text:
Talk:Mechanics/Redstone/Circuit/Archive 3
|This is an archive page of Talk:Mechanics/Redstone/Circuit. Do not edit this page.
New sections can be added at the current talk page.
- 1 Bat based RNGs
- 2 More targeted tutorials
- 3 Possibility of dividing Redstone Circuits to 2 majoy parts
- 4 1.5 Redstone Ticks
- 5 Updating for 1.5
- 6 Split off Redstone Components?
- 7 Rewrote subpages for new Schematic template.
- 8 SR vs. RS
- 9 Move requests -- I dunno.
- 10 Problem with subpages -- weren't moved
- 11 Category Sort Keys
- 12 Anchors and such...
- 13 What is an "opaque block"?
Bat based RNGs[edit]
I was thinking of doing some further research into RNG circuits made with bats in minecarts, but wasn't sure where to put that information. obviously the premise is simple - have a bat in a minecart over some detector rails - but where should that information go? Firebastard 04:05, 25 November 2012 (UTC)
- Random number generators? They're currently in Miscellaneous circuits. --Munin295 04:37, 25 November 2012 (UTC)
- Thanks. I recall that being on this page and was wondering where it had gone. There should probably be a link to there somewhere on this page, perhaps alongside the advanced circuits page in the see also section. Firebastard 05:43, 25 November 2012 (UTC)
- Randomizers (of which RNGs are a significant subset) are listed as a topic under "Other advanced circuits", and that section already includes a link to Miscellaneous circuits. It is all the way at the bottom of the page, so it might be hard to find, but then again it's a much more obscure topic than the other circuits above it. I'll try to work the phrase "random number generator (RNG)" in there somewhere (sometime; or you can), since that is a phrase one might search for. --Munin295 06:50, 25 November 2012 (UTC)
More targeted tutorials[edit]
I'd like to see some plans for more complex but practical systems, such as:
- You have a rail loop (that is, a station) with two exits. You want to be able to:
- open the loop at either T junction with a button, but...
- also have the loop re-closed when a new train comes in, so it doesn't just head onward to the next station. An alternative would be to have it stay open for a few seconds, long enough to feed a Powered Minecart and have it push two or three carts out of the station.
So far, I've managed to get a D flip-flop with a detector rail (on the far side of the loop :-( ) going to the clock, and the button going to both the clock and the data. I had to put two extra repeaters protecting the clock line, and I'm still not sure why. This sort of thing should be a "solved problem" by now, and I'm not wild about having to reinvent it. --Mental Mouse 16:58, 5 December 2012 (UTC)
- So you're saying we need complicated but practical circuits? I might be able to help. I have a working 4 digit keypad, very customizable. Buttons must be pushed in a certain order. With the addition of the Latch though I may be able to make it more practical, because it takes up a fairly large space. But if you push the wrong button, or push them out of order, the circuit resets and you need to start over. I'm working on a display that functions for it, but it requires so much it would be very impractical. Without the display though it's pretty useful. Not sure if there are designs already for it, but it can be make to have as many inputs as desired (as many correct buttons and in any order). Maybe I can provide a few screenshots of my first successful attempt on it, it is only tall because i thought i would need alot of space, so i used worldedit to make a large platform. #trigger_hurt(I|T|C) Check out my project! 18:15, 5 December 2012 (UTC)
- I have made several different circuits without tutorials, and can make most of those circuits I know in minutes, if not seconds, including the keypad. Something else I made that is so compact that you could almost install it into a regular home, is a hidden lavaplace entrance. There are others now, but mine has the wall which I have not seen in any of the other videos I've seen. #trigger_hurt(I|T|C) Check out my project! 19:42, 5 December 2012 (UTC)
- I'm less concerned with keypads and similar circuits than with all the little ways in which redstone can be useful... if you can figure out a circuit that does what you want without sprawling over half the countryside. Traffic management for minecarts is a biggie (and I'm about to try a pulse extender instead of my prior solution above), but even things like making a Redstone Lamp blink (but compactly, because it's atop a pillar) would be good, or a prefab clock with period over a few seconds (including describing the adjustments to make it longer or shorter). --Mental Mouse 23:31, 5 December 2012 (UTC)
- Also: tips for compact crossovers!
Possibility of dividing Redstone Circuits to 2 majoy parts[edit]
Because of the Redstone Update to be deployed in 1.5, the Redstone Circuits which is used to be totally digital, will contains analog components. So I suggest to divide Redstone Circuits to 2 majoy parts: Analog and Digital. More details to be discussed. What do your guys think of it? -- Sjjklh ZH Wiki Admin 02:03, 9 January 2013 (UTC)
Or just add a analog section? -- Sjjklh ZH Wiki Admin 02:45, 9 January 2013 (UTC)
- I don't think that will be necessary.
- If we take "analog" to mean "power level can vary from 0 to 15 by integers", then redstone wire has always been analog and it's been pretty easy to describe its qualities alongside components which can only be on or off. I don't think it will be difficult to incorporate descriptions of the new components into the current structure.
- When pistons came out, people started posting piston circuits as a whole new category and there really wasn't any reason to do that. An AND Gate is an AND Gate, whether it uses pistons or not. Circuits should be organized by their purpose, not by what components are used to achieve that purpose. When 1.5 is released, we just update the Basic Concepts section to introduce power levels better, add the new components to the Circuit Components section, and people can add new circuits that incorporate the new components to the appropriate subpages.
- Unless you're talking about the ZH page, which is still based on the old version of this page? With that version, a new section might make sense.
- I'm now starting to think that a section on analog circuits (and a corresponding article to go into full details, like the other circuit topics) may be warranted. With capacitors (comparator loops that hold a power level) and arithmetic circuits, I think there is enough new subject matter that wouldn't fit anywhere else (well, comparator loops could probably work in an article about memory circuits, but it makes more sense to put them with the arithmetic circuits, I think).
- —Munin295 · 16 px 16 px · 00:47, 19 March 2013 (UTC)
- Agree A new section and matching article sounds about right. We'll see over time if analog circuits take off, but my hunch is they'll be showing up mostly as "component" circuits. --Mental Mouse 02:32, 19 March 2013 (UTC)
- —Munin295 · 16 px 16 px · 00:47, 19 March 2013 (UTC)
1.5 Redstone Ticks[edit]
Does/will the concept of a redstone tick exist anymore? My understanding is that redstone ticks used to be a separate process from game ticks, but that now all redstone activity is processed in the same game ticks as everything else. If that's correct, should we be talking about (for example) redstone repeaters being set to 2, 4, 6, or 8 game ticks (though we'd just call them ticks from now on, I guess)? That specifically may sound weird at first, but if it's more accurate, and avoids discussing other things in terms of half-ticks (half a redstone tick), it may be preferred? —Munin295 · 16 px 16 px · 23:49, 10 January 2013 (UTC)
- I think not changing anything would be best. Pokechu22 00:15, 5 February 2013 (UTC)
- Just a thought, what if we discussed everything in real-life terms: a redstone torch has a 1/10 second delay, a repeater can be set to a delay of 1/10 to 4/10 seconds, etc.? Then there would be no confusion about what kind of ticks we're talking about… —Munin295 · 16 px 16 px · 23:26, 21 March 2013 (UTC)
Updating for 1.5[edit]
I've started work on updating this page for 1.5 (though we're still currently some snapshots away, so things will likely change before then). I'm doing the work in my own user space for now at Redstone Circuits 1.5 so as not to clutter this page with un-finalized content. Please feel free to discuss or contribute.
—Munin295 · 16 px 16 px · 06:00, 11 January 2013 (UTC)
- Does this mean that after the update pistons with clocks attatched to pulse them at regular intervals will actually turn back off again?!?!?! i am having some serious problems building decent redstone contraptions because of this, i am having to either reduce the size of them dramatically or just not bother i am talking about the xbox 360 version just to be clear
- 22.214.171.124 15:15, 20 March 2013 (UTC)
Split off Redstone Components?[edit]
The section on redstone components takes up over half the article. Although I think it's very useful to have such a compilation of all redstone components and their features in a single place (I use it to look things up, and I wrote most of it :-), maybe it should be its own article? The Basic Concepts section already introduces the concepts of redstone components, so it would be easy to link to a new article from there.
—Munin295 · 16 px 16 px · 04:26, 14 March 2013 (UTC)
- Agree Yeah, all the other sections are summaries that link to more extensive discussions, but Components is an exhaustive listing. I agree, split it out and put a summary in it's place. --Mental Mouse 00:07, 17 March 2013 (UTC)
- Split complete.
- —Munin295 · 16 px 16 px · 18:11, 28 March 2013 (UTC)
Rewrote subpages for new Schematic template.[edit]
I've now translated most of the subpages of Redstone Circuits (Logic Circuits, Pulse Components, Clocks, Latches, Other Circuits) to use the new Template:Schematic for their circuit diagrams. (The "Repeater" subpage still needs to be done, as I didn't notice it on the first pass.) This includes splitting most of the diagrams out into subpages, because despite Munin295's best efforts, the template does have an effective limit to how many schematic cells are allowed on a page. (If there are too many, loading or viewing the page becomes excessively slow.) A guide to reading the schematics can be found at Help:Schematic, while a style guide for writing up redstone circuits can be found (for now) at Minecraft Wiki:Projects/Style Guide/redstone. (It needs a permanent address....)
While I've done a fair bit of cleanup and rewriting on the files, I've also left a lot of older and commented material in order to keep it in the page histories for this changeover. They will still need a lot of community work -- some of which I'll continue to work on over time, but some is likely beyond my expertise or patience. Specifically, what's needed:
- Verification that the diagrams I marked broken are, in fact broken, and testing of others to make sure they still work (I have not tested every diagram here!)
- Clearing out the commented images and other detritus of the transformation.
- Commenting, then clearing out, confirmed-broken circuits.
- Identifying and commenting out circuits that are redundant, obsolete, or just have no reason for people to build them. Some exceptions can be made for historical interest, e.g. torch gates. Also, "rule of cool" applies.
- Checking the various tables and claims in text. (Also, removing data for deleted circuits.)
- In particular, the circuit dimensions are remarkably inconsistent, and I've seen the height (Y coordinate) in all three positions. Let's standardize on putting the Y coordinate last, and the shorter horizontal coordinate first. Thus X×Z×1 is a flat circuit, and 1×Z×Y is a 1-wide circuit. Also, required supporting blocks get counted -- the circuit gets measured "in a void" rather than "from the ground".
- Timing data and pulse characteristics are always welcome.
- General cleanup, adjusting arrangement of diagrams and flow of text.
- Relettering circuits as suitable for the discussion.
- Filling in descriptions and captions for circuits, expanding discussion where it's sparse.
- There are places where the redstone connections may not match the game anymore. In particular, MCSim apparently doesn't have a glyph for redstone dots (the template does), and some of the redstone shown as 4-ways are actually dots.
- I've mostly been using the default 32-pixel size. Some of these may be better reduced to 24 pixels.
--Mental Mouse 03:22, 19 April 2013 (UTC)
- Thanks again for your work. Your taking an interest in this also really helped me commit to working on and finishing the projects I had going for this.
- Just so you know, I'm working on a total re-write of Redstone Circuits/Repeater at User:Munin295/Transmission circuits. Repeaters really aren't enough to justify an article of their own, but they are part of a larger subject that is worth it and not addressed well currently: transmission). I'm also using that page to test some ideas about writing circuit articles. I'm not saying don't work on /Repeater, but there isn't much to do there anyway (half of the article is the "Triggered Repeaters" which are actually clocks, and really bad ones; they should just be removed).
- —Munin295 · 16 px 16 px · 04:42, 19 April 2013 (UTC)
SR vs. RS[edit]
My understanding is that SR is the more general term ("Set-Reset"), and RS should only be used for specific implementations of SR Latches where the inputs are inverted (reversing the meaning of the inputs). The only reason that the use of RS is so frequent is that the most common implementations of SR Latches in electronics are the RS NOR Latch and the RS NAND Latch. But that doesn't change the fact that the category is more accurately called SR Latches.
- Hmmm. I see your point (heck, I tossed in a design that doesn't have a single inverter), but I'm kinda flinching at the idea of trying to explain that without derailing the section introduction. Let alone filenames, headers, and the like. I might figure it out eventually, but I sure wouldn't mind if you got there first. --Mental Mouse 01:49, 21 April 2013 (UTC)
- I started to write the comment, and besides it being too long, I realized there was something I didn't understand. You talk about both inputs being inverted, but that's not just swapping the inputs -- it would make the inputs signal low -- for example R = S = 0 would be the forbidden input instead of R = S = 1. How did this get attached to the Minecraft circuits, which do involve lots of inverters but generally signal high? --Mental Mouse 02:37, 5 May 2013 (UTC)
- No, it's still R = S = 1 which is forbidden, it's just that the first thing an RS Latch does is invert those inputs, inside the circuit. For example, a typical Minecraft "RS NOR Latch" NORs S and Q, so for the S input signal the first thing that could happen to it is that its inverse moves into the circuit. S = R = 1 is "forbidden"/unpredictable in such a circuit because it would hold both torches off (and then Q = Q̅!), and if both S and R turned off at the same time, it would be difficult to predict what state it would end up in. But S = R = 0 is fine, nothing happens.
- —Munin295 · 16 px 16 px · 03:24, 5 May 2013 (UTC)
Move requests -- I dunno.[edit]
Why is it necessary to move the pages? Also, if they are moved, their subpages will need to go with them, and the loadPages will need to be adjusted. --Mental Mouse 11:10, 23 April 2013 (UTC)
- These are all real articles in their own right, and wikis should be organized by adding categories to the article, not by grouping them in some directory structure (for the same reason that the Redstone Style Guide should have been its own page, rather than a subpage of the main style guide). Subpages are fine for functionality-supporting pages or article fragments, like loaded pages, but not for actual articles. For example, "Particle Physics", though a subtopic of "Physics", shouldn't be a subpage of "Physics".
- Wiki article names should also be intuitively linkable: "Pulse circuits" can be naturally linked in text, "Redstone Circuits/Pulse components" can't.
- When you move a page there's an option to move all subpages at the same time. That will leave redirects behind, so no links get broken and everything keeps working. Then you can leave them like that, update them by hand, or ask an admin to run a bot. It's only 20 or so links that will need to be updated, in only four articles currently -- easy to do by hand, either directly after the move, or the next time the page is edited.
- —Munin295 · 16 px 16 px · 16:14, 23 April 2013 (UTC)
- Okay, you've convinced me. --Mental Mouse 22:25, 23 April 2013 (UTC)
- Well, ultradude25's discussion about singular vs. plural article titles had convinced me that most of the circuit articles should have singular titles (e.g., "Pulse circuit") and I had modified the move proposals to reflect that and had planned to wait some more time to see if anyone objected. But a brand new user went ahead and executed the move from Latches to "Memory circuit". Since I personally didn't have any objections to the move, I went ahead and did some clean-up after it. I'm still going to wait a few days to do the others though.
- —Munin295 · 16 px 16 px · 15:52, 29 April 2013 (UTC)
Problem with subpages -- weren't moved[edit]
Munin, you didn't move the Ajax subpages of the pages you moved! --Mental Mouse 22:52, 9 May 2013 (UTC)
- I clicked the Move Subpages box when it was available. The logic subpages were created with a path of "Redstone circuits/Logic Circuits/*" which wasn't the same path as the article at "Redstone circuits/Logic", so the wiki didn't recognize them as subpages and offer to move them too. You fixed them, and I've updated the load paths on the other pages now.
- BTW, I'd recommend not suppressing the redirect, unless you're doing maintenance in your own userspace. The moved pages might not be linked to from the rest of the wiki, but they might be bookmarked, indexed, etc. elsewhere, and suppressing redirects will break those links. —Munin295 · 16 px 16 px · 00:11, 10 May 2013 (UTC)
- Ah, I see -- the mismatch confused the Wiki. Normally I wouldn't have suppressed redirects, but these are at this point fragments rather than full articles, and this was hopefully their last move for a while. Regardless, thanks again for your work on this.
Category Sort Keys[edit]
I've belatedly realized that many of the Redstone subpages have sort keys in their "Category" tag, apparently to sort them by topic instead of by path.. Without the keys, they would sort with their parent page, which seems more sensible to me (especially since the top-level topics now have proper pages). Is there any strong opinion out there as to which is more appropriate? --Mental Mouse 14:22, 27 May 2013 (UTC)
Anchors and such...[edit]
Nice work, Munin! Are you going to continue on Logic circuits, or can I start transferring text from the "galleries" to the main file? --Mental Mouse 19:59, 14 June 2013 (UTC)
- Absolutely go ahead with anything you're interested in doing. I bounce around from article to article, based on what I'm playing around with in the game at the time, and never know what I'm going to work on next (right now I'm sandboxing some ideas for the Enchantment article, but they're not looking good … *sad*). : )
- —Munin295 · 16 px 16 px · 00:29, 15 June 2013 (UTC)
What is an "opaque block"?[edit]
Some examples would be nice –Preceding unsigned comment was added by 18.104.22.168 (talk) at 18:44, 31 August 2013 (UTC). Please sign your posts with ~~~~
- Also, I've added some examples and links.


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Xbox Gift Card Digital Code - How It Works
In order to receive the Xbox gift card you must pass human verification before the card code will be sent to you.
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November 30th is the Feast of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. He is also the patron saint of numerous other countries: Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Ukraine and Russia. But we are a generous people and don't mind sharing! I've discovered three surprising things about nationhood during the course of writing this post. Read on to find out more.
Who was Saint Andrew?
Andrew was one of Christ's twelve apostles (closest disciples or followers) and after Jesus' death, Andrew began to preach His teachings in Scythia, Thrace and Achaea (the area along the northern coast of the Black Sea and western Greece). It's not surprising then that these countries which Andrew traversed and taught in should adopt him as their patron saint.
Surprise number one:
But why would Scotland adopt St Andrew as their patron saint? This tiny country, home to the wild Pictish people and far removed from the areas of ancient Greece and Palestine? Well, there are many legends of holy relics (fragments of bones) of St Andrew finding their way to Scotland and other countries in Europe. There is also the tale of a battle of the Picts (ancient Scots), led by Oengus II who reputedly saw an X-shaped cloud which spurred him onto victory and to proclaim St Andrew as the patron saint of Scotland! (St Andrew was crucified by the Romans on an X-shaped cross.) Source: The Independent Online.
Surprise number two:
"Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first;
nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first."
-Charles de Gaulle
This is quite a surprising distinction which I hadn't fully considered before. It's wonderful to be a patriot, to love one's country and to want to share that love with others. It conjures up positive feelings of love, understanding, and yes a dose of pride. And yet, patriotism, love of one's nation, can so easily slip into nationalism whose gnarly claws of suspicion, envy, greed, insecurity, and thwarted desire lead to no end of negative thoughts, words and acts. In other words, division and hate.
Surprise number three:
This is fascinating! Around 300 million years ago, Earth didn't have seven continents, but instead one massive supercontinent called Pangaea, which was surrounded by a single ocean called Panthalassa. Source: Livescience.com. These continents then began to split apart over the millennia, until we find the global map so recognisable today.
[pdf-embedder url="https://anitaneilson.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/c12ae-ad257-world-land-mass.pdf" title="world land mass"]
So you see, we really aren't that different. We really are all one people under the sun! In the words of the New Seekers song of 1971, I'd like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony):
"I'd like to see the world for once
All standing hand in hand
And hear them echo through the hills
For peace throughout the land."
If you'd like to listen to the song, use this YouTube link: New Seekers song. Have a great weekend! Anita.


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The first two weeks of November I spent in Barcelona again. And we added a visit to Girona and Figueres. I mean… it's cold and wet in the Netherlands, so a visit to Spain is a great idea!
Unfortunately Monica hasn't any vacation days anymore so I was going to spend my daytime on my own and it was only after I booked my flight I learned that they'd have a national holiday in Spain the day before I arrived. Oh well… you can't have everything.
I arrived at November second after a long trip. My luggage had a problem from the moment I arrived at the trainstation in Assen and making dragging the luggage around. Luckily I found some workers in Schiphol airport the help me get the handle down, but after that (that is: dragging the 22 kilogram of luggage around in Barcelona without an extendable handle) it was not a lot of fun.
With a little delay in the bus I still arrived at a decent time and once we'd hauled the luggage back to the apartment, we went out for a bit for dinner and a nice evening out.
Friday Monica headed to work and I took to the streets for a walk. A big round actually. All through Gracia down to the hospital Sant Pau, from there to the Sagrada Familia and then I walked to Torre Agbar and the second hand marked next to it. Then on to the Arc de Triomf. From there a bit of a walk to the Palau de la Musica. For those known who Barcelona they'll have an idea of how much it is. Let's just say it was a really good days exercise. By the end of the afternoon Monica's workday was over and we start the weekend together with an introduction to a very Dutch dish: Boerenkool (mashed kale and potatoes and smoked sausage) and then went out for a nice evening together. We ended the night at Soda Acustic where a Arabic/World Music band was playing. As the bar was full we didn't get to see much of the band.
On Saturday we had a lovely day visiting the Andy Warhol Exposition in the CaixaForum and then going on to the Poble Espanol where there was a Medieval themed marked where we ate a superb pizza and where we learned a really fun new frase when a guy on a Flying Carpet walked, ehr no… FLEW by! He granted children's wishes. They were to make a silent wish upon when he threw confetti in the air denouncing 'Que se cumpla!' (Translates roughly to "That is fulfilled"). However he could not say in what timespan the wish would be fulfilled so don't hold your breath just yet ;) It was great great fun at the market.
On Sunday in the afternoon we headed to the Poble Sec area and walked the streets a bit there. Much against my nature I hardly took any photos there. We did visit the Moritz Brewery/restaurant and met friends of Monica at the Carrer de Blai (THE street for pintxos in Barcelona). And we ended the day at the Harlem Jazz Club where we saw the Son de la Rambla. A fantastic end to the weekend.
On Monday I started with editing the photos of Son de la Rambla. I'd brought my computer along this time so I could send in some concert photos to Fileunder if we'd see some interesting concerts. Then I wanted to go for a walk looking at some galleries as there was a map that showed various galleries that currently held expositions, however I should have checked it a bit better: on Mondays they're all closed. By the end I'd walked down Balmes to the Plaza Cataluna and from there I decided to walk around a bit more. In the afternoon I met Monica for lunch and for the rest a nice and quiet day.
On Tuesday I followed a tip by Monica: to visit the cactus garden at Montjuic. It's a little hidden and you have to know where to walk, but it's a lovely garden with a much different set of plants then you see in the other parks. My plan was to walk to Plaza Espanya and try some different photos there, along the way I ended up next to El Grec, the amphitheater where we saw a concert a few months ago. At the moment they aren't using it for concerts and people can enter the location as a park. This also means that you can walk and look from the 'stage' looking into the tribunes :)
The shots at Plaza Espana didn't really work out as I had planned, will have to try that again later. After that I went back home. I'd done more then enough walking for one day and I did add a little more in the evening as I also wanted to try some long-exposure photos at Casa Batllo. For this experiment I went out alone as I didn't want to bore Monica with lots of tripod-placement, timer settings, trying this, trying that. It took more or less an hour to get all the shots I wanted and that's a long time if she'd have to sit and wait till I was done.
I had my own plans for Wednesday as I wanted to go up to the Bunker del Carmel for a set of panoramic shots. First I walked Monica to the trainstation and had a breakfast and some coffees in a nearby diner and then went to Palau Robert to see the photo-exposition of Joana Biarnes, the first Spanish female photojournalist.
Now I was ready for a long walk (I think I do enjoy walking a little too much). Walking down Gracia to the hospital Sant Pau again (like last Friday) and then upwards. Through a park and finally reached the bunker. It's a popular place now and since the first time Monica took me here in 2015 there's now road leading all the way up to it. Also you'll now always see groups hanging around the bunker. Still the view is fantastic.
From the Bunker I could just make out the top of the Park Guell and decided that that might make a nice next stop on the route, so I walked down the bunker and found my way using Google Maps. Halfway I saw a relly long stairway leading op and wanted to see what was up there. That gave a good view over Barcelona as well. Then on to Park Guell. The most famous part is the commercial park with Gaudi's designs: the houses and the balcony. However the park is bigger and higher then that, so I walked to the top, where you'll find another viewpoint: an elevated area that is crowded with tourists all trying to get that panoramic photo (me included by the way).
The road to that point is riddled with street musicians. The ones on top were playing as loud as possible to outdo one and another. That didn't make the experience that much better… On my away down I reached the commercial park and noticed that a large part of the balcony is currently under construction. I'd like to get another shot from the balcony looking onto Barcelona at some point, but I'll wait it out for now.
As I walked back to the apartment, I ran into a store where the window was stockfull with rows of cans of tomato-juice. The view reminded me of the Andy Warhol exposition and I couldn't resist taking a shot of it. In the evening we went out to eat at a Mexican and ended the evening in a Bodega. A great, great day!
I've been lent a bicing-pass and so on Thursday I can finally do a bit more cycling in Barcelona. You need a bit of luck to get a good bicycle in the bicing, but still… It's so nice to out on a bike in Barcelona again. I visit the Rodin exposition in Barcelona. The prices for visiting an exposition like this are way better then those of visiting a museum in the Netherlands. It's a great exposition and especially the huge statues in the last hall are really impressive. In the afternoon I meet Monica for lunch and then enjoy a bit of sun and doing nothing for a bit.
In the evening we go to Soda Acustic for a jazz-concert of the Felix Rossy Quartet. Unfortunately the concert starts half an hour late and when the concert finally starts, some people already have to leave. We see the first set and catch the beginning of the second act where the concerts is more like a free jam session and various people can join in on stage. It was a great concert, I just wish they'd started a bit earlier.
Friday back on the bicycle and this time another gallery. Arts Santa Monica to be exact, the place I visited in August on the day of the attack. The gallery has some new expositions and it's nice visiting it. I then walk the streets in the barrio a bit to shoot some narrow-street upward photos and in the end I walk around the Ciutadela Park a bit and head back. Monica will be home earlier today and go out for the evening. Not too long as we have plans for the weekend!
As for this weekend we head out of Barcelona and we've booked a hotel in Girona so we won't have to pack all activities in one single day. And so on Saturday morning we leisurely travel by train to Figueres.
Figueres is the birthplace of Salvador Dali and there is a huge and very impressive museum with his art. The outside of the museum is already a piece of art, on the inside you get a true view of the creativity of Dali. And it is vast: sketches, sculptures, installations, paintings in all sizes and also in mani various styles. For a man that is mostly known for his surrealistic art I was also very much impressed by the portraits and how well he could paint realism. But also landscapes, absurd sculptures, optical illusions… The man was a genius.
After we'd visited the museum we headed to the rambla of Figueres as the sun was starting to set. It's not nearly as large as that of Barcelona, but it's a lovely place. And then… of to Girona. We checked into the hotel and then headed into the center to have a dinner and enjoy the warm evening.
On Sunday we checked out of the hotel and left the luggage there so we could enjoy the day without carrying to much. We found a market on our way to the center, onwards to the center we had a coffee at Espresso Mafia, started by former cyclist Christian Meier and his wife Amber.
I really have to come to Girona with my Bianchi sometime, I found a small group of Lotto-Jumbo cyclists there too (the Dutch team, also cycling on Bianchi). We visited the church where we took some sun for a while and then we walked the fortification wall of Girona with lush views over the city.
A last coffee and churro's with chocolate and then we had to go back to Barcelona. It was my last night in Spain this time around and we had a concert planned in Barcelona too!
Back in Barcelona we dropped of the luggage in the apartment and headed to Jamboree where we saw a fantastic concert by Koko Jean & The Tonics with Dani Nel.lo appearing as guest. A fantastic last night in Barcelona.
On Monday I walked Monica to the trainstation one last time and then headed back to the apartment in a long route to walk my last little walk in Barcelona this vacation. Then reluctantly I packed the luggage (a new one so no more awkward luggage pulling) and started my way back to the Netherlands.
Time to go and plan the next trip to Barcelona. I know in January it's really great there too…


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Argyle Gift Card Stocking
Argyle Gift Card Stocking
Designer: Lisa Dorsey
SUPPLIES: Cardstock: (red) Die Cuts With a View Patterned paper: (argyle from Christmas Stack) Die Cuts With a View Specialty paper: (white fleece) Dye ink: (black) Stickers: (Simply Sweet alphabet) Doodlebug Design Fibers: (green polka dot adhesive ribbon) Die Cuts With a View; (white floss) DMC Tool: (corner rounder punch) Finished size: 4" x 8"
1 Cut stockings, following pattern.
2 Machine-stitch stockings together to form pocket. Note: Leave top open for tag. Ink edges.
3 Trim fleece paper; adhere. Spell name with stickers.
4 Cut cardstock pieces for heel and toe; ink edges and adhere. Hand-stitch edges with floss.
1 Make tag from cardstock, round corners, and ink edges. Adhere ribbon.
2 Adhere gift card to center of tag. Insert tag in stocking.
Gifty Gift Cards
For more creative paper-crafted gift card ideas, see our November/December 2008 "Gifty Gift Card Holders" feature.
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|If you find there is a need to use recursion on locks, then it means you don't know when the lock is held. The lack of knowledge makes it impossible to minimize the lock hold time because you don't know when it was held. This is a common problem with Object-Oriented design.
Designing Applications for High Performance


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2019 GWC Softball News
Softball: Honors Seven Sophomores in Final 'Home' GameApril 22, 2019Huntington Beach, Calif. - The 'roaming Rustlers' honored their seven sophomore this afternoon in their final 'home' game of the season held at the Huntington Beach Sports Complex since their new field is finished being built.
Softball: Hartman Throws No-Hitter in the DesertFebruary 23, 2019Palm Desert, Calif. - Sophomore pitcher Jennifer Hartman throws a no hitter in a 5 inning mercy rule blowout win against Glendale College 16-0.
Softball: Worsham Hits Grand Slam to Highlight Day 2 in GlendaleJanuary 26, 2019Glendale, Calif. - Golden West had an interesting start to day two of the Dave "Hawk" Wilder Memorial Tournament in Glendale.
Softball: Bounces back in Game 2 to Earn Split on Opening DayJanuary 25, 2019Glendale, Calif. - The Rustler softball team opened the 2019 campaign with a split on Friday at the Dave "Hawk" Wilder Memorial Tournament in Glendale.
Softball Set to Open 2019 Campaign at David "Hawk" Wilder TournamentJanuary 22, 2019Huntington Beach, Calif. - The 2019 softball season for the Golden West College Rustlers will begin this Friday, January 25th at the David "Hawk" Wilder Memorial Tournament held by Glendale College.


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DHCP is a broadcast protocol. As such, it is typically isolated to a local network. This means that it will not easily cross network boundaries without additional configuration. This configuration is usually enabling DHCP helper or DHCP relay on the devices between the network boundaries. This means that you will need to enable DHCP relay on the "home office" router and on the remote site router. This configuration will vary from vendor to vendor. You will need to check with your router vendor documentation to see how to configure this option.
Register Hereor login if you are already a member


text: Royalty Free Vectors Wreath Vectors White floral laurel wreath set vector image LicenseLearn More Standard For Print, Advertising, Design Expanded For Resale & Reproduction The license type determines how you can use this image. Std. Exp. Print / Editorial Graphic Design Web Design Social Media Edit & Modify Multi-user Resale Items Unlimited Runs Ways to BuyCompare Single Image $14.99 Credits $1.00 Subscription $0.69 There are three ways to pay for Standard licenses. Prices are $US. Pay with Image Price Single Image $14.99 One-time payment Pay-As-You-Go Credits $1 Download images on-demand (1 credit = $1). Minimum purchase of 30. Subscription Plan From 69c Choose a monthly plan. Unused downloads automatically roll into following month. Ways to BuyCompare Single Image $29.99 Credits $30.00 There are two ways to pay for Expanded licenses. Prices are $US. Pay with Cost per Image Single Image $29.99 One-off payment, no signup needed. Credits $30 Download images on-demand (1 credit = $1). Download Image Files Included Loading Details... Download File/s: ZIP Archive ZIP Archive High-res JPG (300 DPI+) High-res PNG (300 DPI+) Adobe Illustrator (v10+) Vector EPS (v8+) Vector PDF Download ZIP Share on Pinterest Facebook Twitter Download JPG Preview Image Image ID2245497 Artist amourfouFollow ♥Like +Cart 0.69 USD Similar Images More Images…More More by amourfou More Images…More Related Searches Wreath Laurel Vintage Floral Elements Hand Drawn Chalkboard White Design Set Banner Heart Wedding Arrow Ribbon Flower Leaf Black Ampersand Bow Frame Label Rose Tulip Love Doodle Symbol Silhouette Drawing Sign


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Students may request a copy of their official transcripts by filling out a request form in the main office, indicating whether they want to pick up or have us mail direct.
A transcript includes a summary of grades, transfer credits from previous high schools, and graduation date. SAT score is also included on your transcript. The records for students who attended Lincoln High School should be requested by mail, fax or e-mail.
Lincoln High School
Lincoln Ca, 95648
(916) 645-6360
The letter should contain the following information:
Copyright © 2016 Western Placer Unified School District and its licensors. All rights reserved. Website Developed By CatapultK12™. | Log In


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The newest InterContinental in Europe joined Fine Hotels & Resorts only a year after its opening. Focusing on selected luxury travel agencies worldwide, the leading hotel in Bulgaria will target the affluent international traveler who is after undiscovered destinations and is curious to explore new cultures. An icon of international modern luxury in Sofia, the hotel embodies the unique charisma of the destination, complemented by elegant design, modern facilities, beautiful art and impeccable service.
One of InterContinental Sofia's novelties is its brand new Presidential Suite, a one of a kind piece of art, unique for the Bulgarian market and highly appreciated by the experienced international travellers.
The Presidential Suite spreads over 268 sq.m on the hotel's 7th floor, providing its guests with luxury, comfort and breath-taking views to St Alexander Nevski Cathedral and the Vitosha mountain. The suite can be booked separately or together with the two adjacent suites, which makes it an ideal place for a high-end visit. The Presidential Suite was created to provide a memorable experience even to the most pretentious travellers. The private office, the enoteca, the whiskey bar and the spacious bathroom with stunning vista of the Vitosha are just a few of the many amenities here. The living and dining rooms stand out with sophisticated décor and make the perfect location for an exclusive social event or an unforgettable dinner in a close circle.
InterContinental Sofia is part of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) – a leading company in the hotel industry with more than 400,000 employees in 100 countries. Currently, IHG® has 5,603 operating hotels worldwide and 1,859 in pipeline.


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Milford Fire Department
Contact Information
Milford Fire Department
21 Birch ST
Milford, MA 01757Mailing Address
Milford Fire Department
21 Birch ST
Milford, MA 01757
Phone: (508) 473-1214
Fax: (508) 473-4858
Website: http://www.milford.ma.us/fire.htm
Dial 911 for Emergencies!
Fire Chief
Chief Unknown
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Map of this DepartmentInteractive map of Milford, MA
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Fire Department Statistics
Department Type: Career
Number of Stations: 2
Firefighting Personnel
Full-Time Paid Firefighters: 40
Part-Time Paid Firefighters: 0
Volunteer Firefighters: 0
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Non-Firefighting Paid Staff: 1
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Management of this profile
If you work at Milford Fire Department and have the authority to update fire dept. info, you can apply to manage this profile.


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Hey everyone! ive started this thread specially for 2013 players, like me, to reminisce/share our memories about the old days of growtopia.Only good memories!!
Because its rare now in 2019 to find 2013 players in game, so its kinda difficult to share common memories with each other about the old days of gt and how times have changed.Hence, this thread was made to find those 2013 players XD
So if you are a player since 2013, feel free to share your memories
Remember when ninja suit was the rarest clothing item in gt before february 2013 update (valentine's) when angel wings were introduced and then that became the rarest item of its time??
Or even back then when owning a crimson wing makes you one of the richest players in gt??
or even the world 'dungeonsuckers', the first ever WOTD??
or the first ever rollback? the one with the sad yellow face plaque?
or even the nyan hat in march 2013 before it was removed due to copyright issues?
Gosh, memories!!!
Do share a screenshot of your player back in the days if you would like
preferably in 2013


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Spring has sprung for Colorado kayakers!
The kayaks are blooming!
All it took to inspire spring madness this year was for a tiny bit of bow to reveal itself from the snow.
Does it matter that ice fishermen are still drilling holes in lakes and the rivers look like molten turquoise? Evidently not. All I could think about last Sunday was getting the boats out.
There was a small problem. These aren't domestic, sheltered in a garage kayaks. These are wild, free-range boats, left to roam where I abandoned them in the backyard when the ice and a leaky dry suit finally drove me off the water in November.
Over the winter, wind and snow had encased them in an icy, hardpack tomb several feet deep. What's more, the huge tarp I'd covered them with for sun protection had pinned them down with it's own snowy icy lock.
Two hours of intense digging produced only mediocre results. I couldn't even clear the cockpits. Pulling with all my strength didn't budge them an inch. It would take a knife, a pick and maybe explosives to free them I decided. Or I could just wait for the sun to do its job. Maybe it isn't spring just quite yet.
But still, there they were, if not the whole of them, then the thought of them. Granules of snow on the decks was slowly melting, running in small miniature creeks and rivers down off the sides.
I touched the bow of my blue boat, the prijon with the delicate Greenland style upsweep to its lines. And I thought of paddling again, of currents and waves and memories and friends; of Twin Lakes near Leadville rimmed with shimmering reflections of golden aspen and a setting full moon mirrored on it's surface; of the miserable constant driving rain on the Colorado through Ruby/Horse thief; of the San Juan river trip that ended finally with a brutally long paddle in the dark to the takeout and a scary visit to the Moab ER; of a solo late season trip down the Green through Labyrinth canyon that I alternately baked and froze on; of warm beaches and starry night skies; of laughter and conversation, of morning coffee and evening tequila.
I thought of two women and a love that had been lost while paddling in the summer, although we didn't know it then, and of love found, paddling in the autumn, although we didn't know it then.
I was sitting there adrift in memory when my friend Craig called. "Hey," he said. "I bought a new cataraft and I'm pumping up the tubes in the garage. Wanna' come watch?"
Oh yeah.


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Goa: Bankers and investors around the world are extremely nervous these days—the latest data from China indicates an increasingly bleak scenario is rapidly accelerating into focus. When the US property market crashed in 2005-2008, it triggered lasting devastation in the global economy. Now the same thing seems be happening all over again. China's property market is teetering on the brink of disaster.
Most analysts acknowledge the truth is worse than official data indicates: that last month home prices again fell in 64 of 70 Chinese cities (the biggest decline since records began). Floor space sold is down 16.3%, despite many cities scrambling to ease "home purchase restrictions". New construction starts have fallen by 25%, actual housing prices are declining for the first time in modern Chinese history, and the impact has been a marked slowdown in national GDP growth (where real estate and associated sectors account for 16%).
Still, all this happening in a highly controlled command economy, with an agile and protective government united to ensure social stability is maintained, and political unrest avoided at virtually any cost. China's spectacularly fluid and dynamic labour force will be shifted around and compelled to fill the property vacuums. Premier Li Kequiang has already eased controls over property sales, and this week promised more of the same. It's a very bad situation—a 4-5% hit to China's GDP can be expected the next few years—but not nearly as bad as it will be elsewhere, when the same thing happens.
Over here in India, a blithe consensus has long been held, "you can never go wrong with property". For decades after Independence in 1947—just like in China all these years—that view held true. Property prices never declined, and eventually demonstrated world-beating appreciation: New Delhi and Mumbai property became some of the most expensive in the world. Even little Goa's property prices are now directly equivalent to many parts of Europe.
But the real data behind the hype already indicates a different story. According to Residex, the National Housing Board's index of "actual transaction prices" in 26 Indian cities, there has been less than 9% nominal appreciation across the board from 2007, which gains are entirely cancelled out by the 9% inflation rate. There are regional and situational variations, but the general conclusion is inescapable—Indian property values stopped their inexorable growth 5-7 years ago. Though absolute prices remain high, a certain ceiling has been reached. Now the only way to go is down.
As the Financial Times says, "The problem in the Chinese real estate sector can be summarized in one word: overbuilding." Developers competed with each other to drive up commodity prices and massively expand the luxury housing sector. Exactly the same thing happened in India too, with hugely overpriced housing estates mushrooming everywhere from Chandigarh to Caranzalem. And so—just like in China—prices have begun a previously unthinkable decline. Residex indicates more than 20% drop in Delhi alone.
The same is crystal clear in Goa, where prices reached unsustainable levels several years ago, and—again just like China—most of the rise is attributable to "hot money" from speculators. The 2011 Census indicated that 25% of homes in the state are unoccupied. But that remarkable percentage is actually very much higher in all the egregiously inappropriate high-rise construction in Dona Paula and Dabolim, and Reis Magos and Ribandar and many other illegally urbanized villages across the state. The same census very worryingly indicates that by far the largest construction activity in Goa is unoccupied real estate—more than school-buildings, hospitals, places of worship, factories and worksheds combined.
The explosive real estate boom in China had a highly significant rolling effect in Goa. The market price for iron ore soared to its highest in history, and we now know the established players were joined with an army of newly-minted miners to pillage the state's resources to such an extent the Supreme Court had to recommend complete cessation of all mining activity in Goa until the illegalities could be
So it is quite ironic that the emerging collapse in China's overheated real estate sector is again poised to have a highly significant rolling effect in Goa. For one thing, ore prices continue to slump, down to half where they were in 2012. Even if restored, the state mining sector is thus unlikely to go haywire again. But far more worrying is what China's property slump indicates for India's emerging struggles with the same. There is a clear possibility of a big bang of the bubble
in Goa.


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Ello Silver & Khaki Sunglasses by POMS
Inspired by the Gatto silhouette and Trinity from the Matrix, our Ello sunglasses feature hand crafted metal frames in silver with khaki lenses.
Silver metal frame.
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Khaki German Zeiss lenses (Category 3) with UV400 / 100% UVA & UVB protection.
German Obe stop screws.
Custom Poms eyewear box, padded nylon cloth case & lens cloth.
All items are quality checked by POMS. Please note that wear and tear is not considered a manufacturing fault. All jewellery and eyewear is delicate and must be handled carefully. If your item has a manufacturing fault, POMS will gladly assess and repair, exchange or refund your item. Please see our Terms & Policies page for information on how to return your item.
Lens Width: 65mm
Lens Height: 41mm
Nose-Bridge: 13mm
Temple: 150mm


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The weather was brilliant again yesterday for our Monday work party at the Lyndon Nature Reserve! The team were busy once again, cutting back over-hanging and encroaching vegetation, taking out some small trees and bushes, and removing the reams of reeds in front of Tufted Duck Hide.
The purpose of all this hard work was to open up the area in front of the hide, and improve the view. You can see the benefits of the work we did from these great before and after shots!
And here's a lovely clear photograph of Paul's favourite tree!
Thank you to everyone who joined us today, it was a great job done! Thanks as always to Paul and Jan for the delicious soup and cakes!
All of the above photographs were taken by Paul Stammers.


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The best training in the industry combined with affordable monthly payments. Payments as low as $200 a month.
|Package Type
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|Full Package
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|Individual Module
|Module 1 (Structural, Exterior, and Roof Components)
|Individual Module
|Module 2 (Interior Components, Insulation /Ventilation & Electrical)
|Individual Module
|Module 3 (Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Systems)
|Individual Module
|Module 4 (License Law, Overview Of Profession & Report Writing)
|Individual Module
|Module 5 (Mock Inspections & Field Work)
Method #1 - Full payment on first night of $2,200.00 (check, credit card, or cash)
Method #2 - 4 monthly payments of $575.00* (payments will be made by debit or credit card)
Method #3 - 12 Monthly payments of $200 (payments will be made by debit or credit card)
All evening classes will be Monday and Wednesday from 6:00pm until 10:00pm.
2020 Class Start Dates
|Start Date
|January 6th
|License Law
|February 3rd
|Structural Components
|March 2nd
|Electrical Systems
|April 6th
|Heating Systems
|May 4th
|License Law
|June 1st
|Structural Components
|July 6th
|Electrical Systems
|August 3rd
|Heating Systems
|September 9th
|License Law
|October 5th
|Structural Components
|November 2nd
|Electrical Systems
|December 7th
|Heating Systems
At CATS the availability and convenience of our scheduling is a big priority. Our four month program is offered weekday evenings and allows our students to work during the time they are taking the course.
Our program is sectioned into five modules that need not be taken in order; with the fifth module running throughout the other four. This non-sequential design allows our students to begin at the start of any module without having to wait for a new semester to begin.
We understand that time is a big factor when deciding on a new career path and the CATS program keeps our students' needs in the forefront.
One key to learning is the opportunity to take what you learn in a classroom setting and use it in a real world application. By trying out new knowledge in practice and going back to the classroom to review and learn from your mistakes the technical aspects of the lessons are brought to life and the practice gives real meaning to the lessons.
Our program is designed to give every student this opportunity. You will attend two evening classes per week and one supervised practice inspection on Saturday. After each practice inspection you will write a report; just as every licensed home inspector is required to do. Your report will be reviewed and critiqued, not only for the technical applications of what you have learned but also your report writing ability.
As you learn and practice, you will improve. Each week new material will be in the classroom and you will gain new confidence and skill as a home inspector, honing not only your professional eye but your all important report writing.
Home inspection is a specialized field, and no one just picks it up and can write a thorough and professional report the first time (or even the 5th). However, after four months you will be confident in your inspections and reports.
Get free access to a professional home inspection reporting system during this course.
Home inspection is a systematic occupation. Good systems make good inspectors. You will be able to train on and learn to use a reporting system that you can use after graduation in your business.
This reporting system is included in your tuition – there are no hidden costs.
Each student learns to use the same system; the system used by your instructor in their business.
On your first night of class you can pay in full – $2,200.00 or you can pay as you go with $575.00 per month for the 4 month program. If you choose to avail yourself of the payment plan, all payments will be made with a debit or credit card on the 11th of each month you attend.
$200 payment on the first night, then 11 monthly payments of $200 per month.
Refund Policy — Refunds will be issued for any unattended modules – $350.00 per module.
The Module 5 Component consists of 10 practice inspections.
The practice inspections are held on Saturday afternoons throughout the 4 month course. Although these Saturday inspections are voluntary, 10 inspections must be attended in order to get the Module 5 certificate.
There will be three Saturday afternoon inspections scheduled per month so that you will be able to complete the Module 5 requirement as you complete the other four Modules. Other home inspection schools have students complete all 10 practice inspections after all the course work has been completed. The advantage of our program over that method is that you are able to apply what you learn as you learn it, and have your reports reviewed and improved as you go.
If you cannot complete the ten inspections concurrent with the four month educational program you are welcome to attend the Saturday inspection until you have completed your Module 5 requirement.
Whether you have any questions or you're ready to get started, contact us.


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What's Happening
'Meet Me in St. Louis' to be presented Nov. 6 & 7November 6th, 2014
by admin
Western Christian High School's drama department will present the spirited and charming show "Meet Me in St.
Girls Circle events plannedNovember 6th, 2014
by Jeanne Visser
A group called Girls Circle has been meeting in the Hull Public Library during October.
Western Christian plans $7 million projectNovember 3rd, 2014
by Jeanne Visser
Last week Western Christian High School announced plans for a $7 million renovation and expansion project.
"We know it's pretty ambitious but if we want to keep Christian education
Grand re-opening celebrated by Jessica Bonestroo PhotographyOctober 9th, 2014
by June De Wit
Jessica Bonestroo Photography celebrated a grand re-opening Wednesday, Oct. 1. From 6:30-8:30 p.m., current and potential clients visited her new studio and were able to check
'Happy Birthday, Dear Grandpa' to be performedOctober 9th, 2014
by June De Wit
Julie Marra and Marj Wagner are busy getting cast members ready for a play to be performed at Hull Country Club.
Child Passenger Safety Week kicks off with car seat checkupSeptember 25th, 2014
by June De Wit
A free car seat safety checkup was at the Hull Clinic Monday evening.
BH School Board approves Core BeliefsSeptember 17th, 2014
by Jeanne Visser
Looking ahead to the future, the Boyden-Hull School Board approved a resolution adopting Core Beliefs at the September board meeting last week.
Core beliefs dictate the life you
Hull moving forward on low-income housingSeptember 17th, 2014
by Jeanne Visser
For several years there has been a shortage of low- to middle-income rental housing in Hull.
Find your health coach at Fuss FitnessSeptember 3rd, 2014
by Jeanne Visser
After losing 67 pounds, he made a career change and opened Fuss Fitness in Hull and Sioux Center.
American State Bank celebrates 10 yearsAugust 28th, 2014
by June De Wit
The south end of Main Street was nearly a traffic jam as people went to and from American State Bank's celebration Wednesday evening.


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Spruce up your concrete with a few coats of fresh paint. The look of stained concrete can appear dull over time, making for the perfect time to apply your favorite color paint for a bold and dramatic design. Painting concrete is very affordable and can be the perfect weekend project for your family. Consider painting bold stripes and designs for a one-of-a-kind creation. With a painting design and plan, you can transform the drab look of concrete into an inviting and attractive space.
Step 1
Clean the stained concrete using TSP, or trisodium phosphate. Mix the TSP in a plastic bucket with water and scrub the concrete using a wire brush. Allow to dry thoroughly.
Step 2
Fill cracks and holes in your stained concrete using cement filler. Smooth over holes with the trowel. Allow to dry at least 24 hours.
Step 3
Tape off the stained concrete border with masking tape. Apply one coat of oil-based Kilz primer to the concrete. Let dry thoroughly.
Step 4
Apply one or two coats of oil-based paint. Wipe down drips with a clean cloth. Allow to dry 24 hours.
Step 5
Pull away masking tape. Apply one coat of clear sealant. This will protect the paint and prevent scratches and smudges. Allow to dry thoroughly.


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I decided since I was going to be so close to Austria while visiting Liechtenstein, I would use the opportunity to visit Vienna. It would be a quick trip, just and day and would require a full day of travel from Buchs in Switzerland, but I considered it a fact-finding mission for a future trip.
The train left from Buchs and traveled through Liechtenstein and then to Austria. As we got into the mountains of Austria it was snowing and the route for the next hour or so turned into a live action Xmas card. Living most of my life in the American South, snow is always a novelty. It is even more appreciated when I don't have to drive or work in it.
The train slowed a bit in the mountains, I'm not sure if the snow had anything to do with it, but we arrived in Innsbruck a few minutes late. It has been my experience that European trains run on time. I wasn't really thinking about transferring between trains in Innsbruck when I booked this trip. The window of transfer was very small. By the time I got off of my train and found the car I was supposed to be in, I was surprised to find that the door wouldn't open. I soon realized the reason was that it was leaving without me.
In most parts of America missing a train will mean waiting another 12-24 hours for the next one. Since I was in Europe, there was another leaving for Vienna in about an hour. I got booked on that one and grabbed lunch at the station while I waited for my new train.
The next train arrived on time and the journey to Vienna continued without any delays. I arrived early in the evening and made my way to the hotel. I checked in, walked to the neighborhood store for supplies, and plotted how to attack my full day in Vienna.
The Austrian Federal Railways trains were fairly modern, clean, and comfortable. All of this was good since I spent about 8 hours that day on them. In hindsight, I probably should have not spent so much time on the rails for such a short trip, but this was all brand new for me. The trip from Buchs to Innsbruck through the mountains was scenic enough to make it worth it. I only wished I had gotten better photos from the train.


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When my wall unit stopped working, it was my good fortune to see a commercial for a company who specializes in "through the wall" installation. In my dealings with other companies, it was my experience that my job was too small, or they could not accommodate me in a timely manner. It was such a surprise to receive an immediate response from Affordable Home AC through their representative, John. He offered to meet with us within a day and at a time that was best for me. His quote for the job was in writing DURING THE MEETING. In addition, we were able to schedule the installation within that same week. The installation was a snap, clean and completed with trim and paint! They were able to, again, meet my schedule and were finished ahead of my expectations. I am very impressed and will be using Affordable Home AC for all my future purchases and installations!
Aloha and a great big THANK YOU to you and your team for the best night's sleep I've had in months! Guys did a great job with both installs.
From estimate to installation, John, Devin, and Ron were just awesome. Very professional, friendly, efficient, and good fun. I would highly recommend having Affordable Home AC to anyone.
We were very pleased with the installation of our new air conditioner. The installer (Devin) was great. He showed us how to use the air conditioner and of course my wife liked the clean up he did. I would definitely recommend your company to our friends.
Thank you to the team at Affordable Home AC! I couldn't be more pleased with the friendly and professional service. They came out to do a free estimate on the same day I called. It was an informative meeting and they were able to answer my questions and address my concerns. For further information on the AC unit specs, they sent it promptly via email. After checking some reviews on the unit, It was a go! It was easy to schedule an appointment because they were so accessible and flexible. The installment took a short hour and the unit is very quiet and cools down the room very nicely. Before leaving, they also did a good job at explaining the different functions of the AC. This is the first time I've written a review but felt I really wanted to, because I was very impressed and would highly recommend this company to anyone.
Just want to give Affordable Home AC a thumbs up for a job well done. Professional, reliable, timely and price competitive…..what more can you ask for? They returned my call immediately and gave me an estimate once I texted the AC I needed to replace. Lucky for me they had an opening right away to replace my leaking window AC. They came in with the new unit, lots of tarps and a wet vac to ensure a neat, clean removal and installation. And for the first time, I received a tutorial on the inner workings of the unit and a lesson on how to prevent AC leaks! Thank you Affordable Home AC!!!!! I highly recommend them.
I had a wonderful experience with Affordable Home AC. I was pressed for time, but they were able to quickly fit me in to their schedule with an appointment that met my needs. The communication was excellent, and they called and emailed to confirm our appointment and pricing. The installation by their technician Devin far surpassed my expectations! He was professional, friendly, and very fast and efficient. I would definitely recommend Affordable Home AC.
Hi John
Just a note of thanks for a job well done. Devin & Mike were very professional and made sure that everything was right. Devin was very knowledgable and answered all my questions. I will definitely let my friends know and will call for any future AC needs.
My first impression with John and his team was great! I was going back and forth if a "through the wall" unit would be better than a "split" system. After speaking with them, they gave us a lot of good information on why the wall unit for my house was a better choice. His team was so respectful when installing the 2 units, telling me when it was going to be noisy, asking my opinion and explaining everything through the installations. As a Realtor, who I hire to do work on my home is important, I would not hesitate to refer John and his team to any of my clients.
My complete experience with Affordable Home AC was excellent. From customer service to follow up installation. I would recommend Affordable Home AC to anyone.
High quality service is certainly something that seems to be rare in our present day economy. One exception was my recent experience with Affordable Home AC. My air conditioning unit required repair and they handled it in a most professional manner. The technician was on time even to the point of calling to say he would arrive in 10 minutes. The technician was both efficient and neat. If I ever have another problem with an air conditioner, this is the company I would call. A very refreshing experience.
Dear Brian and the entire team at Affordable Home AC,
Thank you so much for a job well done! I couldn't be any happier with the process and installation of my 3 AC units, and could not thank you enough for your professionalism, knowledge, efficiency, and attention to detail.
A friend of mine had recommended Affordable Home AC, as they specialized in window/wall units. Living in a complex with an association, only these units are approved. I gave them a call…Brian answered, and was very informative and friendly from the get go. He even came out to give me an estimate that same day! I was extremely pleased with his honesty and professionalism as he answered all my questions, and took the time to explain the process as well.
I was eager to start the process soon, and they did just that! They worked me into their busy schedule, and the team completed what I thought would take ALL day, within hours! They didn't mind that I watched them in action, and even explained what they were doing. Before leaving, they made sure I knew how to work the units properly and explained the proper filter cleaning process. Upon leaving, all 3 rooms were left spotless and without any mess!
Brian and his team were kind enough to follow up a few times after installation to see if I had any questions or concerns, and to make sure I was a satisfied customer!
I would HIGHLY recommend this team if you're looking for great work at a reasonable price with trusted and experienced knowledge. Thank you again, guys!!
Brian and his team at Affordable Home AC provide top-notch, professional service – whether it is an installation of a new air conditioning unit, routine cleaning and maintenance, or repairs – they do it all! We called him to help us put in a new AC, and he was very prompt and reliable. Not only did he pick out a high-quality AC unit that fit our needs and our budget, but he also ensured that it met our building's specific AC requirements and that it was installed properly and in accordance with our building's policies. He is easy to communicate with and is usually very quick to respond. Brian and his staff always do a good job and at reasonable prices. They are honest and upfront and take great pride in their work. One time, we noticed that one of our AC units started to leak water after one of his routine cleaning services, so we informed him about it and he was quick to remedy the problem, no questions asked and at no extra charge. That is how much he cares about his workmanship and customer satisfaction. For all your AC needs, look no further and give Brian a call!


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Oracle data warehousing
Analytics drives Las Vegas at the Collaborate conference
Las Vegas is an analytics-driven city. With the rarity of cities collecting data like Las Vegas does, Oracle has an interest in Raghav Venkat's data. Continue Reading
At the Collaborate conference, optimize BI with Oracle 12c
At the Collaborate 15 conference, Kai Yu wants to share his experience working in BI and as a DBA and how to use Oracle Database 12c to improve BI. Continue Reading
Oracle gets away from relational DB with NoSQL database architecture
Robert Sheldon traces the roots of NoSQL, shows the important features of the Oracle NoSQL Database architecture, and describes its implementation. Continue Reading
Hadoop for big data requires IT-wide teams, like Oracle Exadata
Oracle Exadata forces IT silos to talk to one another, and Hadoop big data projects will do the same. Continue Reading
Best practices for Oracle real-time data integration
Preparation, education and enforcement are just three of the best practices for a successful Oracle real-time data integration project. Continue Reading
Real-time data collection for Oracle data warehouses
Time is almost always an issue when it comes to extracting information from data warehousing software. Data integration can help. Continue Reading


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Volkswagen commits to electric vehicles
German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen has decided to throw its hat into the electric vehicle (EV) market, planning to launch up to 40 models in China by 2025, China Money Network reports.
Some of these EV models might make it to company launch by early 2018, according to Volkswagen China's head, Jochem Heizmann. A couple of months ago, the company announced a goal to invest as much as $24 billion in these carbon emission-free vehicles.
The investment served as a viable follow-up to recent ventures that the German manufacturer has cornered in this side of East Asia. Back in May, it earned a permit to develop electric cars along with state-owned vehicle manufacturer JAC Motors. A similar deal was secured by Volkswagen earlier with other China-based manufacturers, namely SAIC Motor Co., Ltd., and FAW Group Corp.
The joint venture with JAC Motors is set to begin production of its first batch of prototypes come first half of 2018. Matthias Mueller, Volkswagen AG's chief executive, confirmed in the report the company's plan to sell as many as 1.5 million electric cars in the Mainland by 2020. This is consistent with China's reported goal of eliminating vehicles dependent on fossil fuels and move towards EV models. The program, while not mentioning an actual deadline for the carbon emission levels to be lowered, kicked off in September.
In order to achieve the goal of turning all vehicles running in China to new energy sources, the Chinese government has required manufacturers "to have electric cars or plug-in hybrid cars account for 2% and 4% of their total output respectively" as part of the state-mandated new energy vehicle credit system based on the system of buying credits to make up for the carbon emissions produced. The report used the term "clampdown" when referring to its efforts to eliminate fossil fuel-dependent vehicles.
Volkswagen AG, on the other hand, seemed to be chasing its self-imposed deadline as well. According to Bloomberg, the quest for cobalt sources is on. Cobalt is noted as one of the most in-demand metals due to its viability as a material needed to create electric car batteries. Volkswagen AG has viewed this as a long-term initiative to the point that it has allegedly "relaxed demands for offers at a discounted fixed price" to source the mineral.
Cobalt's reputation as far as electricity conduction attributes are concerned have made it the preferred raw material for rechargeable batteries. As Volkswagen AG's investment in China now awaits its next move, it is reported to be one of the companies with its sights on suppliers coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo for long-term purchases, with goals of investing up to $40 billion within five years.
Volvo will face some competition in China, with Ford partnering with China-based manufacturer Anhui Zotye Automobile Co., Ltd., and Groupe Renault pairing up with Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., to seal a deal with China's Dongfeng Motor Group to produce their own electric vehicles.
Stay up-to-date with the latest commentary and insights on FreightTech and the impact to the markets by subscribing.


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Once upon a time, there was a kingdom named Silver Woods. The sky-kissed spires glittered under the sun while the nights brought out the haunting beauty of the kingdom when moonlight spilled through the windows and sowed dreams. The royal castle was the Black Castle. Princess Anastasia loved every bend and corner of this kingdom. She ached to rule over this kingdom one day. For at Silver Woods the kingdom passed on through the daughters in the Royal family. This was unusual at the time, but considering there had been no male heirs in the royal family for eight generations, it was not that surprising.
Silver Woods was peaceful and the people were happy. However, all was not well outside the boundaries of this kingdom. On the outskirts of this kingdom lived the Merrick family. Cinder Merrick lived with his stepbrothers and his step mom in a beautiful stone house. Gloria fooled his father into marrying her. Gloria was a selfish woman who did nothing without an ulterior motive. Cinder's stepbrothers mistreated him. He had to work from dawn until dusk to feed himself. His infatuated father had foolishly left all his estate to his second wife Gloria.
Gloria was cold and heartless. She made Cinder do all the work of the house so she would not have to pay wages to servants. In her eyes, her two sons Roan and Seiko were perfect and could do no wrong. She adored them and catered to their every whim. Roan and Seiko in turn lost no opportunity in making Cinder's life miserable. They teased him mercilessly and played cruel jokes on him.
Cinder tried to adapt to the situation as best as he could for he saw no way out of his miserable life. Foolish as he was, he could not leave his bedridden father at the mercy of his step mom. Even faced with the hardships that his life had come now, the memories of his mother singing, laughing with him still echoed through the stones to him. These were the only good memories he wished to keep and the only ones he had. He accepted his fate and saw no point in raging over it.
He strolled down the river to gather some berries that grew by the river. However even he could not control the ache he felt when there was an announcement for the ball in wake of the sixteenth birthday celebration of Princess Anastasia. He had only seen her only once and that was just by pure chance. She had been galloping on her horse Thor at breakneck speed, her copper hair flowing wildly behind her. He wished he could attend that ball just once. He would then be not so discontent with his fate. Sighing he accepted his fate.
The fairy of Hope bathing down the river was listening to the inner turmoil of Cinder. Fairy Hope herself was at the bottom of the ladder in the fairy world and had to do all the menial work like gathering the first drops of dew, tears of the moon and light from the fireflies. She had been observing Cinder for a long time and was sympathetic towards his plight. So she decided to do all she could to help Cinder attend the Royal ball.
The entire kingdom was in full swing preparing for the ball. The royal castle gleamed to a shine. New gowns were ordered. Carriages gleamed and the horses were groomed until their coats glistened under the sun. In no time, the day of the royal ball arrived.
Young knights from far and near arrived hoping to win the heart and hand of princess Anastasia. Roan and Seiko left for the ball with their mother dressed in their new finery after cruelly taunting Cinder. Cinder made his way to the river where he always found solace when he was sad. As soon as he drew near the bank, Fairy Hope appeared.
"We have no time to waste. You're late already," said the fairy.
"Who are you?" asked Cinder.
"You'll know in time, but first you have to get ready for the ball. You do want to
attend the royal ball, don't you?" she said sternly.
Cinder nodded, unable to speak.
Fairy Hope made sparkling new clothes from the barks and trees along the river for Cinder. The river water turned into a carriage with colourful fishes adorning it. The rats scurrying around the riverbank changed into six beautiful black horses. The scales of the fishes turned to shining new boots. A rabbit scurrying around the banks transformed into a handsome carriage driver. Cinder waved and thanked Fairy Hope.
"Remember my warning. Leave the Castle before the clock strikes twelve as my magic will last only till then" said the fairy.
Cinder nodded and left for the royal castle, the carriage and the rider making a pretty picture in the night. When he reached the castle all eyes turned on him. Cinder looked so regal and breathtakingly handsome that even his own stepmother and stepbrothers did not recognise him.
Cinder went over to Princess Anastasia and bowed.
"Would you do me the honour of a dance?"
Princess Anastasia was mesmerised. She had never set eyes on anyone so handsome. His eyes were the colour of damp monsoon leaves and she immediately fell in love with them.
Cinder was so enjoying the ball that he completely forgot the fairy's warning and remembered it just in time. It was just five minutes to midnight!
"I have to go, excuse me" Cinder.
He turned abruptly and raced down the Castle steps leaving Princess Anastasia in the middle of the dance floor. In his haste, one of Cinder's boots got caught with the brier patch alongside the castle steps. He tried to tug it free but it slipped from his foot. He keeps on running with one stockinged foot.
When Princess Anastasia raced down the steps, she found the shoe caught in the brier. The next day royal guards went about the kingdom carrying Cinder's shoe throughout the kingdom. All the young men tried the shoe on, for Princess Anastasia would marry only the knight to whom this shoe was a perfect fit. The Royal guards at last came to Cinder's house. His stepbrothers tried but the shoe was too large for them. The guards were just leaving when they saw Cinder chopping wood.
"He has to try it too" said one of the Royal guards, pointing to Cinder. Cinder's step mom and brothers started laughing, thinking the guards had taken leave of their senses.
"He's just a servant," said Gloria.
However, the royal guards were adamant. When Cinder tried on the shoe, it was a perfect fit and he brought out the other shoe that he had hidden in the shed.
Princess Anastasia and Cinder were married with great aplomb. Both waved down to the people of the kingdom from the castle balcony and the people shouted and cheered, deliriously happy for the royal couple.
Cinder turned to Anastasia and said, "There's a tale going to be carried down for generations in this kingdom".
"And what tale is that?" asked Princess Anastasia.
"The tale of how a princess rescued a squire in distress," said Cinder.
"We'll see about that," said Princess Anastasia.
Princess Anastasia gave a tour of the Royal Palace to Cinder. As they reached the farthest wing on the east, Princess Anastasia, turned back. Cinder saw a gleaming gold door with intricate details on its face. A heavy lion-shaped lock sealed the door.
"Why are we not going there?" asked Cinder.
"That room is off limits to everyone in the palace except me and don't let me catch you trying to sneak in" Princess.
As the days passed, Cinder grew more and more curious about the sealed room. He tried in vain to argue with Princess Anastasia to let him open the door.
Princess Anastasia had to visit the neighbouring kingdom one day for on a royal errand. She urged Cinder to help her father in the affairs of the kingdom in her absence and warned him of snooping around the locked room.
Cinder tried hard to resist, but eventually he gave in and decided to break into the room. He had kept close watch when Anastasia visited the room and knew where she hid the key.
Excitement poured through him as he opened the lock.
Mirrors covered the walls of the room. Jars filled with clear liquid were placed on shelves in front of the mirrors. Eyes through bloated heads stared at him through the glass jars. Green, blue, brown, grey and eyes of every other shade. Horror for his fate seemed to reflect from their eyes.
It seemed that the Princess had a weakness for exotic eyes. She collected these and admired their beauty for hours that doubled when their reflection fell on the mirrors.
A new pair of eyes soon added to her exotic collection. They were the colour of damp monsoon leaves.