text:
If you have a question for the IRS that you think can be answered over the phone, think again.
Last year, more than 100 million calls were placed to the tax-collection agency. Nearly 20 million of them went unanswered. Those who did get through were put on hold for an average of almost 18 minutes.
These are just a few of the eye-openers in the annual report that the National Taxpayer Advocate recently issued to Congress.
Nina Olson, the advocate, said the agency's funding was cut substantially in last year's sequestration. In addition, the IRS has had to handle a huge increase in tax-related identity theft and refund fraud, assigning more than 3,000 employees to address those issues last year.
"The combination of more work and less funding predictably has impaired the IRS's ability both to meet taxpayer needs and to improve tax compliance," Olson said. "Because of the harm identity theft victims suffer, we believe that was the right decision, but the reassignment of so many employees meant that other work in crucial taxpayer service and enforcement areas simply could not be done."
Given the challenges the IRS is facing, don't procrastinate with filing your tax return if you've got an issue and need help.
The IRS will be answering only "basic" tax questions by phone and at its walk-in sites during this filing season. If you have a more complex issue, the agency will refer you to its Web site (IRS.gov) or its publications or recommend that you seek help from outside resources, such as tax software.
"At the risk of vast understatement, it is a sad state of affairs when the government writes tax laws as complex as ours — and then is unable to answer any questions beyond 'basic' ones from baffled citizens who are doing their best to comply," Olson said.
That's why if you do need help, it's important to take advantage of the agency's Free File program. Free File, conducted in partnership with 14 private tax-preparation companies, offers software that will assist those with low or moderate incomes — $58,000 or less — to prepare and e-file their returns. The program is for federal returns, but most companies also offer state tax-return preparation, some at no cost.
The participating companies providing Free File tax prep products can be found at IRS.gov/freefile. To qualify for free offers, you must access the program through the IRS Web site. Each company has its own eligibility requirements, which may include your age, state or military status. Once you decide which company you want to work with, you'll be sent to that provider's Web site to prepare your return.
Even if you don't qualify for the Free File program, you can still file your return electronically using IRS e-file. When you use e-file, the math is done for you. To e-file, you have to use tax-preparation software or file electronically through an authorized professional preparer. Nearly all tax preparers use e-file now, and many are required by law to do so.
If you would rather go through a tax preparer to e-file, or you realize you want someone else to prepare and transmit your return, the IRS has a locator to help you find an e-file provider. On the IRS site, search for "Authorized IRS e-file Providers for Individuals." Put in your ZIP code, and you'll find tax professionals who are authorized to transmit tax return information to the IRS. Although the IRS does not charge a fee to e-file, some providers may charge you.
One of the top questions the IRS receives involves refunds. If you file electronically and select the option to get your money by direct deposit, you can expect your refund within three weeks. During that time, if you have a question about your refund, the IRS will direct you to its "Where's My Refund?" tool available in English and Spanish through the IRS2Go mobile app, IRS.gov and the agency's automated telephone service.
The IRS says its customer-service representatives will research the status of your refund only if it has been 21 days or more since your return was filed electronically. If you file a paper return through the mail, you'll also have to use the online tool unless it has been more than six weeks. However, if the return tool says you need to contact the IRS, then you can seek help from a customer representative.
With all the changes in customer service at the IRS, procrastinators take heed. This is a bad year to wait until the last minute.
Readers may write to Singletary at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071 or


text:
Digging Deeper into VXLAN, Part 1
Yes, I am still talking about VXLAN, rather you folks are still talking about VXLAN, so I thought its worthwhile digging deeper into the topic since there is so much interest out there. There also still seem to be a fair number of misconceptions around VXLAN, so let's see what we can do to clear things up.
This time around, I have some partners in crime for the discussion:
Larry Kreeger is currently a Principal Engineer at Cisco Systems' SAVTG working on Nexus 1000V architecture. Larry has a wide ranging background in networking accumulated from over 25 years of experience in developing networking products. His recent focus is data center networking, especially as it relates to data center virtualization.
Ajit Sanzgiri has worked on various networking technologies at Cisco and other bay area networking companies over the last 16 years. His interests include hardware based switching and routing solutions, Ethernet and wireless LANs and virtual networking. Currently he works on the Nexus1000v and related network virtualization products.
So, Larry and Ajit have put together this VXLAN primer–its fairly dense stuff, so we are breaking this into three posts. In this initial post, we'll cover the basics–why VXLANs and what is VXLAN. I know I've covered this to some degree already, but Larry and Ajit are going to dig a little deeper, which will hopefully help clarify the lingering questions and misconceptions. In the next post, we'll discuss how VXLAN compares with the other tools in your networking arsenal, and, in the final post, we'll cover more of the common questions we are seeing.
1 Why VXLANs ?
VLANs have been used in networking infrastructures for many years now to solve different problems. They can be used to enforce L2 isolation, as policy enforcement points and as routing interface identifiers. Network services like firewalls have used them in novel ways for traffic steering purposes
Support for VLANs is now available in most operating systems, NICs, network equipment (e.g. switches, routers, firewalls etc.) and also in most virtualization solutions. As virtualized data centers proliferate and grow, some shortcomings of the VLAN technology are beginning to make themselves felt. Cloud providers need some extensions to the basic VLAN mechanism if these are to be overcome.
The first is the VLAN namespace itself. 802.1q specifies a VLAN ID to be 12 bits which restricts the number of VLANs in a single switched L2 domain to 4096 at best. (Usually some VLAN IDs are reserved for 'well-known' uses, which restricts the range further.) Cloud provider environments require accommodating different tenants in the same underlying physical infrastructure. Each tenant may in turn create multiple L2/L3 networks within their own slice of the virtualized data center. This drives the need for a greater number of L2 networks.
The second issue has to do with the operational model for deploying VLANs. Although VTP exists as a protocol for creating, disseminating and deleting VLANs as well as for pruning them for optimal extent, most networks disable it. That means some sort of manual coordination is required among the network admin, the cloud admin and the tenant admin to transport VLANs over existing switches. Any proposed extension to VLANs must figure out a way to avoid such coordination. To be more precise, adding each new L2 network must not require incremental config changes in the transport infrastructure.
Third, VLANS today are too restrictive for virtual data centers in terms of physical constraints of distance and deployment. The new standard should ideally be free (at least 'freer') of these constraints. This would allow data centers more flexibility in distributing workloads, for instance, across L3 boundaries.
Finally, any proposed extension to the VLAN mechanism should not necessarily require a wholesale replacement of existing network gear. The reason for this should be self-evident.
VXLAN is the proposed technology to support these requirements.
2 What are VXLANs ?
2.1 What's in a name?
As the name VXLANs (Virtual eXtensible LANs) implies, the technology is meant to provide the same services to connected Ethernet end systems that VLANs do today, but in a more extensible manner. Compared to VLANs, VXLANs are extensible with regard to scale, and extensible with regard to the reach of their deployment.
As mentioned, the 802.1Q VLAN Identifier space is only 12 bits. The VXLAN Identifier space is 24 bits. This doubling in size allows the VXLAN Id space to increase by over 400,000 percent to over 16 million unique identifiers. This should provide sufficient room for expansion for years to come.
VXLANs use Internet Protocol (both unicast and multicast) as the transport medium. The ubiquity of IP networks and equipment allows the end to end reach of a VXLAN segment to be extended far beyond the typical reach of VLANs using 802.1Q today. There is no denying that there are other technologies that can extend the reach of VLANs (Cisco FabricPath/TRILL is just one), but none are as ubiquitously deployed as IP.
2.2 Protocol Design Considerations
When it comes to networking, not every problem can be solved with the same tool. Specialized tools are optimized for specific environments (e.g. WAN, MAN, Campus, Datacenter). In designing the operation of VXLANs, the following deployment environment characteristics were considered for its deployment. These characteristics are based on large datacenters hosting highly virtualized workloads providing Infrastructure as a Service offerings.
- Highly distributed systems. VXLANs should work in an environment where there could be many thousands of networking nodes (and many more end systems connected to them). The protocol should work without requiring a centralized control point, nor without a hierarchy of protocols.
- Many highly distributed segments with sparse connectivity. Each VXLAN segment could be highly distributed among the networking nodes. Also, with so many segments, the number of end systems connected to any one segment is expected to be relatively low, and therefore the percentage of networking nodes participating in any one segment would also be low.
- Highly dynamic end systems. End systems connected to VXLANs can be very dynamic, both in terms of creation/deletion/power-on/off and in terms of mobility across the network nodes.
- Work with existing, widely deployed network equipment. This translates into Ethernet switches and IP routers.
- Network infrastructure administered by a single administrative domain. This is consistent with operation within a datacenter, and not across the internet.
- Low network node overhead / simple implementation. With the requirement to support very large numbers of network nodes, the resource requirements on each node should not be intensive both in terms of memory footprint or processing cycles. This also means consideration for hardware offload.
2.3 How does it work?
The VXLAN draft defines the VXLAN Tunnel End Point (VTEP) which contains all the functionality needed to provide Ethernet layer 2 services to connected end systems. VTEPs are intended to be at the edge of the network, typically connecting an access switch (virtual or physical) to an IP transport network. It is expected that the VTEP functionality would be built into the access switch, but it is logically separate from the access switch. The figure below depicts the relative placement of the VTEP function.
Each end system connected to the same access switch communicates through the access switch. The access switch acts as any learning bridge does, by flooding out its ports when it doesn't know the destination MAC, or sending out a single port when it has learned which direction leads to the end station as determined by source MAC learning. Broadcast traffic is sent out all ports. Further, the access switch can support multiple "bridge domains" which are typically identified as VLANs with an associated VLAN ID that is carried in the 802.1Q header on trunk ports. In the case of a VXLAN enabled switch, the bridge domain would instead by associated with a VXLAN ID.
Each VTEP function has two interfaces. One is a bridge domain trunk port to the access switch, and the other is an IP interface to the IP network. The VTEP behaves as in IP host to the IP network. It is configured with an IP address based on the subnet its IP interface is connected to. The VTEP uses this IP interface to exchange IP packets carrying the encapsulated Ethernet frames with other VTEPs. A VTEP also acts as an IP host by using the Internet Group Membership Protocol (IGMP) to join IP multicast groups.
In addition to a VXLAN ID to be carried over the IP interface between VTEPs, each VXLAN is associated with an IP multicast group. The IP multicast group is used as communication bus between each VTEP to carry broadcast, multicast and unknown unicast frames to every VTEP participating in the VXLAN at a given moment in time. This is illustrated in the figure below.
The VTEP function also works the same way as a learning bridge, in that if it doesn't know where a given destination MAC is, it floods the frame, but it performs this flooding function by sending the frame to the VXLAN's associated multicast group. Learning is similar, except instead of learning the source interface associated with a frame's source MAC, it learns the encapsulating source IP address. Once it has learned this MAC to remote IP association, frames can be encapsulated within a unicast IP packet directly to the destination VTEP.
The initial use case for VXLAN enabled access switches are for access switches connected to end systems that are Virtual Machines (VMs). These switches are typically tightly integrated with the hypervisor. One benefit of this tight integration is that the virtual access switch knows exactly when a VM connects to or disconnects from the switch, and what VXLAN the VM is connected to. Using this information, the VTEP can decide when to join or leave a VXLAN's multicast group. When the first VM connects to a given VXLAN, the VTEP can join the multicast group and start receiving broadcasts/multicasts/floods over that group. Similarly, when the last VM connected to a VXLAN disconnects, the VTEP can use IGMP to leave the multicast group and stop receiving traffic for the VXLAN which has no local receivers.
Note that because the potential number of VXLANs (16M!) could exceed the amount of multicast state supported by the IP network, multiple VXLANs could potentially map to the same IP multicast group. While this could result in VXLAN traffic being sent needlessly to a VTEP that has no end systems connected to that VXLAN, inter VXLAN traffic isolation is still maintained. The same VXLAN Id is carried in multicast encapsulated packets as is carried in unicast encapsulated packets. It is not the IP network's job to keep the traffic to the end systems isolated, but the VTEP's. Only the VTEP inserts and interprets/removes the VXLAN header within the IP/UDP payload. The IP network simply sees IP packets carrying UDP traffic with a well-known destination UDP port.
So, that was the first installment–if you have questions, post them as comments and we'll get back to you.
[Updated 11 Nov 11]
Subsequent parts of this post can be found here and here.
In an effort to keep conversations fresh, Cisco Blogs closes comments after 60 days. Please visit the Cisco Blogs hub page for the latest content.
9 Comments
Anshuman Jain
1. So how is the VXLAN connected to the outside internet ?
2. A machine, say a VM, which is a part of a VXLAN communicates with other VXLAN's through a VTEP.
When, one edge switch on which VXLAN is running, wants to communicate with other Machine whose MAX address is knos but the next hop Switch is unknown, the Switch broadcasts a message ( Kinda like ARP ), and the VXLAN containing that MAC address responds, Wouldn,t one central Machine hold all that data, like a DNS on internet ??
Isn't that a better solution, to make hierarchical DNS, and reduce the load on each hypervisor and reduce the amount of information flow inside a data center ?
Anshuman Jain
1. How are VXLAN ID's allocated, and is it done by the cloud provider, or can the Host company allocate to their own VXLAN ?
2. Wouldn't the integration of the VTEP directly in the hyper visor extract more power from it ?
3. Is there an additional security mechanism that may be constructed for the safe transportation of the VXLAN ID over an IP network, or just the know encryption techniques enough ?
Lawrence Kreeger
Anshuman, here are your answers…
1. Yes, the VXLAN IDs are assigned by the cloud provider. A cloud tenant will not even be aware that their L2 segment is backed by a VXLAN as opposed to a VLAN.
2. Yes, it takes some CPU cycles to perform VXLAN encapsulation/decapsulation in the hypervisor.
3. Typically encryption is not performed within the walls of a cloud provider's data center. The important thing to do is keep the VXLAN encapsulated traffic isolated from networks the tenant VMs are connected to. This can be performed using traditional mechanisms such as ACLS and VRFs.
Andrew, The current VXLAN draft does not address the use of IPv6 as the encapsulation. However, it would not help in this case because the limitations of multicast state in the network have nothing to do with the address space, but with amount of forwarding state present in the switches/routers. There is actually 16 times the amount of available multicast addresses in IPv4 compared to VXLAN IDs (2^28 vs 2^24). In fact, since IPv6 addresses are 4 times larger than IPv4 addresses (128 vs 32 bits) they actually use more forwarding memory in the routers typically resulting in less multicast state forwarding entries (making the issue worse, not better).
Where does VXLAN stand with respect to IPv6? Not necessarily in its ability to carry v6 traffic, but operate over a v6 network. Wouldn't the expanded multicast address space help relive the VXLAN identifier vs IPv4 multicast space incongruity?
When N1K supports VTEP, who is providing this central entity function ?
Any plans to support VTEP on Nexus 5500 switches.
Ajit Sanzgiri
Balaji, 'central entity' here refers to the management interface. It could be the CLI interface or a management application.
As about plans on other platforms, stay tuned. 🙂
Hello guys,
I have some doubts about it:
1 how the vtep will map vlxlan id to multicast group? I mean which criteria will be used ?
2 Im very curious about how the control plane will work ? How the association vxlan id x multicast group will be announced in the network ?
Larry Kreeger
Hi Cristiano. The VXLAN draft states that the VXLAN ID to Multicast Group mapping comes down to the VTEP via the network management channel. It has not defined a control plane mechanism to query this mapping. In either case, some central entity should manage this relationship based on any multicast scoped address boundaries configured in the networking infrastructure interconnecting the VTEPs, and if the number of VXLAN segments exceeds the amount of multicast state the network can support, it should perform an intelligent mapping so as to not overload any one multicast group.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — Worries about Ukraine are on the rise, triggering a mild reaction in global financial markets Thursday after armed men took control of a regional parliament in the Crimea region of the country following the ouster of the country's pro-Kremlin president by pro-Western demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's new government has requested an International Monetary Fund bailout.
So do investors have anything to worry about? Here's what you need to know:
Global stocks
Wall Street quickly put Ukraine concerns on the back burner, with U.S. stocks rallying and the S&P 500 SPX, -0.49% setting a record close. Earlier, stock-index futures had faced a modicum of pressure tied to Ukraine. Investors typically "sell first and ask questions later," notes Andrew Wilkinson, chief market analyst at Interactive Brokers in Greenwich, Conn. While the situation offers some "political risk" it would likely take a major escalation of events to exert a major influence.
Think something along the lines of Russian military intervention in an effort to aid the secession from Ukraine of the country's pro-Russian southern region. While Russia is engaging in saber rattling by, for example, conducting military exercises near its border with Ukraine, it will likely take something more belligerent to put a lasting scare into the market.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his government to consult with foreign governments and the IMF on aid for Ukraine, news reports said late Thursday.
"Should there be a serious confrontation between Russia and the West over Ukraine, political risk premiums would rise in Russia and in Europe and would likely lead to a general pullback in global equity markets," said Bill Witherell, chief global economist at Cumberland Advisors, in a note.
But without a big showdown, Ukraine has only "limited potential to deliver a negative surprise sufficient to produce financial contagion in markets," he wrote.
Currencies, gold
A major confrontation, however, could also do harm to the Russian economy, strategists note, which may end up restraining the Kremlin. Indeed, the Russian ruble USDRUB, -0.0064% took a big hit in the wake of the events in the Crimea, trading at its weakest level versus the U.S. dollar in five years.
Gold, a traditional haven in times of international turmoil, found some support Thursday. But the reaction was pretty mild, with April futures US:GCJ4 up just $3.10, or 0.2%, to $1,331.10 an ounce.
If anything, gold's rise was restrained as the dollar also enjoys some haven-related buying. A stronger dollar makes commodities priced in the currency more expensive to nondollar users.
The dollar saw a modest rise in Asian and European trading hours, but has turned lower versus the euro. The Japanese yen, which is viewed as even more of haven, remains stronger versus the greenback.
Emerging markets
Ukraine's problems add to concerns surrounding emerging markets, which are dealing with political and economic problems in places like Turkey and India as well. Ukraine was already in dire economic straits before the latest round of turmoil.
Economists led by Willem Buiter at Citi on Thursday cut their forecast for global growth in 2014 to 3.1% from around 3.3%, while again trimming the outlook for emerging-market economies.
European banks
European equities saw modest losses Thursday, pulling back from multiyear highs as analysts tied the weakness in part to Ukraine worries.
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde on Thursday said the institution will send a fact-finding team to Kiev in coming days while beginning discussions over the policy reforms that "could form the basis of a Fund-supported program."
Alberto Gallo, credit strategist at Royal Bank of Scotland, warns that ongoing deterioration in emerging-market economies and rising bad loans in Eastern Europe add to reasons to short Austrian banks. Ukraine has called for international help to avoid default.
Meanwhile, Austrian banks Raffeisen Bank International RBI, +0.09% and Bank Austria, a subsidiary of Italy's UniCredit UCG, +0.16% both own Ukrainian subsidiaries and are exposed to rising bad loans in the region. Around 4.4% of Raffeisen's loan book is in Ukraine, where nearly a third of loans are classified as nonperforming, Gallo said, citing third-quarter filings.
"A sharp rise in bad loans and/or a sovereign default could hurt both banks," he said.
Energy markets
Energy markets may offer the most likely market flashpoint. Russia has twice in the past decade shut off natural-gas exports to Ukraine in disputes with pro-Western Ukrainian governments. A 2009 confrontation saw gas supplies to much of Western Europe choked off. Oil futures saw modest losses Thursday, though Nymex WTI futures remain above $100 a barrel.
The previous gas cutoffs served to anger Gazprom's Western European customers, noted Phil Flynn, senior market analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.
Still, the Ukraine situation "is making short positions across the energy complex more, shall we say, complex," Flynn said, in a note.
"The ace card that Russia holds over the region is its natural gas exports. Traders have to determine whether that can trust Russia's pledge to keep the gas flowing," he said, noting that Russia supplies 31% of European Union gas imports, 27% of crude-oil imports, 24% of coal imports and 30% of uranium imports.
Finally, the turmoil could also impact grain markets. As MarketWatch columnist Amotz Asa-El notes, Ukraine grain exports were forecast to grow by more than a third this year to 31.8 billion tons, which would place it second in the world behind the United States.
Tensions could make it difficult to ship grain through Russian seaports, while over the longer run, a Ukraine breakup could undercut efforts to modernize the farm sector.
More news from MarketWatch:
IMF says Ukraine has asked for support


text:
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Party Supplies pt. 1
Partying with sunglasses on is even better.
We insist that you bring a pair of sunglasses to the 2013 Lock-In. Bring a pair that you won't mind losing. We're doing a massive sunglasses swap, and you should participate.
She knows.
4 comments:
Toddler party is what most parents love to organize and is really good for healthy up bringing of your child as it gives help in developing their minds, responsiveness and creativity level.ReplyDelete
party supplies
Nice I also share with you something hope this helpful for you my friends. You will have many decisions to make and an infinite number of details to arrange. Tri-County Rental can help you create the wedding of your dreams. From table settings to tents, renting is easy and affordable. Check it out thanks.ReplyDelete
Tampa Party Rentals
Thanks for sharing this post I also share with you some tip hope you like. Over and over we hear the nightmare stories of small party rental companies that have not delivered what they promised, have delivered them late or have supplied rentals that are not in working order. In addition, you will often find add-on expenses that you never saw coming. If this is a special event, don't take any chances, go with the best.ReplyDelete
Party Rentals Tampa
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info.ReplyDelete


text:
- Home
- News
- Sports
- Opinion
- Obituaries
- Features
- Special Sections
- Classifieds
- Public Notices
A new brood of seventeen year periodical cicadas emerged in Bedford County in May of 2012. The species name is magicicada Interesting , since their sudden appearance does seem almost magical.
The mating calls of the males are a constant drone during the warm daylight hours, being loud enough in some areas to be a real nuisance to those with sensitive ears. For once I'm almost glad to be a bit hard of hearing. Oddly, the sound is produced by vibrating a membrane on the side of the abdomen, somewhat like the skin on the surface of a drum. The male abdomen is hollow, amplifying the sound. Females do not make any sound, but apparently find the males' calling irresistable, flying quickly to join their chosen mate..
Our first warning that something unusual was happening actually came with the numerous shed exoskeletons (shells) of the nymphs (larval form) attached to bushes, tree trunks, and even walls. In some areas these were almost a solid carpet on the ground. Along with these shells there were holes in the ground which looked as if someone had made them with a stick. These, we soon learned, were made by the nymphs as they climbed to the surface after their seventeen year life underground feeding on sap sucked from plant roots. One lady told me today that she had collected fifteen gallons of nymph shells on her property !
These cicadas are often called "seventeen year locusts", which is a misnomer, since they are not related to locusts, which are actually a kind of grasshopper. The cicada, in its adult form , does not eat the vegetation it perches on, The females may damage young trees by their egg laying activity, as they cut holes in the bark of tender twigs to lay their eggs. As soon as they hatch, the young nymphs drop to the ground and burrow down to spend the next part of their lives underground
Not all cicadas have a seventeen year life cycle. Another brood is due to emerge in this area next year, which is on a thirteen year cycle. Other cicadas are not "periodical", but are "annual" cicadas, emerging every year in late summer. These do not arrive in such large numbers so their arrival is less dramatic. Their singing is generally just an expected background to hot summer days, rising louder and faster as the temperature rises.
Meanwhile, we'll be seeing dead cicadas around here for a while, since they only live for two to four weeks. Having mated and laid eggs, they will simply die if they haven't already become part of nature's food chain. Birds, and many small animals relish them. In some parts of the world they are also eaten by humans. While they don't exactly look delectable to me, I must admit that shrimp, lobsters and crabs look pretty scary to me until properly prepared for eating !
If you care to probe more deeply into the subject of cicadas, I recommend the following link on the Virginia Tech website http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/444/444-276/444-276.html
And, a final word from the Creator of all. "He has made everything beautiful in its time." Eccl. 3:11 This is definitely the time of the cicada in Bedford.
Add new comment
Read and share your thoughts on this story


text:
DOVER — Seacoast and Tri-City motorists had a snow-white and slushy Monday to start the week as flakes began falling just after noon and accumulating in time to make for a slippery and icy evening commute.
A winter weather advisory was issued early Monday morning warning travelers of the possibility of an icy wintry mix by the time many would be traveling home from work. Sure enough, by about 5 p.m., a slushy mix of snow and sleet had blanketed roadways, slowing drivers and causing numerous vehicles to slide off slippery roads.
Though a warm front that moved across the region brought a little reprieve from bitter cold temperatures that lasted throughout last week and through the weekend, it also brought a visible reminder of winter creating conditions prime for snow and an icy, drizzly winter mix.
The warning remains in effect until early morning today.
As the evening and overnight hours progressed, freezing rain and ice was expected while snow continued to taper off.
Meteorologists at NWS confirmed that most of the precipitation will have occurred overnight and turn to freezing drizzle by Tuesday morning.
Motorists are urged to use caution while driving and to be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibility for today's morning commute.
Immediately following the snow and slush, another blast of Arctic air is predicted by meteorologists at Accuweather.com for the Northeast.
"A second pulse of stratospheric warming occurred during the middle of January is now sending another blast of Arctic air southward," Mark Paquette, meteorologist, said.
Their forecast indicates that temperatures will be almost as bitter as those experienced last week, but not quite as frigid. The time frame is also not expected to last as long as the previous blast of cold air. Instead of a week of freezing temperatures, this bout is forecast to last only a few days.
The difference, however, will be how warm it has now been leading up to these future cold days as opposed to temperatures before the last chill.


text:
MixTogether is a support network that helps mixed couples (mixed race/ religion/ caste) to overcome opposition from family or community to their relationship.
We believe that you have the right to choose your own partner regardless of colour, race, creed or caste, and that your relationship should be respected by both families.
Today more and more mixed couples are choosing to get together, but many are not given the freedom and support needed to STAY together. Couples who decide to pursue a relationship in these circumstances may suffer alienation from family and community.
Couples experiencing these difficulties often have no-one to turn to for practical advice and support. MixTogether was set up to meet these needs.
We are a community of mixed couples who have experienced the issues. We welcome every age group, from young couples to established families. We share knowledge and advice together, and work for greater public recognition of the difficulties faced by mixed couples. We all give our time freely, in order to help other mixed couples stay together and achieve the happiness they deserve.
If your relationship is being pressurised in any way due to race, religion or caste, or if you have previously experienced such problems, you are not alone. Check out the site and JOIN US in the forum- you are guaranteed to find support and encouragement from people just like you, all over the world.


text:
DiamondWare tag
2 result(s) displayed for DiamondWare (1 - 2 of 2):
More on Second Life Voice Offer
I knew I was onto something hot when I posted about this a short time ago. Apparently my colleague Jon Arnold agrees, and has this much expanded analysis of the offer - and provides a well-deserved booster shot for... Full Story
Posted on March 19, 2007 8:52 PM
Second Life Trials Voice Chat
The popular, virtual reality site "Second Life", run by Linden Labs, will shortly unveil a new limited service beta trial in which they will give users the option of chatting up other avatars with voice instead of text. Prior... Full Story
Posted on February 28, 2007 8:06 PM
Around TMCnet Blogs
Byrd's Eye View:One out of 6831
Communications and Technology Blog - Tehrani.com:Steve Wozniak to Keynote ITEXPO Las Vegas
First Coffee:Eliminating Outsourced Call Centers, Barging in IVR Menus, Best
Industry Insight:Attend the WebRTC Webinar and Learn More about the
Monetizing IP Communications:White Label Cool Mobile Voice Video IM App Vippie
On Rad's Radar?:Pieces of the Partner Puzzle, Part 1
Patriot Talk:Obama Refuses to use the word "Taxes" - Calls
Voice of IP:Myths and legends - cloud myths #1
VoIP & Gadgets Blog:WebRTC Screen Sharing Demo!
4G: For Generations to Come:Spontaneous Combustion:The Realities Not the Myth of LIthium Batteries
Byrd's Eye View:Unified Policy Effort
Communications and Technology Blog - Tehrani.com:WebRTC Advisory Board Announced
First Coffee:Aspect and Nexidia Partner, Acme Packet and HP ACI
Gadget Inspector:Verizon Offering R2-D2 DROID 2!!
Going WiMAX:No Man is an Island, but Isle of Man
Industry Insight:2G Still Has Legs
Monetizing IP Communications:GoAnimate your Social Media Message, I Did for ITEXPO
Next Generation Communications:EARTH Consortium Shows the Way to 70 Percent Energy
On Rad's Radar?:Corporate Culture is Under-Rated
Patriot Talk:Democrats Trading Social Justice for Jobs
The Readerboard:The New Customer Self-Service: Ourselves
VoIP & Gadgets Blog:Windows 8 Sync Settings - Security Hole


text:
Lead Moderator: PeachyModerators: ross549, Arena2045Please be sure to read over our Revised Forum Rules.If you have any questions or concerns relating to the Hardware Forum, feel free to contact the Hardware Moderation Team.Welcome and Enjoy!
Hardware Moderation Team
Started by Peachy , Mar 26 2005 02:13 PM
No replies to this topic
Posted 26 March 2005 - 02:13 PM
'freedom...is actually the reason that men live together in political organisations at all. Without it, political life as such would be meaningless. The raison d'Être of politics is freedom, and its field of experience is action'.
My Flickr Photo Blog
del.icio.us bookmarks
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users


text:
Scaling Up Your Farm
The first decade of a new farm is full of challenge, sweat, growth, difficult lessons, satisfaction and joy. In order to get more successful farmers on the land, new farmers need to be able to establish their farms in a way that cultivates financial, ecological, personal and relationship sustainability.
The 2-year Journeyperson Course is designed to support people who have several years of managing their own farm under their belt, and are working to take their farm to the next level. Through advanced farm business planning, mentorship, guidance on balancing farm, family, and personal needs, and a matched savings account, participants will find ways to make their farms truly and deeply successful.
Journeyperson participants will:
• Participate in two weekend-long planning retreats, along with a one-day retreat, to receive meaningful training, while reflecting and strengthening your farm plan.
• Work one-on-one with a financial adviser to develop and monitor your annual financial plan and/or to receive advisement on specific, critical needs.
• Work one-on-one with an experienced farmer-mentor around a production focus of your choice to help push production skills forward.
• Develop peer-to-peer relationships with farmers enrolled in the course.


text:
Jan. 19, 2006
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The long and storied history of soccer success in the Igwe family is about to add another chapter.
Amaechi Igwe, the younger brother of four-year Bronco standout Kelechi Igwe and a member of the United State U-17 National Team, has enrolled at Santa Clara University for the winter quarter and will become a key figure in the Broncos' nationally-recognized soccer program.
Igwe, who attended nearby Bellarmine Prep as a freshman and sophomore, attended the IMG Soccer Academy in Bradenton, Fla. for the past year-and-a-half and graduated in December. He will begin training with the SCU men's team during its non-traditional spring season and will be eligible to play for the Broncos this fall.
"We are really excited to have Amaechi join our program," said SCU head coach Cameron Rast, a Santa Clara graduate and captain of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Team. "He has a wealth of experience in international competition and has played against Major League Soccer teams, college teams and the best youth players in the world. Amaechi will be uniquely suited to have a chance to come into our program and immediately be prepared for virtually any challenge that is presented to him."
Igwe, who played primarily defensive left back for the U.S. squad, was a starter on the U-17 program that advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2005 FIFA World Championships in Peru. The U.S. side defeated North Korea and Italy and drew with Ivory Coast to win its group before a loss to Netherlands forced the Americans out of the competition.
In December, the team dropped its final match together to FIFA Under-17 World Champion Mexico in front of a spirited crowd of 22,157 fans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The crowd was the largest to watch a U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team match played on American soil.
The son of Tony Igwe, a former All-America at the University of San Francisco and captain for the Nigerian National Team, Amaechi played club soccer with Santa Clara Sporting. His sister, Chioma, plays collegiately at Cal and is a member of the U.S. U-19 National Team.


text:
BizJet International Sales and Support, Inc.
A Lufthansa Technik company
Whether you need comprehensive engine overhauls or simply a quick fuel-up, BizJet will satisfy your specific requirements. Our specially-trained technicians and friendly customer service representatives will exceed your expectations by providing cost-effective business aviation solutions for your aircraft.
Utilizing the strengths and resources of Lufthansa Technik, BizJet provides innovative solutions, excellent project management and an unsurpassed level of customer service. At BizJet, complete customer satisfaction is our goal ... more
Company Information
We are located at Tulsa International Airport, at:
3515 North Sheridan Road
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Contact us by phone or fax
You can contact BizJet via telephone at +1 (918) 832-7733 or by fax at +1 (918) 832-8627.
FBO information
The new FBO location is
Hangar 32
3515 North Sheridan Road
Tulsa, OK 74115
You can contact the BizJet FBO at +1 (918) 510-1386 or UNICOM 122.95
For more information please see the FBO page.


text:
425 members110 Comments 51 Likes
Jim Linsley has not received any gifts yet
Alabama is almost one of the United States. Glad to meet you.
Welcome to Think Atheist, Jim! It is great to have you here.
Message me, or tweet me (@Monicks), or find me on G+, or contact any of the Moderatorswith any suggestions or questions.
Make sure to search the Groups to find members interested in the same topics as you, or the Forumsto find debates on all kinds of issues.
Here's a list of useful links to get you started:
Think Atheist Radio Show our weekly podcast - totally awesome. We are on iTunes, too.
Content Posting Guidelines & Video Posting Guidelines. Just a few rules.
Rage Comic Maker- Tons of fun.
Shop at Think Atheist Book Store and Apparels
~ Monica


text:
Four people have died after a helicopter carrying 18 from an offshore oil platform crashed into the North Sea off Scotland, police said Saturday.
The Eurocopter Super Puma helicopter ditched into the sea about two miles from Sumburgh airport in Shetland on Friday night. It was carrying 16 passengers and two crew members.
The aircraft's operator CHC, a company that serves offshore oil and gas platforms, said the aircraft was approaching the airport when it lost contact with air traffic control. The coastguard agency said it sent helicopters and lifeboats to the scene after receiving a distress signal.
"There appears to have been a catastrophic loss of power which meant the helicopter suddenly dropped into the sea without any opportunity to make a controlled landing," said Jim Nicholson, a rescue coordinator.
CHC would not speculate on what caused the crash, saying it would cooperate fully with an investigation by police and the British Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
Police in Scotland said three bodies had been recovered, and they were searching for the fourth victim.
The 14 survivors were taken to a hospital, but their injuries were not serious. Oil company Total UK said one of them was its employee, while the others worked for separate contractor groups.
Friday's crash was the latest in a string of incidents involving Super Puma helicopters in Scotland in recent years. Two such helicopters ditched in the North Sea last year, with all the passengers rescued. One crashed while returning from a BP platform in 2009, killing 16 people.
Bob Crow, general secretary of the offshore workers' union RMT, said the Super Puma fleet should be grounded until the causes of Friday's crash were established.


text:
Multiple Dates
Robbie Fowler Property Academy High Wycombe, Reading, Oxford & Slough
What could a property investment career allow you to do?
Make Financial Success Your Goal with Robbie Fowler
During his long-playing career, football legend Robbie Fowler has built up an extensive property portfolio. Through well-advised and shrewd investments in modest properties, Robbie has seen his property business go from strength to strength.
Let Robbie's team show you the property investment skills that could change your life and secure your financial future.
Robbie's lead trainer will run the session where you'll learn about:
How to raise finance to buy property
The buy-to-let property market
How to spot and negotiate the best deals
Generating the motivation and confidence to succeed
Setting optimistic yet achievable goals
Property management
Creating the right strategy for you
How to increase your credit rating
And much more!
Demand for Housing Continues to Soar
With housing demand outstripping supply, smart investors are finding ways to create new income opportunities. Is it time you looked into property investing? Discover profitable strategies designed to work in today's market.
Sign up for a FREE Workshop coming to the following locations:
Wednesday 21st August at 6.30pm - Holiday Inn High Wycombe, M40 Jct 4, Handycross, High Wycombe HP11 1TL
Thursday 22nd August at 6.30pm - Novotel Reading, 25b Friar Street, Reading RG1 1DP
Saturday 24th August at 10.30am - Holiday Inn Oxford, Peartree Roundabout, Oxford OX2 8JD
Sunday 25th August at 11.00am - Marriott Windsor/Heathrow, Ditton Road, Langley, Slough SL3 8PT
Workshops last for approximately 2 hours.
Robbie Fowler will not attend these events. Additional products and services will be offered for sale.
Can I bring a guest?
Absolutely. In fact, we hope you bring a guest. Building a personal fortune is more effective when you have a friend or colleague to share the experience.
Will I have to buy anything?
You are not required to purchase anything. We do offer additional educational products and services at our Workshops, but you are never under any obligation to buy.
What should I bring to the event?
Please bring a notepad and pen to take notes.
Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?
By calling the confirmations team on 020 8996 6700 or replying to the ticket confirmation email.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
It is preferable to bring your printed ticket to speed the entry process, however the registration team will have details of your booking should you not have your ticket when you attend.


text:
milliondollarner needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 45 designs submitted by 17 freelance designers.
We are lookin for something that uses nerd/geeky in the same context. We would like a cartoon'y image and million $ nerd in a contemporary style font
in nerd we trust...
Desired Color Scheme:
bright pastille colours
Desired Style:
contemporary stylish
We are looking to have a logo produced for my company " Million Dollar Nerd". We are planning to be initially an online retailer with a view to opening a shop. We will be retailing High end mens wear ( Billionaire boys club, Bape, The hundreds, Stussy etc) and toys ( Kidrobot, Toy2R, Qee etc ) our key market audience will be in the age range of 15-30 and our logo needs to reflect that. I look forward to seeing your designs.
For reference these web sites are very much simular to what we are looking to do....
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


text:
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral, properly the Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew – also known as Saint Peter's Cathedral in the United Kingdom – is the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Peterborough
Canon EOS 5D Mark III 1/30s, f 4.0, ISO 100, 24 mm
License: CC0 Public Domain
Note: If you intend to use an image you find here for commercial use, please be aware that some photos do require a model or property release. Pictures featuring products should be used with care.
268,930 free pictures
3,108 users online
Public Domain Pictures.net created by Bobek Ltd. Copyright 2007 - 2019 by Bobek Ltd. Registered in England and Wales No. 5951382


text:
Chrono Trigger - Manolia Cathedral
Jump to a section:
Share Manolia Cathedral with others
Do you want to earn money creating pages just like this? Gamewise is currently looking for writers, find out more here.
Around the Network
Chrono Trigger Brainwaves
Chrono Trigger Locations/Time Periods
Antiquity (12,000 BC)
Zeal Kingdom Land Bridges and Skyways Algetty Last Village North Cape
Future (2,300 AD)
Abandoned Sewers Arris Dome Bangor Dome Death Peak Derelict Factory Geno Dome Keeper's Dome Proto Dome Site 16 Site 32 Sun Shrine Sun Temple Trann Dome
Middle Ages (600 AD)
Choras Cursed Woods Denadoro Mountains Dorino Fiendlord's Keep Fiona's Villa Giant's Claw Guardia Castle Guardia Forest Hero's Grave Magic Cave Manolia Cathedral Ozzie's Fort Porre Sunken Desert Truce Truce Canyon
Prehistory (65 Million BC)
Mystic Mountains Hunting Grounds Ioka Village Laruba Ruins Forest Maze Dactyl Nest Reptite Lair Sun Temple Tyranno Lair
Present (1,000 AD)
Choras Fiona's Shrine Guardia Castle Guardia Forest Heckran Cave Hero's Grave Medina Village Melchior's Cabin Porre Truce
End of Time
Black Omen
Day of Lavos (1,999 AD)
Lost Sanctum (DS Only)
Reptite Village Millennia Wood Great Southern Swamp / Southern Glade Mount Emerald Winding Passage Primeval Fortress Tower of the Ancients


text:
Lauryn Hill's Sentencing in Tax Case Postponed, Inks Million Dollar Contract With Sony Music
Lauryn Hill, who was facing jail time for tax evasion, was given a reprieve on Monday (April 22), as a judge postponed her sentencing in the case.
According to NJ.com, the Grammy-winning rapper failed to pay Uncle Sam $1.8 million in income earned between 2005 and 2007. Although Hill promised the judge to pay back about $554,000 in restitution, she has so far paid only $50,000 to date.
United States Magistrate Judge Madeline Cox Arelo was not happy with the former Fugees member and scolded her during the hearing. "This is not someone who stands before the court penniless," she said. "This is a criminal matter. Actions speak louder than words, and there has been no effort here to pay these taxes."
Judge Arelo scheduled another hearing for May 3. The 37-year-old mother of six now has two weeks to pay $504,000 or else face a three-year prison sentence.
Hill's attorney, Nathan Hochman informed the judge that his client has signed a $1 million recording deal with Sony Music and is also planning to take out a $650,000 loan to pay her outstanding tax bill. He is asking the judge to give Hill probation instead of prison.
Hill's legal struggles continue to mount as a landlord is suing her for not paying rent on her Newark, N.J., home.
Watch Lauryn Hill's 'Doo Wop (That Thing)' Video


text:
We've just released our latest LastPass Premium offering: IE Anywhere!
The IE Anywhere application lets you automatically login to saved sites and fill forms anywhere, at anytime, without having to install a browser plugin. It's free for all LastPass Premium users and is available for immediate download from the LastPass website!
Once copied to a USB drive, IE Anywhere allows you to use LastPass on the go or with your favourite Internet Explorer-based browser . It provides all of the dependable features of LastPass you rely on but without requiring that you install any software onto your computer.
After downloading IE Anywhere to a USB drive, you'll be able to:
After downloading IE Anywhere to a USB drive, you'll be able to:
|Use LastPass with Internet Explorer on any computer without installing any software whatsoever.
|Access your LastPass account even on computers you are not allowed to install sofware on (e.g. while at work or at Internet cafes).
|Use LastPass with IE Tab in Firefox, Sleipnir, Maxthon, and other browsers based on IE.
|Access and manage your sensitive LastPass account data without leaving a trail behind - no files are created and nothing is stored in the Windows registry.
More information about LastPass IE Anywhere is available at the LastPass IE Anywhere Manual.
If you're already a Premium user, you can download the app directly from the LastPass IE Anywhere Download


text:
Choose a state within the map below and then click the corresponding link to view the state profile for your selection.
CNCS State Offices and State Service Commissions
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) supports collaboration among national, state, and local entities. Together, CNCS State Offices and State Service Commissions coordinate the resources of CNCS at the state and local levels.
National Service Impact by State Graphics >
Learn More About AmeriCorps & Senior Corps
What's the difference between a CNCS State Office and a State Service Commission?
CNCS State Offices
CNCS State Offices are federal offices staffed by federal employees in the state. They conduct public outreach and program support. They are directly responsible for developing grants and projects, and for overseeing all Senior Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA projects within their states.
Each CNCS State Office works closely with the governor-appointed State Service Commissions in their state.
State Service Commissions
State Service Commissions provide CNCS funding to AmeriCorps state programs in their states through annual grant competitions. In addition, the commissions manage, monitor and evaluate these AmeriCorps programs. Grants are made either directly to an organization or through an intermediary group that handles the distribution of grant funding. Visit our grants and funding opportunities section to learn more.
State Service Commissions are also charged with encouraging volunteering in their states, and they often administer special volunteer initiatives.
When should you contact a CNCS State Office or a State Service Commission?
- Contact your CNCS State Office if you would like more information about Senior Corps or AmeriCorps VISTA projects in your state.
- Contact your State Service Commission if your organization is a single-state entity that wants to work with AmeriCorps. If you are a multi-state entity that wants to work with AmeriCorps, contact email@example.com.


text:
Teacher resources and professional development across the curriculum
Teacher professional development and classroom resources across the curriculum
Exploring Connections
|Introduction | Try It Yourself: 3D Figures/Isometric Dot Paper | Problem Reflection | Summary | Your Journal
You've just explored a problem, examining the many connections within its mathematics content and to the other Process Standards. Now we'd like you to write about your own classroom practice. As you make your journal entry, use the material you've just seen and read as a context.
Questions to write and reflect about:
Thanks for writing in your journal. Please keep your entries in whatever format you choose -- you will find them useful for reference later.
|Teaching Math Home | Grades 6-8 | Connections | Site Map | © |
© Annenberg Foundation 2017. All rights reserved. Legal Policy


text:
Vida Guerra
Fashion Hot Women
Fashion Hot Women
All images and information of Sexy Hollywood Celebrities and Hot Fashion Models and any of the media related stuffs displayed on this site are not owned by the publisher. These items have been collected freely from the world wide web and are believed to be of public domain. If you believe you own the copyright to the same as displayed here, please notify us at firstname.lastname@example.com and they will be promptly removed. All the credits for these items belong to the original capers, photographers or persons related to making the same..


text:
An acknowledged modern classic. David Mellor's first cutlery, designed in 1953, is now in many international collections. The simple elegance of Pride Silver encapsulates the modern ethos of the Festival of Britain on the South Bank in 1951.
This supremely elegant silver plated cutlery is expertly finished in David Mellor workshop at Hathersage in Derbyshire. Knife handles are available in either silver plate, black or white acetal resin with stainless steel blades.
David Mellor's now classic "Pride" cutlery was designed in 1953 when Mellor was still a student at the Royal College of Art, London. and has been in continuous production ever since. The simple elegance of Pride encapsulates the modern ethos if the Festival of Britain on the South Bank. Included in the first Design Centre Awards in 1957, Pride is on display in numerous museums worldwide as a prime example of 20th-century modernist design. The design is still unrivaled in its beauty and simplicity of form. Available in hand polished stainless steel. Pride's knives are offered in either all stainless steel, black or ivory acetal resin handles with metal blades.
David Mellor Cutlery Canteens are handmade in either black-stained oak or hand-oiled walnut with chrome plated hinges and discreetly marked with the David Mellor logo. Each canteen has a specially shaped insert to hold specific designs of David Mellor cutlery. Pride Canteen box can hold six, eight or 12 place settings. Knife tray required for eight or 12 place settings.
David Mellor Design operates on the simple principle that well-designed equipment can improve your life. The company was established by David Mellor, Royal Designer for Industry. Mellor is a key figure in British design with an international reputation as designer, manufacturer and shopkeeper. Born in Sheffield, he has always specialized in metalwork and he is particularly famous for his cutlery design. David Mellor cutlery is manufactured in a purpose-designed modern factory in the Peak District National Park. The Round Building, designed by Sir Michael Hopkins, has won numerous architectural awards.
The famous David Mellor shop in Sloane Square, London, and the Country Shop alongside the factory at Hathersage in Derbyshire, sell a professional collection of kitchenware and tableware, expertly selected for those who love to cook and eat.
David Mellor retired in 2005 and his designer son Corin Mellor is now Creative Director of the company. Born in Sheffield in 1966. Corin Mellor trained as a product designer at Kingston and worked for the London architects YRM before joining his father, David Mellor. Corin Mellor has carried out a number of special design commissions. His public seating can be seen at the Lowry Gallery in Salford Quays, the Millennium Galleries and Winter Garden, Sheffield. He has recently worked on new projects for Sheffield Cathedral and Chatsworth House. At David Mellor Design Corin is responsible for special product development within the company. In 2007 he introduced new ranges of kitchen knives, table glass and woodware. Corin designed the interior of the new David Mellor Design Museum and Cafe at Hathersage.
This circular cutlery factory was purpose designed by Sir Michael Hopkins for David Mellor in 1990 and has become one of the iconic works of modern British architecture. The David Mellor site was formerly the Hathersage village gasworks. The factory was built on the foundations of the old gas cylinder, hence the circular form. Built in local gritstone with spectacular lead roof, this highly functional building is set discreetly in a rural area of outstanding natural beauty.
The Round Building has received numerous architectural and countryside awards, including the BBC Design Prize. The factory is open for viewing and on weekdays visitors are welcome to see David Mellor cutlery being made.
David Mellor Cutlery is made by a small specialist team of highly skilled craftsmen, some of whom have worked for decades with David Mellor, accruing exceptional expertise in metalwork. Though the factory is technologically advanced a high degree of hand finishing is employed to give the cutlery its perfectionist quality.
To learn more about this British designer, read "Design & Interiors: The Design Legacy of David Mellor, as English as Afternoon Tea," by Claire Bingham in T, The New York Times Style Magazine, July 6, 2016.


text:
By Vanessa Stevens
A large crowd showed up Thursday at the Aqua Turf Club to support and honor four hometown heroes of Southington: Erin Gibney of the Giving Back Girls, Paula Knight, Steve Daniels and Walter Hushak.
The award, given by United Way of Southington, honors those who have made a difference in town. Strobe lights flashed and Reverend Vicki Triano, President of United Way, announced each hero to the stage and the eighties song "Holding Out for a Hero" blared in the background.
Before the event, folks could get a picture taken with Batman, Robin or in front of the Batmobile. Spiderman and Bat Girl perched on the stair well by the entry way to greet guests. Horror heroes like the original phantom from Phantom of the Opera were also supplied by Bristol's Witch's Dungeon.
The theme was all about legends and super heroes, but the true heroes and heroines were as humble as can be.
There are currently 18 middle school girls involved in the Giving Back Girls, founded by Erin Gibney. Each summer they work with Janet Mellon from Southington Community Services on the Smart Start Program, which provides backpacks for 350-400 Southington children returning to school each September. They also have raised supplies for the troop and make frequent trips to the Summit Nursing facility to hand out baked goods throughout the year, or to sing Christmas Carols during the holiday season.
While Erin said she will always be grateful to the people of Southington, her friends, family and supporters, she wanted to give the greatest thanks to her mom, and all the girls' moms. "Without their guidance, enthusiasm, support, and direction we wouldn't be here today accepting this award.
To her own mother, she said, "You've been my inspiration to keep expanding what the Giving Back Girls do."
Paula Knight who said, "Volunteering has allowed me to challenge myself in my own way to be the change I want to see in the world," has taught in the Southington Public Schools for 34 years, 28 of which have been dedicated to the Gifted and Talented program. Paula has been active at the Southington Community YMCA as a volunteer on many Committees, and now serves on her second term on the Board of Directors. She is a "cuddler" at UConn rocking babies in the NICU. Additionally, she has been a Girl Scout leader, a CCD instructor at Mary Our Queen, a Swim Team parent and a PTO mom, CPR and First Aid instructor and National Ski Patrol. In receiving her award, Paula thanked her whole family by name and especially her husband Rick for being her sounding board and biggest hero.
"We're all so excited for her, but she's more comfortable being on the other side of the award, being the one to support someone else," said her daughter Cally. "That's how she is."
Steve Daniels, a life-long resident of Southington, is works as a bookkeeper in the finance department at the New Britain Board of Education. A treasurer of the school's booster club in 1986-96, Daniels was asked if he would take on the stats job when Southington football coach Jude Kelly came aboard in 1988. He's been doing it ever since.
"Steve has served on a volunteer basis as the statistician for football, basketball, and baseball," said Southington Athletic Director Eric Swallow. "His commitment to the growth and development of the program and student athletes has exemplified his loyalty and character to the Southington community."
Two long time supporters of Daniels, Bruce Vagts and George Matczyk, met as children playing softball together. Of Steve, Bruce said "He's a great guy, and what a memory he has. I once met him at a game and when he learned my name he immediately said he remembered my son who played basketball for him, many years before. I was shocked."
World War II veteran Walter Hushak doesn't see himself as a hero, but continues to honor the men who died fighting for our freedom. Hushak, a member of the 7th Army Air Corp., flew B-24 airplanes from May 1944 – April 1946 in the Pacific Ocean region. As the World War II generation begins to pass away, Hushack says it's even more important to share the experiences before it's too late. He's been sharing his experiences at Southington High School history classes for the past 17 years. Additionally, Hushak has also volunteered for the Southington Chamber of Commerce, Southington Community Chest (now known as the United Way), American Red Cross, Southington Rotary Club, Town Council and St Aloysius Church.


text:
• This Week in Tech: Is Twitter Worth Doing? – Leo Laporte, John C. Dvorak, Jerry Pournelle and I talk Apple TV, CES, changes in the publishing business and more. (I had to duck out of this one early, unfortunately.)
• Hackers expose defence and intelligence officials in US and UK – The hack by Anonymous of the Austin-based Stratfor security firm has exposed the email addresses of hundreds of people in the intelligence community.
• Enough with the Samsung bashing – Dan Lyons – who used to write as Fake Steve Jobs – defends the Korean electronics manufacturer against claims it only copies Apple's products.
• How People Watch TV Online And Off – A new Nielsen study shows that watching video over the Web is only a small fraction of the amount of time watching traditional TV. Also Belkin Bringing Mobile TV to Lots of Cellphones, Will Anyone Tune In?
• Netflix arrives in the UK at £5.99 per month, launches with one month free trial
[Note: I'm not attending CES this year, but James Temple and Benny Evangelista from our sister paper, the San Francisco Chronicle, are covering the show. Their blog updates will be included in TechBlog – find them in the CES 2012 category – and I'll provide roundups and linkpost coverage as well. – D.S.]
• Consumer Electronics Show Loses Clout as Industry Shifts – Is CES headed for Comdex's fate?
• CES Live: Global Gadget Biz To Be $1 Trillion In 2012 (Updated)
• Intel Awaits Microsoft's Next Number – Windows 8′s ability to run on ARM chips changes the longstanding relationship between Microsoft and Intel. Steve Ballmer will likely talk about ARM during his CES keynote this evening. And Space invaders
• ViaSat residential satellite broadband internet hands-on (video) – With download speeds in the 12 Mbps range, could satellite Internet finally be a viable option for those in the boonies?
• Toshiba's new tablet is thinnest yet, but does its price kill it? – The 10.1-inch Excite X10 is super-thin but will start at $530 for the 16-GB version. It will be available in the middle of this quarter.
• Lenovo launches first Ice Cream Sandwich TV – It's Google TV, but without Google TV. Instead, Lenovo will sell in China 42″ and 50″ models that use Android 4.0. No word on when or if they're coming to the U.S. Also Lenovo IdeaTab S2: a 10.1-inch, dual-core Android 4.0 tablet with keyboard dock attachment
• Acer announces 'world's thinnest' 13.3-inch Aspire S5 Ultrabook at CES 2012 (update: pictures) and Acer Aspire S5 Ultrabook hands-on – The notebook is only 15 millimeters at its widest point and will be be available in the second quarter. Also Acer's next-gen, quad-core Iconia Tab introduced at CES 2012 with a 1080p display
• LG to launch Android phones with VMware virtualization on Verizon 'in the coming months' – This phone will allow you to have a standardized work phone environment and another for personal use on the same device.
• OLPC XO 3.0 Hands On: The $100 Wonder Tablet – One Laptop Per Child finally delivers on its $100-computer promise.


text:
The Associate of Arts Degree in Communication prepares students for a host of engaging, dynamic careers running the gamut from sales and public relations, the ministry, corporate advertising and education to the "glamour" careers in media like video journalism, broadcasting and videography.
As an academic transfer degree program, LSCO's communication curriculum is designed to help students who wish to pursue bachelor degrees in communication, but in so doing, it simultaneously prepares them for a number of very different career paths including performing and media arts, publishing and literary arts, teaching and educational administration, and several lucrative career branches in business and industry.
Faculty in LSCO's communications program have prepared and mentored students who went on to become living testimonies to the power of effective communication. Included are a pharmaceutical sales rep with a multi-million-dollar territory, a CNN video composition specialist, a spokesperson for a multinational manufacturing and retail firm and an up-and-coming radio personality to name a few.
Kevin Doss
Academic Center, Rm. 109
Phone: (409) 882-3368
Fax: (409) 882-5027


text:
Lost Password
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy.
Attention: We only can send a new password, if the email adress entered at the registration was correct and is still valid. If you won't receive new passwords please contact our user account department.
You must provide your username or email address to request a new password. Contact the site's administrator if you need assistance.


text:
CNET Update hearts it:
In this episode of Update:
- Preorder a GamePop by Sunday to get it for free, or else get the GamePop Mini free with a subscription.
- Prepare for a Nexus Q comeback if Google relaunches it as an Android-gaming console.
- Leave your evening plans in the hands of Max, the new Netflix suggestion feature.
- Catch a glimpse of Android 4.3 leaked screenshots.
- Ditch the extra cable box this summer with Time Warner Cable's live TV app on Xbox.
- Bid farewell to the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, which isn't getting an upgrade to the new operating system.
- Learn about We Heart It, a growing image-sharing app for iOS and Android.
CNET Update delivers the tech news you need in under three minutes. Watch Bridget Carey every afternoon for a breakdown of the big stories, hot devices, new apps, and what's ahead. Subscribe to the podcast via the links below.
iTunes (HD) | iTunes (SD) | iTunes (HQ)


text:
Our Publications
- Aspen
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Chicago
- Dallas
- The Hamptons
- Hawai'i
- Houston
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- New York
- Orange County
- Palm Beach
- Philadelphia
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- Scottsdale
- Silicon Valley
- Washington, D.C.
Home › Scene › Charitabull ›
Chicago Bulls big man Joakim Noah is far more than just a talented athlete. Noah recently stepped off the court for an evening benefiting the charity he and his mother Cécilia Rhode founded, the Noah's Arc Foundation. Launched in 2010, the foundation provides children with opportunities to engage in positive self-expression through arts and sports. Soon-to-be-opened West Loop Japanese brasserie Kabocha hosted friends, family and supporters of the foundation as they sipped on Mandarin Mule cocktails, nibbled on bites and mingled with the NBA star himself. Photography by James Atkins


text:
Maze Wood LCD Watch
- $149,00
Opzioni disponibili
Featuring a labyrinth of LCD pathways that incorporate digital numbers, Kisai Maze Wood is a fun watch that displays the time in a unique way.
Made from natural wood with a matching leather strap, Kisai Maze Wood features time, date, alarm, animation and EL backlighting.
Maze Mode or Digital Mode - You Decide
There are two time modes programmed into the 'always on' LCD display. In maze mode, the digital time (hours and minutes) is concealed within a maze of LCD blocks. The time is easy to see at a glance once you know how.
If you're a beginner or if you're in a hurry to catch the train, press the lower button to change to regular number mode.
Press the lower button twice and you can view the date (month and day). Kisai Maze Wood also has an alarm mode and EL backlight which illuminates the display making it easier to read at night time.
Kisai Maze Wood has been carefully crafted from 100% natural wood in very limited quantities.
There are three models to choose from, dark sandalwood with a chocolate brown leather strap and mirror or green display and maple wood with a pure white leather strap and red display.
Being made of a natural material, the watch is light and comfortable to wear and every single watch has a unique color and grain pattern. The bevelled case and stitched leather creates a modern appearance.
Like all wood watches from Tokyoflash Japan, a clear coating has been applied to Kisai Maze Wood for protection.
A Light Watch, Ideal Watch for Small & Large Wrists
Kisai Maze Wood was designed with size in mind and the adjustable leather strap is ideal for both small and large wrists. The watch uses a standard CR2025 watch battery which will last at least 12 months and can easily be replaced.
Due to the natural qualities of wood, the color and grain may be slightly darker or lighter than shown in the photos.
Kisai Maze Wood is a limited edition design which means that it is guaranteed to be an original watch that not many other people own.
- Displays the time and date
- Alarm mode and custom animation
- Unisex design for small & large wrists
- LCD "always on" display
- Electroluminescent (EL) backlight (for night time only)
- Natural wood case & stainless steel buckle
- Adjustable leather strap
- Clear coating for protection
- Screw-on case back
- Minimum wrist size: 100 mm (approx.)
- Maximum wrist size: 210 mm (approx.)
- Case Dimensions: 40 mm x 47 mm x 10.5 mm
- Weight: 40 grams
- Battery: CR2025 standard replaceable watch battery
- English instructions
- One year warranty
An Arcade Game Style Animation
Kisai Maze Wood features an fun on-screen animation that can be turned on or off.
When activated, every 15 minutes, a character will run around the maze, trying to find a way out - like in an old school video game.
Check out the video demo on this page to see this in action!
|Watch Attributes
|Strap Material
|Case Material
|Stainless Steel