron is a big component of red blood cell composition). The iodine in sea vegetables is also an essential mineral for a healthy thyroid.
In addition to keeping your hormones on track (including stabilizing estrogen levels, Vitti says), sea vegetables are made up of fucoidan, a complex carbohydrate that has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and can help defend against certain diseases. One study published in the Journal of Nutrition found sea vegetables can stabilize blood sugar and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes while another in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that algae is helpful in lowering LDL cholesterol.
Still not convinced? Well, it turns out, sea vegetables come with another big benefit: They're great for your skin. There's a reason so many beauty companies have started developing brand-specific spins on seaweed-infused face masks and soaps. Sea veggies' high antioxidant count means that they protect against free radical damage from the environment, says Cording. Plus, thanks to their high count of iron and vitamin C that helps the body absorb iron, sea vegetables can even help give you a nice glow sans bronzer. "Iron supports healthy blood flow and oxygen throughout the body, and it's important for circulation," Cording says. "Good circulation helps skin get that rosy hue."
But how should I be eating them?
Takeout sushi is great and all, but prepping and cooking sea vegetables in your own kitchen is surprisingly easy to do. Cording loves sprinkling dulse flakes in a DIY grain bowl or over popcorn and adding seaweed to soup for some extra greens and nutrients. In general, she says the easiest way to eat sea vegetables is to make it as simple as possible. "A good first step is to incorporate it into dishes you already enjoy and eat often," she says.
And if all else fails, go for a sea vegetable supplement. "I always encourage food first, but sometimes it's easier to get the vitamins and minerals you're lacking in supplement form," Cording says. Just make sure you're buying a quality product from a trustworthy company, Cording warns (and as with all supplements, talk to your doctor before you start a new regimen). Another easy option if you can't find any sea vegetables in your local store? "Sprinkle sea vegetable powder into a smoothie or soup to make them more accessible and skip the taste," Cording says.
Related Class
Can anyone eat sea vegetables?
Most likely, yes. But both Cording and Vitti emphasize that the iodine levels in sea vegetables might be an issue for someone who has an iodine sensitivity, so touch base with your doctor first—especially if you're already on medication or are thinking about going the supplement route. Once you try sea veggies, don't be afraid to experiment, Cording says. "If you don't love red seaweed, you might find a type of brown seaweed you like better. Don't give up if your first experience isn't magical."
Ready to learn more about how to unlock the power of food to heal your body, prevent disease & achieve optimal health? Register now for our FREE web class with nutrition expert Kelly LeVeque.


text: Spinelli and Farago talk about Cadillac's potential M5-beating 2009 CTS-V. Will it be able to "suck the doors off" the Bimmer as Bob Lutz says, or will it be an also-ran. And mark your calendars. The two will be hosting RPM on Maxim Radio, Sirius 108 tomorrow at 2-3pm Eastern. Be there or miss talking about avoiding carsickness on road trips. Or whatever.


text:
Located in Zhabei District, the Puxi New Century Hotel Shanghai (Puxi Kaiyuan Dajiudian) is within easy reach of People's Square and Nanjing Road pedestrian shopping street. Shanghai Railway Station is just five minutes away by car.
Elegantly decorated rooms are equipped with free broadband Internet access and satellite TVs.
Both Western and Chinese cuisine are served at this Shanghai hotel and a bar is also available to guests. Intimate dining can be enjoyed in one of 14 private dining rooms.
Those traveling on business have six conference rooms to choose from.


text:
Tagsagm Arduino Arduino Uno baking boffins build Craft crapathon cupcake Dr Matt Little Electromagnetic Field electronics EMF Camp Event events fabrication fingers frosting Geeky Girl Geeks Hacker Culture Hackspace homepage James Bond Skills LED Lock Picking LVL1 make Maker Faire UK Newcastle Oomlout.com Open Hacknight Open Source party project Rapid Prototyping Robotics Skills solar power Soldering tools toys Trustees workshop workshops
Arduino Sunday Mk. II
Following the popularity of our Arduino Sundae workshop last August we've decided to run another! 12:00pm Sunday 27th March 2011 This time the event will be for those with some experience as well as beginners. Arduino 101 For Beginners – A beginners kit will be available as well as tuition on getting started with Micro-controllers. […]
Posted in Events, Workshops Tagged Arduino, Arduino Uno, diary dates, electronics, events, Oomlout.com, Open Source, Rapid Prototyping, Robotics, Skills, tools 1 Comment
Desktop DIY CNC Machine
We're taking pledges for this desktop CNC machine as seen on kickstarter.com. If you'd like to contribute please send a PERSONAL GIFT to our Paypal account. email@example.com Watch video here PROJECT NOW FUNDED!
Posted in Group Project, Hackspace Equipment, Pledge, Tools Tagged boffins, Desktop CNC, fabrication, project, Rapid Prototyping, tools Leave a comment


text: India is a glorious land of artwork and tradition, and this Asian country has at all times been related to wonderful artwork objects, from the cave paintings of Maharashtra to the sculptures of Khajuraho to the magnificent murals in temples of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other places, mosques and palaces of royalties in different states and so on. It is natural that on-line artwork galleries in India enjoy a large patronage from artwork fans and buyers. You can use the identical invaluable methods to buy art because the experienced art buyers use with this High Ten 10 Greatest Methods To Buy Artwork: Buy Summary Work From A Trendy Contemporary Artist. Notice the names of the modern artists that you are attracted to. Are their abstract paintings to your liking?\n\nIf you are collecting then you definitely would really want to decide on some themes to your collection, what sorts of artwork and what kind of artists are you going to build your collection around. Seluruh pengunjung, termasuk media akan diperiksa sebelum memasuki space competition.\n\nFree of charge masuk untuk anak-anak! You should buy a terrific book called THE ARTWORK OF BUYING ARTWORK (Gordon's Art Reference, 263 pages). KTP, Driver's License, Passport, Primary Resident Registration Card are legitimate types of photo ID. Each single day I look at it and I am amazed as to what she could be considering, typically I feel as if the portray has modified someway.\n\n2. High quality, not quantity. The reply may not be apparent at first look. The artwork is generally printed on prime quality watercolor paper or canvas, and is troublesome to tell apart from an authentic. The good factor is that your investment potential improves as your knowledge improves with your in depth analysis.\n\nThe form of the artwork should also be considered. Just because a vendor writes "hand painted" does not imply that it is worth the canvas. Folks in an workplace atmosphere are often not paying attention to what is round them and should bump into them.


text:
Certifications can be extremely helpful to have depending on the job. Where I work at least one cert is required, and the more you have the more likely you are to get a job here, but there are some very talented team members who do not have certs. The best of the best are MCSE or close to getting their MCSE and are highly knowledgeable on many many things. Getting the certs helps to broaden your knowledge and prepare you for many more tasks than you are likely to be prepared for without them. Those team members with few certs were well trained on the job but they still do not hold a candle to those who have the certs. Having the certs very often will get you in for the interview at the very least. The rest is up to you. If you can afford it, get the training. If it's out of your price range yes you can do your own study and start getting your certs. A+ , Net+, MCP and Exchange I got without formal classes but the other server certs I attended classes for and I am very glad that I did. It gave me a chance to ask questions; the self-study of course did not give me that opportunity.
I noticed you were looking into New Horizons. I am currently going there for a number of certifications and if you do have financial resources to do it, it is definitely worth it! In the beginning I was looking into the program you are, but it depends if thats the area you want to go into. I lean more towards security so I am doing A+, Net+, and Security +. They provide test past insurance, so if you do fail the first exam you can take it agin, plus they have teachers there who are so willing to help and answer any questions you have. They also do a wonderful job helping you find a job. Through the connections I made there with the staff, I was able to get an advantage over other applicants for a dream job becuase I was able to meet the HR manager before interviews even started. I have a Bachelors degree in Business and Computer Information Systems, but these certs a must for most positions and can transfer into experience from an Employeers point of view… Hope this information helped a little bit!
It depends on how pro-active and self motivated you are. If you can do the self-study on your own time without fiddling your fingers, you will save money. Otherwise, your best course of action is to take a class which will put you in the environment where you need to study and take the exams. It is expensive to get training equipment and materials, but motivation is the key.
Getting the CCNA / CCNA-V and CCNP were all well worth the time invested. The 15k you quoted is a bit extreme, as there are SEVERAL free / low-cost study materials and folks out there to assist you….
Register Hereor login if you are already a member


text:
Cubs Still Losing the Popularity Contest and Other Bullets
July comes tomorrow, which means it's just about time to announce the 2015 BN Trade Deadline Blogathon. Soon …
- Jorge Soler played his first rehab game yesterday for the Iowa Cubs, grounding out, flying out, and striking out in his three at bats. The results, of course, matter very little for a guy who hasn't played in nearly a month and is just getting back into baseball form. What matters most is how he felt, and he told Tommy Birch after the game that he felt good, with no pain. Hopefully he'll need no more than a few more games at Iowa to get back up to speed – healthily – and can return this weekend to face the Marlins, the last team he faced before suffering the ankle injury.
- The latest balloting update for the All-Star Game is out, and the Cubs continue to lag despite a huge fan base that has generally been very energized this year. It's pretty hard to figure, and must have something to do with this being only the first competitive year in the last half decade. Maybe crazy ballot-stuffing support takes a few years of success. Then again, Dee Gordon and Paul Goldschmidt are getting plenty:
Here is the latest NL voting update for the #ASG: pic.twitter.com/1R4KWnZu1E
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) June 29, 2015
- In the end, I mostly shrug. It would be nice to see some Cubs get starts, and it would be nice to see fans going nuts to support the players, but the whole system seems strange to me. Voting 35 times, using multiple email addresses, etc. What exactly does that prove? The All-Star Game is a silly – often fun – midseason diversion. That's all.
- Rian Watt digs into the Cubs' proclivity to see pitches from the opposing starting pitcher – turns out they're the best in baseball at that. Given the strength of the bullpens they've faced the most, however, you could debate whether that has been an effective strategy or not. As Michael wrote recently, it's been most effective when the Cubs were facing a true ace-caliber starter that you just wanted out of the game at all costs.
- Eddie Vedder is the headliner for the Hot Stove Cool Music concert put on at the Metro and benefiting Theo Epstein's Foundation to Be Named Later. It's July 9th, but tickets went on sale yesterday for about 0.3 seconds and were gone. I know, because I tried and failed to get a pair for me and The Wife, and I must have taken 0.4 seconds. D'oh.
- I choose to remember this fondly:
This week in #Cubs history 1998: Sammy Sosa sets a major league record for 20 home runs in a single month pic.twitter.com/D6P6svQjkK
— CSN Chicago (@CSNChicago) June 29, 2015


text:
The United Voice of the Hardwood Industry
The Hardwood Federation brings together 28 associations dedicated to promoting and supporting the hardwood industry. We are the voice of the industry in Washington and we are proud to represent you.
For centuries, Americans have been incorporating environmentally friendly hardwoods into their lives. Unique, sustainable, and forever stylish; they're the ultimate in authenticity and luxury. Click image above to learn more about American Hardwoods! Video courtesy of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association.
Washington Watch
The House of Representatives will be in session from Monday 11/18 - Thursday 11/21. Much of the focus this week (outside of the Impeachment circus) will be, again, on passing a budget - but most expectations are that there will be yet another Continuing Resolution. As of Monday 11/18 there are 12 Legislative Days remaining on the House Calendar.


text:
Swap the Gun
In the summer of 1941, when the issue of shipping tanks to the USSR was first explored, the Soviet side scrupulously studied them. Cruiser tanks were rejected outright. Among light tanks, only 20 Tetrarchs were ordered. Mainly, the Valentine and Matilda were chosen. The slow speed was compensated by thick armour for their class and a diesel engine, which was an especially important feature for the Soviet purchasing commission. It is worth mentioning that these sales had nothing to do with the Lend-Lease program. The tank were not rented, but paid for in full, partially with gold.
The first Valentine tanks arrived in the USSR on October 11th, 1941. During their use, many defects were discovered. According to "memorandum on the issue of English Mk-III* tanks" dated November 20th, 1941, track pins broke very easily. Trials showed that the track pins broke due to excessive tightening of the tracks performed by British instructors. In the winter, it was discovered that the tracks had to be equipped with spurs, as the tracks were packed full of compressed snow and ice and lost traction. There were many instances of the tires slipping off the wheels. The tank was poorly protected from incendiary fluid, as there were openings in the turret roof and gun mantlet. The protection of the engine compartment was similarly poor.
The main problem was with armament. British tank doctrine excluded HE-fragmentation shells from the ammo racks of vehicles using 2-pdr guns. According to tank theorists, machineguns were enough to fight off infantry. The gun was meant for fighting tanks. There were also no APHE shells; the gun fired solid AP shot. This fact caused confusion among the Soviets. According to intelligence information, the shells existed, and even a sketch was provided. In reality, no such shells existed. The Valentine also had 50 mm grenade launchers which were only equipped with smoke rounds, even though the British had a 50 mm infantry mortar with HE-fragmentation rounds.
"40 mm APHE-T shell. We did not receive these. The shell's mass is 1038 g."
The shells that, according to intelligence reports, the British had, but did not send.
The ammunition nomenclature was far from the only problem. Tanks that came with the first convoys weren't fully equipped. Bren machineguns and Thompson submachineguns were missing. There were several cases of tanks arriving with no guns. In addition, there were no spare barrels, and only 5-6 loads of ammunition per tank, which was very little. The situation was very grim: as soon as the tank's barrel was damaged or ammunition consumed, it became a tankette.
GABTU considered the installation of the Soviet 45 mm gun as the best option. This work was assigned to Major-General V.G. Grabin's factory #92 in November of 1941. P.F. Muravyev was put in charge of the project. A Valentine II with registration number 27526 was selected for conversion.
A Valentine II with a 45 mm gun, December 1941.
According to the report, only the main gun and BESA machinegun were removed, replaced with the Soviet 45 mm gun and DT machinegun, solving the ammo shortage for both weapons. The 50 mm grenade launchers remained. Factory #92 designed new armour for the front of the turret and gun mantlet, far better than the British originals. The shorter brass catcher and other conversions allowed increasing space inside the turret, which the Valentine didn't have an excess of. The tank's ammunition capacity also grew from 59 2-pdr shells to 91 45 mm shells. The gun was indexed F-95.
The freed up main gun would be sent to repair bases and the machinegun would be given to infantry. The greatest benefit was the use of a domestic gun and sights, removing the dependence on foreign delivery. The sorely lacking HE shell was also introduced into the tank's repertoire.
The same tank, front view. Unlike the stock mantlet, this design could not be jammed by enemy shells.
Trials showed that the re-armed Valentine was no harder to load than the stock variant. The gunner's working conditions also did not suffer. A trial run over a 20 km track did not reveal any defects in the gun or sight. After successful factory trials, the tank was sent to Moscow and presented to members of the government.
45 mm F-95 gun and coaxial DT machinegun.
A proposal to build a batch of these guns was raised even before the trials were completed. However, the very successful program was suddenly shut down by GABTU. One of the reasons for this unpredictable end can be found in a report by GABTU chief, Lieutenant-General Fedorenko, to L.P. Beriya on January 9th, 1942.
"Chief Designer of factory #92, Major-General of the Technical Forces comrade Grabin, installed domestic armament into two English tanks, the Matilda and Valentine.
In the Valentine, our 45 mm gun and the DT machinegun are used instead of the English 40 mm gun and 7.92 mm machinegun. Experimental prototypes were tested at factory #92 in Gorkiy and then sent to Moscow.
Based on personal observations and trials of the materials, I conclude that the re-armament of English tanks should not proceed for the following reasons:
1. Valentine tank. The 45 mm gun has almost identical penetration compared to the 40 mm gun, and it is reasonable to leave the armament in place, saving our guns for domestic vehicles.
In reality, there were several reasons for why the re-armament process was stopped. One of them is cooperation from the British side, which quickly reacted to GABTU's complaints. The archives preserved correspondence between representatives of GABTU and the British military mission in the USSR, headed by General Frank Noel Mason-MacFarlane (referred to as Macfarlan in the letters) in 1941-1942. This correspondence had results. Starting in December of 1941, tanks shipped to the USSR were filled with antifreeze, which drastically reduced the amount of defective engines. Lubricant suitable for use in winter was also introduced. Changes were made to the batteries and oils for recoil mechanisms. Starting in December, the amount of ammunition shipped with each tank increased to 520 rounds.
Another important reason was that there was no one free to re-arm the tanks, and there was nothing to re-arm them with. In the winter of 1941-1942, tank guns were in deficit and repair bases were overloaded with existing work.
New front turret plate.
This doesn't end the story of modified Valentines. Increasing the amount of ammunition that was shipped with the tanks didn't solve the issue of HE shells. In 1942, there was an attempt to combine the propellant and casing with a 40 mm Bofors AA gun shell. Trials were carried out, but the idea didn't reach production.
At about the same time, halfway around the world, the Australians were solving the same problem. They had greater success and mass production began in January of 1943, which were used in Matildas and Valentines until the end of the war. The British only got around to making HE shells for the 2-pounder in 1944.
Light Tanks with Heavy Armour
If the re-armament of the tank was mostly an experimental affair, then the improvement of protection was widespread. The only surviving tank in Russia, displayed at Patriot Park, is one of such vehicles. Additional 30 mm plates are welded to the front of the hull and splash protection plates are placed around the turret.
There is a theory that this is no more than an experiment, but that is not so. For instance, the tank saw combat. It arrived in the USSR on December 12th, 1941, and was included in the 171st Independent Tank Battalion fighting on the Kalinin Front on December 16th. The extra armour and front of the turret have marks from bullet impacts. It's doubtful that the Kubinka proving grounds, where the tank arrived in 1945, would perform such trials. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, a photo exists with several of these tanks with identical front armour and a ring around the turret, dated 1943.
Valentine II with additional armour, registration number T.27543, Patriot Park.
Official GABTU correspondence doesn't have a single line about applique armour. Work on improving the Valentine's protection was done unofficially, most likely within a single unit. The improved armour was directly connected with the introduction of long 75 mm guns in both towed (Pak 40) and mounted (KwK 40/StuK 40) variants in the spring of 1942. For this gun, 60 mm was not much of a challenge, and the Valentine lost one of its main advantages. An extra 30 mm of armour drastically improved the chances of nonpenetration if the shell struck the front of the tank.
Tanks with the same armour as the Valentine II in Kubinka. The photo is labelled as being taken on the Western Front in 1942, but judging by the tankers' shoulderboards, it was taken no earlier than 1943.
As the extra armour was improvised, there was no systematic approach. Each unit performed their upgrade individually. Usually, the applique armour was added to the front plates, and the thickness could vary based on available armour. The ring around the turret, like on the Patriot Park tank, was a rare occurrence. Both early and later models were equipped with additional armour. With this addition, Valentine Mk.IX tanks armed with a 6-pounder (57 mm) gun approached the KV tank in terms of armament and armour. The mass of the armour was relatively small and did not impact the characteristics of the tank.
Valentine with additional armour in Vilnius, 1944. There is no splash guard around the turret ring. Judging by the impact mark, the tank benefited from this extra armour at least once.
The only place where any information about this phenomenon exists is the GABTU Department of Inventions archive. On November 10th, 1942, a letter arrived from technical assistant to the commmander of the 167th Tank Brigade, Engineer-Major A.G. Aranovich. The gist of his proposal can be inferred from the title: "Applique armour for the MK-3"
"Combat experience from the tank brigade on the South-Western, Stalingrad, and Don Fronts shows that the MK-3 needs applique armour in the following places:
- The upper front plate can be penetrated by a 75 mm gun from all distances due to its vertical placement and is too thin. The extra armour should be installed on a slope (see blueprint).
- The lower front plate must also be reinforced, with the extra armour being placed on an angle (see blueprint).
- The weakest place is the turret ring, where the armour is weakened by connections with the side plates and the rotation mechanism. Evacuated tanks from the battlefield show that enemy gunners aim for this point first in order to jam the turret, and always penetrates due to the tank's weakness. It is necessary to protect the turret ring with armour plates and rubber liner so that the trajectory of the shell changes on impact and penetrations are prevented."
Aleksandr Grigoryevich knew what he was talking about. He personally recovered three Valentines and one T-70 from the battlefield. The vehicles were repaired within a day and were sent into battle. For this act, Engineer-Major Aranovich was awarded the Order of the Red Star.
"Sketch of the front part of the Mk-III. Armour thickness: 45 mm"
Applique armour for the front of the Valentine tank, developed by Engineer-Major Aranovich.
This method was the thickest and best designed among all proposed. not only was the resulting armour 105 mm thick, but it was placed at an angle, increasing the effectiveness. The protection of the turret ring is also a well thought out idea. However, GABTU declined the idea, making the brief excuse that it is not desirable to increase the tank's mass.
"Sketch of the Mk-III turret (the turret ring is protected).
Protection of the turret ring from being jammed by shells.
This could be the end, since the materials ended up in the Department of Inventions archive, but in his accompanying memo, Engineer-Major Aranovich says that his unit managed to install this armour on three tanks, perhaps the three tanks that he personally pulled from the battlefield. The memo says that the vehicles went into battle multiple times, and the extra armour was indeed effective.
In the summer of 1943, Engineer-Major Aranovich distinguished himself at Ponyri. For skilled actions during evacuation and repairs of tanks, he received the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class. He finished the war with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.
Spurs for the Valentine
Although less so than the Matilda, the Valentine still suffered from problems with traction. This problem was most prevalent during the winter, which was confirmed by trials of a Valentine II at Kubinka.
"Trials of the tank in winter conditions showed that the shape of the track links does not provide traction with the ground, as a result of which the performance of the tank is insufficient in winter."
The solution was discovered during the trials. Engineers from the attached research institute developed two types of spurs that were produced and tested. The first type involved welding on 35 mm long grousers. The second type was better designed and allowed removal when necessary. It was held in place by the stock track pin. According to results of the trials, both types of spurs were deemed reliable. Seemingly, both were sent into the army.
Two types of spurs developed in the winter of 1942.
Work on spurs did not end here. In November of 1943, a certain Zakharenkov proposed permanent spurs produced from "angled iron made into a wavy shape" and welded onto the track. Having studied the proposal, the proving grounds concluded that it did not make sense to produce this design. It was difficult to produce in the field and the nature of the spurs made them impossible to remove when driving on good quality roads.
In May of 1943, a group at the proving grounds research institute consisting of Technician-Lieutenant A.S. Lobakov, Engineer-Major A.M. Zenin and Engineer-Captain I.A. Kondrashev designed an improved type of removable spurs. The biggest change was in the shape of the grouser, which made driving on snow easier. Trials showed that this design radically improved performance on snow.
Improved spurs for the Valentine.
According to the instructions developed by the proving grounds research institute, each track had 8 spurs (with 12-13 track links between them). These spurs were produced in repair workshops. For the development of a well designed and simple spur, Marshall Fedorenko declared his gratitude and awarded 1000 roubles to each member of the group. A patent was filed on March 5th, 1944.
For Production
In conclusion, let me tell you about another vehicle that was far from unique. Sadly, aside from mentions in text, no information is available.
In the summer of 1944, repair factory #12 in Baku, mostly tasked with repairs of British and American vehicles, was moved to Saratov. In addition to foreign tanks, 12 (later 10) T-26 tanks and one BA-10 armoured car were present at the factory in the summer of 1944. Two T-26es were converted to tractors to be used at the factory.
This report is the first mention of a Valentine tractor.
Another item interests us. This report of vehicles present in August of 1944 lists a tractor on the MK-III chassis. The report states that it was used by the factory. There were no mentions of any more such conversions at factory #12, but factory #82 (Moscow) mentions the construction of two tractors on the chassis of British tanks in April of 1945. 11 more vehicles were made in June and 14 in July. According to the reports, there were enough tanks to make 5 more tractors. There is also information on conversion of Valentines into tractors after the war. Abroad, the conversions of Valentine tanks into turretless training vehicles or even mobile water tanks were rather common.


text:
I found a company that sells an amazingly comfortable and ergonomic recliner chair and I get great sleep in it. Unfortunately, it is quite expensive. If you have severe sleep apnea, you know that getting just one good night of sleep is a dream come true. So, if you can afford it, do it. It feels great. When you use it, don't recline all the way back because you may still experience sleep apnea in that position.
However, I think that you can overcome Snoring and Sleep Apnea by reading my free eBook (http://wp.me/P5950Y-d).
image: humantouch.com


text:
Seit 10/2015
PhD Candidate at Institute of Meteorology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
09/2012 - 06/2015
Master of Engineering in Landscape Architecture at College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
Topic/Thema: Survey and Evaluation of the Correlation between Spatial Morphology and Microclimate Factors in Shanghai Urban Waterfront Space.
11/2013 – 03/2015
Research Assistance at Laboratory of Local Climate Adaptation in Urban Livable Environment & Laboratory of Landscape Architecture response to Climate Change, Tongji Univerity, Shanghai, taking part in Key project in National Nature Science Foundation (NNSF) -- Research on Design Theory and Method of Landscape Architecture Response to Local Climate Adaptation in Urban Livable Environment
09/2008 – 07/2012
Bachelor of Engineering in Landscape Architecture (Major) & Bachelor of Arts in English (Minor) at Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan,Shandong
Zhang H, Zhang D. Research status and prospect of Landscape Architecture micro-climate of urban waterfront. Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture Annual Session Proceedings.Shenyang.2014.494-500.
Zhang H, Wang Z, Zhang D. Small Town Landscape Planning Method Under the New-type Urbanization Strategy –Case Study on Landscape Strategic Planning of Yinan, Shandong. Proceedings in the 14th Landscape Architecture Symposium of China, Japan, and Korea. Chengdu2014.
Liu M, Zhang D, Zhang H. Resilience of Ecosystem Services for Greenway Planning: A Case Study on Greenway Planning in Manqiao Town, Zibo City. Proceedings in the 14th Landscape Architecture Symposium of China,Japan and Korea. Chengdu. 2014.
Zhang H, Zhang D. Planning and Design Method of the Healing Garden: Case Study on Yuelu Healing Garden in Mountain Jindou, Tai'an. Journal of Chinese Urban Forestry. 2014.12(5).47-51.
Zhang D, Zhang H, Liu M, Liu Z. Exploration of the Innovation Mode in Botanical Garden Planning. Proceedings in the 5th Yangtze River Delta Botany Symposium.Nanjing2014
Zhang H, Zhang D. Landscape Planning and Design of Yuelu Healing Garden in Tai'an, Shandong. Journal of Shandong Jianzhu University.2014.29(5).483-490
Zhang D, Wang Z, Zhang H, Xue K. Application of APG III System in Botanical Garden Planning,Chinese Landscape Architecture.2013.29(5).52-55
Zhang H. Narrative Characteristics of Plant landscape in Chinese Classic Garden.Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture AnnualSession.Beijing2013.1041-1045
Zhang D, Zhang H, Han Y. Outstanding Universe Values of Famous Springs in Jinan China[J].Modern Landscape Architecture. 2014.12.
Conference Presentation
Zhang H, Research on Landscape Plant Species Selection Based on Environmental Psychology. 46th EDRA (Environment Design Research Association) Annual Conference.Los Angeles,USA. 2015.06


text:
Amazon Music Arrives on Select Onkyo Components, Bringing a World of Music, Playlists, Radio, and More to Your Living SpacePress Release dated: 11 Oct 2018
Onkyo, the world leader in home entertainment innovation, announces a firmware update available for download today (October 11) which activates Amazon Music on select stereo receivers, network audio players, mini-system receivers, soundbars, and lifestyle audio products.
Onkyo customers can now enjoy native support for Amazon Music with a Prime Music or Amazon Music Unlimited account. Prime Music is an on-demand music streaming service available free of charge for Amazon Prime subscribers and features a library of about two million tracks. Amazon Music Unlimited, meanwhile, offers a discounted monthly subscription to Amazon Prime members and boasts tens of millions of songs.
Prime Music and Amazon Music Unlimited also feature thousands of professionally curated playlists and personalized music stations. Content from both services is served ad-free with unlimited plays, and new albums are typically added to the Amazon Music Unlimited catalog on the day they're released in the Digital Music Store. Enthusiasts can now enjoy a wealth of content through their Onkyo component with richly immersive sound quality.
Amazon Music is accessed, and playback managed, via the free Onkyo Controller app for iPhone, iPad, and Android™ devices, or via remote controller and front-panel display on selected products.
Music streaming to the Onkyo component can also be wirelessly shared between components around the home via multi-room network technologies (where available), including Onkyo's proprietary FlareConnect™ multi-room platform, at the same time.
The firmware rollout will enable Amazon Music on the following Onkyo products:
- TX-8270, TX-8250, and TX-L20D Network Stereo Receivers
(update of TX-L20D will follow)
- NS-6170 and NS-6130 Network Audio Players
- LS7200 3D Soundbar Systems
- CR-N775, CS-N575, and CS-N575D Network CD Receivers
- R-N855 Network Stereo Receiver
- NCP-302 Wireless Audio System
For further information on Amazon Music, please visit music.amazon.com. For firmware installation support, visit www.eu.onkyo.com.
Note: Please check mobile device compatibility before downloading and installing Onkyo Controller at your device's app store.
Amazon, Amazon Music, Prime Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Android and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC. iPhone, iPad, and Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Onkyo Controller is a trademark of Onkyo Corporation. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Onkyo & Pioneer Corporation is pleased to announce that selected A/V receivers from Onkyo's 2019 range have received… morePress Release dated: 18 Sep 2019
TOKYO, JAPAN. September 3, 2019 — Onkyo & Pioneer Corporation, a driving force behind global home-entertainment and… morePress Release dated: 3 Sep 2019
TOKYO, JAPAN. September 3, 2019 — Onkyo & Pioneer Corporation today unveils its much-anticipated 11.2-channel flagship… morePress Release dated: 3 Sep 2019
TOKYO, JAPAN. August 1, 2019 — Onkyo & Pioneer Corporation is pleased to release a firmware update today that… morePress Release dated: 1 Aug 2019
Dear Valued Customer, We regret to inform you that we will terminate Gracenote music recognition service from the ONKYO… morePress Release dated: 2 Jul 2019


text:
Woolworths Car Insurance
Need cover for your wheels? Woolworths car insurance could have the cover you need.
Woolworths don't just keep your fridge and pantry stocked - thousands of people also go to it for car, home, life, travel, and pet insurance.
Read on to learn about your policy options.
We don't currently have this brand on our panel. But don't fret! You can head to the Woolworths car insurance website or compare a bunch of other car insurance companies with finder.
What are the different cover types?
Comprehensive Cover
This Woolworths car insurance covers the entire vehicle. This car insurance offers cover for fire, theft, damage due to weather, accidental damage and malicious damage. The benefits included are:
- Cover for child safety seats and pram if they are damaged during a car accident
- 24-hour helpline for assistance on emergency claims
- New for old replacement for the car if you are the registered car owner
- Towing costs to get the car towed to a safe place
- In the event the car's keys are stolen, the insurance pays up to $1,000 to help pay for the replacement key and get the car lock changed
- If there is a trailer and caravan attached to the car and they get damaged during an accident, the damage will be covered up to $1,000
- The insurance offers cover for valuables and personal property damaged during the car accident
- If the car owner is over 200 km from home and due to some fault the car cannot be driven, the insurance covers the cost of emergency travel and accommodation
Third Party Property Damage with Fire and Theft Cover
This policy can cover you with the all-important third party property damage liability insurance, as well as offering:
- Cover for accidental loss or damage to your car from theft, attempted theft, malicious damage and fire
- A repair guarantee on specially selected Woolworths repairers
- Up to $500 for replacement of child safety seats, baby capsules and prams damaged in a claimable event
- Lock and key replacement in the event of your keys being stolen
- Coverage for valuables in your car that were damaged in an accident
- Repair costs for trailer or caravan attached to your car and damaged in an accident
- Protection against damage to your car when it's being transported
This cover type is priced between third party property damage and comprehensive, and offers a balance of cost and cover.
Third Party Property Damage Cover
Third Party Property Damage Cover from Woolworths covers damage to other vehicles and also offers legal liability cover to the driver, as long as he or she is driving the car with the owner's permission. You can find cover for:
- Legal liability cover that pays compensation for any damage or loss caused to another person's property because of the accident. Here the car owner should be at fault
- The insurance includes Uninsured Motorist Extension benefit that covers any damage to the car if the accident is caused by an uninsured driver. The damage is covered to the sum of $3,000.
- Car owners also have the option of choosing the excess they pay when they take out the policy
How do policy features compare?
|Third Party Property, Fire & Theft
|Third Party Damage
|Theft or attempted theft
|Malicious damage
|Natural events
|Damage to other people's property
|New for old replacement
|Hire car after theft
|Trailer and caravan cover
|Essential repairs
|Transit cover
|Personal property
|Child safety seats and prams
|Emergency travel and accommodation costs
|Locks and keys
|Towing costs
|Uninsured motorist extension benefit
|Substitute car
|Excess free windscreen cover
|Hire car cover
|Roadside Assistance
What benefits does Woolworths car insurance offer?
The following are built-in benefits that are covered if a car owner buys Comprehensive Car Insurance. Woolworths will pay for these benefits.
- New for old replacement. If the car is declared a total loss within 24 months of the registration, Woolworths has the option of replacing the old car with a new one. This replacement would be the same or similar make and model.In the event that Woolworths does replace the car, the claim is settled as per the market value of the car.
- Towing. The insurance pays for towing of the damaged car to the closest safe or secure place.
- Trailer and caravan cover. Woolworths pays up to $1,000 for loss or damage to a caravan or trailer that is attached to the car at the time of the accident. The trailer or caravan will not be covered if they are insured with another insurance provider.
- Essential repairs. The insurance pays up to $500 for essential repairs that may ensue after an accident. These repairs should be made to make the car roadworthy and safe.
- Personal property. Personal property to the sum of $500 damaged in the accident is covered by the insurance policy. Items that are exempt from cover include mobile phones, iPads, gaming consoles, cameras, musical instruments, laptops, tools, equipment, cheques, cash and documents and property inside the caravan or trailer.
- Child safety seats and prams. If child seats, prams and baby capsules are damaged during an accident, a benefit of up to $500 will be paid.
- Emergency travel and accommodation costs. If the car cannot be driven and the car owner is 200 km from home, the insurance will pay up to $500 for travel or emergency accommodation costs.
- Locks and keys. If the car keys are stolen, Woolworths will pay up to $1,000 to replace the keys and/or replace the locks. This amount is payable only if the car owner reports the theft to the police and the person who has stolen the keys is not a family member or someone who lives with the car owner.
- Transit cover. Woolworths car insurance pays for any loss or damage the car sustains while it is being transported, loaded or unloaded within Australia. This transportation can be by rail, ship, air or road.
- Uninsured motorist extension benefit. Should a car owner have Third Party Property Damage insurance and the car is involved in an accident, which is caused by a motorist who does not have insurance, the insurance will pay up to $3,000 towards repair of the damage and towing costs. There are certain criteria that the car owner must fulfil in order to avail this benefit.
- Substitute car benefit. If the car cannot be driven and the car owner has an accident while driving an uninsured but registered substitute car, Woolworths car insurance will offer Third Party Property Damage cover for the substitute car while the car owner's car is being repaired.
What does Woolworths roadside assistance offer?
You can add roadside assistance to any of the policy types, so you know exactly who to call in the event of a breakdown.
It can help out with:
- Minor repairs: Woolworths will organise minor breakdown repairs to be carries where possible.
- Flat batteries: Woolworths roadside assistance will offer a jump start, or coordinate a replacement battery to be delivered to you. The cost of the battery itself isn't covered, but you can get it delivered to and installed in your car.
- Emergency fuel: If you run out of fuel, Woolworths can arrange the delivery of enough to reach your destination, up to a certain limit, or towing to a petrol station.
- Flat tyres: Get a flat, and Woolworths can send someone to either change it for your spare, or to transport the car to a tyre outlet.
- Lost or locked keys: Woolworths roadside assistance contributes up to $50 to locksmith costs if you lock your keys inside the car, or for the delivery of a spare key.
- Towing: If you're stuck, Woolworths roadside assistance can cover the cost of towing up to 100km.
Note that some of the usual car insurance terms and conditions apply to the roadside assistance as well. For example, you won't be able to call it out if your car is damaged because you were drag racing on a public road.
What optional extras are there?
- Roadside assistance. Help just a phone call away, 24 hours a day.
- Excess-free windscreen cover. Woolworths will pay the cost of replacing or repairing the front windscreen of your car if it is accidentally broken or damaged.
- Hire car. If your claim is accepted, Woolies will organise a hire car for you.
What makes Woolworths different?
There are a number of different reasons to consider taking out Woolworths Car Insurance;
- Drive Less Pay Less. The Drive Less Pay Less option might be good for people who drive less than the average for their age and postcode. This option provides excellent savings as drivers are able to nominate an annual number of kilometres that they will drive each year and increase this amount if necessary.
- Price beat. If you find a good deal somewhere else, Woolies might be willing to match it.
- Online Application Savings. Keen to save even more on your car cover? Woolworths occasionally offers discounts on new car insurance policies purchased online.
- Product Range. The company offers comprehensive car insurance that ensures a wide range of cover, including fire, theft and accidental damage. Comprehensive cover comes with a range of additional policy options including new for old of car cover for up to 24 months if you are the first registered owner. Woolworths Third Party Property Insurance provides cover for damage caused to another person's vehicle and will provide cover for any person that is driving the car with your permission.
Is Woolworths car insurance right for me?
- With an innovative underwriter, Woolworths may offer creative deals – like price matching comprehensive car insurance – that you might have difficulty finding elsewhere.
- A full spectrum of policies from basic to comprehensive means most drivers can find the cover they need with Woolworths.
- Woolworths' 24/7 claims team is based in Australia so you can find the right assistance in the event of a claim.
- You can take advantage of Drive Less Pay Less cover for the security of comprehensive car insurance even when you don't drive all that much. If you drive less than the average Australian you may be eligible for a discount.
- A variety of optional extras and flexible cover features mean you are able to tailor Woolworths car insurance policies to more closely meet your needs.
- The Price Beat offer is not available to drivers under the age of 25.
- You have to make the switch within a month, either before or after, of your current car insurance renewal date if you want to take advantage of the Price Beat offer.
- You can't get covered for motor sports, professional driving, driving outside Australia or if you use your vehicle to move industrial quantities of contaminants or dangerous materials.
- Even comprehensive car insurance will not cover you against rust, wear and tear, depreciation or faulty repair jobs that Woolworths has not consented to.
How do I apply for Woolworths car insurance?
- Compare the cover options available and find one that's right for your needs.
- To get the Price Beat offer, you need to have comparable comprehensive car insurance from a different provider, must make the switch within a month of your policy renewal date and need to sign up online.
- Put in your Woolworths Rewards membership details if applicable to maximise your benefits.
Once you've found your intended policy and made sure you know the relevant terms and conditions, simply get a quote online. To receive a quote you will need:
- A policy start-date in mind. If you want to make the switch right away select today's date in the box provided
- Driver's licence and vehicle registration information
- Car usage info to see if you can get the Drive Less Pay Less benefit and so Woolworths can adjust your policy to suit
- Information on your car's make and model
- Relevant personal information such as name and address
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a claim?
To make a car insurance claim, call Woolworths' 24/7 claims team on 1300 10 1234. They'll take the relevant details and give you a claim number and your next steps.
Ask an Expert


text:
Thursday, November 20 - 6:30-7:30 - School
Ready to learn more about Our Lady of Peace's Early Learning Program?
Please visit our school on Thursday, November 20 from 6:30-7:30pm. Meet the staff and hear what makes Our Lady of Peace so great! There will be a short presentation on the Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten curriculum, including OLP's new STEM program. Talk to current and past early learning families and discover how our students are building a foundation for life.
Call the school office for more information or to schedule a daytime tour.
Come to our Open House to learn more!
For anyone not understanding what STEM education is . click this link
"The Future is Now" is an article written about how OLP STEM education. OLP offers this education in all grades from Preschool, Prekindergarten through Grade 8. To read this article click the link in the right column.
"My daughter learned something new every day in Pre-K at OLP. She was always eager to report at the dinner table why bears hibernate or the history of St. Nicholas' Day. She has a late summer birthday and before she started at OLP I was questioning if she should go to Kindergarten the next fall, she was definitely ready!" ~ Deanna Boss, OLP parent of 2nd & 3rd grader


text:
Most fabric and swatch orders are processed within 3-5 business days. Orders can be shipped anywhere in the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. We are unable to ship to P.O. boxes and APO/FPO addresses. Items shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico require additional shipping charges; see below for applicable charges. Multiple items on an order may not ship together.
Shipping for Fabric Swatches
Swatches are shipped ground via US Postal Service within 3-5 business days. Small swatches (5"x5") are FREE; we charge a $7.95 S&H fee as follows: 1-4 swatches: $7.95 S&H fee and an additional $7.95 S&H fee for every group of four additional swatches thereafter. If you require expedited shipping for swatches, contact Customer Service at 1.800.213.6366 Monday through Friday 9 am - 5 pm EST. See below for applicable charges. Multiple items on an order may not ship together.
Shipping for Fabric
Yardage is shipped on a roll via UPS ground within 3-5 business days. For faster delivery, we offer 2nd Business Day and Next Business Day shipping options. See below for rush charges, which are in addition to the standard shipping charges. Orders larger than 25 yards may not be continuous yardage. Color representation varies by computer monitor; we recommend ordering a swatch prior to purchase.
Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico
Standard shipping charges noted below plus an additional $25.00 will apply for all fabric yardage shipped to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Standard shipping charges apply for swatches. Additional freight charges apply to furniture orders.
Order Total
Up to $30.00
$250.01 & over
STANDARD Shipping
Shipping Cost
RUSH CHARGES: These charges are in addition to the standard shipping fees.
2nd Business Day Shipping – additional $20.00
Next Business Day Shipping – additional $50.00
*NOTE: Rush orders are shipped the next business day. Please add one business day to your rush shipping choice for processing.
Shipping for Furniture
All furniture is shipped via our "Peace Of Mind" Delivery Service and should arrive within 8-10 weeks of receipt of fabric at the factory (production time is contingent upon fabric and frame availability). Several days prior to delivery, our carrier will call or email you to schedule a delivery appointment. Deliveries are typically made Monday through Friday, 8 am – 6 pm with a 4-hour window. Someone must be present to accept the delivery. A two-person delivery team delivers your furniture. It will be unpacked for your inspection and placed in the room of your choice. All packing materials will be removed from your home. You, or an adult 18 or older, must be present during the delivery. You should fully inspect the furniture at the time of delivery and note any concerns on the delivery company's paperwork before signing for the item. At this time, Calico only delivers within the contiguous 48 states. Additional charges apply when shipping to remote areas. Please contact Customer Service at 1.800.213.6366 Monday through Fri 9 am – 5 pm EST for inquiries or to report a delivery issue.


text:
October 15, 2019
If you're starting a second business, then you know everything that's involved with a business launch. However, there are a few business basics that every entrepreneur should revisit before diving into another enterprise. Consider these business basics and then put them into a well-thought-out business plan:
There are other aspects of a business plan that should be considered as well, such as your organizational structure, revenue drivers and staffing needs. So, if you have any questions, please reach out to our firm. We are here to advise you.
Hosting a holiday party for your staff is one of the best ways to show them you care—while also creating some meaningful, team-driven memories. Follow our tips below for hosting a memorable soiree that doesn't push your stress or your budget past your limit.
If you have retirement on your mind, the big question is this: Are you in a financial position to do so? While nothing replaces the advice of a seasoned advisor, you can take your first step to answering this question by applying a simple 5-step calculation.
If you're not a fan of Black Friday chaos—you know…the crowds, the rush, the relentless search for a parking space—then ditch the onsite shopping this year while still enjoying the sweet deals.


text:
Grey Skinny Jeans - 20Ltuc134918669
Check stock
Tell us where you are to check stock:
Delivery & Returns
Next day collection
- Order before 2pm
Home delivery
- 1 to 2 days
Free returns to store
30 days
Design details
Our grey skinny jeans are a perfect must-have for your wardrobe. With a flattering skinny fit and added stretch they are the ideal choice for style and comfort. Make this your next addition to your denim essentials.
- Skinny fit
- Button & zip fastening
- Front & back pockets
- 5 Pockets
- Model wears a size 10R
- Model's height is 5'8"
- 72% Cotton, 23% Polyester, 3% Viscose, 2% Lycra
- Machine washable
The small print
*Prices correct as displayed but are subject to change.
The customer and brand answers you'll see above are submitted independently. As we don't review these answers, we can't take responsibility for anything they may say. The responses from Argos colleagues are accurate at the time of publishing. For the latest info, you should check the product page.


text:
Hi! I'm Eleanor. I'm on an exchange here at Aberystwyth University for two semesters. I'm from Canada; my home university is Dalhousie University, in Halifax. Dalhousie University is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. It has over 18 000 students, although they're spread over several campuses, so it doesn't feel that big. It's well-regarded for… Continue reading My Exchange to Aber
Tag: Exchange
Hello again! We have now officially been a resident of Svalbard for over a month.
Hello again! We have now officially been a resident of Svalbard for over a month. After 4 weeks of meeting all our new classmates and getting back into the swing of lectures again, we're really starting to feel at home. We have learnt a few valuable things this past month; we tested out the worlds… Continue reading Hello again! We have now officially been a resident of Svalbard for over a month.
When you become a Strasbourgeois for a whole year…
I could write a whole book about my Year Abroad in Strasbourg, France and tell everyone everything, including every single detail, about how wonderfully I spent my time there, but nothing will be better than going abroad yourself and experiencing that time on your own! In your personal, extraordinary way. After my experience in Strasbourg,… Continue reading When you become a Strasbourgeois for a whole year…
So, there you are.
So, there you are. The year abroad is upon you. Your documents are signed, bags packed and all that's left is to board the plane and jet off to your new home. Admit it, you're sitting at the airport watching the flights jump up and down on the departures board wondering why you decided to… Continue reading So, there you are.
Life on top of the world
Hi there! Thank you for visiting our blog. Let us introduce ourselves, we are Hannah and Ebony and we're about to embark on an adventure to the top of the world, 78 degrees North! Svalbard is the land of the polar bear, aptly nicknamed 'polar bear alley', where their numbers outweigh the human population. At… Continue reading Life on top of the world
Norway…..First Impression
The realization that I was about to embark on an adventure abroad did not hit me until it was 6 am in the morning and I was standing in Birmingham, caffeine and sleep-deprived, on the day of my flight. Being an international student in Aber, I was already 'abroad' and now I was going to… Continue reading Norway…..First Impression
Sunny Spain – My Year Abroad
First things first, if you ever get the chance to travel as part of your degree – go for it! I believe that every student should have the chance to experience a different culture, a different language, new friends and more importantly new food. During my year abroad, I had the chance to work as… Continue reading Sunny Spain – My Year Abroad


text:
Tree Preservation since 1981
Tree Specialists, Inc. is an accredited tree care company located in MetroWest Boston. We take great pride in our 30 year history of helping people manage and improve their properties. Our approach is a combination of art and science, and we strive to balance the two by applying the latest, industry-approved arboricultural practices. Our certified arborists work with both residential and commercial property owners and professionals, in a wide variety of landscape settings, with one goal in mind — to preserve and enhance the unique contribution that healthy trees make to the environment.
Our services include:
Contact us to arrange for a free consultation visit for your most valuable landscape asset – TREES!
Servicing MetroWest and surrounding communities, including:
Ashland • Brookline • Cambridge • Concord • Dedham • Dover • Framingham • Holliston • Hopkinton • Lexington • Lincoln
Medfield • Medway • Millis • Milton • Needham • Newton • Sherborn • Southborough • Sudbury • Upton
Waltham • Wayland • Wellesley • Weston • Westwood
Copyright © 2019 Tree Specialists Inc. | 140 Washington Street | Holliston MA 01746 | T 508.429.8733 | F 508.429.7991
Web site design by igraphyx • WordPress Web Site by Web Image Designs


text:
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Lego wagons
8 comments:
- Eli Arndt said...
I think the newests sets have humans and orcs, including a huge troll. Also, if you want some elementals, check their whole mining series.
- May 15, 2010 at 5:59 PM
- Brutorz Bill said...
Lego coolness, I've still got some of my pieces from the Yellow Castle set I had as a kid.
I wish I had picked up the Vikings, Dwarves and "Orcs" that were released a few years ago.
- May 15, 2010 at 7:29 PM
- Andrew said...
Woa, the Yellow Castle? That is super old. Somewhere on the web I saw a video of some guys that recreated the Yellow Castle at 110% size. They made each big piece with a grouping of little Lego blocks. The final castle was big enough to crawl inside.
Are the orc/troll sets still around? I went to a couple toy stores last week, and all I saw were Atlantis sets, Star Wars, etc.
- May 15, 2010 at 8:16 PM
- Eli Arndt said...
Try the websides for the big stores like Walmart, Toys R Us, Target etc. A lot of times they have rotated their shelf stock but still have access to the older sets.
- May 15, 2010 at 8:18 PM
- Cay Reet said...
I still have some Lego parts around as well, though I only had a handfull of the knight-sets. I think I had (still have, somewhere) the first castle, the blacksmith and a wagon.
- May 18, 2010 at 1:54 AM
- Snickering Corpses said...
The King's Castle, if that's the original one, is worth a good bit these days, especially if you still had the original box. I still have my old Lego sets, though like yours the parts are scattered all through other things. For medievals, I had the siege tower set, plus a few stray figures from yard sales. Most of mine were the space sets.
I went through one phase where I used to build Civil War ships out of the Lego bricks. There were never enough of the rotating bricks for the turrets, though.
Did you ever have the old "Lego Wars" skirmish rules that were written for wargaming with minifigs?
- May 18, 2010 at 3:50 PM
- Andrew said...
I do have the box and instructions, but the pieces are scattered. I don't have the Lego Skirmish rules, but I am aware of them.
When I was a kid my grandmother bought some yard sale Legos. They must have been really old because the minifigs had no face painted on, and their legs didn't move.
- May 18, 2010 at 7:27 PM
- Cay Reet said...
Just a little update on the castles: In Germany, "Lego Kingdoms" is still sold, that means castles and some fantasy creatures. The line is still running and advertised over here, even with new sets.
- June 11, 2010 at 6:47 AM