text:
A [b][url=http://www.mowi2.com]outlet[/url][/b] safe countryside Just go back from a 12 day tour of jordan.What really was striking was [b][url=http://www.mowi2.com/nike-running-lunar-shoes.html]mowi2 Nike Running Shoes[/url][/b] that jordan is a very peaceful country and the people are extremely polite and renowned for their hospitality.Nothing that is happening in its neighborhood be it iraq, syria or egypt has stricken the peace in jordan.There were not many tourists though maybe it was as a result of hot weather or perhaps by the widespread perecption that middle east is not safe.While it suited me perfectly well that there wasn a lot of tourists and i had most of the holidaymaker destinations virtually for myself, i also felt that jordan merits better.Jordan has a lot to offer and should be a tourist destination on its own not to be clubbed with a tour of egypt or israel. Priya 16 days is lots of time, you've got a fab trip and won be rushed at all.The main highlights i'd would be petra, wadi rum(I spent a night and afternoon there but sometimes do more.Was still the required time to be wowed by it though), Useless Sea(Take pleasure in, have [b][url=http://www.mowi2.com/nike-free-run/womens-nike-free-3-0-v4.html]Nike Free Run 3.0[/url][/b] a rest, drift! ), Aqaba(Red sea beach resort), Amman, Madaba and another sights between:Desert forts, install nebo, kings freeway and little petra.There also jerash and dana nature reserve which i haven been to but often hear they wonderful.
[li]Related Links:[/li][li][url=http://network-marketing.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pandora-bracelets-canada-vulnerable-department-stores]http://network-marketing.ning.com/profiles/blogs/pandora-bracelets-canada-vulnerable-department-stores[/url][/li][li][url=http://maternitydresses.meopost.com/2014/03/20/party-dresses-uk-without-violence-part-plea-agreement-prosecutors/]http://maternitydresses.meopost.com/2014/03/20/party-dresses-uk-without-violence-part-plea-agreement-prosecutors/[/url][/li][li][url=http://newmediavault.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cheap-pandora-beads-pen-name-of-jack-knutsonaxon-jaxon-was-the]http://newmediavault.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cheap-pandora-beads-pen-name-of-jack-knutsonaxon-jaxon-was-the[/url][/li][/ul]


text:
Job Information
St Josephs Healthcare System Certified Nursing Assistant (CEDAR GROVE LOCATION - Part Time 3:00pm-11:30pm) in Cedar Grove, New Jersey
St. Joseph's Healthcare System is recognized for the expertise and compassion of its highly skilled and responsive staff. The combined efforts of the organization's outstanding physicians, superb nurses, and dedicated clinical and professional staff have made us one of the most highly respected healthcare organizations in the state, the largest employer in Passaic County, and one of the nation's "100 Best Places to Work in Health Care".
Job Overview
Under the direction of the RN/LPN assists with basic nursing care and activities of daily living on the nursing unit and within the facility. Documents in all logs accurately and timely. Responsible for assisting in maintaining or improving the quality of life for all residents.
Makes rounds and communicates with off-going and on-coming shift to assure that each resident is safe and comfortable at the change of shift. Accountability Rounds form is signed by off-going and on-coming certified nursing assistant. Completes assignments in a timely manner. Prioritizes work based on resident needs. Promotes residents abilities rather than disabilities. Ensure all residents within the facility have legible ID bands in place, and those residents at risk for falls, have appropriate bands. Ensure those residents at risk for falls, have all fall prevention items in place. Assists residents with meals and snacks; assists with feeding and reports food and fluid intake to RN?LPN. Also, reports Bowel and Bladder pattern to RN/LPN. Assists RN/LPN in implementing the residents care. Contributes information on a day to day basis regarding resident status. Maintains confidentiality. Treats residents with respect, reports all resident concerns, accidents and incidents to nurse/manager/supervisor. Ensures abuse/injury reporting in timely manner. Documents ADLs, and in all assigned logs, accurately and timely. Answers residents call light within 2 minutes, responding to residents need or providing appropriate assistance. Maintains necessary and required in-service hours in keeping with regulations. Accompany residents to outside appointments as necessary. Meets all required competencies for department, unit and/or hospital. Responsible for performing all other duties as assigned. Special Projects
High School diploma or equivalent preferred and one to two years of previous work related experience. Certification by the State of New Jersey as a Certified Nursing Assistant required. Minimum of one year experience in a long-term care setting preferred.
Requisition ID: 2019-15033
Shift: Evening
Shift Hours AM/PM: 3:00PM-11:30PM
External Company Name: St. Joseph?s Health
External Company URL: www.StJosephsHealth.org
Street: 315 E Lindsley Rd

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Fisker Karma, Justin Bieber's chrome car
Justin Beiber is so popular that he has sold millions of records worldwide. This is good news for the car maker of the car that he is driving. Unfortunately his fans are just teenagers and are not really interested in a luxurious hybrid sedan. The pop star received the Fisker luxury car for his 18th birthday coming from Ellen de Generes. Justin was not content with the good looks and eco friendly icon that the car projects, so he had some changes made like wrapping it with chrome vinyl. This was done by West Coast Customs. Aside from the chrome wrap, other obvious changes include dark tint windows, 22 inch wheels and LED lights under its chassis. Auto fans couldn't help but react to the celebrity car. He turned the supercar into a big mirror by putting excessive chrome. It is not just a few accents but the entire car.
He coated it top to bottom with shiny chrome. As a result the car is reflecting the sun which is blinding to the eyes. Good thing is there are now laws regarding fully chromed lights. Now let us go beyond the chrome and look into the car coming from Fisker Karma. After three years and several millions, the company rolled in a hybrid sedan. The styling was done by Henrik Fisher who inherited his father's love for sixties American cars. Prior to designing the Karma he put the design studies into practice by conceptualizing BMW Z8 and Aston Martin D89.
Under the hood of the Karma is a good foundation with a four cylinder engine that can produce 260 hp. Next to it is a lithium ion battery pack that offers 402 hp. It also has a propulsion system, 22 inch cast aluminum wheels, aluminum suspension and Brembo brakes. All are supported by aluminum space frame. The Karma is finished with a sun roof, deck lid and plastic bumpers. We all wonder why the pop sensation has to change everything.
The Karma is comparable to Nissan Leaf but with more power. The driver seat is elegantly tailored. You can engage the car in stealth mode. The car can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.9 seconds. The overall curb weight is 4000 pounds. It has a low rpm torque which would mean greater mileage. This is the aspect which the car excels in. Handling is another subject that Karma is confident in. The steering is very responsive. There is also minimal body roll so the ride is very comfortable. The brakes are well calibrated to convert momentum. The car is big enough to accommodate four grownups. It has a touch screen entertainment system for audio and visual purpose. Overall the car has fine detailing and customizes touches. Certainly this luxurious machine is beautiful – chrome or without chrome.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.


text:
1. Re: Conditional SumNick Merritt Nov 9, 2016 12:47 PM (in response to John Quintana)
Hi, John. I think the answer in your case is pretty straightforward. To be clear, if Boston selected, you want the combined total for Boston, Providence and Springfield- but otherwise, what? In other words, what if Boston is not selected, what if the selection is Providence, or some other city? Thanks for advising.
2. Re: Conditional SumNick Merritt Nov 9, 2016 1:16 PM (in response to John Quintana)
John - Assuming that if Boston is not selected then you just want the metric values for any/ all cities in your data.
If that's true, then the attached should give you one approach to solve for your use case with a parameter.
An alternate approach could be to use grouping on your [City] dimension, although that will make it impossible to individually select Providence or Springfield
3. Re: Conditional SumJohn Quintana Nov 9, 2016 3:59 PM (in response to Nick Merritt)
Hi Nick,
To answer your question, there are several cities and I just need the total for those 3 cities to display when Boston is selected, if Dallas for example is selected then I need the total sales for Dallas.
I received an error when trying to open that workbook. Not sure what happened.
Thank you!
4. Re: Conditional SumJohn Quintana Nov 9, 2016 4:02 PM (in response to John Quintana)
I tried to group the markets field to have Boston, Providence, and Springfield all together and Renamed the group to Boston. After I did that I cleared all parameters and then re-added from the Market filed in hopes that it would pick up the grouping, but with no luck.
Is there a way to group parameters? Also, I have a filer set to true for Parameter=Market


text:
San Francisco, CA. – Ultra Capital, an investment leader focused on scaling institutional investing into small and mid-sized sustainable infrastructure and real asset projects in agriculture, energy, water, and waste, is pleased to announce the acquisition of EverVest, a Boston-based technology firm providing advanced software for analyzing and valuing renewable infrastructure projects.
With this acquisition, Ultra Capital adds Teasha Feldman-Fitzthum, Jake Mower, Mike Reynolds and Michael Bernstein to its growing team of professionals. "The EverVest team is a perfect fit for our vision at Ultra Capital and will accelerate our growth and capabilities to deliver world-class investments", notes Roland Van der Meer, Co-CIO of Ultra Capital, "Both firms share a common passion and vision to deploy capital into sustainable real asset projects."
The acquisition enhances Ultra Capital's project finance capabilities and will be an integral part of the firm's investment platform, enabling comprehensive risk analysis, investment decisions, and active asset management to optimize outcomes.
"We are excited to add enhanced analytical capabilities to complement our deep domain and project finance experience," adds Van der Meer. "EverVest's robust technology complements our existing strengths, combining state of the art analytics with decades of investing experience by our team and is a natural extension of our current product offerings within these real asset sectors."
About Ultra Capital
Ultra Capital builds and manages portfolios of small to mid-size sustainable real asset projects in agriculture, energy, water and waste. The firm provides institutional investors with diversified portfolios of yield oriented real assets; and project developers with capital and project finance expertise. Ultra Capital has assembled an experienced team of investment professionals with a broad range of expertise in project development, finance, engineering and capital markets that can deliver consistently underwritten and risk managed projects to investors. For more information about Ultra Capital, please visit UltraCapital.com.
CONTACT: Stephanie Strid Davis, Ultra Capital LLC: (215) 278-9862 firstname.lastname@example.com
Share this Post


text:
A hospital pharmacy team member with more than 40 years' service picked up a top industry accolade at the Scottish Pharmacist Awards.
Margaret Crookston played a significant role in establishing a new electronic system for the management of patients' medicines while in hospital across three hospitals in the area.
The judges were impressed by her "ongoing work and commitment", which, they said, "continues to make a significant contribution to the success of the project".
Margaret's efforts saw her pick up the highly-coveted and prestigious Pharmacy Team Member of the Year Award, sponsored by Alliance Healthcare, at Saturday night's event, attended by more than 450 professionals at Edinburgh International Conference Centre.


text:
Thursday, 9 August 2012
X-tra Special Pet Collection - Polar Bear
Labels: Pets
5 comments:
This is the coolest most unique pet I have seen since Pets was released. Amazing work. Thank you for sharing.ReplyDelete
I'm not a dog but a dog. lolReplyDelete
I love this...so cute.
What wonderful and cute bear! I don't know what I would use it for but it is adorable!ReplyDelete
Wow Hox this is stunning!ReplyDelete
Thanks guys!ReplyDelete
Hey Nutty, long time no see, lol! =)
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text: With 30+ years experience, Holly can handle every alteration, from basic to bridal and even specializes in menswear. Customers are also encouraged to come to Holly with all of their alteration needs, even if the garment was not purchased at Frank Murphy. Holly is in store every Thursday from 1-5pm or by appointment.


text:
TV can be a place for excitement and art and joy and knowledge.
Remember The Singing Detective? Quatermass? House of Cards, or Edge of Darkness?
What about BlackAdder, or The Sopranos, or Our Friends In The North?
Talking Heads?
Oranges are Not The Only Fruit?
Doctor Who?
Of those, only Doctor Who remains (and it's close cousin, Sherlock, which is often described as "Doctor Who for adults", but which is essentially Doctor Who without the TARDIS).
Now all of that is gone, and our schedules are caked in shite. Too many channels spreading too little budget and talent far too thinly. I spent a good portion of last night searching for something – anything – worth watching. I have access to 50 channels. Not one of them showed anything good.
Instead, they showed variations on the following tropes.
The football programme
Thank God our airwaves are filled with this. If they didn't regularly tell us that we had to be excited about Who Is Best At Kicking Things, we'd never feel obliged to pay £250,000 a week to Wayne Rooney.
Except, of course, we already know Who Is Best At Kicking Things. They have a competition once every four years to decide it. It's called The World Cup. Apparently right now Spain are Best At Kicking Things, and will be until someone new is decided in 2014.
When scientists prove something in an experiment, they don't keep on experimenting. Isaac Newton didn't slump under a tree being bombarded with apples for 90 minutes every Saturday afternoon. So why the endless testing of Who Is Best At Kicking Things? And why does it have to be on my TV?
The reality programme
Perhaps the drugs have permanently altered my reality, but I'm rarely – if ever – locked in a house with 12 flamboyant strangers, or bellowed at by Alan Sugar if I fail to sell enough raspberry jam. For me, reality is getting up, drinking tea, working, and watching TV. If I'm lucky, I'll find the energy to masturbate, but I don't think that makes great television: it even repulses me, it'd certainly make your entire stomach leap out of your mouth, like a toad.
I'm sick of reality. Peter Bazalgette is responsible, he's the dementor who brought us Big Brother. His great-great Grandfather was Sir Joseph Bazalgette, inventor of London's sewer system. One generation pumps shit out of our lives, another pumps it right back in.
The soap programme
I saw the last 30 seconds of EastEnders once. A man with a head like a radish was wheezing "Get dahn them stairs, you slaaaag" at a crying woman. Apparently, this is pretty much all that happens in EastEnders.
I once had to sit through a whole episode of Coronation Street. It consisted of one-dimensional camp stereotypes talking about a sex change operation. Apparently, this is pretty much standard for Corrie too.
I haven't seen Emerdale. I doubt I'm missing anything.
But if I was missing anything, I'm sure I could catch up. Corrie has been on TV for [checks watch] fifty-thousand years, and I'm sure I could catch up on the plot in less than a week. Which tells you something about how utterly wasted those last fifty-thousand years were. Nothing of note happened. So why make it?
The cooking programme
Cooking is a chore. You do it because you have to eat. Sometimes you do it well, and sometimes you stab the film lid on a lasagne and bung it in the microwave.
What's next: the ironing programme? Five amateur ironers line up to be abused and judged by Rosemary Jewelcase, who irons the Duchess of Kent's knickers and is a world-renowned expert in getting to that awkward bit in the middle of a double duvet cover? Oh, fuck off with your cooking programme.
The quiz programme
I've got little-or-no problem with a proper quiz. University Challenge. Only Connect. Mastermind. You get people in a room. and ask them stuff. But why do we have to have over seven hundred of the bloody things, with seven hundred minutely different formats?
And why do they all have to have celebrity specials? What's so good about the bloke who tells you the weather during the graveyard shift on News 24? Why is he a celebrity? If you want a celebrity show, get Jack Nicholson and Kofi Annan to make up a team on Pointless. If it's just some bloke you spotted in the BBC canteen, that really is pointless.
The cop programme
He's a rebel. He doesn't follow the rules.
Or he's got a unique insight into the dastardly mind of the serial killer.
Or he lives in the 1950s, even though it's present day.
Or he drives an interesting car and listens to jazz.
Or he's a she, or Welsh, or non-white. Good God, whatever next?
Occasionally it's a procedural show, which purports to show what the police actually do, but somehow always ends up with an office affair, and never with a complaint about sexual harassment or a bribe from News International.
Or they're American, and exist in crime HQ which is moodily lit by the police's own crack team of cinematographers, and employs only devastatingly good-looking people… except for one cranky actor in his twilight years, who is brought in to lend a sheen of respectability to the whole farce. Oh, and they always have magic computers which solve the crime for them in exactly 1 hour (minus 18 minutes of adverts).
The only genuinely great TV cop show is The Wire, which isn't about cops really – it's about a whole city, the drugs industry, and the failure of capitalism. The rest of them are just episodic disappointments.
The property programme
Are you rich, middle-aged, middle class, white, married, and own an architectural practice or have recently retired? Do you own a vast house in Surrey, and need to sell it to buy an even vaster house in Norfolk, plus a flat in Kensington?
Then we've got the perfect show for you!
The rest of us can just fuck off.
Did you know – and this is genuinely a fact – that a person on an average wage needs to save 50% of their disposable income for 47 years to afford the deposit on an average-priced house? But the previous generation did just fine, thank you, and now they're being shown around palatial villas by unctuous bastards like Phil and Kirsty, both of whom are major donors to the Tory party, and relish the vast inequality their industry and their politics have thrust upon the rest of us. Phil? Kirsty? Come here, I have a guillotine with your name on it.
The science programme
You know who watches programmes about science? Clever people who like a mental challenge. You know who doesn't? Stupid people who like to be spoon fed.
So why make science programmes for idiots? They won't watch them, and the people who do want to watch them end up feeling short-changed and patronised. How many times do we need Brian Cox to tell us that the universe is big? We know it's big. Explain the maths behind leptons, or get off my fucking TV.
The arts programme
Oh good, here's Andrew Graham-Dixon with the latest news about all the arts that are happening in London. And here's Clemency Burton-Hill, with more news about all the music events that are happening in London. Wait, here comes Mark Kermode, telling us about the film events happening in London. Followed by Tom Dykoff, telling us about the architectural celebrations happening in London.
London London London London London (brief pause for Edinburgh) London London London London London.
Thank the sweet lord for all that arts coverage. Oh, one small comment: fuck off.
The panel programme
Jimmy Carr says some hilarious things about fat politicians, or about female politicians who don't meet his standard of hotness and availability for anal sex. The guest presenters have their reactions carefully edited to appear mildly shocked. No amount of editing can prevent the team captains from looking bored, but they fulfil their contractual obligations, and everyone feels good about things except for everybody not paid to appear on the programme.
Come back next week, when exactly the same thing will happen, but this time with Jamelia instead of Lorraine Kelly.
The dancing and singing programme
Oh, can I even be bothered? Is there any bile to spew about this that hasn't already been spewed. Mind you "second-hand intestinal discharge" is a fair description of this crass bullshit.
Simon is the Karaoke Sauron, and must be destroyed. I suspect that his "ring" already is. I'd have respect for him if he'd just come out, but having all that power and money and influence, and still being in the closet just stinks. What's the opposite of a role-model? Well, that's Simon.
I don't care which minor celebrity dances better than another minor celebrity, or which once-proud newsreader or politician is now being dragged around the dancefloor by a brillianteened Russian gigalo. But I'm actually too tired to even be angry about it any more. I just want it all to end. Please, I'm begging you, make it end.


text: On Sat, Apr 29, 2006 at 07:13:28PM -0400, Manuel M T Chakravarty wrote: > 1. You are using non-standard instances with contexts containing > non-variable predicates. (I am not disputing the potential > merit of these, but we don't know whether they apply to Haskell' > at this point.) However they are under consideration for Haskell', so it would be worth knowing whether they would create future problems for ATs.


text:
Tagged: Barry Zito
The 2012 World Series — The One We'll All Soon Forget
That was bad for our health, man. That was one awful, no good, TERRIBLE World Series… unless you're a Giants fan, of course. No lead changes til boring Game 4. Hitting juggernauts (one wearing three crowns) silenced throughout by the likes of Zito and Vogelsong. Justin Verlander s*%@ing the bed.
We just got a good dose of why football rules 'Merica.
Don't hate me 'cuz I'm right.
(Image courtesy of B3TA)
Ba$eball $tar$
Sports Illustrated's annual Fortune 50 list of the 50 highest-earning American athletes list is out and Major League Baseball is heavily represented. In fact, 36% of the athletes are baseballers — some better than others (looking at you, Barry Zito). And while I'm sad to see an star like Floyd Mayweather, Jr at the top, one who eschews real glory at the highest level for a comfortable place atop boxing mediocrity, I am glad that baseball players are makin' that pay-puh. It makes me feel less suicidal when I pay $8 for a 16 oz beer.
Here's a quick rundown of the highest paid American baseball players and their overall ranking among American athletes in parenthesis.
1. Alex Rodriguez (6)
Too bad for the Yankees A-Rod can't be young and steroided like the good old days. His health is just going downhill from here.
2. Derek Jeter (9)
He can do no wrong. I would pay this man a bazillion dollars a year if I could. And since Albert left me, I have no problems admitting my 17-year Jeet man-crush.
3. Joe Mauer (12)
Really? 12th highest paid American athlete overall and third highest Major Leaguer? I would feel better about this if he could hit it over the Target Field fence once in a while.
4. Vernon Wells (17)
PSSSHH!!!! I just ruined my keyboard with a mouthful of coffee.
5. C.C. Sabathia (20)
Mo' money, mo' foooooooooooooooooood!
6. Mark Teixeira (21)
Nothing says $23 million a year like a YEEE-HAW JAW!
7. Prince Fielder (22)
I have a feeling if I make one more Prince Fielder fat joke then I'm going to be… eaten…
8. Adrian Gonzalez (25)
He may have lost his power stroke, but with $21 million a year I'm sure he's strokin' plenty of power.
9. Justin Verlander (28)
A man's man, I would prefer to see Verlander at the very top of this list, or at the very least, have the opportunity to rifle a fastball at Mayweather's head.
10. Cliff Lee (29)
Way to go, Phillies. You're making Clifton Phifer look bad.
11. Ryan Howard (32)
While many of my Cardinal fan brethren choose to hate on Albert, I prefer to hate on Howard, the man who made signing Albert impossible.
12. Roy Halladay (35)
Way to go, Phillies. You bring in the best pitcher in baseball to get you over the hump then s*** the bed three years in a row.
13, 14, 15. Barry Zito, Carl Crawford, Albert Pujols (Tied for 36 overall)
One of these things is not like the other…
16. Josh Beckett (44)
Is it me or has he gained like 40 pounds since he was traded to the Red Sox?
17. Jake Peavy (45)
Up until this year, I thought dude was done. Yes, the crow I've been eating tastes bad.
18. A.J. Burnett (49)
Huh? How did A.J. get on this list? I'd like to know the same. He should've signed two contracts, one for each of his personalities. At least he's been living up to it ever since his worst day ever.
Hate me 'cuz I didn't make the list, just don't hate me 'cuz I'm right!
Anaheim Albert ang I Are Juss Having Fung, Mang
The Twittersphere is a strange place. It can be as welcoming as it is alienating, as terrifying as it is hilarious. But just like anything else on the interwebs, it is what you make of it.
Over the years, I have fawned over several accounts in order to make SUPER-HAPPY-FUN TIME. Coco Crisp's was golden. Barry Zito's was embarrassing (before he blocked me from talking to him). And I've probably cried more laughing at the hilarity of Fake Ned Yost than I have all the times I've watched Braveheart combined (stop judging me).
But these days there's a new mang in town (somewhere along I-5 between Los Anaheim and Orange Angeles County).
He waxes on performance:
Hey Angel fangs, I have a friend who mightwant to know how to cork a bat. Is for a friend. You guys dont know him. Let me know…Is not me
— A. Pujols (@AnaheimAlbert) May 1, 2012
Dee dee call last night ang said AJ beng going round school telling kids that his dad is Matt Carpenter. Who the hell is Matt Carpenter?
— A. Pujols (@AnaheimAlbert) May 4, 2012
Dee Dee says the Sang Luis Dick's Sports selling my Cards shirts for $1.99She thinks they making fun of my batting average.199? I wish!
— A. Pujols (@AnaheimAlbert) May 9, 2012
Compares himself to others:
You stupid Cards fangs cant compare me ang Carlos Beltran.He gets to bat right handed ANG left handed.
— A. Pujols (@AnaheimAlbert) May 9, 2012
Today, God was like "Hey Albert, Ing ready for you to hit a home rung…but first, I want you to look stupid striking out". And so it was.
— A. Pujols (@AnaheimAlbert) May 7, 2012
Just heard about Josh Hamilton….Someonge should tell him dat nobody likes a show off.
— A. Pujols (@AnaheimAlbert) May 9, 2012
And provides sultry details to his odd albeit professional relationship with his agent Dan Lozano:
Back at Dan Lozano's house. Blood, trash, Broken bottles. Dan sleeping. Two girls passed out ong couch. Starting to think Dan skipped church
— A. Pujols (@AnaheimAlbert) April 30, 2012
Lozano was sleeping on da driveway wheng I left da house today.
— A. Pujols (@AnaheimAlbert) May 6, 2012
Dan Lozano ang the house keeper throwing a Cinco party today. Donkeys, chickens, gunshots. Take me back to the Scott Spezio days. Crazy shit
— A. Pujols (@AnaheimAlbert) May 6, 2012
Extra mad points for that Scott Spiezio reference. He's another man whose heroics are shared by both Halos fans and Redbird Nation.
Speaking of Spiezio, where's my scotch… and the strippers??? ALBERT!!!!
Hate me 'cuz I made you L-O-L, just don't hate me 'cuz I'm right.
Mr. Lung, Superstar
I'm a day early but these things are rarely exact. No one really knows for sure if Jesus was born 2,012 years ago, for instance. But I can tell you for sure that Jeff was born 33 years ago as of tomorrow. I just hope that Jeff doesn't decide to follow in Jesus' footsteps. See, after disappearing for 30 years between his birth and the start of his ministry, Jesus managed to piss off the entire Roman Empire and the Jewish elite in three short years and get himself killed.
I don't want to say the allusion is exact but for the past three years Jeff has been pissing off the MLB empire and the baseball elite (including getting kicked off Barry Zito's Twitter feed). So far there have been no threats against Jeff's life but MLB is sneaky like that.
It's a day early but happy birthday Mr. Lung. And please, beware of crowds bearing palm fronds. You know what happens a week later.
A Corrective Footnote to an Otherwise Good Deed
While New York state takes the social lead in legalizing gay marriage, I think it's appropriate to also give props to the professional athletes who have joined the proactive "It Gets Better" video campaign. Grant Hill, Kevin Youkilis, Matt Cain, Barry Zito and many more, have joined the cause to remind LGBT teens that they have a right to live happy lives, just like the rest of the world, and that the bullying stewing from ignorance and intolerance will eventually get better.
Chicago Cubs rookie second baseman, Darwin Barney, has also joined the cause. Chicago Tribune writer Paul Sullivan, wrote a nice piece about Barney's involvement and, again, I highly commend Darwin for doing so. However, he did say something that must be corrected, something that is, at this point laughable for anyone to actually believe. He said:
"It hit home for me because … I have a few family members who are gay. There's nothing weird about it. It's a decision that you should be able to make and not be discriminated against."
Darwin Barney, being gay is not a choice. There is no decision to make, just like I did not have a decision in what color my skin would be, or how tall I would eventually become.
One is either gay, straight or all of the above. There is no choice involved.
And this is something that needs to be understood completely if things are truly going to get better.
Hate me 'cuz it's still allowed, just don't hate me 'cuz I'm right.
Living in the Post-WikiLeaks World
We live in a post-WikiLeaks world. Or at least that's what I keep hearing. From what I can gather, basically this means that nothing you say or do can ever be assumed safe. Make a racist comment, someone somewhere probably overheard it and recorded it. Record a sex tape or even take a few racy photos and you can be sure they will make their way to the internet. Overstay your welcome at a friend's house and wait for the video recreation on YouTube. That last one gets extra interesting when it's meta-post-WikiLeaks:
By the way, try saying that five times fast. Meta-post-WikiLeaks… Meta-post-WikiLeaks… Menopause-we-gleeks… damn.
There are solutions to this problem. For instance, you can avoid Facebook, stop posting on Twitter and shut down your blog. But where's the fun in that? If there's no Twitter then there's no hilariosity from Barry Zito. And of course no blogging means no RSBS. Heaven forbid!
Of course there's always the simple solution. Don't allow jackwads like Julian Assange and Bradley Manning access to your stuff, especially if it's secret.
City Lights
While spending the past weekend in San Francisco, one thing stuck out for its incongruity. A city that claims to be a bastion of liberalism and the protector of all thought left of center really should do more to practice what it preaches. Sure, there are lots of homeless people and the denizens of the city leave them alone in true liberal fashion. But why is the public transit system subpar at best? And are you really saving electricity when you leave your low-wattage bulbs on all day long?
Don't get me wrong, San Francisco is a beautiful city. I was lucky enough to run a half marathon that took me down the Embarcadero, across the Golden Gate Bridge and up the Presidio. And it was amazing. I also made it to AT&T Park and watched as Barry Zito proceeded to ruin my fantasy scoring for the week. But staring from behind home plate at the line of trees peering over the top of the left field wall, I couldn't help but wonder how people that pride themselves on eating local also support the importation of palm trees, a species that is in no way native to the area. Sure, like Zito's sweeping hook they're beautiful but the upkeep probably costs as much as his contract.
I have an idea for you, San Francisco. Let's return the palm trees to Los Angeles because even though they aren't native there, either, at least the fakeness fits. Let's get a train system with more than two stops in the city so it's actually worthwhile. And let's turn off the lights when we leave. I'll be back in a couple years and I expect results.
Thanks to L for the idea


text:
Situated in the picturesque "Krzyki" district, on a three lined row near the one of Wroclaw's main thoroughfare. Airport 16 km, Railway Station 5 km.
Hotel has 145 double rooms. Rooms overlooking a park
Price per day: 25 PLN
Up to 2 children aged 16 free of charge stay if they sleep on existing beds.
Extre beds can be set in the room
Maximum number of extra beds in the room: 1
Maximum number of baby cots in the room 1


text:
Deepika to lead I-Day parade in New York
Deepika Padukone, who stormed Bollywood with her debut film Om Shanti Om last year, will be the Grand Marshal at the 28th I-Day Parade in New York.entertainment Updated: Jun 11, 2008 15:37 IST
Deepika Padukone, who stormed Bollywood with her debut film Om Shanti Om last year, is to lead the 28th India Day Parade here as Grand Marshal August 17 to celebrate India's 61st Independence Day.
The parade, organised every year by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), moves down Madison Avenue in Manhattan, culminating at a venue where cultural and entertainment programmes are held.
The parade attracts around 50,000 people, making it the biggest such event outside India.
Announcing details of the parade, FIA President Yash Paul Soi said at a kick-off meeting Tuesday at the Indian consulate here that former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has also been invited.
Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra was the Grand Marshal last year and Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams the Guest of Honour.
FIA has started campaigning to have Mahatma Gandhi's statues erected at the United Nations in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. It has written to New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon seeking permissions.
Set up in 1981, FIA is a large, influential umbrella organisation of the Indian American community in the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The objective of its annual India Day Parade is to project Indian Americans' progress and unity with other communities.


text:
To order a job ad click: www.tefl.net/post
ESL job KOREA 🇰🇷 Teaching in Korea - Interviewing Now!
Posted By: Flying Cows ESL Teaching English in South Korea
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2019 GMT
Teaching English in South Korea
* Location: Seoul and other major towns and cities throughout south Korea
* Starting Salary: 2.1-2.3 million KRW
* 1 additional months salary given as a contract completion bonus
* Flights and accommodation paid upfront by the school
* Start Dates: Every month of the year
* Teaching Hours: 30 (Monday to Friday)
* Holidays: 2 weeks
* Students Ages: 4-18
* Orientation/training is provided
* Talk to existing English teachers at institutes before accepting a position : )
* Flying Cows has been helping good people get great paid teaching jobs overseas for over 15 years
* We have a distinctly 'No Bull' approach and work with schools who have transparent systems, and are happy to answer teachers' questions
* Apply once and have your profile sent to many different schools all over the world!
We currently have paid teaching jobs available in:
* China
* South Korea
* Thailand
* Online
Successful teachers are friendly, enthusiastic team players who love working with children.
Social Responsibility
* Flying Cows makes a financial donation to local and international charities for every contract that is signed with one of our partner schools and every TEFL course which is booked via our website.
* Please feel free to get in to get in touch with any questions or for an informal chat www.flying-cows.com
* Apply here: https://www.flying-cows.com/apply-now/
* Apply once and have your profile sent to as many schools as you like : )
Begin your adventure with Flying Cows x
ESL Jobs ✈ Worldwide is maintained by TEFL.net with WebBBS 5.00.


text:
Program Areas
Study at VCC
Apply Now
Registration Services
Type of Student
Services for Students
Current Students
Eat, Shop + More
College Information
Governance & Policies
News / Events
Contact Us
Work at VCC
Social Media
The VCC Bookstore has two locations; one at the Downtown campus and one at the Broadway campus. Students can choose to buy textbooks and course materials online or in-person. Online purchases require payment by credit card and at-home delivery takes about two days. Hours of operation are flexible and vary depending on the semester.
Specialized learning needs at Vancouver Community College demand a wide range of learning materials. Our book stores offer superior choices to meet student needs. Classroom-approved tools such as commercial kitchen knives and baking utensils are available at the Downtown campus. The Broadway store offers one of the largest selections of English as a second language learning materials in North America, as well as supplies for health studies.
Want to save money on the cost of books? The VCC Bookstore operates a book buy-back program. For a reduced cost, students can buy used books and return them at the end of their studies.


text:
Winston-Salem, NC-The Salem College basketball team fell in their last game before USA South conference play begins this weekend. Hannah McBride had an impressive 11 steals in the 79-65 loss to Roanoke. The Spirits fall to 2-2, while the Maroons improve to 1-3.
Roanoke was able to jump out to a 24-13 lead early against the Spirits after the first quarter. The next two quarters were played evenly, and Roanoke went in the fourth quarter with a 9 point advantage at 64-55.
McBride finished with her second double-double of the season as she added 11 points. Sabrina Shepherd led the team with 20 points, while Mikayla Seivers had 11 and Aaliyah Webb had 10. Seivers led the Spirits with 8 rebounds, while McBride had a team-high 6 assists.
Salem will host Meredith in their USA South opener this Sunday at 2:00.


text:
on my body. Luckily, around the same time I committed to my 21 Day Challenge (update below), Influenster sent me some Origins GinZing products to try! [gallery ids="3514,3516,3517,3518" type="square"]
While I received these products complimentary, opinions are my own.I've always been a fan of Origins skincare. They don't test on animals and their products don't have any of the "yucky stuff." They make a charcoal mask that I swear by, so I was excited to try out some of their other products. The scrub has this delicious scent that's great in the morning; however, I wouldn't recommend it for everyday use. I found it to be pretty exfoliating, so I'd recommend using it once a week. (For example after a sweaty run on Monday morning to start the work week refreshed.) The moisturizer is light but hydrating. I tried to use it during the day, but because it doesn't have SPF, I layered it with sunscreen. I'm a minimalist in the morning, so that didn't really work for me, but I love it as a nighttime moisturizer. My favorite product of the three is definitely the eye cream. Maybe I'm just late to the party (I hadn't previously used eye cream), but this stuff is magic! It's like concealer that makes your under eyes look healthier instead of hiding those bags. I particularly loved using it post swim. (I mean goggle eyes are a great look for work and everything, but…) The GinZing line gets a thumbs up from me. Get yours at Sephora! Now, on to the 21 Day Challenge! First: I did it! I committed to getting up every morning and working out for 21 days straight, and I'm still doing it 21+ days later. Healthy habit achieved! Second: What did I learn? Morning workouts are good for my brain. As it turns out, I have more energy and mental clarity when I exercise in the morning. It could very well be because I'm now going to bed earlier and getting up at the same time every weekday (and within reason on the weekends), but it's a noticeable difference. I am able to stay focused and resist procrastination in a way I haven't experienced since graduate school! More than that, when I get home from work – a time when I used to be exhausted from the day – I've got more energy to do fun things like experiment in the kitchen or plan my upcoming vacation. Morning workouts make me more responsible – in the best way. I have a fairly robust social life. I'm not the life of the party, but I have lots of wonderful friends and I enjoy spending time with them. I was a little bit concerned that by limiting my nights out during the week and leaving on the early side on the weekends (so that I'd be chipper for a morning workout the next day) that I'd be labeled a real party pooper. As it turns out, I am old and everyone pretty much wants to go home on the early side anyway. No one begrudges a 30 something a good night's sleep. In addition, the one night that I did go hog wild (Happy Birthday Mom!), felt extra special because it wasn't a regular thing. Hobbits know what's up. Oh man y'all: second breakfast is the KEY. I am someone who is ALWAYS hungry, so introducing an additional breakfast into my extended morning felt like a revelation. When I was waking up at 7:30am, speeding through my morning to get to work on time and eating a sad, single breakfast at 9am, I was STARVING by 11am. Since 11am feels too early to eat lunch, I had gotten in the habit of suffering through until after noon. (Suddenly that mid-morning lack of focus seems to have an obvious culprit.) In any case, when I started the challenge, I also introduced a second breakfast into my life. I eat my first breakfast 30-60 mins after my workout (nuts and berries, avocado toast, english muffin with PB&J); and then I eat a second breakfast around 10:30-11am (typically greek yogurt with granola and honey – I'm a creature of habit). I guess you could reasonably eat two breakfasts if you don't workout in the morning, but this is how I came to second breakfast, so I'm associating forevermore. Morning workouts aren't everything. This is my experience. My body is different from yours. My schedule is different from yours. My life is different from yours. I have absolutely enjoyed adding a morning workout to my schedule, and will be keeping it around. It's not for everyone, and frankly, it's not for every workout. For example, my morning workouts (especially on weekdays) are mostly good for base building and steady state cardio. I am useless at speedwork, hill work, intervals, strength training, weight lifting and HIIT workouts in the morning. Some people can get up and slay at Barry's Bootcamp at 6:30am. That ain't me. As a triathlete, I need to incorporate all kinds of workouts into my training, so I will continue to do higher intensity and higher strength workouts in the evenings. Morning workouts have taken on an almost meditative quality for me; giving me time by myself to swim, run, walk or stretch and prepare for the day ahead. They're not going to turn me into America's Next Ninja Warrior, but I do think they make me a healthier, happier person. Finally, I learned that Instagram stories are a BLAST. I may keep checking in with everyone every morning for fun! Post in the comments if I should be following you on the 'gram, or if you've got some healthy-habit-forming tips to share.]]>


text:
Please do not send any nuts or products that may contain nuts into school with your children.
Please ask a member of the catering team if you would like to know what allergens our food contains.
Please note: All menu choices are available with Gluten-Free options. Please make sure the school is aware if your child requires GF choices.
Lunchtime at Yattendon
It is great to see so many of Yattendon's children enjoying a nutritious hot meal that fills them up and gives them an energy boost for their afternoon lessons. The small amount of wasted food is a tribute to the catering teams wonderful homemade food.
The food at Yattendon is prepared fresh every day and represents incredible value for money at just £2.35 per lunch per child.
We are very proud of the standard of food which we provide for our school community and the way in which we prepare it. This was recognised recently by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and the Food Standards Agency who gave us the highest possible food hygiene rating - 'Level 5 - Very Good'
Parents do not have to pay for school lunches if they receive any of the following:
If you think you may qualify, please ask at the school office for an application form for free school meals or download the application form below.
Mrs Angela Odartey (Catering Team Leader)


text:
Trane AC Repair and Installation
With over 35 years of serving customers from the Space Coast and Treasure Coast, Hearth & Home provides personalized, high-quality Trane® air conditioning installation services.
Trane® is a leading manufacturer of cooling equipment worldwide. Each system is designed to provide home and business owners with a more comfortable indoor experience. Trane® cooling systems include central air conditioners, heat pump systems, and ductless air conditioners. Trane® air conditioning systems range in efficiency, with efficiency levels up to 21 SEER.
What Features Do Trane® Air Conditioners Offer?
When you purchase a new Trane® central air conditioner, you will benefit from a variety of advanced features.
- Select Trane® air conditioners offer the quietest sound rating available, at 55 decibels.
- Climatuff® compressors are available on several models, which help the air conditioner effectively cool your home or business while using energy efficiently.
- Spine Fin™ coils are durable and reliable.
Trane® ductless air conditioners also have many advantages.
- Various models are designed specifically to be mounted high on the wall, freeing up floor space and better circulating conditioned air throughout the room.
- Trane® ductless mini-split systems can be used in homes or offices without duct work, eliminating the expense of installing new ducts or expanding a current duct system.
- The ductless mini-split systems also provide the ability to zone areas of the home or business, giving everyone precise comfort control over their individual space.
How Much Does a Trane® AC System Cost?
The cost of Trane® air conditioners varies based on the model you choose and the installation needs of your home or business. The best way to determine the cost of your air conditioner installation is to request an estimate. Contact Hearth & Home today to schedule an estimate with one of our representatives.
Turn to Hearth and Home for Your Trane® Air Conditioner Needs
Hearth & Home is a family owned and operated local business that serves Melbourne, Palm Bay, and the Central East Coast of Florida. Since 1980, we have been YOUR full-service air conditioning and air quality company and our goal is to provide the finest systems and services for residential and commercial use. Be cool and contact us now!


text:
Friday, February 26, 2016
Fashionable Friend Friday
This week's Fashionable Friend Friday is my dear friend Karen. She is an amazing wife, mother, and CHEF!!...She started bottling her Grandma Napoli's tomato sauce secret recipe a few years ago and it sure is GRAND!!!! Recently she started having cooking demonstrations in her home, where she teaches easy recipes to help bring back the art of having family dinner together. Karen invites 3-4 ladies into her kitchen, fondly called "K's Kitchen" and she cooks three easy weeknight dinners, having you watch all the steps along the way, so you can recreate the cullinary masterpiece for your own family. While Karen cooks, you and your friends and sit down and have a fun, casual beautifully placed and plated lunch. I have asked Karen to do a demonstration of an easier way of cutting an onion so I can bring you all into K's Kitchen. For more information on K's Kitchen or to buy Grandma's Napoli's Sauce, contact Karen HERE.
Posted by NS Lifestyles Blog at 6:43 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
THE shock resignation of a Langley councillor has tipped the balance of power across the whole borough.
Terry Smith, who served the Langley and West Middleton ward, announced his decision to step down on Friday.
It comes just days after the Guardian revealed his wife Sue had received an out-of-court settlement in her sexual discrimination case against the council.
But not only will his decision leave Langley a councillor down for almost five months, it hands full control of Rochdale Council to the Lib Dems.
Mr Smith, who had already been deselected by the Labour party and so could not stand again for his seat in May, cited a lack of support for his departure.
His resignation comes into immediate effect and he will not be replaced because there are less than six months remaining until the next elections.
He said: "It is related to the situation with my wife and the issues that stem from that, with both the council and the Labour party.
"I decided it had to be a two-way affair. If I join an organisation and give it 100 per cent I expect it to support me when I need it.
"Because I spent a lot of time looking after a person I love people took advantage of the situation and I was deselected. I decided I was not prepared to wait until May and work for an organisation that has treated me in this way."
He expressed his regret that the estate would be left without a councillor from the community.
He said: "It is sad that unless someone who actually lives on Langley stands in May there won't be anyone from the area representing the people here. But I would like to say to those people who may feel that I have let them down on a political level that there are circumstances surrounding this that I cannot speak about.
"I have always fought for this community and I always will do."
Mr Smith said he remained bitterly disappointed over the withdrawal of funding for the Millennium youth centre and its subsequent closure, which he told the Guardian had left him disillusioned with the council.
He added that he still maintained his Labour beliefs but that he felt all political parties were now essentially the same and an alternative was needed.
However, when asked about rumours he could stand as an independent candidate Mr Smith refused to confirm speculation, saying only "watch this space".


text: The title says it all. Here's a countdown of the top 10 French news stories of the year. Some of them have been about disasters, some have been disastrous for France's president but they've all made news around the world in the last 12 months. What else would you have added in?


text:
Guitar-slinger J.J. Vicars returns home figuratively and literally on his sixth CD Irreverent Dissident. His first release since returning to the U.S after a decade abroad features his signature Hard Driving Blues, Boogie & Rock 'n' Roll complemented by smoky after-hours vibes and irreverent humor, all tied together by his snarling guitar and gruff vocals. The album flows with the ease and experience of a man who has journeyed far and back, the wisdom of age has J.J. sounding as fresh and hungry as ever.
Irreverent Dissident burns from start to finish in three segments. The opening prelude gives way to a trio of quintessential J.J.V. numbers; the autobiographical rocker "Long Way Home", a roadhouse rendition of Blues standard "Wang Dang Doodle", and the loping Texas shuffle "Can't Get Along With You". Shifting down gear, the second segment moves into the Jazzy slow Blues "Outskirts Of Town", picks the tempo back up with Jump Blues barn burner "Stinky Twinky" (featuring honkin' sax pioneer/legend Big Jay McNeely recorded two weeks shy of his 90th birthday), and takes it out with the Texas swing of "Downhome". A multi-guitar interlude sets the tone for the third and final segment; Western Swing goes tongue-in-cheek with "Things I Need", the introspective ballad "That Ain't Me" hits deep offering the flip side of the autobiographical opening number, and "What Do I Tell My Heart" closes the album on a high note of swinging Country optimism.
While putting the finishing touches on Irreverent Dissident J.J. Vicars & The Desiatos won the 2017 Northeast Ohio Blues Challenge. Heading to Memphis for the 34th International Blues Challenge, he's supporting a fresh new album that shifts gears like a '52 Chevy. The common denominator throughout the diverse styles is Vicars' trademark snarling guitar, gruff vocals, and take-no-prisoners approach.


text:
Taylor Swift - Lover (Target Exclusive, Vinyl - 2-Disc Color Set)
The Beatles – Abbey Road (Target Exclusive, Vinyl w/ T-shirt)
Ariana Grande - thank u, next (Clear Vinyl)
Frank Sinatra Ultimate Sinatra (Target Exclusive)
Nirvana - Unplugged (Target Exclusive, Vinyl)
Stranger Things - Stranger Things Season 3 Soundtrack ( Target Exclusive , Vinyl )
Prices, promotions, styles and availability may vary by store & online. See our price match guarantee. See how a store is chosen for you.


text:
Montpellier MAB340K Retro Fridge with 4* Ice Box
We love to add colour and style into your home and our MAB340K retro fridge does just that. Retro appliances are the statement piece of any home and will add a show-stopping focal point to your kitchen. If you have a large family or prefer to stock up on fresh foods rather then frozen then this fridge provides plenty of fridge space. It has four adjustable glass shelves and a handy folding wire rack. The door also offers ample storage with a variety of racks and balconies for tall bottle and jar storage. A large salad crisper at the bottom will ensure that your grown items stayer fresher for longer. It also has a full width wine rack and features a 1950's sleek and stylish handle. Available in three great colours Cream, Black and Red our retro fridge truly is the perfect balance of function and style.
This model comes with aluminium foil covered fire-retardant backing
Find out how to safely stack your food correctly to keep it fresher for longer and avoid bacteria.
- 4* Icebox
- Fridge: 281Ltr / Freezer: 30Ltr
- Chrome Wine Rack
- 5 Shelves
- Season Switch
SRP £499.00Where to buy
Width : 595mm
Depth : 581mm
- Specification
- Support
- Ask an owner
|Capacity fridge Net (l)
|Capacity freezer Net (l)
|30 (4* Icebox)
|Frost Free System
|No of shelves
|5 - (Including salad crisper and wire rack)
|No of Compartments in Freezer
|1 - (4* Icebox)
|Noise Level
|Interior Light
|Bottle Storage
Montpellier MAB340K Retro Fridge with 4* Ice Box product support
Support for your Appliance
From time to time we all need assistance with our appliances, our support team are at hand to offer technical information or guidance to get you up and running as quickly as we can.Get support for this product
Register your appliance
We want you to get the very best out of your new Montpellier appliance and strongly recommend that you register it and take advantage of our guarantee packages by filling in the form below.
It only takes a few minutes, but will bring you years of reassurance and support.Register your product
Why register?
Have a question?
Need to speak to someone? Give our team a call today. They're here to help with all of your product enquiries.


text:
Mr. Alfaro joined Northgate in 2013 to head the firm's operations in Mexico and to support the potential expansion of Northgate in Latin America.
He has a broad experience in private equity in the Mexican market that accrues for more than 25 years as an investment professional. Prior to Northgate, he was a Managing Partner for Advent International, leading its operations in Mexico from 1996 to 2012. Additionally, he was a member of the Investment Committee for Advent International in Latin America during that period. Previously, he was a senior officer of Grupo Probursa and of Procorp, the private equity arm of the financial group, which he co-managed for 8 years.
During his career, he has led and co-led more than 30 equity investments in a broad range of small and medium size companies in the country, in different sectors such as financial, retail, IT, and business services, and served as a Board member in a large variety of portfolio companies.
Alfredo received a BS in Business Administration from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and an MBA from the Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico. He also completed a business program at the Instituto Panamericano de Alta Direccion de Empresas.
Interim Managing Partner
Co-Founder and Partner
Head of Investor Relations
Chief Compliance Officer & General Counsel
Investor Relations Principal
Investment Manager
Senior Controller
Senior Advisor


text:
Man to Stand Trial in Killings of Pregnant Woman, Two Others
A judge has found sufficient evidence for a southwest Missouri man to stand trial on charges that he shot and killed a pregnant woman and two other people in a mobile home.
The Springfield News-Leader reports that 26-year-old Brian D. Williams, of Sparta, was bound over for trial Thursday after a preliminary hearing.
Prosecutors said he drove in February to the Ozark mobile home in a stolen pickup truck and used the light from a headlamp to methodically shoot and kill the occupants. The victims were 27-year-old James Marsh; Marsh's 26-year-old pregnant girlfriend, Casey Maples; and 40-year-old Christina Winden.
Sgt. Dan Nash of the Missouri State Highway Patrol said Williams confessed to the killings. Williams had lived in a camper owned by Winden and located near her mobile home.


text:
These baby-chicken are stuffed with Thai-inspired flavored rice.
Ginger, basil, garlic and onion: undeniably Thai.
Roasted, with crispy reddish-golden skin, topped with a few whimsical fried walnuts, on a lavish bed of exotic red rice, this was the perfect main dish of the meal.
For the chicken:
4 baby chicken (900g each)
4 Tbsp ketchup
4 Tbsp vinegar
1/2 tsp tobasco hotsauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
For the stuffing:
2 cups rice
2 Tbsp basil pesto
1x5cm knob ginger root
1 large onion
6 garlic cloves
To make the stuffing, blend the pesto, ginger root, onion, and garlic together with a cup of water.
Saute the washed and drained rice in a tablespoon of oil, add the pesto mixture and another half cup of water.
Boil rapidly over high heat until most of the water is absorbed yet the rice is not completely cooked.
Set aside to cool slightly.
To prepare the chicken, mix the ketchup, vinegar, salt, pepper and tobasco.
Rub this mixture over and under the chicken.
Stuff the chicken with the filling.
Put 2 cups of boiling water into the baking dish.
Bake loosely covered in foil for 1 hour.
Remove foil, bake a further 20 minutes to get golden and crispy skin.
Serve as is or on a bed of red rice adorned with fried walnuts, as I did.
صحة و عافية


text:
Brent Bowen is one of our Viable Paradise XIII classmates, and is one of the dynamic duo that hosts Adventures in Sci Fi Publishing, which was, in fact, nominated for a Hugo last year. 🙂 Back when he, I and Chris were hanging at Icon this year, I speculated that it might be fun to podcast, but I was a bit shy about the whole thing. Brent encouraged me to do an interview for AiSFP. By the end of the convention, I had talked and untalked myself into it a few times.
Jim C. Hines is our Icon toastmaster every year, and I suggested that I might interview him. Well, that was sort of the icing on the cake. Jim was a very easy interview and is very entertaining and earnest.
So then, several things. First of all, go and check out Jim C. Hines' books if you haven't. Go visit Adventures in Sci Fi Publishing if you haven't. And enjoy my interview with Jim C. Hines.
Several Unreliable Narrators interviews later, I think everyone can agree that Brent did me a favor. 🙂
Oh. And you'll probably hear from Brent himself during our live from Shohola writing retreat podcast. At an undisclosed time and location.


text:
Hive Resources is coming back…as a weekly blog!
So, warm up your Google readers gals and subscribe! Starting next week, I'll be moving all my devotional articles and printables over to the Hive.
What can you expect from Hive Resources as a subscriber?
You can expect a couple of posts each week full of resources and ideas to sweeten your walk with Christ! Plus, as a subscriber you'll be the first to know about freebies, printables, and giveaways!
Click here to dig into the Scriptures with me!
In the meantime, feel free to browse the Hive Library for some of our hives on parenting, theology, missions, and more!
See ya next week!


text:
A Russian military unit arrives in Syria. Russia has been one of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's closest allies. Human Rights Watch cites Syria for "serious human rights abuses."
Quarterback Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos agree to a 5-year, $96 million dollar deal.
What does this mean for crestfallen Tim Tebow?
The U.S. State Department is re-opening the unsolved case regarding the mysterious disappearance of Amelia Earhart.
Disney is expected to take a $200 millon dollar loss from underwhelming film John Carter, one of Hollywood's biggest flops.
The death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin set to go before a grand jury.
Oprah "Iron Fist" Winfrey lays off 30 Oprah Winfrey Network employees.
The gunman in France who killed three children and a rabbi at a Jewish school filmed the shooting with a camera attached to his neck.
Hebrew University plans to release Albert Einstein's complete archives online.
On July 1st, 8 million college students will see their student loan interest rates double.
The New York Times plans to cut free online access to its content in half, requiring a subscription to view more.
APD officer shoots and kills a man after police say he used his SUV to ram cars.
New Mexico's graduation rates have gone down three points since 2002.
Some people looking for jobs are getting asked for their Facebook passwords during interviews.
Wendy's takes the ranking from Burger King as the country's second biggest hamburger chain.


text:
More than 50% of us delay going to the doctor because of the hassle associated with finding the right doctor, scheduling an appointment, and sitting in the waiting room. Fortunately, 70% of visits can be handled virtually. With PlushCare, our top-trained physicians will diagnose, treat, and prescribed medication for your health issue. Additionally, we provide specialist referrals and lab tests ordered without the hassle or cost of a primary care appointment. We had a simple vision with PlushCare – to unite the brightest and most caring physicians with patients eager to receive more convenient and affordable healthcare. To date, we've recruited top-trained physicians and attracted a steady stream of patients eager to change the way healthcare is delivered. Since we believe in care for all, we've partnered with the School-Based Health Alliance to create #GetHealthGiveHealth. providing underserved children the health services they need to succeed.
Alibaba, Grab, SoFi, Wish, Square, Domo, Opendoor, DraftKings, Boxed, OfferUp
Snap, AppDynamics, Epic Games, LivingSocial, Affirm, Rubrik, Nutanix, ThoughtSpot, Guardant Health, TripActions
Some data provided by Crunchbase
EquityZen does not have an affiliation with, formal relationship with, or endorsement from PlushCare or any companies featured above.
This profile is based on publicly available information and is intended to be informative in nature.
EQUITYZEN and logo are trademarks of EquityZen Inc. Other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
To learn more about whether you're eligible, typical investment size, company valuation, and share price, request access here.


text:
Superb audio output. Crisp HD and SD picture. Dark blacks. Innovative remote and user interface.
Expensive. Bulky cabinet. Lacks Ethernet connectivity. No TV tuner.
Bottom Line
With its proprietary audio processing technology and 16-speaker array, the Bose VideoWave pumps out a wall of sound unequaled in the HDTV arena. What's more, this über-expensive 46-inch CCFL-backlit set delivers top notch picture quality and features an innovative on-screen user interface.
For more than 45 years, the engineers at Bose have been designing killer audio products, from the mid-sixties' Direct/Reflecting speaker technology to the more recent Lifestyle home entertainment systems and QuietComfort 15 noise-canceling headphones. With the new VideoWave Entertainment System, Bose packs its proprietary audio technology into a stunning 46-inch LCD HDTV to create a home-theater system that delivers impressive picture quality along with powerful multi-channel audio without the need for external speaker. At $5,349 (list), though, you'll need deep pockets to enjoy this beauty, one of PCMag's 10 best HDTVs. On the bright side: You won't need to spend a dime on home-theater audio components.
Similar Products
Design and Features
At first glance, the VideoWave looks like an ordinary, stylishly designed HDTV. The 46-inch CCFL-backlit panel is framed by matte black bezels with a band of metallic gray trim along their outer edge. The lower bezel sports a silver Bose logo in its center and a very small status LED sits in the lower right hand corner. As you make your way around the side of the set, however, it becomes obvious that this is not your run-of-the-mill TV. For starters, at 6 inches deep, it is by far the thickest LCD model I've ever seen. Then there's the elaborate grillework that covers the top and sides of the cabinet, behind which sits a sophisticated audio delivery system consisting of 6 woofers, 10 tweeters, a "Wave Tunnel," and a complex proprietary signal processing unit. More on that below.
The 99-pound cabinet rests securely on a semi-circular black stand which lacks any sort of adjustability, but is easily removed for wall mounting. Bose does not recommend placing this set inside an enclosure like an entertainment center, as it would prevent the speakers from using surrounding walls to reflect sound, a key element of the unique Bose sound experience.
There are only two connectors on the TV cabinet itself; a power jack and a proprietary port for connecting to the VideoWave console. The console is a curvy matte black box with silver trim measuring 16.3 by 9 by 3 inches and is the connection hub and command center for the TV and all external sources. The front of the console has a panel that flips up to reveal a set of composite A/V jacks, a headphone jack, the power button, volume up/down/mute buttons, a setup button, a USB port and an HDMI port. Around back are three additional HDMI ports, two sets of component A/V ports, an iPod dock port, another USB port, an IR blaster port, and a jack for the proprietary TV-to-console cable. The set comes with an iPod dock, composite and component cables, two HDMI cables, an IR blaster cable, and a deceptively simple-looking remote. On the downside, the console lacks Ethernet or Wi-Fi Ethernet connectivity, and there's no tuner, meaning you'll have to use a cable or satellite set top box as your tuner. If you want to take advantage of the current crop of Web apps, you'll have to get an Internet TV device such as Apple TV, Roku XDS, or Sony's Internet TV Blu-ray Player.
The VideoWave also comes with an ADAPTiQ headset to calibrate the audio system for your specific room configuration. Chances are you'll never have to use it, since audio calibration is part of Bose's White Glove service, which is included in the price. With White Glove service you can sit back and let a team of technicians deliver and setup the VideoWave system, custom calibrate the audio to fit your room, connect all of your external sources including cable boxes, Blu-ray players, and iPods, and demonstrate each system feature. The company will even haul away your old television and have it recycled. A concierge telephone troubleshooting service is also part of the deal.
The simplified matte black remote doesn't look like much; it's only 5.5 inches long and has six main buttons (Power, Volume, Channel, Mute, Input Select, and Return) and a four way rocker surrounded by a touch-sensitive click pad. However, it offers a wealth of control options via the click pad and a unique set of on-screen commands. It's an RF (radio frequency) device, which means it'll work even if something is blocking your view of the console. When you connect a device like a Blu-ray player, to the console, you can program the remote to control that device using the Teach Mode feature in the set-up screen. Each device is assigned a set of specific command icons (Play, Pause, Shuffle, etc.) that appear in a border around the screen. The click pad makes it easy to navigate the frames using a circular finger motion, like the iPod's click wheel. As you select different devices, the menu choices change to reflect the controls for that device, a navigation technology as "contextual control." The remote is very responsive and fits comfortably in your hand, and since the controls are all displayed on-screen, there's no fumbling for buttons in the dark. It takes a little getting used to, but once you get the feel for it, you'll never look back. When it comes to ease of use, it makes every other user interface I've seen look archaic.
Picture settings are limited. There are two picture modes, Normal and Dark Room, with the latter having reduced brightness and backlighting settings. You can adjust brightness, contrast, color, tint, sharpness, backlight, and color temperature in the basic settings screen, while the advanced screen offers red, blue, and green gain adjustments and gamma level adjustments. However, there are no White balance, Anti-Judder, or Film Mode settings, and there are no Audio settings whatsoever. Once the audio has been automatically calibrated, that's it (besides Volume and Mute, of course).


text:
Olympics 2012: Who's on the USA Gymnastics Team
Peter Read Miller /Sports llustrated/Getty
The 2012 Olympic Games kick off this Friday! In anticipation, let's take a closer look at our U.S. gymnastics team. (Fun fact: The oldest member is only 18!) Click through the gallery to find out who's the reigning World All-Around champion, whose nickname is "The Flying Squirrel," who's obsessed with Kate Middleton, and more! Then, tune in for the first round of women's qualifications is Sunday, July 29th, and the women's team final is August 1st. Check usagym.org for local programming.
MORE:• Our Women Olympians: Ones to Watch• Celebrity Workout Playlists• Olympics 2012 Fun Facts


text:
Rain...Rain......rain rain rain rain....r a i n .........
We've seen our share of the water droplets the past week. Not that I'm complaining...cause I'm not! We need the rain like we need to breathe...but it makes it hard to take tutu pics when it's constantly drippy. Maybe I should do a mermaid/fish tutu. *thinking out loud*
So, I've had many teenagers calling me lately. Not to babysit for my 3 girls, but to model tutus. I've been having to practically beg my daughters to put a tutu on so I can get some photos. ("would you like a cookie?" or "You can stay up an extra hour if you act like a ballerina") They're probably sick of tutus....
But call after call, message after message is from a young aspiring model. Love it!
I "kidnapped" one young lady last week for modeling purposes. An awesome red-headed beauty from our youth group. (also one of our babysitters, ha!)
I had her in the Custom wedding/prom tutu. (now on Etsy...btw) I used our backyard as the backdrop for the pictures, and as always, neither the model or the scenery disappointed.
400 yards of black tulle were used on the wedding tutu shown. This one was 28 inches long...and that's the shortest length for this style of tutu. You can imagine how much tulle would be used in the long length of 36".
In the works is a Spring/Summer collection of children's tutus, with the theme for Spring being:
The colors and styles will reflect this deliciousness! yummy.
Until then,
*Be Tutu Fabulous*


text:
In Black & White photography, one of the challenges is to get all the shades of grey that are inherent in a particular image to display correctly. But, for me this is less of a problem than getting all the "shades of white" to stand out. It's especially a problem in snow scenes and white flowers. These white orchids took a bit of time in Lightroom to come out the way I originally saw them with my naked eye.
And perhaps no color is so hard to be perceived as intended on multiple computer screens. In fact, every one looking at this right now is probably seeing it a little differently, even on calibrated monitors.
The following example shows the complexity in rendering and perceiving "white". Some of us will see shades of red or blue in some of these samples.
My photo at the top of this post was taken in a large, high ceiling nursery. The staff there tolerated me dragging my tripod around the display tables, but they frowned on me moving plants around to suit my purposes. So a hand-held, off camera flash was my only option. And that at the lowest possible output that would show the surface texture without totally blowing out the highlights.


text:
Blackberry ice-cream
Are we allowed to admit that summer is officially over now? Yes? Ok, phew, so I hope you won't mind if a share a suitably autumnal post with you.
I haven't been that lucky with blackberries this year. Normally I manage to collect enough for stock up the freezer for months. However, I think foraging seems to be much more popular of late and all my usual hedgerow spots had been relieved of most of their fruit by the time I arrived with my Tupperware pot.
The great thing about blackberries is that they freeze really well and don't turn into mush like most other berries do. So you can pot up a load to save up for when the weather gets colder. Alternatively you could take your freezing antics to a new level by turning your blackberries into ice-cream!
This recipe is pretty simple but it works a treat as an accompaniment to apple pie and crumble – such a pretty colour too.
You will need
350g blackberries (washed)
200ml double cream
100ml semi skimmed milk
50g caster sugar
1.)Put your blackberries into a blender, blitz until smooth, and then pass the mixture through a sieve to extract all the pips.
2.)Mix your milk, cream and sugar together and then add the blackberry mixture.
3.)Add the mixture into an ice-cream machine and churn for around 30/40 mins.
4.)You can add your finished ice-cream mixture a plastic container and freeze until you're ready to eat it.
All photography © Heather Elizabeth Wilkinson 2012
4 Comments on Blackberry ice-cream
If you can't have summer, Autumn is a pretty fine second best. I love nothing better than blackberry picking. This ice cream looks delicious and the perfect pick me up when the days get shorter.Reply
It is pretty delish, but then any excuse to use my ice cream machine! Do give it a try!
It has been a bad year for blackberries in general. Experts say it was because the very warm early spring, then a cold April did for both the flowers and the pollinators. Fruits haven't developed properly.
Still, there's always next year.
I don't have an ice cream machine. Do you think this would set well with no egg in if I used the handmade method of freezing and churning?Reply
It is such a shame as blackberry picking is one of the only things that helps me get over the end of summer. A lot of the ones I found looked good but were incredibly sour. I think the hand method would work fine – I'm just a lazy toad since investing in the machine. And to be honest I don't mind the odd ice crystal – tis all part of the fun of homemade! 🙂


text:
Yesterday I attended FOSDEM 09 (Free and Open Source Software Developers' European Meeting) in Brussels. It was great!
The schedule comprised of various main tracks, developer rooms and lightning talks. Highlights for me included Brion Vibber of MediaWiki talking about the upcoming Wikipedia Usability Initiative, a demonstration of Drupal's Automated Web Translation Workflow module, and Leslie Hawthorn's keynote presentation Google Summer of Code: A Behind the Scenes Look at Large Scale Community Management.
I hope that next year's FOSDEM will include one or two Moodle presentations. I'd like to talk about our Moodle community!
Regarding GSoC 2009, Leslie announced a couple of important dates:
- 9 March 2009 – Mentoring organizations can begin submitting applications to Google
- 23 March 2009 – Student application period opens.


text:
May Discount Code Raffle Winner
Congratulations goes to Karina from New York City who won our $25 discount code for being our lucky customer for the month of May!
Anyone who made a purchase on our website last month qualified for our raffle.
We totaled all the orders and used random.org to determine the winner.We have this monthly raffle at the beginning of each month and all paying customers from the previous month qualify.


text:
This is a rare opportunity to get your hands on a very special early Honda homologation special. The CB1100R predates HRC, and was sold overseas to make the big bike legal for competition in Europe and Australia. Honda cranked out just over 4,000 of the 115 horsepower beasts over a three-year run.
The fiberglass bodywork and hand-welded aluminum tank set the bike apart from just another UJM with pretty paint, though this bike has seen use that is most often seen on run-of-the-mill models. The bike was imported 15 years ago, according to the seller, and was ridden extensively across the U.S. after being titled and tagged.
The seller restored the paint and bodywork when he bought it about 10 years ago, and rode it for a short while before mothballing it and storing it in a museum.
From the seller:
Exremely rare limited edition Honda Homologation Special Superbike. Never imported into the US. This bike was built out of the fabled RCS division of Honda. This is a pre HRC special.
The Honda CB1100R was an exotic Honda model that was produced in limited numbers from 1981 to 1983. It is a single-seat, fully faired sport bike based on the Honda CB900F. The R suffix denotes a racing version, however the CB1100R was a road-legal machine produced by Honda and offered for sale to the public. It was produced only in numbers sufficient to meet the homologation requirements for the R to be classed as a production motorcycle in markets into which it was sold. It was Honda's first homologation special and was raced in the production class racing in most major markets: including Europe South Africa Australia and New Zealand. It was not sold in the USA.
This particular bike was imported by a enthusiast about 15 years ago from the Netherlands. He then titled the bike and road it all over the united states. It has some miles on it approx 35k. The body is completely fiberglass and the tank is hand welded aluminum. The pair work is in very nice condition as I restored the body/paint completely when I bought it. I purchased it about 10 years ago and road it around for a few years then it was drained of all gas and has been in storage in my personal museum. Certainly extremely rare and definitely a must have for those with a RC30, RC45 etc type of Honda collection. The motor though similar to the CB1100F that was offer herein the United States is in a much higher state of tune. The Nikko Baker 4 into 1 exhaust is pure music to the ears. The bike will require a full recommissioning for consumables (i.e.: tires, oil, battery, plugs, carb sync etc) prior to riding and sold as is. It will need to be recommissioned if the buyer plans to actually ride this beast.
In 1981 the CB1100R won the New Zealand Castrol Six Hour ridden by Australian pair of Malcolm Campbell and Mick Cole. The CB1100R won the premier Australian production race in 1982, the Castrol Six Hour in the hands of future 1987 500cc GP World Champion Wayne Gardner and team mate Wayne Clark. Other CB1100Rs finished the race 2nd, 3rd and 4th, with 6 CB11000Rs finishing in the top 8 spots. The Australasian success of the CB1100R lead directly to the development of the Suzuki GSX1100SXZ Katana homologation racing specials.
The model designations are CB1100RB (1981), CB1100RC (1982), and CB1100RD (1983). In 1981, 1050 units were sold, followed by 1500 per year in 1982 and 1983. The 1981 "RB†was half faired with a solo seat only. The 82 and 83 models have different bodywork including a full fairing, aluminum fuel tank, and pillion seat covered with a removable seat cowl. The 82 (RC) and 83 (RD) (pictured) were largely similar with differences in paint scheme, rear swing arm and front fork design. In 1983 the Honda CB1100F was launched that essentially was a blend of the CB1100R and the CB900F, for a broader market. The 1981 CB1100RB had a claimed 115 hp (86 kW) @ 9000 rpm.
The CB1100R won big races across the globe under a series of big names, most notable 500cc GP World Champion Wayne Gardner. The bike is listed at $15,000, and you can contact Pete with your interest here: email email@example.com and phone number 1-203-515-5146


text:
Let me be completely clear first - I do listen to what our customers tell us. So does our team. We constantly pour over feedback (good and bad), taking it all in equally and measured. You should never ever think you have all the answers to all the questions, as it's fundamental arrogance in it's most transparent form. Similarly, you should never assume 'the customer knows best'. The customer while the end-user of what you produce, is not directly involved in the production, and doesn't have to (and more importantly should never have to give a single thought to) how the end result is achieved. That's for admirers of to get into over a beer, or in a whiteboarding session somewhere.
Technology is inherently cold, and predictably uncaring in it's design and execution. Most of us lived through the beige boxes, command line prompts, meaningless drivel-and-sneer-inducing error messages from seemingly snarky operating systems damning us like a God from Olympus as unworthy mere mortals aspiring to be amongst the deities. Roll forward to where we sit currently. We've hipsters telling us something is 'the next big thing', presenting it in a way to inspire a feeling that somehow we're incomplete as people without it. It's vomit inducing. Or worse still, that as people running businesses we're somehow stupid, incapable people who've been doing something wrong the whole time. It's blatantly condescending, dismissive and supremely arrogant.
There is nothing more obnoxious than having something presented to us as 'making our lives a little better or easier' in a manner that makes us feel dumb. That is the single worst way that technology turns people off. It is nauseating. And it's these things that form how I approach user experience. I'm always aware that as someone involved in software design and development, that I'm ridiculously privileged. Embarrassingly so in fact.
I can ask a ton of questions like 'how do I imagine people using our services with our software?', or 'How should using our software make someone feel?' These questions can run around endlessly along with many others. And when it comes to the crunch, there's only one question I ever find myself asking; "When I expect to be able to do something does it do it in a way I expect?" It's that simple. We don't produce mission critical services. We produce services that enable experience enhancement for others. They're about enhancing value to what's already being presented to customers by their service providers.
To me, the best application experiences are ones that I can partake in while listening to music, humming or singing badly along to (or playing air drums - it happens sometimes) without having to think about what I have to do next. I put this akin to a well crafted movie or TV episode where it keeps you fully engaged for the ride throughout the story (or a well executed wrestling match) that never once breaks your suspension of disbelief. Mobile apps do this particularly well.
But even taking the design aside, the single most important part of the experience has to be the personal interactions. I am not a fan of cold-stand-offish interactions that are so rooted in impersonal. I'm a person, so talk to me like one. Interact with me like one. Authenticity and honesty is something that is massively appreciated and sometimes found wanting with tech solutions. It feels too binary. I want a spectrum when I interact with a business I'm getting services from. I want to feel like my business/custom is more than 'valued' or 'appreciated'. I'm taking a service because I can't do it myself, or its just too costly on a scale to self-produce, and therefore I'm taking a business in as a partner to help me achieve.
I want to know that my partner of choice for a service or solution is looking at me as more than a customer number, or a step-stone to someone or something more valuable. We spend over 50% of our time of our lives involved with our businesses. I don't want clinical interactions or relationships. I am dealing with people, so I want people & their personalities.
And this is how I view our customer experience as something to aspire to; giving people the kind of friendly, helpful and understanding interaction that I would want to receive. I don't want ass-kissing lip-service, or OTT faux friendliness designed by a marketeer; I want to give customers a people-first orientated approach, where it's our people helping your people achieve.
We want people to have the kind of customer experience we ourselves would like to receive. We understand perfect is rarely if ever possible, but we like our own customers will never stop reaching for that brass ring no matter how much it moves. We want people using our service to feel like the service has no learning curve because everything you interact with feels familiar, feels useful, purposeful and conveys no feeling of being overwhelmed by choice of configuration. StatusHub while awesome isn't the main attraction; that's YOUR service you partner it to. It is designed to be a solid supporting cast member for you that knows its role, and when relied upon does more than 'phone-in' its performance; it does what it is supposed to do extremely well and be that dependable team player.


text:
Tablet cameras are behind the pack in picture quality but instead keep up by offering fun photo features to shoot with.
Google Nexus 7 (summer 2013)
The good: The Nexus 7's razor-sharp full-HD screen, silky smooth performance, long battery life, meager weight, and affordable price make it the best tablet value on the market. You can take 360-degree photos with a variety of gadgets, but tablets don't often give you the option. The Google Nexus 7's photosphere feature allows you to do just that, and in a typical Google move, they're best shareable on Google+.
The bad: The back is missing the soft grippy texture of the original, screen colors lack accuracy, and there's no microSD support. Android 4.3 has few useful interface improvements.
The cost: $228.99 to $250.53
The bottom line: Thanks to its stellar performance and affordable price, the Nexus 7 is the Android tablet to get.
CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S
The good: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S has a vividly colorful, razor-sharp screen and exclusive software perks in an ultrathin and lightweight design. It rocks an 8-megapixel camera on the back — high for a tablet — but what impressed us most is Samsung's option to download more scene modes to the native camera app.
The bad: Starting at $500, it's a high-end purchase. Its touchscreen response can lag if many of its memory-hogging apps are open in the background.
The cost: $443.89 to $533.79
The bottom line: An exceptional screen and a long list of software goodies make the Galaxy Tab S Samsung's best tablet to date and our top Android choice for an entertainment slate.
CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
Asus Memo Pad 8
The good: The Asus Memo Pad 8 is a slim and lightweight slate with a colorful screen and slick user-interface and ships with an animated GIF creator mode for easy do it yourself use. Starting at $199, it packs enough useful preloaded apps to feel like a deal.
The bad: Performance is slow if many apps are open in the background, and touchscreen response lags after being woken up.
The cost: $188.99 to $220.90
The bottom line: The Asus Memo Pad 8 is an affordable slate with tons of features, but if performance is king, faster options can be had for only $30 more.
CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)
Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet
The good: The Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet's processor is searingly powerful and copes well with games. It offers augmented-reality camera modes that let you overlay colorful, cartoonish imagery of dinosaurs, elves, butterflies, and more on top of whatever your camera is pointed at. It has a bright, vivid display and its razor-thin body can be taken in the shower without worry.
The bad: It loses its battery far too quickly in standby mode. Huge bezels around the display don't look good and make the body needlessly big, and its slim design has resulted in the whole thing being a little flexible.
The cost: $472.98 to $504.99
The bottom line: While the battery is a concern, the Xperia Z2 Tablet is still a good-looking slate that's loaded with more than enough power for anything you're likely to throw at it. It's a good choice if you're looking for a more affordable iPad alternative with 4G LTE - particularly if you've ever lost a gadget through water damage.
CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)


text:
PENANG, March 25 (Bernama) -- The Election Commission's (EC) clarification that it cannot hold local council election as requested by the Penang and Selangor state government has probably put to an end the debate on the third vote.
On Wednesday, EC's chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf noted that following the repeal of the Local Government Election Act 1960 (Act 473), neither the commission nor the states have the authority to conduct the local council elections.
Section 10 of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) stipulates that membership to a local council should be made through appointment only.
"It's not that the EC does not want to carry out the elections but the current law does not allow for them and if the states in the peninsula, including Penang and Selangor, planned to conduct local government elections, they should first decide on such laws," he said in a press conference.
Though EC's chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf gave his reasons based on the law, the perplexing question is whether the local council election is relevant in the present day context.
Is local council election relevant?
While Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who made the proposal believed that the move will help transfer power back to the people and enhance local council administration, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak begged to differ fearing it only opens an avenue for greater politicking as proven by history.
A brief review of the local council elections history would shed some light why the third vote, after the vote for the state legislative body and Parliament was repealed.
Penang had the privilege of holding the first local council election in 1951 as the state had established the local government as early as 1856--theMunicipal Council of George Town (MCGT).
In 1952, Selangor became the second to witness local council election to elect members of the Kuala Lumpur Municipal Council following the establishment of the Federation of Malaya in 1948.
The Penang Malay Association President Datuk Seri Yusof Latiff pointed out these initial elections were to expose locals to the political system that Malaya would inherit from Britain.
It is no doubt that these euphoric local elections gave rise to many political parties and personalities, but their significance waned when the general election came into the picture.
Overlapping roles
In 1955, the Alliance won the first general election and Penang had a state government headed by MCA with Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee being the first chief minister.
A decade later, in 1965, the local council election was suspended temporarily following the Malaysia-Indonesia Confrontation and the town council administration came under the State Government.
Moreover, the Socialist Front dominated town council and Alliance dominated state assembly could not see eye to eye on many matters.
Yusof, the former Jelutong Umno division head, recalled how the local council snubbed the Chief Minister of Malaya Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Penang state government over the Emergency Free Day celebration on 31 July 1960.
"Tunku wanted all government buildings lit up and the flags hoisted for the celebration but the town council even refused to recognise the celebration," he said.
This local council's defiance prompted Wong to convene a special sitting of the state assembly to amend the state ordinance empowering the Chief Minister in appointing George Town's mayor.
Yusof also pointed out that in the event the local council election is revived, there would be two executive positions - the Mayor and Chief Minister--and antagonism between both sides would affect the administration.
Realising of these problems and being aware that the two executive positions only creates power play, the Penang Umno Youth petitioned the Tunku to abolish local council election.
A difficult scenario
By then there were already calls to abolish the local council election and this prompted Tunku to establish a royal commission to gather feedback on the need to continue with the local council election.
The commission headed by MIC Vice President Athi Nahappan went all over the nation to gather feed back on the matter and concluded that though the local council election had contributed to the democratic process, the general election should take precedence.
Subsequently, in 1970 the local council election was abolished and George Town lost its city status after Penang's second Chief Minister (Tun) Dr Lim Chong Eu dissolved the City Council and replaced it with the Penang Town Council (MPPP) to administer the whole island.
Why revive the local council election?
The demise of the local council elections had not in any way deterred the political or the democratic process of the nation. In fact it had eliminated a messy affair and reduced politicking. It was part of the nation's democratic and political maturity. Any attempt to revive the local council election now is probably a step in regression.
But then why did the PKR-ruled Penang and Selangor state governments decided to revive the local council election in the first place?
Though being aware of the pros and cons, PKR chose to go ahead as the party already promised the agenda to the people in its manifesto during the last general election.
A political Science lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Dr Sivamurugan Pandian urged the state government to look into what the people wanted and not just go ahead with its proposal to seek political gains.
"The state government should seek the views of the people if they really want local council elections or otherwise," he said.
"The question here is what is there to achieve through the local council election and wouldn't the general election suffice?" he asked.
Even before EC came out with its clarification Yusof had said that the Penang state government's proposal probably would not see the light of the day because feasibility studies on reviving the local council election have shown it serves no purpose.
"Moreover, the local council election was not abolished without good reason, an in-depth study has been undertaken on the matter but why now both states want to revive the local council elections?" he asked.
EC's clarification has prompted Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to explore other avenues to make way for local council elections but the question remains do we really need the local council elections when the present system has served us well. (By AZEMAN ARIFFIN/Bernama)


text:
Clyde View Holiday Park in Batemans Bay on the South Coast has what you need for a luxury family holiday, romantic weekend away or a coastal experience. Our large range of villa accommodation will suit all budgets from 4.5 Star, deluxe 3 Bedroom Beach Front Villa's over looking Corrigan's Beach to our 2 Star Standard Villas.
Clyde View also offers guests
- Modern amenities blocks
- Fully equipped laundry
- Modern child friendly swimming pool area
- Enclosed BBQ area
- Across the road from Shopping centre
– Supermarket
– Newsagency
– Variety of Restaurants
– Bakehouse
– Service Station
– Video Shop
– Children's playground
- Helpful staff who will provide information and maps on the local area for walks, activities and attractions, etc.