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Tuesday, May 15, 2012
"VIEW from the BRIDGE"
By Muncie
Last Saturday evening on our way back into Fort Benton near the underpass, we spotted a light on the bluffs. At first, I thought that an outer-space object was visiting us. Driving on to River Road, we discovered that someone (who remains anonymous,) had put solar lights on the letter "B." What a surprise!
Who came up with that terrific idea and how much work did it take? How many lights light up our world of "B"enton? Did anyone see the person who placed them? Any information will be appreciated and let us get to the light of day on this one. Surely, it could not have been accomplished undetected.
To the "Lighter or Lightened-ee," I thank you very much because it is a great gesture. It sure lights up my nights. Take a ride along River Road and see for yourself. Perhaps you have already noticed and so I ask, "Why didn't you call me?
On FRIDAY morning, MAY 18th at 8:30 a.m., you are welcome to the Benton Pharmacy to celebrate Jimmy Buffet Day. They will be serving Mocktails all day and there will be Nachos and a treat for lunch. This is an all day affair and closing time is 5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome whether you wear Hawaiian clothes or not although it is more fun to dress up for the occasion. You will be entertained with Jimmy Buffet music all day. Come on down and put a little excitement into your life.
It is the last Pie Day, FRIDAY, MAY 18th for the season. The women will not be baking pies during the hot summer months. So get yourselves over the Golden Age Senior Center on Friday to enjoy the best pies you will ever have. It will make you happy and make the pie bakers happy.
The Chouteau County Cancer Support Group is holding this very successful perennial plant sale on SATURDAY, MAY 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 23:00 noon on the Levee. This is in conjunction with the Fishing Derby. I have only heard about the Fishing Derby from one person so I do not have any details.
Anyone wishing to donate plants please drop off at the sale on Saturday morning or call 868-6210 if you need help. Help includes digging or transporting. Perennials, vegetables, houseplants, seeds, bushes…any donation is welcomed. All proceeds go to the Cancer Support Group.
Anyone who has ever participated in this event has said it is the most fun for gardeners. Get involved this year and give a green thumb boost to the Cancer Group.
I received an e-mail from John Twiggs, who is the producer of the show, this past week. He informed me that the show with the segment of Wayne Hampton is called, "Singing in the Wires." As I previously told you, it will air on WEDNESDAY, MAY the 23rd at 7:00 p.m. John said that the program would be repeated immediately at 7:30 p.m., then again on SATURDAY, MAY the 26th at 5:30 p.m., and THURSDAY, MAY the 31st at 7:30 p.m. That is a whole lot of Wayne going on so if you miss it one day there is always another.
The GFWC Fort Benton Woman's Club is sponsoring a Business Attire Fashion Show on Wednesday, May 23rd at 7:00 p.m. at the Wake Cup Coffeehouse. Business interview outfits, (including shoes and accessories,) that have been donated for the Fashion Show, will be then donated to the Mercy Home in Great Falls.
Go through your closet and see if you can come up with a business outfit. Then donate it to the Woman's Club by calling Nancy LaChappell at 868-6210. It will be a fun evening so call all your friends and enjoy an evening out with the girls while helping the Mercy Home women.
Fort Benton again is going to be offering another page in Montana's history. I received a news release today (Sunday,) about the opening of the reconstructed Bourgeois House on SATURDAY, MAY 26th. A full press release will appear in the River Press; however, I would like to tell you a little bit about it from my prospective. I have seen some pictures of the inside of the building and they are fabulous. You will see Montana's newest art gallery that includes Bob Scriver's No More Buffalo Collection, rare Karl Bodner's prints of the 1830's, and John Mix Stanley's original portrait of Alexander Culbertson, (the founder of Fort Benton in 1846.) You will learn the history of all of these collections. It is so worth your time to visit and what a way to entertain visiting family, friends and neighbors.
The public is invited to attend the opening ceremonies at 1 p.m. The museums and other historic landmarks are free for the day courtesy of the River and Plains Society. This is such a great opportunity for the kiddos and young people to learn the history of their hometown. Those that live here, whether they know it or not, are a part of living history today. They should be aware of their ancestors, where they came from, and what is happening today. Do not miss this opportunity.
I joined Connie, Sharalee, Patti, and Ruth for the fundraiser at the Grand Union. There was a whole lot of talent going on that evening. They were warming-up when I arrived so the five of us walked over to the Shep Courtyard to look at the bricks. What a way to give a tribute to someone near and dear for any reason. That brings to mind that there are several hundred bricks still open for purchase. Remember that thought for a special birthday, occasion, anniversary, or just as a kindness for someone who may have done something special.
Now back to the Fund Raiser…the group did not pass a hat. The hat sat on a chair and I am not sure that everyone saw it. If you attended the fundraiser and missed putting something into the hat, please send a check to the Highwood High School. Make the check out to the Highwood Jazz Band. It will be appreciated and we wish them luck in their quest for funds. They are working hard at it.
Next on my list of businesses to open in Fort Benton after a laundromat, an automated car wash, I have been longing for a bakery to open in town. I got my wish for a laundromat and now my wish for a bakery is about to happen. "Benton Bread and More" will be opening soon by Beth Ettinger.
I spoke with Beth this morning, Monday the 14th, and she cannot give me a definite date but it will be a.s.a.p. The best part about it is the fact that it will be located right across Main St. on 14th St. from my house and the baked goods odors will waft my
way. The Thrift Shop moved from one room of Jim Cummings building to the room on the other side. (If you need directions, just stop at my house. Actually, that is supposed to be a joke.)
Beth is working very hard to put the bakery in running order. She moved to Fort Benton from PA a year ago. Her mother and grandmother taught her to bake. She had a small bakery in PA but the Amish competition was too much. She will bake a variety of products and add more as she goes along. I can hardly wait and want the community to support her. That should not be too difficult.
I thought her story about having to adjust her recipes for the higher altitude was interesting. No wonder some of my baking does not come out eatable. Who knew!
The Visitors Center opened yesterday, Tuesday the 15th. Volunteers are ready to go and schedules were filled in at a meeting today, Monday. There are many changes because of Ruth Carlstrom's retirement. We are going to miss her and her devotion to the volunteers and the Chamber of Commerce. New assignments are going to Ali Nardinger, Glenda Quick, Joan Schaefer, and Judy Beloate. They will reorganize and reassign duties to cover all the jobs that Ruth did. If you have questions address them to Keith Ballantyne, Chamber President first, and then to Ali. It will be an exciting time for everyone concerned.
I cannot believe that not everyone in Fort Benton has been to visit the Center. If you have not…then walk yourself over there. There is a wealth of information for you, your family, your friends, and guests. There are maps that you cannot live without. There is information about the businesses, their hours, and locations. Get out and about and enjoy your beautiful town. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS.
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Federal ministers raised objections to Australia's commitment to the Green Climate Fund during a cabinet discussion of Australia's negotiating position at the UN climate talks in Warsaw, Guardian Australia understands.
Finalising arrangements for the fund – which is supposed to channel $100bn a year in public and private financing to developing countries by 2020 – is one of the tests of the annual UN meeting, to which Australia has controversially declined to send the environment minister, Greg Hunt, or any ministerial representative.
The former Labor government was an early donor, tipping in $500,000 last year to help get the new fund going, as well as almost $600m on a precursor "fast-start" fund.
But commitments to the fund have fallen well short of expectations and a board meeting in Paris last month made slow progress in finishing its setup.
Asked about Australia's attitude towards the fund, a spokeswoman for the foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, said: "The Green Climate Fund is currently in the design phase and Australia will consider its longer term involvement in the fund once its design has been further progressed."
Ewen McDonald, from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, was appointed co-chair of the Green Climate Fund board alongside South Africa's Zaheer Fakir for the first year of its operations – from August 2012 to August this year.
In opposition Bishop raised strong concerns that money from the foreign aid budget was being directed towards the climate change fund. "Climate change funding should not be disguised as foreign aid funding," she said.
The concerns of the ministers about Australia's negotiating position on the fund, and other issues, meant Australia's negotiating brief had to be reworked as the delegation – headed by the ambassador for climate change, Justin Lee – prepared to leave for Warsaw.
Labor has accused the Coalition of being "an embarrassment on the world stage" because of its decision not to send a politician to the global talks.

subset: commoncrawl


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Friday, December 23, 2011
Holiday Hours
Posted by Micah Marie at 7:11 PM 0 comments
I know what my customers like...
Posted by Micah Marie at 11:38 AM 1 comments
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
This is how we do it:TOTE BAGS EDITION
A sneak peek into how our new totes are made!
Also, here you go:
The screen printing cavern in the basement of our favourite neighbours, Smash
Our very own screen!
Monsieur Jon Todd who does all the work ( I am supposed to help but that never works out)*
Heat setting so they don't just get erased in the rain! Quality!!
* I provide the tunes and once I brought a six pack
Posted by Micah Marie at 1:50 PM 0 comments
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Hobb bow ties
Posted by Micah Marie at 1:07 PM 0 comments
Perfect Bulb Vase
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Friday, December 16, 2011
rc boisjoli
Posted by Micah Marie at 6:22 PM 0 comments
IMM living + lets chat
Hidden Message Cups $39/set
Lucky Strike Cookie Jar (my favourite thing ever) $74
Tea cup set $87, s+p (and sugar) set $35
There is so much more new BEAUTIFUL merchandise in the shop right now, but instead of blogging about it, I need to get it out on the floor like a good shop owner...
On a side note, how is everyone doing in the holiday survival spectrum? How many parties have you been invited to this weekend? Things a getting a bit 'cray' (as jay-z and kanye would say) up in the Junction on the party front, and we are hosting our annual Fancy Party this weekend at home, so when you see me Sunday just smile and act like we don't both know that I am wearing last night's make-up ok? If you are in the same boat as me, which I'm sure many of you will be, give me a signal for solidarity! XOXO R&E
Posted by Micah Marie at 4:50 PM 0 comments
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Duello Jewellery Holder by IMM Living $49, and all of the lovely jewellery on it is here too! I will mention that pin right in the centre, it's a tiny deer with a crab claw for a head...
Posted by Micah Marie at 3:41 PM 0 comments
Friday, December 9, 2011
We are open 'till 8 tonight!
This Friday night, Russet & Empire and our neighbours in the Junction Mrs Huizenga will be open until 8 for all of your holiday shopping needs. We also just got a record player, so we will be spinning tunes and probably having a few sneaky cocktails to add to the festive atmosphere. Also, if you can tell us where to get new vinyl in the hood that would be great too!
Posted by Micah Marie at 4:01 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Faberge Hybrid Containers
If you want to get your girlfriend something for Christmas that says 'I think you appreciate beautiful things and you have a discerning eye for Canadian design', may I suggest these my good sir;
Faberge Egg x Caribou Antlers $34
Faberge Egg x Horse Hooves $34
Dollars to donuts- if you actually fill these with some jewellery, you will 100% get some hot holiday action. You're welcome. XO
Posted by Micah Marie at 12:26 PM 0 comments
Friday, December 2, 2011
Meet our boyfriends
All the drilling and cursing you hear coming from the back of the shop, it's these guys. Sorry for the iPhone photo...
Posted by Micah Marie at 2:02 PM 0 comments
After what was supposed to be a two hour project, turned into a week-long affair, our noel sign is installed and ready to draw crowds!
Posted by Micah Marie at 1:30 PM 0 comments
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Posted by Micah Marie at 3:27 PM 0 comments
Friday, November 25, 2011
Animal Nodders
These nodding animals are made in the same factory in Germany that has been producing them for the past 100 years. They are small and dainty (except the dachshund but that's not his fault) unlike their dufus contemporaries, and all accents are painted by hand. The dachshund makes up for his stumpy legs with not only a nodding head but nodding tail as well.
lamb attack!
German Nodders $14
Posted by Micah Marie at 1:26 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Santa in the Junction
Posted by Micah Marie at 3:36 PM 0 comments
Monday, November 14, 2011
For the love of Serge
and please please watch THIS
Posted by Micah Marie at 8:10 PM 0 comments
Friday, November 11, 2011
Man Gifts
We bought a tonne of manly accessories for the man sale that can carry over into the holiday season (cocktail season), there is something much more special about vintage barware in quality and design. Plus champagne saucers and vintage erotic novels with great cover art, if you want a ring for Christmas I think you should keep this in mind. Stick with me girls, I've got you covered.
hubba hubba- $5
champagne saucers $33/set of 4, beautiful vintage lighters $22, champagne bucket $37, alligator ash tray, $19
antler shed $30, smokey OPP tumblers $13/set, decanters, $35&$37, pressed glass bowl $25
modern cocktail pitcher and swizzle $45
Posted by Micah Marie at 1:35 PM 0 comments
Man Sale Reception
The sale continues through 'till the end of the this weekend, and then it's so long hunks that have everyday been in for the past week...
All above photos credited to Phil Brennan
Posted by Micah Marie at 12:14 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Good Morning
Posted by Micah Marie at 11:34 AM 0 comments
Friday, October 28, 2011
Happy Halloween
Kind of NSFW due to swears
Posted by Micah Marie at 4:04 PM 0 comments
Hobb Apparel and Design and Shoebox Vintage (the same ladies who did Summer Social). In true Russet and Empire form we will be hosting an opening reception on Thursday November the 3rd. We have all been planning this sale for a full year since men's vintage is so rare, we have been collecting and curating just the right items for our dream men. See you all on Thursday xo
Posted by Micah Marie at 12:58 PM 0 comments
Party time!
The Show Off at the Junction reception was a great night for us here at Russet and Empire. It started off slow, so I went across the street to Mrs Huizenga for a cupcake, and I came back 5 minutes later and there were 50 people in the shop! It stayed like that until well after the closing time at 11. I have never had so much fun working for 12 hours straight in my life, but I have to admit that having a drink at Margret felt well deserved at the end of the night.
Posted by Micah Marie at 11:53 AM 0 comments
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The Grid x Junction = Love
Posted by Micah Marie at 12:02 PM 0 comments
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Sitting on a litigation time bomb
India is facing a litigation explosion. Politicians must build a political consensus to ensure time-bound justice for citizens. Otherwise, cracks in the judicial system will widen, writes Satya Prakash.india Updated: Mar 17, 2013 22:36 IST
The day the Justice JS Verma Committee submitted its report to the government, recommending several amendments to the criminal law to provide for quicker trial and enhanced punishment for those accused of committing sexual crimes, a gang rape victim tried to commit suicide in a Gujarat court because her case, which has been going on since 2007, was adjourned again on that day.
"I am tired of [court] dates. I don't want to live anymore," the 30-year-old said after consuming poison. Like hers, there are over three crore cases pending in the country's various courts.
At the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Bar Council of India (BCI) on February 16, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged the legal fraternity to find ways and means to tackle this problem.
But what the PM did not say is this: India is facing a litigation explosion and things could go out of control if time-bound measures are not taken now.
In fact, judicial delay is pushing people to try out other routes like vigilante justice. At the end of 2012, there were 59,816 cases pending in the Supreme Court, while the number of cases awaiting adjudication in the country's 21 high courts and about 17,000 subordinate courts are 43.27 lakh and 2.69 crore respectively (December 2011).
These figures do not include lakhs of cases pending in consumer courts and tribunals.
India has one of the world's largest judicial systems and it has expanded in the last three decades.
According to the National Court Management System Policy (NCMSP) and Action Plan released in 2012, the number of judges rose six-fold while the number of cases increased 12-fold in the last 30 years.
As India's literacy rate and per capita income rise, the NCMSP estimates, in the next three decades, the number of new cases filed per thousand population will increase from the current rate of about 15 (up from roughly around three cases per thousand cases three decades ago) to about 75 cases.
By that time, India's population would touch 150 crore. This means that by then about 15 crore cases would be filed each year.
The US, Canada and Britain have 107, 75 and 50 judges per 10 lakh population respectively.
It has been over 25 years since the Law Commission recommended that the judge-population ratio in India must be increased from 10.5 to 50 judges per 10 lakh population.
In March 2002, the SC ordered that the judge strength should be increased to 50 judges per 10 lakh people in a phased manner by 2007.
But the situation has remained unchanged. To raise the present ratio to 50 judges per 10 lakh population for 150 crore population, India will need 75,000 judges.
Forget about increasing the number of judges, even the existing vacancies have not been filled.
Almost 30% of the 895 sanctioned posts of high court judges are vacant while over 20% of the total sanctioned posts of subordinate court judges await appointments.
The worst situation is in the Allahabad high court where (as on March 31, 2012), 85 of the 160 judges' posts were vacant.
There are four vacancies in the SC. Don't blame the government for these vacancies; the SC collegium system is not functioning properly and the high courts are not doing enough to fill the vacancies in subordinate courts.
The NCMSP has also proposed a National Framework of Court Excellence (NFCE) that will set measurable performance standards for courts, addressing issues of quality, responsiveness and timeliness.
All these reforms need funds but we spend very little on the judicial system. In 2013-14, the ministry of law and justice received Rs. 1,815 crore out of the total budget outlay of Rs. 16,65,297 crore — that is Rs. 1 in every Rs.1,000 the Centre will spend over the next year.
To clear the backlog, the government and the judiciary have taken some steps like releasing undertrials languishing in jails on petty charges and using alternative disputes resolution mechanisms like mediation, conciliation and arbitration.
But this is only a part of the solution, not the long-term solution. The issue of judicial reforms may not be very attractive for political parties since it does not fetch votes.
But they must build a political consensus to ensure quick and affordable justice to citizens, particularly the poor. Otherwise, justice delayed will be seen as justice denied.
First Published: Mar 17, 2013 21:32 IST


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Once the Egyptian government cut the Internet, the protests in Tahrir Square were joined by protests across the country.
What's the News: Social networking has been a star of the Arab Spring revolutions. People can't stop talking about how Twitter and Facebook helped protestors organize, and when Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak suddenly cut access to the Internet and cell phone service on January 28th, many wondered how the protestors would share information and keep momentum. But as it turned out, depriving people of information had an explosive effect—far from the epicenter at Tahrir Square in Cairo, so many grassroots protests sprung up that the military was brought in. Two weeks later, Mubarak resigned.
Using the Egyptian revolution as a case study, a new paper makes the case that theories of group dynamics explain why access to information can actually have a quenching effect on revolutions, and argues that regimes that shut information sources down are signing their own death warrants.
What's the News: To much fanfare, Google has released a preview version of Google+, their long-anticipated move into the social-networking space dominated in the U.S. by Facebook, whose meteoric growth challenges Google's dominance over the Web itself. The new service lets users send messages and pictures to each other, like Facebook, but puts more emphasis on grouping and communicating with different groups of people, as with email or in meatspace (i.e., the real world).
The two consensus early reactions (from the small group of people who have access) are that the service is mostly smooth and functional, a welcome change after Google's social flops Buzz and Wave; and that it sure looks a heck of a lot like Facebook. Will that be enough to challenge Facebook, whose enormous base of users have uploaded much of their lives to one social network and may not want to invest time in another?
What's the News: Radio and television broadcasters in France must soon abandon self-promoting messages like, "Follow us on Facebook and Twitter." The French equivalent of the FCC, the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel (CSA), is banning the mention of specific social-networking sites on the radio or TV. While this rule applies to all online social networks, the ruling was directed at the juggernauts Facebook and Twitter.
"Why give preference to Facebook, which is worth billions of dollars, when there are other social networks that are struggling for recognition," explains CSA spokeswoman Christine Kelly (via the Guardian).
"May your day be full of jasmine." "My lady, how I want to climb this wall of silence." "I LLLLLove you." No, this isn't the tortured verse of botanically inclined lovesick teens. It's the coded poetry of revolution.
As uprisings spread across northern Africa this month, protesters lit up social networking sites with updates—even Egypt's attempt to shut off the Internet couldn't stop them completely. But in Libya, where the fight is getting hotter and hotter, few people use sites like Facebook or Twitter, and many would be afraid to write there openly. So protest leader Omar Shibliy Mahmoudi found a place where they could speak in code: dating sites.
Mahmoudi – leader of the Ekhtalef, or "Difference," movement – acted as if he was looking for a wife under the profile name "Where is Miriam?" and sent coded love letters to spur people to revolution. Since men cannot talk to other men on the site, revolutionaries posed as women to make contact with Mahmoudi, taking on names such as "Sweet Butterfly," "Opener of the Mountain," "Girl of the Desert" and "Melody of Torture." [Herald Sun]
Once Mahmoudi connected with his sham love interests on the website (called Mawada), they bantered in cryptic poetry to suss out the other's feelings. The "jasmine" reference above is a nod of support to the ongoing Jasmine Revolution. The five L's in ""I LLLLLove you" means that a person has five supporters with them.
You know it's getting serious when people aren't using Facebook. The social networking giant now says it has noticed significantly reduced traffic from Egypt as a result of the Egyptian government's attempt to shut down its country's Internet this week to quash political protests. Though we've seen governments attempt to censor the Internet in times of uprising before (like during the 2009 Iranian election), Forbes says this is "the first time in modern history a major Internet economy is being shut down."
Mobile phone networks have reportedly been disrupted, leaving millions without access to text messaging or phone calls. The country's key Internet Service Providers are also off the air, says James Cowie, the chief technology officer of Internet monitoring firm Renesys on his blog. "Virtually all of Egypt's Internet addresses are now unreachable, worldwide. [Forbes]
Indeed, Cowie says, this is something new compared to other government internet censorship:
Similar demonstrations and Web outages are occurring in Tunisia, though Cowie noted that the Egypt Internet downtime "is a completely different situation from the modest Internet manipulation that took place in Tunisia, where specific routes were blocked, or Iran, where the Internet stayed up in a rate-limited form designed to make Internet connectivity painfully slow." [PC Magazine]
Thoughts of a government being able to just "turn off the Internet" has people in other countries frightened, but it was particularly easy to achieve in Egypt.
Social networking or leaked secrets? TIME has made its choice, naming baby-faced Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg its 2010 person of the year rather than WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
In gracing the cover of the venerable weekly news magazine, he joins a list that includes such historical figures as Joseph Stalin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He is one of the youngest recipients of the award. Charles Lindbergh, in 1927, was the youngest person ever to receive the recognition; he was 25. [Portfolio]
Given Facebook's growing ubiquity in our lives, Zuckerberg could have been chosen any of the last several years. (Comedian John Hodgman needled TIME on Twitter to this effect, writing "Time Magazine just named its Person of The Year 2007.") But in 2010 Zuckerberg couldn't escape the zeitgeist, whether making news for fiddling with his social network's privacy settings—again—or being the subject of an uncomfortable portrayal in the hit film The Social Network.
Runners-up for "Person of the Year" were the Tea Party movement, an upstart political group; Hamid Karzai, the president of Afghanistan; Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, a website that publishes classified documents; and the Chilean miners, a group of 33 men who were trapped in a mine for more than two months. [BusinessWeek]
Around the United States today, a few thousand lucky people are trying out Facebook's newest step in its quest to be the site you never leave. It's roll-out day for the company's new @facebook.com all-inclusive messaging system. So what does Mark Zuckerberg have in store for us?
All Together Now
The main message from Zuckerberg and director of engineering Andrew Bosworth: Old-school email, with formalities like bcc's and subject lines, is out. An informal mish-mash of communication is in.
Facebook's messaging system is different than any other email service (namely, Gmail) in that it doesn't just collect email. Texts and SMS, IMs and chat, emails and Facebook messages–"they don't work that well together," explained Bosworth. Now, they'll all be assembled into one thread, blurring the lines of what an "inbox" is. So, rather than having your texts stored on your phone, and your IMs stored on iChat, and your emails stored on Yahoo, Facebook will compile your messages into one place. [Fast Company]
There Is No Escape
Buried in the deep recesses of your email account, you probably have messages dating back so far that reading them makes you wonder who you used to be. With Facebook's integrated messaging system, your texts, emails, Facebook messages, and more would all be saved.
Like other e-mail systems, the Facebook messaging system will now save a conversation history, which executives said could maintain a sort of oral history. "Imagine you have the entire history of your conversation from 'Hey, nice to meet you, want to get coffee?' to 'Hey, can you pick up the kids.' Five years from now, a user can have this full rich history with your friends and the users around you," Zuckerberg said. [PC Magazine]
Like many of Zuckerberg's statements, this one can be read as either sentimental or terrifying depending on your comfort level with Facebook.
The Social Network arrives in theaters around America today. Written by Aaron Sorkin (creator of the TV shows The West Wing and Sports Night), the film purports to tell the tale of Mark Zuckerberg's creation of Facebook at Harvard, and drips with backstabbing high drama. The early reviews are in, and the forming consensus is: It's a fabulous film, but don't go to the cinema expecting the truth.
The Facebook company itself has called the film a fiction. But that's partly because Zuckerberg has shown no inclination to discuss his history—at least not with the creators of this film.
What makes The Social Network more intriguing than a standard biopic is that it was made without the co-operation of its principal subject — whose own mission in life seems to be to let us all make unauthorised biographies of each other. Personality and motivation inferred from a smattering of potentially misleading facts: isn't that precisely the kind of thing that worries people about Facebook? [New Scientist]
As of this writing, the "Everybody Draw Mohammed Day" Facebook page has nearly 83,000 likes and is rising steadily. Presumably, none of those fans are in the government of Pakistan, as the page prompted the conservative Muslim country to block first Facebook, but then also YouTube, parts of Wikipedia, and other Web sites—more than 450 in all.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) keeps itself busy scanning the Internet for material that it says would offend its population, the second-largest Muslim population of any country. Two years ago it temporarily banned YouTube until the site removed cartoons of Mohammed. Typically the PTA bans particular links, but this week it complained that the amount of objectionable material on Web was increasing and decided to cut off it citizens from some of the biggest sites on the Web. The ban is said to run through the end of May, giving Web sites the chance to remove offending materials if they choose.
Social networking sites are extremely popular in Pakistan, a country of 170 million, where more than 60 percent of the population is under the age of 25. Pakistan has about 25 million Internet users, almost all of them young, according to Adnan Rehmat, a media analyst in Islamabad [The New York Times].
So you already spend all your time on Facebook—that's not enough for the social networking giant. Soon, it will want to know where you spend all your time (in the real world).
Over the weekend, TechCrunch identified a glitch in Facebook's mobile site that allowed them to see a space for a new feature called "places" being built in the code.
Based on the code, this is what it seems that Facebook is about to launch: A mobile version of the site using the HTML5 location component to grab your location information from your phone. Once it does that, you're taken to this new Places area of Facebook that presumably will have a list of venues around you. From here you can click a button to check-in. Yes, there will be check-ins [TechCrunch].
It appears that Facebook plans to jump into the world of being a location-based service in the vein of Foursquare or Gowalla. But rather than launching its own service to crush the two smaller companies, Facebook may consider buying up Foursquare. Rumors to that effect circulated this weekend because in addition to the code leak, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg paid a visit to Foursquare CEO Dennis Crowley.
The possibilities are tantalizing, especially because we think if Foursquare really wants to sell, Facebook would be its best buyer. We're also pretty sure Facebook has interest in Foursquare at the right price. Remember, a few months ago there were some rumors that Facebook kicked the tires on Foursquare rival Gowalla [San Francisco Chronicle].


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Just in case you haven't heard, the Live Music Archive has free concerts from more than 4,600 bands for legal download or streaming. Most of this blog was written to music from the site, so I want to publicly thank them and encourage you to take a look. Some current favorites: Stanton Moore Live at […]
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April 3, 2011
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Holmes Report 22 Jan 2012 // 12:00AM GMT
BOSTON—Weber Shandwick has partnered with Liberty Mutual Insurance, a diversified global insurer, to provide crisis management services as part of Liberty's new commercial lead umbrella policy, which provides companies with a layer of insurance protection beyond their primary general liability coverage. The firm will be the preferred communications advisor to Liberty Mutual Insurance policyholders.
The new crisis management coverage gives policyholders up to 72 hours to identify a crisis and file a claim to receive up to $50,000 in crisis management support from Weber Shandwick. Many other crisis management policies require that claims be filed within 24 hours of the crisis event.
Beyond the standard $50,000 limit included with the new lead umbrella policy, up to $250,000 in additional crisis management coverage is available.
"In our 24/7 media environment, clarity, consistency and speed are essential in responding to crises in order to protect and maintain corporate reputations," says Micho Spring, chair of Weber Shandwick's global corporate practice. "Oftentimes, organizations are not equipped to handle these situations alone."


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4 Simple Small Space/Dorm Exercises
Simple and effective exercises you can do on the go while traveling or in your apartment or dorm!
Being able to exercise just about anywhere—hotel rooms, small apartments, dorms, etc.—is important to keep my fitness routine in check. Because I like to be able to work out wherever I am, I want to share a few of the best and most effective exercises that you really can do no matter where you are—large space or tiny.
I recommend taking the four exercises I list below and making your own kind of high intensity interval training (HIIT) mini workout. This means doing each movement as hard as you can and then taking a few minutes of rest between rounds. I would recommend 3-4 rounds, but do whatever works best for you in the amount of time you have.
10 Burpees
Burpees are probably one of my least favorite exercises, but I put them on the list because I feel like as awful as they are, they're effective. This move works muscles all over your body, from your arms and legs to your core. It's not fun to do at all, but trust me when I say it'll definitely help keep you in shape.
2 Minutes of Jumping Jacks
I like to add in a move like jumping jacks because it doesn't sound intimidating. Knowing I don't have to do something else I hate after the burpees helps me get through the work out. Don't be fooled though, two minutes of jumping jacks isn't a walk in the park. It'll get your heart rate up, which helps to burn more calories throughout the rest of the workout.
40 Mountain Climbers (20 on each leg)
This is another move I don't find intimidating, but I always remember why I include it once I start doing it. Mountain climbers, like burpees, will also work multiple muscle groups, which is why they're super effective. When I know I don't have a lot of space to move around in and will probably be doing a shorter than usual workout, I want to do the moves that I know my body will benefit most from.
1 Minute Plank
Last but not least, the plank. I saved the worst for last. The plank is such a trick because when you watch someone do it, especially a really fit person, it doesn't look hard at all. Then I go to do it and it kicks my butt every single time.
I hope these moves are quick and easy to do wherever you find yourself!


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BP hopes to keep using its giant stopper to block oil from reaching the Gulf of Mexico until they plug the blown out well permanently, the company said Sunday.
"No one associated with this whole activity … wants to see any more oil flow into the Gulf of Mexico," said Doug Suttles, BP's chief operating officer. "Right now we don't have a target to return the well to flow."
The government's point man for the disaster, retired U.S. Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, outlined a different plan on Saturday, saying that after the test was complete, the cap would be hooked up through nearly a mile of pipes stretching to ships on the surface that will collect the oil.
IN PICTURES: The Gulf oil spill's impact on nature
But that would mean oil would have to be released back into the Gulf for three days to release pressure from the well, Suttles said. The oil giant hopes to instead keep the oil shut in until its permanent plug measure is completed, although Suttles said BP was taking it day by day.
It wasn't immediately clear if the plan had changed, or if BP and the government disagreed about the next move. Allen will make the ultimate decision.
Both Allen and BP have said they don't know how long the trial run – initially set to end Saturday – will continue. Allen has extended it to Sunday afternoon, and could extend it again.
Has the oil been depleted?
Unimpeded, the well spewed as much as 2.5 million gallons a day, according to the government's worst-case estimates. It's possible the oil has been depleted, and that's why pressure readings from the cap have been lower than anticipated, BP has said.
Scientists still are not sure whether the shut-in is causing oil to leak into the bedrock surrounding the well, which could make the seabed unstable. That's why pumping the oil up to four ships on the surface and containing it there may be a safer option.
But to do that, millions of gallons of oil could spew into the water when the cap is initially reopened, an image both BP and the federal government would like to avoid.
BP is drilling two relief wells, one of them as a backup. The company said work on the first one was far enough along that officials expect to reach the broken well's casing, or pipes, deep underground by late this month. Then the job of jamming it with mud and cement could take "a number of days through a few weeks."
The cap, which on Thursday stopped the crude for the first time since the April 20 explosion unleashed the spill, lets BP shut in the oil, which would be important if a hurricane were to hit the Gulf and force ships to leave the area.
Pressure in the well cap continues to rise, and scientists are still monitoring for any signs of a leak, but the news still seems to be good, Suttles said. The oil giant is hoping to keep evaluating even after the extended monitoring period it was given by the government, which expires Sunday afternoon.
"We're not seeing any problems at this point with the shut-in," Suttles said at a Sunday morning briefing.
Getting back to normal
It will take months, or possibly years for the Gulf to recover. But there were signs that people were trying to get life – or at least a small part of it – back to normal.
The public beach at Gulf Shores, Alabama, had its busiest day in weeks on Saturday despite oil-stained sand and a dark line of tar balls left by high tide.
Darryl Allen of Fairhope, Alabama, and Pat Carrasco of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, came to the beach to throw a Frisbee just like they've been doing for the past 30 years. With oil on people's minds more than the weather, Allen asked what's become a common question since the well integrity test began:
"How's the pressure? I hope it's going up," he said. "You don't want to be too optimistic after all that's happened."
People also were fishing again, off piers and in boats, after most of the recreational waters in Louisiana were reopened late this week. More than a third of federal waters are still closed and off-limits to commercial fishermen.
"I love to fish," said Brittany Lawson, hanging her line off a pier beside the Grand Isle Bridge. "I love to come out here."
And even though it has been only days since the oil was turned off, the naked eye could spot improvements on the water. The crude appeared to be dissipating quickly on the surface of the Gulf around the Deepwater Horizon site.
Members of a Coast Guard crew that flew over the wellhead Saturday said far less oil was visible than a day earlier. Only a colorful sheen and a few long streams of rust-colored, weathered oil were apparent in an area covered weeks earlier by huge patches of black crude. Somewhere between 94 million and 184 million gallons have spilled into the Gulf, according to government estimates.
IN PICTURES: The Gulf oil spill's impact on nature
Gulf oil spill: Fouling air as well as water?
Gulf oil spill: As gusher stops, response playbook is being rewritten


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This week, Blizzard Entertainment will bring the sixth expansion, Legion, to MMO World of Warcraft. Along with the add-on comes a new character class called Legion Hunters, and the continent known as the Broken Isles. The Isles will introduce an exclusive level-scaling system unique from the rest of the game world.
Players will also be allowed a new method of story progression, done though Class Order Halls. Finally, new class-specific artifact weapons will become available, and are stated to be especially powerful. Legion was unveiled a whole year ago, which goes to show just how much work has gone into this expansion. The release is set for August 30, 2016.


text: On our road trip over to the East Cape in Baja, we also went to visit the waterfall at Santiago. Bajainsider says, "Santiago is a small pueblo located 46 km north of the, Los Cabos Airport (SJD), San Jose Del Cabo, Baja Sur. At about 42km you make a left turn off Highway 1 to Santiago…" Follow the signs (or ask someone like we did) to a rancho officially called the Rancho Ecológico Sol de Mayo. There will be a…Read More »


text: Sedona white House Inn accommodations. Very Spacious Rooms and comfortable beds. Private Outdoor Balcony with full views of the famous red rocks of Sedona.…Features include… refrigerators, microwave, in room coffee maker, telephones with free local calling, hi Speed free wi-fi internet, Iron and Ironing boards are available, hair dryer and free Ice for rooms.


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The square root of 2,025 is 45. It can be hard for people to work out a square root of large numbers, such as 2,025, but there are ways to work out whether a number has a perfect square without using trial and error.
The number 2,025 ends with the number 5, so it can definitely be divided by 5, which makes 405. Dividing the 405 by 5 again results in 81, which is 9 squared. As the number has been divided by 5 twice, this shows that it can be divided by 25, which has a square root of 5. Because the results give two perfect squares, 25 and 81, one can simply multiply the square roots of 5 and 9, respectively. Five multiplied by 9 is 45.


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Endicott IN DC
Credits and Billing
You can earn a full semester's worth of credits from Endicott during the fall, spring semesters and summer term:
12 credits for the internship and Internship Seminar
3 credits for the Core Course
You pay what you normally pay to attend Endicott to participate in our program during the fall, spring and summer: your financial aid travels with you to DC.
Consult with your faculty adviser and Endicott staff to determine your credit and billing arrangements.
Application Process
Apply online through our online application system.
Campus Contact
Dale McLennan, Dean, Internship and Career Center, firstname.lastname@example.com, (978) 232-2101


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Very nice!
The game you are trying to view has ceased development and consequently been archived. If you are a member of this game, can demonstrate that it is being actively developed and will be able to keep this profile up to date with the latest news, images, videos and downloads, please contact us with all details and we will consider its re-activation.
Dune: War of the Spice brings back the epic battles around the Spice and takes it to the next level. Control your favourite units on Arrakis and other planets. Build large bases using our new revised construction system and other, new introduced features.
Very nice!
This is very nice =)) but how games are going too far to the future, harkonnen style of buildings is different and different... I think, barracks with Big Bull head as in dune 2000 could be more cooler =))
Please don´t thing people will dont like this, it is cool as it is =))))
Only registered members can share their thoughts. So come on! Join the community today (totally free - or sign in with your social account on the right) and join in the conversation.
by gntlemanartist


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So the lapse in posts were due to a recent move to Washington... State. I now live in Seattle and the two weeks I've been here indicates I will be here for quite awhile. Seattle has a lot of things I've desired in a place to live that Washington (DC) couldn't provide. The first is a general population that is invested in a livable city and has a general happiness about a lot of things. The biggest improvement is housing. I now live in one of the most desirable neighborhoods of Seattle for what I was paying in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood where my former roommate was mugged at gunpoint just this week in DC. The best part is I landed a job at a great firm only 3 blocks from my apartment. The firm is Board and Vellum, which is a young firm that I already feel at home working at. Everyone welcomes my harsh criticism and aren't afraid to do the same to me.
A fun fact is I now live in the same city as my arch enemy, Matt Hagen of matthagen.COM... He's not really an enemy, but this guy has owned matthagen.com since I was a freshman in high school (2001) trying to register the domain. It would be interesting to see how much of my email he's received.
I will get this blog rolling again. I have some good design moments lined up and plenty to post about.


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Welcome to our shop
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we will be there for you at
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Step 1:Set up a new contact on your mobile with the number +49 (0)151 5610 2910.
Step 2:Open WhatsApp.
Step 3:Begin a new chat (top right) with the contact you have just set up.
We would be delighted to answer your questions by email.
Write to us at firstname.lastname@example.com or use our contact form.
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Do you have questions and would like us to call you back?
Simply let us know how we can reach you by phone. We will call you back.


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After storing a baby swing in the garage for 1.5 years, we finally put it on the swingset (took 30 seconds). This may be Hailey's only ride in it. She loved it the first time, but won't get back in it since. ???
Went to the Texans - Chargers game. Krista is a huge Chargers fan. Atleast she was happy about the outcome of the game!
We went to Corpus for the beginning of Thanksgiving week, but I forgot to bring the camera (one reason for so few pics). We were at my parents for actual Thanksgiving. Hailey was helping us cook as you can see.
My Uncle Bruce & Aunt Jacque gave this Packer gear to Tyson a year or so ago, and we finally got cold enough weather for him to wear it! Had to grab a pic! And... GO PACK GO
Black Friday... none of us went shopping, but everyone came to our house and we took turns going to see Unstoppable. Of course it was great, every Denzel movie is.


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House of Holland's catwalk show is always one of the most fun on the LFW schedule, and this year totally didn't disappoint.
Here's some talking points from the SS 2016 show...
1. The Venue
This year saw HOH present the collection four stories underground. Yes, the venue was a cross between the dungeon of the Colosseum and the start of the Hunger Games.
2. The Clothes
Imagine a world of fluro orange peplum co-ords. The collection includes large peplum pleats, and a cropped kick flair trouser, all finished off with our new favourite Bushtucker shoes.
Earrings were singular - just the one large blue leaf (slightly St David in shape), with a bit of neon chucked on for good measure.
These are clothes to be worn with a lot of sass.
3. The FROW
Henry is known for his amazing best friends, and naturally they were all there to support. Alexa (pictured), Grimmy, Daisy and obviously Henry's mum shoulder bopping along to the music sat on the FROW...
On the music, it was brought from The Misshapes. 'Have you brushed your teeth?' by Lady Leshurr was the pre show anthem, we're sure it'll be on to Radio 1 tomorrow.
4. The Industry First
In a complete first - and as part of a HOH x Visa collaboration - you could use a ring, that was given with the show invites, to pay for pieces of the collections. This is the future - ditch your wallets right now, they are so SS15.
5. The Beauty
The HOH girl likes to party in the desert sun. The designer himself said; 'She's got a touch of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas to her.'
In short: we all want to be her.


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Whether you realize it or not, you are already at your best - right now, just as you are.
When we're young, we're extremely receptive to varying cultural perceptions of what it means to be "the best." The fastest, the smartest, the richest, the nicest. The skinniest, the most athletic, the hottest, the most desirable. And sometimes, without realizing it, these perceptions creep into our psyche about who we become (or don't become) as adults.
As a kid, I felt like I wasn't the best because I was bigger than everyone else. I went on my first diet at age 7, and I always had a hard time finding clothes that fit when I shopped at the same stores as my friends. The fitting room was like a torture chamber: even if I found clothes to try on, they never fit my body.
Finding clothes that fit was such a challenge that I begged my mom to make my dress for homecoming during my sophomore year of high school, rather than subject myself to the agony of fitting room fails. The dress was bright fuchsia satin under a layer of sheer black fabric with beading. We went to a consignment store and found a fuchsia mohair coat to go over it. I still have that coat to this day.
When I became a female athlete in high school and college, I finally felt like my size was an asset. It felt like I had found my place in the world. When I got accepted to the United States Naval Academy to become a varsity rower and midshipman, those feelings intensified and my confidence surged.
As a midshipman, I trained and worked with a nutritionist, which pushed my athletic performance to new levels. I was more confident in my body than ever before. I was proud of my height, my muscular frame and, mostly, what my body was able to do as a result of my ongoing training.
But everything changed when I injured my back rowing. Badly. I underwent two major surgeries before graduating. When I was commissioned as an Ensign after graduation, I was declared "unfit for worldwide deployment" and was medically discharged. I went from feeling like the best to feeling like an utter failure.
I resented my body for what had happened. To make matters worse, after my surgeries I spent months rehabilitating and trying to get back into shape. My body had changed, I'd put on weight, and I didn't recognize myself anymore. My whole identity for years had revolved around being a top female athlete, and I had to completely reframe my approach to exercise and how I was treating my body.
My fashion sense was all over the place during this phase of my life. I went from being in great shape and wearing a uniform almost every day to being overweight and having my pick of virtually any outfit under the sun, which resulted in many "what not to wear" moments. But I was having fun with fashion, and it all played a role in getting to know myself and my body once again.
Slowly, I began to see myself and my body differently. My weight continued to fluctuate, and my relationship with food was still a constant source of stress and shame. I started and stopped many fitness programs, as I had a tendency to push my body too hard and re-injure myself. This went on for almost a decade.
I continued to hold myself and my body to really high standards. I wanted to have "the best" body possible, and I was putting myself and my body through hell to get there. But a few nights before my wedding, I was lying in the bathtub, feeling terrible about my body when I had an epiphany: I made the choice, from that moment on, to stop obsessing over my body's imperfections and what it could or couldn't do for me in the gym. I learned to approach exercise as an expression of my love for my body, rather than as a way to punish or drastically change myself.
Three months after my wedding, I signed a modeling contract with TRUE Model Management in New York. Now, I'm a successful plus-size model, blogger and social influencer. The choice to accept my body transformed my life. Literally.
I stopped striving to be someone else's definition of "the best" and chose to focus inward, on becoming the best version of myself. I stopped worrying about my dress size. I stopped letting the clothes I couldn't wear because of my size be a source of shame. I stopped putting my body through hell with dieting and extreme exercise. I started to take the best possible care of my whole self.
Whether you know it or not, you too are already at your best. And once you realize that, the world around you will recognize it as well. Once you love yourself, you'll become unstoppable.
When you love who you are and you're expressing your true self, then your clothes just help you dress the part. Well Nordstrom has everything you need to enhance your assets! For special occasions or the latest trends, from active wear to lingerie, the Nordstrom Plus-Size offering will have what you want. Nordstrom wants you to be your best ― which is exactly who you are today.


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This past week our team had the opportunity to attend the Decorator's Showcase in North Beach.
The house itself was exquisite, accompanied by its European-style gardens and beautiful marble reliefs framing the property.
We love what Nest Design Co did with this shared bedroom space.
The amazing ocular mural by The Martin Group was an interesting feature in one of the bathrooms.
Patterns, patterns, patterns! We love how Stephan Jones Interiors used today's trend of overlapping patterns to create this unique study.
This opulent home shares a hillside with Coit Tower and has views of the city that are breathtaking.
If you live in the Bay Area and need some inspiration or just enjoy taking a peek inside some seriously striking homes – the SF Decorator's Showcase is a must-see. We look forward to what 2017 brings.
Ta-ta for now,


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The past holiday season wasn't enough to lift the ever-declining sales of personal computers.
Worldwide shipments of PCs declined in the fourth quarter, according to two industry reports released on Tuesday.
International Data Corporation (IDC) said that computer makers shipped 71.9 million devices in the fourth quarter, a 10.6% decrease from the previous year during the same period. Gartner, on the other hand, said that manufacturers shipped 75.7 million PCs globally in the fourth quarter, or an 8% year-over-year decline.
The fact that the holidays didn't lift sales shows how consumer PC purchasing habits have changed, according to Gartner. And while Microsoft's (MSFT) new Windows 10 operating system received good reviews, it wasn't enough to spur many businesses to upgrade to new computers during the holidays.
SIGN UP: Get Data Sheet, Fortune's daily newsletter about the business of technology.
IDC attributed some of the weak sales to China's turbulent economy.
But IDC analysts remained optimistic that the PC market could eventually rebound in the later half of 2016. The report's authors remained confident that Windows 10, and its sales pitch of improved design and better security, will eventually prompt more people to buy computers.
"Most PC users have delayed an upgrade, but can only maintain this for so long before facing security and performance issues," Loren Loverde, vice president of IDC's PC sales tracking program, said in a statement. "We continue to believe that a majority of these users will purchase another PC, motivated by new products and attractive pricing."
As for individual vendors, both reports cited Lenovo as leading the fourth quarter PC market, followed by HP, Inc. and Dell. However, all three of those companies saw their worldwide shipments decrease from the previous year, with HP, Inc. taking the biggest hit. IDC said that HP, Inc.'s PC shipments shrank 10.1% whereas Gartner said the company's shipments declined 8.1%.
WATCH: For more on computers see our Fortune video:
Apple (AAPL) was the only PC maker whose worldwide shipments increased in both reports, which said that the company's fourth quarter shipments jumped 2.8% year over year.


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Month: May 2006
The Pirate Bay – Closed
Well looks like Pirate Bay might be closed for good. They were served a search warrant by the Swedish National Criminal Police. Looks like they will have to fight it out in court.
See ya Pirate Bay, it was nice knowing ya.
Update (June 3): And TPB is back up & running! Hopefully they're safer 🙂
$600 gift card
Someone anonymously sent me a $600 gift card CompUSA. First of all thank you whoever you are. The funny part is that I can't figure out what to do with it.
I figured I should get a GPS like I posted about last week. So, I did. I bought the TomTom 510. As of today, it no longer will boot up. I have it plugged in and yet it simply won't turn on. That is going back.
After having the GPS, I realized that I don't travel outside of the Tampa Bay area that often when I am driving. A GPS isn't a necessary item for me to buy.
How about an Xbox 360? I could get the big system with games and the works…but I don't like video games. The only games I do enjoy are the classic Mario games, and I'm getting the new DS Lite on the 11th of June. Xbox 360 crossed off the list.
Okay how about an iPod, got one. I was thinking about the Creative Zen Vision, but alas CompUSA doesn't sell it. I would like to try the subscription based services like URGE or Napster, but not from CompUSA…sigh.
So what do I buy? I am returning the TomTom today and will have the full $600 back to spend.
A few ideas I am tossing around are an iPod HiFi, but I already have the Fury 2.1 from Sound Druid, the Harmon Kardon Drive + Play for the iPod, new car speakers, or who knows what else….
Anyone have any ideas? What would you buy?
Unlimited picture uploads
Cnet has launched a new service, All You Can Upload, where you can upload as many pictures as you want. Registration isn't even necessary. Simply upload and that's it.
No bandwidth limit. No size limit. FREE!
You can register so you have a way to track all of your uploads. One of the coolest parts is that it automatically writes the code to insert the picture for MySpace, eBay, Xanga, Blogger, a forum or message board, email, or instant messenger. Look out Flickr.
P.S. The logo from this blog post is a image I uploaded with their service.
AllofMP3 Declared illegal
Well the party is about to be over, AllofMP3 has been declared illegal by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), and prosecutions are reported to be underway. They been accused of not paying royalties to artists.
Looks like it is time to cash out, and buy as many songs your balance has. I know I certainly am. Looks like iTunes' cheapest competition is about to go buh bye 😦 .
Super Mario DS Sells 480,000 Units first day
The New Super Mario Bros. managed to sell through 480,000 units in it's first day in Japan, making it the fastest selling DS title ever.
I recently this weekend purchased this game. I have to say, it is a very cool upgrade to the Mario series.
I can't wait for the DS Lite to come out in June.
Hi rez Sidekick 3 pic
I can't wait…as the time draws closer, I am getting more and more excited over this phone and a few weeks ago I wasn't even wanting to buy one.
PLEASE T-mobile include GTalk in this Sidekick, and it will be the ultimate phone.


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Computed tomographic (CT) colonography
Dr Daniel J Bell ◉ and Dr Dalia Ibrahim et al.
Computed tomographic (CT) colonography, also called CTC, virtual colonoscopy (VC) or CT pneumocolon, is a powerful minimally invasive technique for colorectal cancer screening.
On this page:
- screening test for colorectal carcinoma
- colon evaluation after incomplete or unsuccessful conventional colonoscopy
- assessment of strictures
- to better evaluate the colon proximal to obstructing neoplasms detected by conventional colonoscopy
- patients with contraindications or refusing conventional colonoscopy
- patient preparation
- for optimal image quality, the colon should be clean and completely distended
- residual stool and fluid may lead to a false negative or false positive diagnosis
- residual stool may be "tagged" using oral contrast agents such as Gastrografin
- bowel distension
- optimal colonic distention is critical to technical success for proper intraluminal evaluation of the large bowel
- distension can be achieved via a pressure-regulated device with carbon dioxide (preferred) or room air
- intravenous contrast
- not necessary although it is used in some centers
- antispasmodic agent
- IV/IM hyoscine-N-butylbromide (Buscopan), an antimuscarinic drug reduces colonic motion, leading to higher quality images and reduced patient discomfort
- IV glucagon is used in some countries/institutions as a first or second-line antiperistaltic agent: its efficacy is contentious
Data acquisition and analysis
- CT scanning is ideally performed on a multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scanner in both supine and prone positions with a thin collimation
- image review with the use of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) displays is strongly advised for optimal evaluation
- colonic diverticulosis
- colon polyps
- colorectal carcinoma
- extrinsic lesions impressing the colon
- extracolonic pathology
- acute inflammatory conditions such as acute diverticulitis, active stage of ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease
- recent abdominal or pelvic surgery
- CTC cannot be performed if a colostomy is present as there is no natural sphincter mechanism to retain the tube
- general CT contraindications e.g. pregnancy, claustrophobia, etc.
- history of severe allergy/anaphylaxis to iodinated contrast media
Virtual colonoscopy has several advantages over conventional colonoscopy:
- minimally-invasive procedure, therefore complication rate lower
- takes less time
- can visualize colon beyond the obstruction or narrowing
- detects extracolonic pathology
- residual fecal material can give rise to wrong interpretation
- biopsy specimen cannot be taken at the time of the procedure
- it is a screening procedure, if there is any positive finding with virtual colonoscopy, conventional colonoscopy is required for confirmation of diagnosis
- exposure to ionizing radiation
See also
- 1. Mutlu Saglam and Fatih Ors (2011). Virtual Colonoscopy: Indications, Techniques, Findings, Endoscopic Procedures in Colon and Rectum, Prof. Jose Ribeiro Da Rocha (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-307-677-5, InTech, DOI: 10.5772/19651. Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/books/endoscopic-procedures-in-colon-and-rectum/virtual-colonoscopy-indications-techniques-findings
- 2. Pickhardt PJ. Screening CT colonography: how I do it. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2007;189 (2): 290-8. doi:10.2214/AJR.07.2136 - Pubmed citation
- 3. Pickhardt PJ. Differential diagnosis of polypoid lesions seen at CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy). Radiographics. 2004;24 (6): 1535-56. doi:10.1148/rg.246045063 - Pubmed citation
- 4. Chen SC, Lu DS, Hecht JR et-al. CT colonography: value of scanning in both the supine and prone positions. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1999;172 (3): 595-9. doi:10.2214/ajr.172.3.10063842 - Pubmed citation
- 5. Sosna J, Morrin MM, Kruskal JB et-al. Colorectal neoplasms: role of intravenous contrast-enhanced CT colonography. Radiology. 2003;228 (1): 152-6. doi:10.1148/radiol.2281020950 - Pubmed citation
- 6. Liedenbaum MH, de Vries AH, Gouw CI et-al. CT colonography with minimal bowel preparation: evaluation of tagging quality, patient acceptance and diagnostic accuracy in two iodine-based preparation schemes. Eur Radiol. 2010;20 (2): 367-76. doi:10.1007/s00330-009-1570-8 - Free text at pubmed - Pubmed citation
Related Radiopaedia articles
CT examinations
CT in practice
iodinated contrast media
- agents
- vicarious contrast material excretion
- contrast allergy
- contrast media extravasation
- contrast-induced nephropathy
- iodinated contrast-induced thyrotoxicosis
- contrast media and breastfeeding
- saline flush during contrast administration
- composite
- CT polytrauma (technique)
- CT polytrauma (approach)
- CT CAP (chest, abdomen and pelvis)
- CT NCAP (neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis)
- head & neck
- CT head
- CT venogram
- CTA circle of Willis
- CT perfusion
- CT orbits
- CT sinuses
- CT temporal bones
- CT neck
- CTA carotids
- chest
- abdomen & pelvis
- CT abdomen/pelvis
- CT abdominal aorta
- CT cholangiography
- CT colonography
- CT enteroclysis
- CT enterography
- CT gastrography
- CT urogram
- CT renal 4-phase/3-phase
- CT renal (lesion characterization)
- CT renal split bolus
- CTA mesenteric vessels
- CT pancreas
- CT liver
- three phase
- four-phase
- skeletal
- CT cervical spine
- CT thoracolumbar spine
- CT whole spine
- CT shoulder
- CT pelvis
- CT hip
- CT knee
- CT ankle
- CT foot
- iodinated contrast media


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WATCH LIVE: Bald Eagle Eggs Expected To Hatch Any Minute!
A Bald Eagle laid 2 eggs near Big Bear Lake in early January that are expected to hatch this week! A non profit group called Friends of Big Bear Valley has a camera set up on the nest and is currently live streaming this awesome moment! The first egg is expected to hatch on Thursday, here is the estimated schedule:
- First Egg Laid on 1/3/18. Expected to hatch 2/8 or 2/9.
- Second Egg Laid on 1/6/18. Expected to hatch 2/10.
WATCH the live stream right here!


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This summer. . .
"You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter." Psalm 74:17 Oh, where has this summer gone? I know we have just over a month left on the calendar, but let's be realistic, yes? Once the yellow submarines begin cruising through neighborhoods and fall wreaths hit the shelves, our summer is gone. As summer begins to say goodbye, it is now time to reflect on how absolutely marvelous this summer has been. It's been full of adventure and blessings and one that I am excited to relive. . .
This summer, there was some summer lovin'. Matthew asked and I politely obliged. I get to marry my best friend, how beautiful is that?
This summer was full of God's snacks. We had the most luscious cherries, crunchiest sweet corn and juiciest tomatoes straight from the Farmers Market.
This summer, we celebrated the Fourth with the family on Hilton Head Island.
This summer, there were sunsets that captured God's artwork right before fireworks at Northwood Baptist.
This summer, we went international. Boarding for Avianca Flight, but first let us take a selfie. . .
This summer, we traveled below the equator to the Andes mountains.
This summer, we ate at Las Cholitas in La Paz, Bolivia.
This summer, we celebrated Papa Armando's birthday with a mariachi.
This summer, we visited Lago Titicaca. Water shining like diamonds. Skies mimicking a dome of pure blue. Andes winking at us from afar.
This summer, we decided to bike down the deadliest road in the world.
This summer, we were victorious. Well, after I cried, sang "Victorious in Jesus" in Spanish for miles at a time, and experienced winter, spring, summer and fall all within 5 hours. Nothing feels impossible after you've faced your deepest fear of being alone and relying on God for safety. Talk about adrenaline rush. . .
This summer was one that has already made me nostalgic and one that has left me feeling closer to God than ever before.


text: We are huge fans of Hip Hip Hooray's fabulous wedding and celebration stationery and so we thrilled to be asked to contribute some expert planning advice for parents wanting to throw a party to remember for their little ones. Follow the link to see read the article in full or click on the picture above. Don't forget to have a peek at their wonderful stationery too.


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Free 2017 Bohemian Watercolor Floral Calendar Printable
Between Christmas and New Year's, I took some time off work and created a prettier blogging nook for myself in the spare bedroom. Organizing and eliminating the old . . . thankful for the opportunities from 2016, I am welcoming 2017. One of the
I've also created this fun, printable, watercolor calendar with a Bohemian flavor to it. This may be the year of COLOR for me, after years of neutral.
Download the FREE 2017 Bohemian Watercolor Calendar.
You can frame it or simply clip it to a fun clipboard and hang on the wall.


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|Project by WoodenDuckColorado
|posted 07-15-2011 02:57 AM
|1309 views
|0 times favorited
|2 comments
Was showing off my double serve dish to my parents at the local diner and the waitress asked if I could make a 6" candy dish for her as a present for her sister.
This is made from Poplar, Pine and Red Wood.
-- Recycle, Repurpose, Restore
2 comments so far
#1 posted 07-15-2011 05:51 PM
Nice job, I'm sure she's gonna love it. Beautiful and functional…
-- Brad, Oregon- The things that come to those who wait, may be the things left by those who got there first.
#2 posted 07-15-2011 06:28 PM
Delivered it this morning. She loved it but the size was too small once she saw it. She took it and ordered a 9" one in the same configuration.
-- Recycle, Repurpose, Restore
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- Accommodation: Single, double, triple en-suite-rooms, family house and Villas
- Highlights: Etosha National Park game drives
- Activities: Scheduled and private game drives
- Getting There: Self-drive, transfers, fly-in
Just a short drive from the eastern entry gate, this Etosha National Park lodge makes the perfect stopover for families and guests visiting Northern Namibia. At Mushara Lodge, you can look forward to an excellent experience and high standards of service and comfort. Children are welcome at Mushara.
The name Mushara is derived from the Purple Pod Terminalia tree which grows in abundance around the lodge and in the surroundings, providing much needed shade in the heat of the day. You can enjoy crisp white décor and soothing natural tones throughout this elegant lodge.
In between exciting Etosha Park game drives, you could relax in the thatched public area which includes a small library with a selection of great books, a bar with an extensive wine cellar, a dining area and an airy lounge complete with a fireplace for cosy winter evenings. There is also a well stocked curio shop in which to find mementos to take home.
Rates / Prices
Enquiries / Questions


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Paul McCartney compares Kanye West to Andy Warhol
Paul McCartney wasn't sure about working with Kanye West. When the unlikely duo got together in 2014 to work on a series of songs, the former Beatle quickly found himself in the most unusual studio scenario he'd ever seen, struggling to figure out how, or if, he could make it work with the unconventional hip-hop icon.
Sir Paul describes their coming together in a new Rolling Stoneinterview, where he compares his "Only One" collaborator's creative process to that of Andy Warhol. "I didn't know his system. I'd heard things like, 'He's got a room full of guys working on riffs, and he walks around going, 'i like that one,'" McCartney said of 'Ye's allegedly distinctive musical M.O.
The Beatles' 'Revolver' Turns 50: Classic Track-by-Track Rundown
The only agreement Macca, 74, made with West going in was that if the pairing didn't feel right they wouldn't tell anyone it happened. "It reminded me of Andy Warhol, these artists who use students to paint their backgrounds and things. It's a well-used technique," McCartney said of the sessions that also produced "All Day" and the Rihanna collabo "FourFiveSeconds." "I thought, 'I don't know how I'm going to fit into that, but let's see. Here goes nothing.'"
Their work on "All Day" included a guitar lick McCartney originally wrote in 1969 but never used, which Paul said came about when he and late wife Linda were at the hospital after she gave birth to their first born, Mary. "She was recuperating – I'm sitting around eating chips with my guitar in the clinic, goofing around with it," he said. "And there was a picture on the wall that I'd been looking at for days – Picasso, 'The Old Guitarist.' The guy held the guitar like this [strikes the pose from the painting], and a lightbulb went off in my head: 'What chord is that?' It looked like it was two strings. 'You know what would be cool? To write a song with only two fingers.' So I wrote this thing [plays the melody]."
Paul McCartney Was 'Flattered' to Work with Kanye West, But Didn't ant to Seem Too 'Soppy'
When they were working on songs, McCartney said he told Kanye the story and whistled that little guitar bit for him. "His engineer was recording it, and it went into the pool of ingredients. Kanye was just collecting things," he said, recreating the moment when he heard the mix to "Only One" and finally understood where he fit into the Kanye constellation. "We weren't going to sit down and write a song so much as talk and spark ideas off each other. It was only when I got this song, the Rihanna record ["FourFiveSeconds"] and 'Only One,' the three tracks we did, that I went, 'I get it. He's taken my little whistle-y thing.' It returned to me as an urban hip-hop riff. I love that record."
Is 'Ye a genius in McCartney's eyes? Having worked with a few (and arguably being one himself), Paul said he doesn't throw that word around carelessly. "I think he's a great artist," he said.
Read the whole Rolling Stone interview here.
See more from Paul in the gallery below!
See Gallery
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This Honey Roasted Nuts and Raisins mix is seriously addictive! It's sweet, a little salty, and very nutty. It's packed with a variety nuts and seeds making it a filling snack, perfect for on the go.
Special Diet Notes: Honey Roasted Nuts and Raisins
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, peanut-free, gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free, and vegetarian.
- 1 teaspoon shortening or oil
- 2-3 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Pinch of ground cloves
- ⅔ cup raisins
- 1-2 T flaxseeds
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and coat with cooking spray.
- Heat shortening/oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Stir in honey, and cook briefly, just until the mix bubbles around the edge of the pan.
- Add all ingredients to the pan except for the dried fruit, and cook over medium heat for about 8 min or until nuts are golden, stirring frequently.
- Stir in raisins.
- Immediately spread onto prepared baking sheet and cool completely


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Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology has a pyramidal model of development. This aims at the convergence of excellence in academic performance and strengthening the core value system at the summit of the institutional success. This serves the dual purpose of building a solid foundation of ethical and technical background besides enriching the components of confidence, creativity and innovation among the students.
"True leaders do not just exert their authority. They share their ideas, skills, and create many more strong leaders to guide the way". The campus imbibes this ideology in the work culture and encourages proactive leadership at every level of our system. It is heart-warming to share that there are 170 companies visited us last academic year and every deserving student has secured the Job through our Campus Recruitment Program.
Innovation is the most sought out process for an effective outcome. Innovative initiatives such as Paperless University, Terrace farming and Go green are taken towards ensuring ecological balance in the campus. Exploring diverse avenues in inclusive education is the need of the hour and we are happy to include acid victim children into our fold in the previous academic year.
Our milestones are unique, our reference is our founder chancellor's vision, and our preference is to sustain the smile of the students. We have a rich legacy to continue, we have a path to take further and we have the will to win farther.
Dr. MARIE JOHNSON, B.E., M.B.A., M.Phil. Ph.D.
Dr. MARIAZEENA JOHNSON, B.E., M.B.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.
President & Chancellor, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
Helpline Number for Online Counselling: 9962268326, 9443870258, 9498082988, 7305321948
For any assistance contact 044-24502436, 9940058263, 9940069538, 1800 425 1770 between 8.00 A.M. and 4.00 P.M.
Important Dates:
Slot booking / Downloading of Hall Tickets
: 10th April, 2019
Last Date for Submission of Application Form (Online and Offline) : 22nd April, 2019
Online Counselling : 20th May to 25th May 2019
© 2019 | Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology. All Rights Reserved.


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Kathmandu Breccia (2012)
The Kathmandu Breccia is a very performance-orientated jacket with features that make it more suitable for mountain walking than many general-purpose jackets. It's made from NGX fabric, and this features C-Change technology, which basically means the polymer structure opens when the user warms up, to increase breathability. You also get extra venting from the mesh-lined pockets. The body is long enough to protect the bum and groin reasonably well, which is more than most jackets offer. There are two chest pockets, which are large enough for maps and they are easily accessed while wearing a rucksack with hipbelts. The additional chest pocket is a little too small for maps or guidebooks but you can stash a GPS receiver or compass in here. Sleeve fit and movement are very good, making this more suitable than most for scrambling. The hood is superb with a great wired peak, fit and movement to ensure it provides that all-important protection a walker needs when heading for the summit through foul conditions. My only niggle is that those mesh-lined pockets
won't keep rain out as well as sealed pockets, but if you can live with them the Kathmandu Breccia is a superb option for hillwalking.
Weight 453g (L)
Fabric 3-layer NGX
Lining none
Men's sizes S-XL
Women's sizes 8-16
External pockets 3
Can hood be rolled down? Yes
Side/pit vents no
Website www.kathmandu.co.uk
The Kathmandu Breccia is a well-priced jacket with good features for hill and mountain use including scrambling, but as the pockets are mesh-lined it is not the best for keeping rain at bay.
Review by Graham Thompson
First published in Trail magazine November 2012


text: The Army needs to be a little more selective in terms of assignments at the Senior Level and Seniors need to accept responsibility for their actions. If you aree a Senior NCO and you have not deployed then you have no experience to offer to soldiers. I did 300 years in the Army and retired as a MSG 11B. I am from the old school and certain things you do not change. The worst thing the Army did was to take away the Specialist rank. Renaming the Infantry Center the Maneuver Center is another joke and a slap in the face of Infantryman. Putting a female in charge of the Drill Sergeant Academy is also a travisity. Contrary to popular belief if you are not Combat Arms Infantry, Armor, or Artillery then you are not a soldier you are a service member! The Army gave service members a litrtle badge similar to the CIB in order to maintain it's numbers. We need to go back to the old days a soldier does what he is told and no more. Quit babying these kids and explaining everything to them. Bring back the good old days.


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4 x 6 Vertical Plaque
4 x 6 Vertical Plaque
Showcase your message in style with this sturdy crystal plague. This piece is ideal for a great gift, a commemoration award or a personalized logo. We would be happy to help you with a custom order, just let us know!
- For custom letter work please fill out the form on our custom page.
Add To Cart


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dc food scene: equinox {vegan brunch}/
TL;DR Average price for brunch in the district, but there are no bottomless drink options. It's a vegans dream, but non-vegans will love it too (Ask Maxim). Try everything if you can — it's buffet-style.
First thing's first: For the longest time, I thought equinox was only a gym, and not an actual independent restaurant. So when I was researching good brunches forever ago, I assumed that when Googled showed brunch at Equinox, they were referring to something inside of the gym.
...forgive me Todd Gray!
But I finally wised up. So this past Sunday, Maxi and I headed off to Equinox DC, headed up by Chef Todd Grey, whom is, by the way, one of the sweetest guys I've ever met. And how cute is it that he called sunday brunch, "Todd Grey's Muse"?!
Walking inside, we were greeted by the owner, Ellen (married to Todd Grey).
Brunch is served in the sunny alcove at the front of the restaurant. We sat at a table with simple water glasses, white table cloths and menus describing everything available for brunch, a buffet-style meal that's set up at the restaurant's bar.
Be aware that this is definitely a mom-and-pop-style restaurant, complete with the serve yourself buffet. Chef Gray walked around and greeted brunchers, and arranged special requests at the drop of a hat.
BUT. You can not judge a book by its cover, and the food speaks for itself. Maxim, my non-vegan taste tester, could not say enough good things about it. We both went back for seconds…and thirds. Sorry, not sorry.
Some of the servings? Apple spiced french toast, spicy bean chili (omg), fresh baked bread, banana bread, tofu scramble…do I need to continue? There's apparently vegan mac & cheese, which wasn't available this time, but I'll be back for it. And I made sure that I wasn't getting in my the leafy greens with their fresh salads.
I highly recommend trying a little bit of everything the buffet has to offer. But if you're picking and choosing, do the tofu scramble station, then dive into the bean chili.
The downside? Drinks aren't included, which was something that I LOVED about El Centro. And there are no bottomless options either.
Honestly, though: At $35 a pop, it's an incredible brunch with tons of options for your vegetarian, vegan + gluten-free friends. But maybe pre-game before. If you're into that kind of thing.


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By Lauren Corey, MBTA President
It's a time-honored ritual. Every year, the Maine Legislature rushes through the final hours of the session, anxious to get home for summer. It can be a tough, hand wringing time for organizations like ours. We had unfinished business on the docket, and we all were watching anxiously to see what would happen to LD 1790, "An Act to Secure Maine's Transportation Future."
The legislature did finally act on LD 1790, with substantial majorities in both the House and the Senate voting to pass it. That vote came after language was removed from the bill – what some of us would call "the guts" – that would have established new revenue sources for Maine's aging and underfunded transportation system. It was an important victory – even if it wasn't the absolute victory we had been hoping for. The legislature was sending us a message, we have a strong well of support in the legislature, but they need more time to weigh the funding options. In bringing transportation funding back from the grave, we've now got the bones; we just need to put the meat on them.
The vote on LD 1790 came close on the heels of the spring election where Maine voters resoundingly approved the $112.9 million transportation bond. That was another effort that MBTA members had thrown significant energy and support behind, and the 3-to-1 voter margin reminds us that everyday Maine citizens understand just how vital good roads, safe bridges and convenient access to rail, ports and airports are to our future. As the newly elected president of the MBTA, I am honored to follow in the footsteps of Scott Leach and Tim Folster who started this discussion in earnest during their terms as president. They worked with the MBTA leadership to define the issues and establish the agenda that has guided us to this point. Many people have helped us along the way, as well, including John Melrose and Maria Fuentes who have been invaluable in providing insight and knowledge of policy. We also had outstanding leadership from LD 1790's sponsor, Senator Dennis Damon (Hancock), his co-chair on the Transportation Committee, Representative Boyd Marley (Portland), who fought vigorously for its passage, and the majority of the committee members who threw themselves into the effort of getting this bill passed, rallied their colleagues and gave inspiring speeches on the floor of the House and Senate.
We also received help from many members of the coalition we formed, most notably ACM's John Butts and Eldon Morrison, and Dana Connors and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. We are grateful to Dale Hanington of Maine Motor Transport Association (MMTA) who supported the bill in its original form, and who generously donated editorial space in two Bangor Daily News supplements, so we could get our message to readers. Brian Bouchard, the chair of MMTA, has been expressing the need to fix our roads and bridges consistently in that association's magazine. Other coalition members like staff and members of PACTS and BACTS helped, and many who are too numerous to name here. We will need all these allies and more – plus every MBTA member – as we make a fresh start this coming fall and winter. We certainly have our work cut out for us.
First, we will be working with the Transportation Committee as it studies jurisdiction and funding issues related to the collector and state aid road network. The Appropriations and Transportation committees will be looking at how the state funds Maine State Police operations, hopefully resolving the inequities that have too much of that money coming from the Highway Fund, further straining the limited resources available to transportation. We also need to step up our efforts to educate members of the Appropriations Committee and others in legislative leadership as we ask them to make transportation a higher legislative priority.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you who have given so generously of your time and money to support the work of the MBTA's leadership and staff. If you have ever questioned how important the work we do is, just read this issue's cover story about how great a role transportation plays in the state's economic development. There is no doubt that transportation keeps Maine – and our economy – on the move. Meanwhile, I hope to see many of you at our Aroostook County meeting in August and the upcoming MBTA convention in September. Have a great summer!


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Learn and achieve with added flexibility.
If you're 19 or over and looking for a FREE flexible Distance Learning opportunity that leads to a nationally-recognised qualification, then we can help.
All courses are fully-certified by the awarding body NCFE and are designed to support your personal and professional development. Importantly, you'll have access to a tutor who'll support and mentor you throughout the duration of your course.
As a result, you can continue your education at a time and place of your own choosing.
Current Distance Learning courses offered are subject to uptake and include:
This course reviews the essential knowledge required to carry out everyday and complex administration tasks such as managing information and supporting events. This qualification is based on the business and administration national occupational standards and is recognised as the technical certificate component of the Level 2 Apprenticeship in Business and Administration. This may be particularly useful for those developing a career within an office environment or looking to move into such a role.
Covers topics fundamental to the delivery of excellent customer service. The course helps to increase understanding and meeting customer needs, giving a great customer experience, learning from feedback and promoting products and services. Suitable for all sectors, the Certificate in Customer Service can help develop the learners understanding of the importance of excellent customer service to both colleagues and external contacts. Applicants do not need to be working in a customer service environment to achieve this qualification.
This distance learning course provides an ideal introduction to this specialist area of mental healthcare. This qualification provides fundamental awareness of the compassion and competence required to care and support individuals with dementia.
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Best practice in protecting vulnerable adults. This online course develops learners' knowledge and boosts their professional development. Introducing safeguarding in adult health and social care.
Develop holistic skills for working with those in the final stages of life. This course is designed to develop learners' knowledge and capability to sensitively provide end of life care.
Extend your understanding of equality and diversity with this qualification developed to address new legislation, reinforcing the importance of equality and diversity within different contexts and the different issues affecting equality and diversity in todays society. This qualification is particularly useful for those working or aspiring to work in a business, education or volunteer sector.
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This course explores communication techniques and how values, attitudes and beliefs can affect interactions. This qualification aims to develop interaction and interpersonal skills to help positively develop service delivery. The qualification covers how information, advice or guidance can be explored and how group interaction can be utilised. It also covers ways of managing information, including storage and retrieval and how to comply with the law.
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Gain health-related skills and develop nutritional knowledge. This distance learning course helps learners understand more about the impact that food and diet can have oh health, and gain a nutrition related qualification to supplement their current skillset.
Gain knowledge to progress in any healthcare setting. This versatile qualification covers a broad range of vital skills and procedures for anyone pursuing or employed in a healthcare role.