text:
"Most people make the mistake of thinking design is what it looks like. People think it's this veneer — that the designers are handed this box and told, 'Make it look good!' That's not what we think design is. It's not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works." - Steve Jobs
Got that? Interactive design is not just about your boss's favourite colour, animated gifs or the logo unit placement. While it is a very fine art, the digital medium has also chiselled it into a very intuitive science. Now it is not about how your design looks, but how it interacts with your customer. It is about the entire user experience and consumer eyeball trajectory. Just as in the 90s the big leap was from print to Web, the big jump now is from Web to interactive. Interactive design is more than just a website, a mobile app, games or just screens. It is the connect between the real and the virtual world. And that gives our design evangelists at Magnon unique opportunities to explore ways to make your business connect with the intended audience. At Magnon we understand that in the digital world, the interaction starts way before the 'interaction' really starts.
Whether it is representing your brand true to its spirit on a website, creating that eye-popping mobile app interface or developing customised community pages on Facebook, Magnon has got the expertise in-house. And as said earlier, it's not about just the creative screen when it's on the Web; it also requires creativity in technology application to enhance design outputs. At Magnon, the designer artists and techies work in tandem to create winning brand experiences for your customers. Sure, it's daunting, but then what to do...? We have a rep to protect.


text: Feel a runaway freight train on the end of your line and the adrenaline coursing through your body as you jump a 180-pound tarpon in Islamorada. Then, smile as you remember you didn't have to spend a fortune to do so. With the Clearwater 912-4, the most practical rod for big-game anglers on a budget, never before has a quality 12-weight rod been so affordable. Lighter than some 8-weights, yet solid enough to stand up to the sport's ultimate fish, it's the perfect combination of power, utility, and value. Pick one up, tie on a fly, and chase the trophy of your dreams.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Visit Christchurch, the Garden City
Despite its devastating and destructive history, Christchurch is rising again and proving it is still one of the most beautiful cities in New Zealand.
1 / 3
The aptly named Garden City sits on the east coast of the South Island and is home to more than 360,000 people, making it the largest city in the south.
After suffering two vicious earthquakes, one in September 2010 and a second in February 2011, and several equally detrimental aftershocks, the resilient city is beginning to re-emerge and establish itself as one of the best places in the country to visit.
Named in the Lonely Planet as 'One of the Top 10 Cities to Visit in 2013', Christchurch has an eclectic mixture of activities for the young and old, for the active and for those who just want to relax and take in the sights, smells and atmosphere.
The Christchurch Gardens
As the Garden City, Christchurch has several beautiful and deliciously fragrant gardens and green spaces to visit. First on the list is the extensive Hagley Park. Nestled in the heart of the city, the 165 hectare park is full of lush trees, vast arrays of flowers and shrubbery, and several pathways to walk, run or bike along.
For more outdoor beauty, greenery lovers can check out the nearby nirvana of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The space, fractured by the Avon River, is full of native and exotic plants, flora and ancient trees.
From rubble to re-birth
While the swarm of earthquakes caused widespread damage to the city, including the destruction of the historic Christchurch Cathedral and killed 185 people, the city is slowly getting re-built and life is returning to normal.
Included in the re-build is the popular City Mall. As many of the store fronts and buildings were irreparably damaged during the earthquakes, the outdoor mall has been temporarily rebuilt using shipping containers. The project known as Re:START, accommodates 27 shops including Kathmandu, Hummingbird Coffee, Trelise Cooper and Kooky Fashion, as well as a mixture of old and new businesses.
Banks Peninsula
For amazing views out of the city, head to the nearby bays and coves of the Banks Peninsula. The peninsula is popular with hikers and campers – mainly for its stunning vistas, plentiful bays and camp grounds. The town of Little River marks the entrance to the peninsula and in true Kiwi style has a hotel and pub, cafes, petrol station, art gallery, craft store and museum. There is plenty to do once there as the spot is known for ample surf breaks, safe beaches and hiking trails.
For animal lovers
To check out some nature of the cuter kind, animal lovers can head to the country's largest wildlife reserve, Orana Wildlife Park. The park has more than 400 animals to see from several countries, including spider monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, African crested porcupines and a Sumatran tiger. Visitors are able to get up close and feed some of the gentler animals at the reserve.
Those who are keen on learning about the magic that is our relatively close neighbour Antarctica can head to the International Antarctic Centre. The centre is full of information and history about the icy continent, as well as providing visitors with a taste of Antarctic life at the 'indoor storm'. The all-weather room is chilled to a brisk -5 degrees Celsius and allows people to slide down an icy slope and into an ice cave where they will brave a wind chill machine at -18 degrees. The centre is also home to more than 20 Little Blue Penguins.
Whatever your fancy, there is plenty to see and do in the resilient city of Christchurch. There are also great accommodation options throughout the city - Kiwi Holiday Parks are a great place to stay, providing excellent camping and lodging facilities. Stay for a night, or stay for a week - the choice is yours.
Picture credits:
Christchurch Botanic Gardens by Robert Young, CC-BY-2.0
A Wonderful Day by Jocelyn Kinghorn, CC-BY-2.0
Orana Wildlife Park by Kristine Riskær, CC-BY-2.0


text:
Bendigo named in top 50 investments
BENDIGO has been named one of Australia's top 50 real estate investment locations for 2013, according to a new report.
The Fast 50 report by Smart Property Investment listed Bendigo among the country's top locations expected to deliver the best opportunities for investors.
The 50 "hotspots" were selected on a range of data, including population growth, demand for housing, income levels, employment, vacancy rates, previous capital growth and current gross rental yields.
Real estate agent director Luke Goggin said there had been a spike in investment properties in Bendigo, with buyers increasingly coming from interstate and overseas.
Mr Goggin said affordable house prices and strong tenancy rates would continue to offer good returns for investors.
"We're a university town, we've got a lot of people moving here each year to study," he said.
"On top of that a lot of Melbourne buyers have seen it as an alternative destination to look at."
Mr Goggin said the demand for rental properties was well above the available housing supply.
"We had an open house the other day in Bendigo with over 200 people rolling up for the rental property," he said.
"There are no major subdivisions that are going to alleviate the demand for rent any time soon.
"Investment will continue to be very strong here because people are looking for places where the rent goes a long way to covering the mortgage."
Regional Victoria was among the fastest growing areas identified in the Fast 50 list, with the report stating affordable pricing and solid, diverse industries as the keys to the strong property markets.
Bendigo was also highlighted for its strong local economy.
Property columnist Terry Ryder said factors such as good transport links to Melbourne, infrastructure development, construction projects, an ambitious council and affordable real estate, made Bendigo an attractive location.
"Bendigo has most of the factors savvy investors should seek, including a multi-faceted economy and a growing population," he said.
Mr Goggin said with major works like the new Bendigo hospital, he expected demand would continue to grow in coming years.
Discuss "Bendigo named in top 50 investments"
Please note: All comments made or shown here are bound by the Online Discussion Terms & Conditions.


text:
As rebels pulled out of Chad's besieged capital, N'Djamena – allegedly to allow the city's 700,000 civilians to flee before the rebels return to take over the country – Chad's ongoing political crisis entered a crucial stage.
Unlike previous rebellions where Chad's former colonial ruler, France, came to the government's rescue, this coup attempt will be left to take its own course, with massive implications for the nation and the nearly 400,000 refugees from Darfur and Chad stuck in camps throughout the country's east.
If Chad's government falls, it will largely be due to France's new policy of neutrality. France has provided its former colony with logistical and intelligence support since the country's independence in 1960. A previous coup attempt by the same coalition of rebel groups in 2006 was turned back, after French Mirage jets fired warning shots at an approaching rebel column.
In a sign that times have changed, France has offered to help Chadian President Idriss Déby flee the country, an offer Mr. Déby pointedly refused.
France's major turnabout reflects both the hands-off philosophy of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and France's desire to lead a new European Union humanitarian peacekeeping force of troops of 3,700 men (2,100 of them French soldiers) to protect aid convoys to Darfur refugees living in Chad. The EUFOR mission would be the largest common defense mission in European Union history.
France 'not involved' yet
Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, who has placed his credibility on the line for the Darfur protection force, said France is "on the side" of the legally elected government in Chad but at the same time would not get in the middle of two opposing Chadian factions.
"We are not involved in this war," Kouchner said. "For the moment there is no change, but if there is a Security Council resolution, if there is another suggestion from the African Union meeting, we will see" about intervening unilaterally.
The UN Security Council on Monday condemned the rebel attack and gave a green light for France and other countries to help the government repel the rebel force. At press time, it was unclear what specific actions France was prepared to take, but the surprisingly swift advance of rebels from the borderlands of Darfur straight up to the steps of the presidential palace have shown just how vulnerable Chad's government is, and how dependent Déby has become on French military support.
The ramifications could also affect the chances for peace in Darfur itself.
From the moment France decided to lead a neutral European Union peacekeeping force in Chad, it lost its ability to act unilaterally to shore up the Déby government, experts say.
"The deployment of EUFOR in Chad was already under strain from its conception to its agreement," says Alastair Cameron, head of the European program at the Royal United Services Institute, Britain's official military think tank in London. "They had to convince their European partners the mission was not going to be an extension of French foreign policy. It would have been a strategic faux pas if the French had backed up the government."
Rebels now more organized
While France argues that its neutrality is necessary to preserving the integrity of the humanitarian EUFOR mission – designed to protect aid workers and supply convoys to the volatile Chadian border with Darfur – John Prendergast, an expert on Darfur and co-chair of the Enough Project in Washington, argues that France misjudged Chad's ability to defend itself. "I think the French were overconfident, and they underestimated the capacity of the Chadian rebels because of their past experience.
"The Chadian rebels learned a lesson from last time, they needed communications and force requirements in order to take the capital," says Prendergast. "Sudan wouldn't let them repeat the mistakes. They gave them equipment, training, and bases inside Sudan to prepare."
French officials have made it clear they believe Sudan is supporting the rebels. Claude Guéant, the top policy adviser to Mr. Sarkozy, accused Sudan of trying to "liquidate" the Déby government.
Sarkozy has banked his reputation on EUFOR as a sign that France intends to work in partnership with EU nations rather than to pursue its own unilateral – and some would argue colonialist – policies among its former colonies in Africa.
During negotiations with EU members, Sarkozy emphasized that France would not use EUFOR as an extension of its past policy of shoring up the Déby government, as Sudan and rebel groups have claimed.
French Defense Minister Hervé Morin said Monday that EUFOR is needed more than ever, and that France remains committed to it although its immediate priority in the region is the evacuation of French citizens.
Throughout the decades that followed Chad's independence, it stayed involved both militarily and politically. While France has been somewhat more subtle in its meddling, it took a keen interest under former President Jacques Chirac in backing its favored leaders. In the 2006 presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Paris openly supported Laurent Kabila. In Togo, it made clear its preference for the son of Gnassingbé Eyadéma in the violent 2005 election.
Sarkozy has pointedly broken from Chirac's policies and has said any use of military force would only be in the context of multinational aid and peacekeeping efforts. But the situation in Chad puts those promises to a tough test.
While French officials themselves admit that Sudan is taking advantage of Déby's weakness by supporting Chad's rebels, Paul Simon Handy, an expert on Chad at the Institute for Security Studies in South Africa, says that "France's relationship with Chad is very clear. Its interests are with Chad, whoever governs her." At the same time, while France will no longer influence who rules Chad, "its capacity to affect Chad is enormous, and will continue to be so. So any new regime in N'Djamena will have to cooperate with France."
France's elite "Sparrowhawk" forces, normally consisting of 1,250 military personnel but augmented over the weekend by an additional 150 soldiers, in Chad have moved to secure the airport in the Chadian capital and aid in the evacuation of French nationals. They are providing intelligence and logistical support, according to French officials.
"French action is aimed at avoiding a bloodbath," said Mr. Morin, adding that France is looking for UN help in defusing the situation.
But, he added, "for the moment, no one wishes to negotiate, neither [Déby] nor the rebels."
On Sunday, France removed its six Mirage F1 fighter jets that had been stationed at N'Djamena to keep them out of the fray and line of fire.


text:
Please post a brief summary of your meeting by using the ALA Connect Workspace for your group. When appropriate, please post your report publicly so that other ASCLA members and ASCLA leadership may see the report.
If you experience any problems posting your report or need additional guidance, please contact email@example.com
ASCLA Committee meeting and annual reports may be found in the ALA Connect workspace for each group. Below are the groups and their Connect workspaces.
ASCLA Committees Connect Workgroups:
ASCLA Planning & Budget Committee
ASCLA Interest Group Coordinating Committee
ASCLA Membership Promotion Committee
ASCLA Online Learning Committee
ASCLA President's Program Planning


text:
We've collected the top five reviews, roundups and how-to articles from across the AppStorm network in April. Whether you're interested in Mac, iPhone, or Web apps, there's bound to be something you didn't spot over the course of the month.
Now would be a good time to explore a part of the AppStorm Network you've never seen before! Don't forget, you can always keep track of the whole network via the AppStorm Dashboard.
Best of iPhone.AppStorm
7 Features to Get Excited About in iPhone OS 4
Every year, Apple invite a few select developers and media contacts to an iPhone OS event, where the new features to be included in the next iPhone release are unveiled. In this post, we'll be taking a look at the 7 major additions and changes to the iPhone OS this year, and asking for your opinion!
40 of the Most Stunning iPhone Developer Websites
Today we'll be taking a look at 40 websites of iPhone developers, highlighting those that pay particular attention to the design details of their software. After all, good software is beautiful software, right?
Head to Head: Gowalla vs. FourSquare
Today we'll be comparing two of the most popular location-based social network apps around: Foursquare and Gowalla. These two apps are very similar: both allow you to check in at places you visit, follow old friends and meet new ones, and earn achievements based on where you visit.
25 Unusual and Inspiring Uses for Your iPhone
In today's post I will be looking at 25 "Unusual and Inspiring" uses for your iPhone – ranging from health to remote controls for just about anything! Please feel free to discuss apps that you too find unique in the comments below. Now on to the list…
How to Use Your iPhone as a Hard Drive
While it doesn't seem like iPhones/iPods will be supporting FireWire any time soon, a slew of third party app developers have addressed the need to use your Apple mobile device as a wireless portable drive. Nearly all of them function in the same manner so I'll walk you through the app that I personally use and then present a number of alternatives.
Best of Web.AppStorm
The Essential Magento eCommerce Toolkit
If you are considering Magento for your next eCommerce project, you've come to the right place. The Essential Magento eCommerce Toolkit brings together the best resources available, mostly from the web, but also thrown in are a few printed texts that will ensure you have all the information you need to make your next eCommerce project a success.
Top 10 Google Chrome Extensions
Although FireFox is still king of browser add-ons, Google's Chrome is surely gaining a great selection of extensions to make it an even more powerful and versatile browser. Here we've rounded up our top 10 Google Chrome extensions.
AudioBox.fm: Like iTunes in the Cloud
AudioBox.fm is consistently making improvements and enhancements, sure to make this one of the best web apps around, possibly even replacing iTunes for some. We take a quick peek at what AudioBox.fm has to offer you, including a screencast preview.
Top 20 Photo Storage and Sharing Sites
We've rounded up the top twenty absolute best photo storage and sharing sites, including pricing, storage, accepted file types and other core information to make your decision even easier.
15 Apps to Enhance the Tumblr Experience
There are quite a few choices when it comes to tumblr apps. In this round up, let us take a quick look on the apps that help us to enhance the Tumblr experience.
Best of Mac.AppStorm
50 Inspiring, Awesome & Stylish Mac Setups
Here, we take a look at 50 visually inspiring, gorgeous Mac setups. Some are very minimal, others are wonderfully cluttered. They may not all use the most powerful Mac hardware, but will hopefully give you some great ideas for improving your desk and workspace.
Attack of the Mac Emulators: Retro Games on OS X
Today we enter into some seriously shaky territory that often stretches the bounds of both legality and awesomeness: the world of Mac emulators. More specifically the good ones, clones of old video game consoles. It's a brilliant way to re-create a nostalgic experience on OS X, and relive the thrill of timeless gaming classics.
35+ Rockstar Mac Software Developers and Their Apps
Today we'll take a look at some of my favorite Mac software developers. Some of them have created incredibly popular software while others are fairly obscure. You can be sure that all of the Mac and iPhone developers below have immense talent and at least one or two apps worth downloading.
60 Minimal Apple Desktop Wallpapers
Today we're showcasing a massive collection of 60 desktops that are Apple-centric and completely un-cluttered. Show off your Apple pride in style, and feel free to share any others in the comments!
How and Why to Upgrade Your Mac's RAM
This article will help anyone looking to upgrade their RAM but is especially targeted at computer hardware novices. Many of the steps I will go through are to simplify the process of finding the right RAM for your Mac and can be completely skipped if you already know what you need and where to get it. Let's get started!
Share Your Ideas
Is there something in particular you'd like to see on the site next month? We'd absolutely love to hear your suggestions for articles, topics and giveaways – just let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading AppStorm!


text:
The Abyss @ Magna - Indoor Bungee Jump
Got a Question?
Contact Us
Brief Information
- Activity Height: 160ft
- Activity Type: Indoor Bungee Jump
- Jump Over Airbag or Water: N/A
- Tandem Jumps Available: No
- Car Parking Available: Yes
Indoor Bungee Jump
Home to the world's highest Indoor Bungee Jump, the Abyss @ Magna provides an exhilerating bungee jumping experience! Set in a former steelworks, the darkness of the venue enhances the nerve-wracking atmosphere as you climb the steps to the bungee jumping platform. As you stare into the shadows below, your nerves will be tested as you take to the edge and hear those words - "3, 2, 1, Bungee!"
The Abyss @ Magna?
Located at the at the award winning Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, a £46 million Millennium project, The Abyss has created a unique experience for thrill seekers.
Set in semi darkness complete with music, video screens, dry ice and effect lighting. Four exhilarating activities utilise the breathtaking facilities and structures of this former steel works, providing a truly dramatic backdrop for the ultimate in adrenalin experiences.
"a disorientating attack on the senses" was how one national newspaper described The Abyss @ Magna. If you think you've done it all, rock climbing, rope courses, adventure parks, sky dives and normal bungee jumps well you now you need to experience The Abyss @ Magna. A totally unique venue and an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere in the world, one not to be missed.
Please note that UK Bungee club operate all adrenalin activities at the Magna Science Adventure and all participants and their supporters have free access to the activity areas and facilities - however if you're looking to extend your trip to include a visit to the Magna exhibition, there is an additional charge which is payable at Magna Science Adventure Centre's reception.
Important Information
- Pre-Booking: Due to a limited number of spaces being available on each event it is necessary for you to pre-book your jump before the day of your event. If you arrive on the day of the event without previously booking your experience we may not be able to accommodate your jump.
- Duration: You should arrive about 30mins prior to your jump time and allow around two hours from arrival to complete experience.
- Car Parking: There is ample free car parking at the venue
- What to Wear / Equipment: Dress in comfortable, casual clothes. Skirts are not recommended. Also please refrain from wearing boots or anything that may interfere with ankle harnesses otherwise they will have to be removed prior to jumping. Trainers and securely fastened shoes are fine. Please note that although this is an indoor event, there is no heating and the venue can get cold, therefore warm clothing is advised.
- Group Size / Spectators: You are welcome to bring spectators to watch you jump and all spectators are able to enter the activity areas free of charge.
- Weather: As this is an indoor facility weather does not affect whether or not the event goes ahead. However, the venue can be cold in winter so please wear warm clothing.
- Mobile Contact Number: Please ensure that you provide a contact telephone number when booking this experience, as we may need to contact you on the day of your jump.
- Restrictions: Please see our FAQ pages
- Gift Voucher Holders: Please check that your voucher is valid for your chosen event - upgrades fees may apply. (See our Redeem A Voucher page for more details)
- Gift Voucher Codes - for information on which code you need to enter click here
Event Address:
Magna Science Adventure Centre
Sheffield Road


text:
Did you know January 28 is Data Privacy Day in the United States, Canada, and the European Union? The intention behind Data Privacy Day is to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the privacy of personal information—not just amongst individual users of things like social networking, but also amongst businesses, organizations, and corporations that collect, retain, and access information about their clients, customers, and users. Companies like Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo have been drawing the attention of privacy advocates and regulators in recent years, but the reality is that there are tens of thousands of companies out there collecting, processing, and distributing personal information about individuals all the time. Increasingly, those companies are looking to things like social networking for cues about individuals' behaviors, lifestyle, interests, and activities.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg — Time's 2010 Man of the Year — once famously declared privacy is not a "social norm," and Facebook and other companies have consistently borne out that idea in the online world, collecting increasing amount of information about individuals and hiding behind privacy policies longer than the U.S. Constitution. Clauses of implied consent decree that users legally agree to having their information gathered and tracked, so long as they continue using accounts or services. In other words: Users can either agree to be tracked, or they can agree not to use a service. However, this cavalier approach to data collection and user profiling is drawing increased scrutiny not just from consumer and privacy advocates, but by governments and everyday people. The European Commission has just proposed new data protection laws that would enshrine a "right to be forgotten" for individuals, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has forced Facebook to toe the line on sharing user information with third parties. Google's recent ground-up revamp of its privacy policies and user tracking is almost certain to draw FTC scrutiny as well.
Social impact
In observance of Data Privacy Day, Microsoft—which has a major stake in how data protection plays out, has released data from a survey of 5,000 people examining how they approach their online profiles and reputations. Overall, the survey found that 91 percent of respondents have taken some action to manage their overall online profile at some point in time, while about two thirds of respondents feel they are actually in control of their online reputations. However, only 44 percent indicated they actively consider the potential long-term consequences of their online actions; that means a surprising 56 percent do not consider any consequences from their online activity. Further, a surprising 14 percent believe they have been negatively impacted by the online activities of others. In this survey, "negative impact" means things like being fired from a job, being denied a mortgage, losing health insurance, or losing out on being accepted to a college or a job.
It's well-known that most employers these days commonly vet job candidates by checking out their social media postings: Pictures from a drunken party in college could come back to haunt job-seekers later in life, particularly as things like Facebook's now-mandatory Timeline expose more of people's online histories. Similarly, employers and others can easily trawl through someone's postings to Twitter and other social media services. Someone who regularly uses insulting or demeaning language in their public tweets or fuels flame wars with strangers in forums might now be an employer's first choice for a job that entails dealing with the public or customers politely. By the same token, tweeting "Mainstreet offramp at 90mph, flipped off ugly minivan that honked at me!!" is probably a fast way to lose a job as a delivery driver.
Messages, files, photos, videos and other things marked as private or shared with a small group on a social networking site are only private in a very limited sense. If someone you've shared with takes the material public, it's out there for the whole world to see, forever, just like any other social media posting. Also remember that discovery processes for civil and criminal cases treat social networking posts just like any other communication: They can be subpoenaed, and providers have to turn them over the data regardless of whether that information was free for the whole world or intended for just a selected few. And those subpoenas don't have to be about you specifically: they might be about one of your online "friends" or related to a fan page, group, discussion list, or blog you happen to like.
Do not track
Back in December 2010 the FTC fielded a do-not-track proposal that essentially extends the notion behind the the well-received U.S. do-not-call list for telephone solicitation to the Web. Consumers would be able to tell online advertisers that they do not want to be tracked or have data about their online data collected about them and used to target advertising. Although all the major Web browsers implemented support for the do-not-track behavior during 2011 (and Microsoft even submitted a version to the W3C as a standard), the bottom line is that, even if consumers enable the feature on all their browsers, sites and services must explicitly support it. It doesn't work automatically, and there is no regulatory requirement that any site support it.
Of course, there is a negative consequence for high-profile companies (the Googles, Microsofts, and Facebooks of the world) if they fail to support something like the do-not-track technology: They can be publicly humiliated, which could impact their usership and, ultimately, the amount of money they can earn via their online advertising businesses. However, FTC commissioner Julie Brill, speaking at the George Washington University law school in observance of Data Privacy Day, noted a entirely different aspect of the industry: Low-profile data brokers who specialize in scraping and collecting information about Internet users—and then, of course, sell it to others. Like, perhaps, the Facebooks, Googles, and Microsofts of the world.
Brill indicated the FTC intends to take a much closer look at these sorts of data brokers, particularly since the data they collect is essentially unverified and hidden away. Internet users have no way of knowing, reviewing, or correcting what data brokers are saying about them, and similarly have no way to opt out of the data collection. In much the same ways inaccurate credit reports can have a severe negative impact on an individual's finances (and can take months or even years of effort to correct, even in cases of fraud and identity theft), material collected about individuals via the Internet could have an impact on people's everyday lives.
"Analysts are undoubtedly working right now to identify certain Facebook or Twitter habits or activities as predictive of behaviors relevant to whether a person is a good or trustworthy employee, or is likely to pay back a loan," Brill said in her remarks. "Might there not be a day very soon when these analysts offer to sell information scraped from social networks to current and potential employers to be used to determine whether you'll get a job or promotion?"
Brill outright admitted the FTC doesn't even know who many of these data brokers are.
The FTC is expected to release its final report early next year, outlining policy principles and urging the industry to adopt and implement transparency principles that put consumers in control of the personal data being distributed about them. Unfortunately, these will be nonbinding recommendations: The FTC doesn't have much in the way of enforcement power without assistance from Congress, and about the only thing the FTC can bring to bear right now is the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which only applies to credit reporting agencies (CRAs), defined as companies assembling and selling credit and financial information about individuals. It's not clear whether scrapings from the Internet and social networking services would fall within that definition. And the final policy report is expected to fall far short of the EU's proposed "right to be forgotten," which itself is not above criticism.
It's not all about you
There are essentially three classes of information that impact people's online reputations:
- Items posted by a user for the whole world to see
- Items posted by a user intended only for a select group
- Items posted about a user by a third party
This last case is noteworthy because it's singularly outside of a users' control. In the same way we can't control what people say when we leave a room, we can't control what people say about us on social networking services. Unfortunately, people have a tendency to say things online they would never say in real life; equally unfortunately, those kinds of insensitive or outright untrue comments can have an impact on our real lives. The day may come when it's possible to negatively impact someone's credit score just by saying enough negative things about them online.
To combat this possibility, industry leaders like Microsoft and Google recommend users be proactive and keep an eye on what's being said about them online. Both companies recommend regularly searching for all variations on their names in popular search engines to see what turns up. Microsoft's survey found that only 37 percent of Internet users do this. (Among other things, Google recommends automating these types of searches with a Google Alert. (Unfortunately, you have to have a Google account to do that, and will be subject to Google's we-track-everything policies.) If you find your online reputation is less flattering than you'd hoped, there's not much you can do about it: Once something is published on the Internet, it's essentially available to anyone, forever.
One tactic for maintaining some online privacy can be to keep your personal and professional lives separate. Maybe have one profile that's public and available to the world — including employers, schools, government agencies and others. Then, have separate profiles, screen names, and email addresses that handle your personal business, and keep those under tighter control, utilizing the privacy tools available on most social networking services and sites. (Bearing in mind that nothing available on the Internet is truly private.) If you do separate personal and professional roles, don't cross-pollinate the two! There's no point to having separate setups if you're just going to link back and forth between them.
Keep a lid on it
A little over a two years ago, current Google chairman Eric Schmidt opined on CNBC that if people were doing something they didn't want anyone to know, maybe they shouldn't be doing it in the first place; Schmidt has also frequently expressed disdain for anonymity online, once declaring it "too dangerous." Comments like these from a top executive at one of the world's most pervasive providers of online services — and advertising — should be troubling to anyone who doesn't feel all the details of their lives ought to be accessible to anyone at any time
Although we can't control what others say about us, or what companies are compiling about us, we do have control over what we do ourselves. A good rule of thumb for managing online privacy and reputation is "think before you post." If you've separated your personal and professional online lives, make sure you're logged into the right account. And before posting a candid photo or hot-under-the-collar remark, think "Is this something I really want associated with me for years?" Because whether you answer yes or no, it will be.
Image credit: Shutterstock / ra2 studio / VLADGRIN


text: Children's Neurosurgery Our experienced neurosurgery team treats children with medical issues affecting the brain, spinal cord and spinal column. We feature a gifted medical team and provide evaluation and treatment in a warm, caring environment. Your child receives coordinated care from a team of experts in the fields of neurological surgery, behavioral pediatrics, child psychiatry, neuroradiology and more, as well as nurses and therapists, all focused on caring for your child. What we offer Randall Children's Neurosurgery offers comprehensive pediatric neurosurgical care, including treatment for: Craniosynostosis Hydrocephalus Tethered spinal cord Brain and spinal cord tumors Spasticity Spina bifida Movement disorders Chiari malformation Cranial malformations and spinal deformities Craniofacial anomalies Head injuries Comprehensive, coordinated care Our surgeons work closely with other experts across Randall Children's Hospital as part of a multidisciplinary team. We offer a range of coordinated, specialized expertise that can only be found at a hospital dedicated solely to children, including: Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) Maternal-Fetal Medicine General Surgery Cancer and Blood Disorders Development and Rehabilitation Diabetes and Endocrine Neurology Neuropsychology Urology Randall Children's Hospital patients with certain brain conditions may need treatment with Gamma Knife, a state-of-the-art option for treating brain tumors, vascular malformations and other conditions. An alternative or addition to surgery, Gamma Knife uses precise radiation to treat tumors, not harming the healthy areas around the tumor. Children receive this treatment on the Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center campus. Treatment is under the guidance of Andrew Kee, M.D., a specialist in radiation oncology and the Gamma Knife. Dr. Kee frequently treats children with radiation therapy. Staff members from Randall Children's Hospital travel with children to the treatment to provide any support the child needs. Our providers Keyvan Abtin, M.D. Barbara Gicking, PA-C Jenny Hume, PA-C Monica Wehby, M.D Garrett K. Zoeller, M.D. Randall Children's Neurosurgery Legacy Emanuel Medical Center Medical Office Building 2, Suite 330B 501 N. Graham St. Portland, OR 97227 Map/Directions Phone: 503-413-3690 Fax: 503-413-3660 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. After hours: On-call physician available 24/7


text:
Cooking For Engineers
Analytical cooking discussed.
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
Kitchen Notes: European Designation of Quality Labels
Cooking For Engineers Forum Index
Comments Forum
View previous topic
View next topic
Cooking For Engineers
Joined: 10 May 2005
Posts: 16776765
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 5:23 pm
Post subject: Kitchen Notes: European Designation of Quality Labels
Go to
Kitchen Notes: European Designation of Quality Labels
Article Digest:
Almost 15 years ago, the European Union (EU) introduced a system of certified labels to guarantee to consumers that certain products meet a "quality" standard. There are over 700 products available that carry at least one of the four labels - Protected Designation of Origin, Protected Geographical Indication, Traditional Specialty Guaranteed, and Organic.
When the EU certifies the product to a "quality" standard, they don't mean that is tastes better, is more healthful, or lives up to a certain culinary expectation. It means that it has fulfilled the requirements of authenticity - that is, the product came from where it says it came from, was made in the traditional method, or was made with mostly organic ingredients.
Various products can be registered by the groups producing the good. They do this by filling out an application detailing the steps and specifications that make a particular product unique to that region and submitting it to their governing country. If the product is deemed to qualify, it is then passed onto the EU Commission and, eventually, may be added as a registered protected product.
PDO - Protected Designation of Origin
The most stringent of the "yellow" labels, the PDO label is used on a product that is certified as having taken place in a specific geographical area. The product must be exclusive to the region that is designated and the raw materials used to create the product must also be from the defined area. An example of this is Parmigiano Reggiano which must be made from cow's milk from a particular region in Italy (Provinces of Parma, Reggio-Emilia and Modena, and a few neighboring areas) and be made there as well in order to carry the PDO label. Another example is Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena) which must be made from grapes in Modena, fermented and matured a minimum of 12 years there (25 years to qualify as "extravecchio"), and bottled into 100-mL bottles in order to receive the label.
PGI - Protected Geographical Indication
Some products are also associated strongly to a geographic area, but not all the ingredients may come from that region. These products may carry the less stringent (than the PDO) label of PGI. The products carrying the PGI label must have at least one of its steps take place in the geographic region whose name it bears. Black Forest Ham (Schwarzwälder Schinken) is a product that can be found bearing the PGI label if it is produced in the Black Forest region of Germany using traditional recipes and finished by smoking over pine wood chips from the fir trees of that region.
TSG - Traditional Specialty Guaranteed
The least stringent of the three, TSG labels certify that the product has been made with a long standing traditional method but is not linked to any specific geography. Serrano Ham is a product that used to be only made in the mountains of Spain, but is now made throughout Spain (and possibly the rest of the world) in artificially controlled environments designed to replicate the conditions found in the mountains. The ham produced within Spain and following traditional curing techniques is eligible for the TSG label.
While the first three labels are tied to a specific product family and are exclusive (a PDO outranks a PGI outranks a TSG), the Organic label can be applied to PDO, PGI, TSG, or unlabelled products. To qualify for the label, at least 95% of the ingredients of the product must be organically produced.
Most types of foods and beverages traditionally prepared in Europe can apply for Designations of Quality. The exceptions are wines and spirits (which are protected under separate EU legislation).
According to the EU, the goal of these labels is to prevent "imitators" from passing for genuine products. Since most of the products contain the name of a geographic location, it does make sense to label the product in such a way as to determine whether or not the product was made traditionally or with modern techniques. However, the EU uses titles like "Designation of Quality" and "Guarantees of Excellence" when referring to these labels, which I feel gives the wrong impression. In my mind, it is not necessarily the case that preparing foods in a traditional fashion will result in a superior product (or even one that most approximates the characteristics of a similar product produced a century before) because not adapting or evolving methods will often result in a different product because of the ever changing nature of our ingredients which
living and changing from generation to generation. In any case, these labels should give those who wish to try products produced as close to their traditional methods an easy way to determine which ones to buy. If anything, the labeling should help the artisan producers of the various European regions by calling out their products.
by Michael Chu
Back to top
Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 11:58 am
Post subject:
"In my mind, it is not necessarily the case that preparing foods in a traditional fashion will result in a superior product (or even one that most approximates the characteristics of a similar product produced a century before"
No, but that was never the intent - or the label would reflect that; the fact that the USA produces knock-off products is an excellent example of why the labelling exists with the intent to protect the name. "Swiss Cheese" springs to mind -- what's
Swiss Cheese
? It's certainly not swiss. Or what about "parmesan cheese"? Same deal. Or Champagne. Or polish sausages.
Fact is we cherish our culture and heritage, even though it has changed slightly over time.
Back to top
Michael Chu
Joined: 10 May 2005
Posts: 1654
Location: Austin, TX (USA)
Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 9:52 pm
Post subject:
Anonymous wrote:
No, but that was never the intent - or the label would reflect that; the fact that the USA produces knock-off products is an excellent example of why the labelling exists with the intent to protect the name. "Swiss Cheese" springs to mind -- what's
Swiss Cheese
? It's certainly not swiss. Or what about "parmesan cheese"? Same deal. Or Champagne. Or polish sausages.
Fact is we cherish our culture and heritage, even though it has changed slightly over time.
Good point. I am still a bit irked by the phrases "Designation of Quality" or "Guarantees of Excellence" when it really means "Traditionally Made" or "Made in the Parma". Granted the likelihood that a traditionally made product is better than a knockoff is high, making something traditionally does not guarantee quality or excellence. Nor does it mean a product made elsewhere is not as good. If cheddar cheese were to apply for a designation, then would it mean that the excellent cheddars made outside of Cheddar in Somerset would automatically be lower quality? I agree with the necessity of labeling items as Authentic, but not when it uses words like Quality and Excellence (subjective terms whereas authenticity is more or less objective).
Back to top
Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 10:44 pm
Post subject: EU Rules, EU Problems
I'm an American engineer and secondary math/science/computing teacher living in Germany (teaching Americans). My whole take on this, as on so many things EU, is that there's a pronounced element of snobbery involved, more than any real, empirical enhancement. Ultimately, the EU are protecting their tax-base. Such labelling demands higher prices from consumers here and everywhere, while things lacking the labelling, but nonetheless produced in Europe already have a certain mystique.
The EU is systematically harming all the member nations and their citizens. If the young United States had conducted themselves this way, America would have many small "countries" and at most a loose treaty federation today. The taxes and environmental rules here are so cumbersome as to discourage lots of otherwise entreprenurial folks from EVEN WORKING--REALLY! The only groups that are becoming weathlier are non-european emigrants who receive pay and welfare compensations in excess of their uses. In 10-20 years I predict that this new class will be The Ruling class (strictly by virtue of money and the influence it brings). Would anyone care to guess what religion at least 90% of these emigrants have in common--if you guessed Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Mormon, Buddhist, Shinto or Scientologist--you're wrong. Here's a hint, they mostly come here from our southeast...
Back to top
Judith in Umbria
Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:22 am
Post subject: European designated quality labels
Whoa! How about a bit of political judgment with your food?
I mostly know about Italian products, since that's where I live and cook. Italians are very picky indeed about their food, and snobbery really doesn't come into it here. Parmigiano Reggiano is one great example. The milk comes from cows that have eaten exclusively the natural growth of that area. It tastes different from similar cheeses made elsewhere. It is checked and rechecked consistently for quality until it is sold at whatever age you are buying, there being a minimum but no maximum-- although paying for something more than 5 years would be burdensome. Parmigiano Reggiano is a grana and there are others. Italians know what to expect from the others, depending on where it is made. Grana Padana, for example. There is even a superb grana bufala, made from buffalo milk. Can you use a different grana in a recipe calling for parmesan? Of course you can! Can you buy a bad grana? I suppose so, but all I have used have been at least tasty, versus most of the fake parmesan made elsewhere using milk from tanker trucks of no specific origin in other countries.
When I buy prosciutto, I say which one I want. They ARE different. The pigs eat different things, the curing varies, the age varies.
When I buy olive oil I pick the one right for what I am cooking.
It is not snobbery. Food is expensive here and people have reason for wanting to know exactly what they are buying. All tastes are accounted for. We have lots of choices and we have attitude. If the EU tries to mess with important things, there's an uprising. They tried to pass a law requiring pasteurizing of all cheese milks and they could not, because no one wants to live in that world.
Would you like to pay Barolo prices for a fake made in Chianti? Me either. I am pleased that Europe is keeping food supply from going down the generic road. That's available, too, but we can still rely on the origin labels and it is a good thing.
Back to top
Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:23 am
Post subject: interesting, but...
I wonder how widespread these actually are...
I feel I've leaned something useful about food labelling and things to look for, here, but having grown up in the EU area all my life (if the UK counts, which ostensibly it does, and I've made enough trips over the channel/bought enough foreign produce) - I don't think I've ever seen a single one of these four on any item I've ever bought. Even on domestic organic items.
Probably open my fridge now and suddenly notice two or three instances of one of these and go "d'oh!", but they are pretty distinct and eye catching, you'd think they'd stand out & have caught my eye alongside the usual 'recyclable', 'recycled packaging', 'no animal tests', 'uk farmers association' (red tractor), etc logos, & all the sundry ones that producers and retailers themselves add to e.g. indicate the strength of a cheese...
Back to top
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:13 pm
Post subject:
I'm also a north-american engineer type, and I've been living in France for about four years. I've also never seen any of these labels - I think this is because there is an equivalent expression and label in each member country. These labels must be used for export purposes.
Anyway, as much as I appreciate experiencing local foods, I was also initially dumbfounded by the pan-European belief in an equivalence between regional production and quality. You could call it snobbery if you like. But what first strikes us as bizarre is really just the weight of history and the total integration of food into culture. Until quite recently, people ate things that came from their local region, and prepared them in ways that had been adapted over very long periods of time to the local climate, vegetation, etc. The relationship with food was more like the relationship with family or language or one's own origins. Food is not necessarily perceived as an interchangeable consumer good with objectively quantifiable 'quality', even if rationalized large-scale production has in large part made it so. Many people in Europe are stuck between two irreconcilable worlds: a symbolic one which idealizes traditional, local culture, and a globalized, industrialized economic reality that is beyond everyday comprehension.
So I can understand that there are a lot of people who care a lot about what they eat, who judge the fitness of a product by its region of production and the use of traditional methods. But I also see quite well that this mentality is being exploited by marketing strategies. The production and distribution of foods here seems to mostly be a massive, impersonal industry. What counts for those who are selling these products is the 'aura' of authenticity. I can easily go to the supermarket and buy a mediocre or even bad cheese that qualifies for a 'quality' label, but I can also go to a market and buy really good cheese made by some local farmer who does not qualify for the label. When I go to the open-air market and buy vegetables in a traditional setting, people will surely tell me that they are of higher quality or better and so on, though often if I look behind the stands I can see from the cardboard shipping cartons that they are the same vegetables I could buy in the supermarket.
I recently shared some good Oregon wine with some friends here, who never denied that it was good stuff... the consensus was in fact that it was 'too good', probably the result of having rationally studied the production process and 'perfected' it. In general, people aren't after the most perfect taste etc. but something they can identify and place in the classification system they grew up with. Whether they are conscious of this is another question.
Back to top
Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 11:22 am
Post subject:
Noone in Europe uses these labels, but that doesn't mean the naming of "protected" products isn't enforced.
Try selling Parma hams that aren't produced in the Parma region and you're in for a serious legal battle, product confiscation, and fines.
I doubt most food producers and packagers even know the labels exist that they're entitled to use (no doubt after paying a hefty "license fee"), or else they're only used for the export market as inside the EU "counterfeit" (bearing the name without meeting the requirements) items are banned anyway.
And thus we get the real reasons for these labels and regulations: marketing and market protection.
At the same time they protect EU manufacturers from cheaper competing products from elsewhere as well as providing a medium through which to represent those products to export markets as being "exclusive" and of superior quality.
Meanwhile the EU consumer suffers through lack of choice at the store and higher prices.
Back to top
Display posts from previous:
All Posts
1 Day
7 Days
2 Weeks
1 Month
3 Months
6 Months
1 Year
Oldest First
Newest First
Cooking For Engineers Forum Index
Comments Forum
All times are GMT
Jump to:
Select a forum
Cooking For Engineers
Cooking For Engineers Website Discussion
Messages from Michael
Comments Forum
Travel Comments Forum
Useless Stuff Comments Forum
Food, Cooking, & Dining
Cooking Tips
Cooking for Two
Favorite Foods
Tools, Equipment, and Gadgets
General Food Discussion
General Discussion
Anything Goes
Engineer Speak
post new topics in this forum
reply to topics in this forum
edit your posts in this forum
delete your posts in this forum
vote in polls in this forum
Powered by
© 2001, 2005 phpBB Group


text:
Zero Punctuation: Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood
Pages PREV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 NEXT
hehe, i love the way yahtzee says "juarez", i'm a spanish speaker but it sounds so dashing when he says it :P
I really quite liked that longer opening he showed us at the end. The music kicked freaking ass. As for the review, I'll probably never play the game (I don't have a PS3 or 360, and Wii games are too expensive) but I did enjoy the review and I liked hearing his take on it. In the end, that's part of what Zero Punctuation is about: Someone with an eye for detail and flaws poking the shit outta whatever is wrong with the games that far too many people masterbate to (such as Halo or Smash Brothers Brawl), getting us to notice exceptionally good games people SHOULD know but don't (such as Psychonauts), and otherwise having a good time venting his frustration at poorly made games the world over.
Gods I know I've had plenty of times where I've said the exact same things he has albeit in a less amusing manner. It's nice to know there's someone out there with as jaded an opinion of video games these days as I have. At least someone listens to him...
I just noticed something.
Yahtzee never did a proper review of Heavenly Sword, he only reviewed the DEMO.
If you could indulge a curious Yank it would be quite appreciated.
I would've quite liked his opinion on "twing twang". But seriously the game's long past out and it's not something he cares for, so chances are it's not getting reviewed.
After thinking about it, I think I have cracked The Da Yahtzee Code. The two games he missed in the end of his video were Peggle and Assassian's Creed. Now if you take the initials of each game you get PAC. Therefore, I believe the next game Yahtzee will review will be Pac-Man. It makes so much sence when you follow the logic of The Da Yahtzee Code.
The whole disgusing its linear nature thing brings to mind another old western game, namely "Gun", a game i thought would be pretty awesome, but as it turned out was just a big linear corridor between mountains with two or three towns littered along the way. I don't know if the showdown thing would be any better, but the bossfights in Gun were unreasonably fucking hard, with me almost giving up when having to fight a dualwielding preacher on an invincible horseback, and finally telling the game to fuck off when it expected me to kill the main villain, an indianhating railroadentrepenuer (original!) named McGruber or something, who was clad in full medieaval knight's attire, which did a surprisingly good job at stopping bullets, while filling my ass with bullets from a chaingun he somehow managed to carry around.
oh well, i'm sure a good western game will come along SOME day.
First of all, congratulations on 100 episodes Yahtzee! Your witty reviews have kept me anxiously awaiting each new video for many wednesdays now.
As to the actual game, it seems like Western games, even the good ones, have a lot of holes in them. Will there ever be a good western game? The world may never know...
good show old boy
Congratulations! What a wonderfully intelligent and mostly sane 100th episode! And you could create a movie solely based around the "twoot" and "juarez" samples. Or at least a "juarez juarez twoot twoot" version of the badger song. And replace the snake with a kobold.
Gratz on 100 episodes, even when I look at the old eps again they are still hilariously funny.
Did anyone else die of laughter at the ending? But anyways nice review and congratulations on the 100th episode!
Maybe it just me but this is episode 101. Think about it. There are 20 videos per page. 20x5=100.
100 th vid! Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii...
In any case, I'm surprised he liked it. I thought the game was meh, now I guess will pick it from the bargain bin after a few months...
I wish I had a button that not only says "Fuck Off!" in Yahtzee's voice and on a remote with several buttons that have all of the famous quotes of Yahtzee in the 100 episodes he has made. I would seriously buy a remote where you hit a button then it says "Stonking Great Tits!", "Clap Clap...OI!", or "There be Zombies...Kill They Arse!".
Wow, yahtzee finally got his funny back! and for the record, that theme song was awesome when you hear it all the way through.
Gratz Yahtzee on 100 episodes! Keep doing what your doing your jokes and reveiws are great
Great video post as always, but you sounded real tired in this one i sure do hope you havent fallen in love besides as always in yourself you wanker!
Have to disagree with the idea that button-less cover is superior to Gears' system. I mean, if all you do to cover in Juarez is run up to the wall/whatever, then you're bound to end up taking cover when you don't actually want to somewhat often. Other than that, great as always.
By jove, I think you've got it! Good on you, old chap!
He probably put in clips from all of them, you just missed 'em. Go double check.
Anyone know the name of the theme song and if it's possible to get it anywhere?
There ya go, Streetfighter - enjoy~
OH man, last part made me lawl. You really DON'T know why Wii owners bought the system. "Oh oh, it was soldout for over two years because of being the hot new thing. Yeah, Nintendo will lose." I'd call your comment to another reader irrelevent and dumb some more, but I'll let someone else do it for me.
Yahtzee shouldn't assume that all 'Expanded Market' gamers are brand new gamers. There are many who are returning to gaming after not just years but decades. So yes, they would quite remember when 256 colors was a big deal for gaming. Many would even remember programming their own games when it was more commonplace to do so.
What is interesting is the comment that Yahtzee is responding to. The comment didn't seem to warrant such a response. All it said was that Wii Sports Resort is fun to all except, perhaps, the hardcore. But if gaming was left to the hardcore, Mario and Zelda would be completely different than what they are today. If gaming was left to the hardcore, gaming would have gone in reverse. I think it is THAT sentiment that set him off.
Don't you know that the hardcore are the epitome of all gaming sophistication and that they are the ones driving gaming forward in all ways? It is fine if the 'hardcore' do not like Wii Sports Resort and other games. But what is going over the line is their attacks on gamers who do like those type of games. Their hostility isn't contained to the games, they are attacking other customers! Saying 'casual' is just a polite way of saying 'retards!'
What I find interesting is that the hardcore like to attack "casual games" and savage "casual gamers" who are all 'stupid', but when someone makes a comment against the hardcore, implies that they might be stupid, they go complete bonkers! Talk about being thin skinned. Hardcore dish it out, but they can't take it. They haven't even had to endure a fraction of the constant condenscending insults that the "New Gamer" has had.
The next article coming up will be full on mockery of the hardcore. They've earned it.
Not so fun calling the expanded audience stupid when they can do it right back.
This is the 101st video... I counted... because my life is empty.
Still, great episode and good to see you're still going strong after 100... and 1, episodes!
I think my favorite ZP character of all time is Ray, the raping chair.
Awww, I thought there was going to be cake... :c
He liked FWAREYZZ wow. Good ending too, I like the song...
Wow...I totally didn't see he missed Peggle too :P
Then again you have to think fitting clips in from 100 episodes into 61 seconds (less than that since the title shows up for like what...3 or 4 seconds at the end) is pretty challenging...but I still hold my case that the Fear PM clip lasts long enough for at least Assassin's Creed to show up :S
Oh well...this vid is almost 2 weeks old now so I don't care much anymore :P
Right trigger to poo pants. I totally just pulled right trigger. But before I did, I went to the bathroom, pulled my pants down and sat on the toilet. Still managed to poo my pants though...
Nice review!
Congrats on your 100th video of spirit-crushing (or sales-boosting) reviews.
Kickass montage piece of Yahtzee at his best.
If i were to make a game based on zero punctuation it would be the dad from Fallout three voices Captain Dynamite who has his legs replaced by missiles and follows the protagonist the entire game in a spaceship sprinkling rose petals and friendship.
^ zero punctuation fanboy
Congrats on the 100th episode even though its just a number its a really big number that i wouldn't ever get to if i did something like this
Good god, the ass is back!
This definitely has to be my favorite review from you Ben. I just fell on the floor laughing pretty from start to end of the review. How on earth do you get so much creative ideas mate?
i've watched all of them, 3 times a piece god i have to much free time so someone give me a cookie for watching the best reviewer on the internet to much
This is like the fourth time I've gone back and re-watched this episode for the musical version of awesome at the end! Couple that with a funny review and a great surprise (you know the one) and Call of *HWA*-rezz becomes one of the best in the series.
Great, after this comment I just had to watch this episode again. And again once more.
|Pages PREV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 NEXT


text:
well i work on tuesdays, i thought we would still have them sat. mornings like we have been doing.
As Jason has already said I will be taking over the bag-tag challenge, I am very proud to do this so I hope that people will still show up. we will also be starting at the same time 10amwe will be following the summer first half schedule.next saturday is at ShorewoodI hope to see alot of people out therethanks again, Cory C


text:
Space-Age '62 Mirrors Factory Phantom
What's a phantom? One definition is a car that could have been built way back when, with a combination of factory features and period-correct items that makes you say, They should've built it.
Then there's Garrett Hicks' '62 Plymouth Sport Fury convertible, the second version of a factory-built phantom he had way back when.
Garrett was one of Chrysler's engineers in their defense and aerospace operations, which took him to Cape Canaveral as well as to the Marshall Space Center in Huntsville, Alabama. That's where the first manned-spacecraft launch vehicles were built, a place where those who worked there knew about going fast.
He had friends inside Chrysler's automotive works, including some at what had been the Plymouth Main plant. I was able to talk to my friends at Lynch Road, and they stuck a 413 with one four-barrel in it, says Garrett of the Luminous Blue '62 Sport Fury convertible that he ordered new that spring. That was not an advertised car, but they did build some. I managed to convince them to install it, because that engine was available and it fit.
So, instead of the 30hp, four-barrel-equipped 361 that was Plymouth's top regular-production powerplant, Garrett's Sport Fury got a 413 from the big Chrysler lineup, routed by friends of Garrett's friends from the Mound Road Engine Plant to Lynch Road Assembly, instead of Jefferson Assembly, where Ma Mopar's biggest carsincluding the 413-powered Chrysler 300H, New Yorker, and Imperialwere built.
This special-build B-Body was part of a short production runjust 1,516 '62 Sport Fury drop-tops were made in the half-year they were available after their January 1962 introduction. Back atop the Plymouth lineup for the first time since 1959, Sport Furys also came in two-door hardtop form, and all had special black-trimmed grilles, six rear lights (four taillights flanking two backup lights), bucket seats, center consoles, full-foam rear seats, distinctive Sport Fury nameplates and trim pieces, and futuristic-looking starship exhaust wheel covers.
But Garrett didn't have his Sport Fury built his way just for daily transportation. I raced at La Place (Dragway), outside New Orleans, he says of his weekend exploits, at the time when he worked during the week at Ma Mopar's rocket works at Michaud, Louisiana, near the Crescent City.
Fast forward to the 21st Century. Garrett, now retired from Chryslerafter a career that included his rise to Engineering Manager at Chrysler's Huntsville, Alabama, electronics plantwas looking for a project car to build. His son came across an interesting find under a carport in Chattanooga, Tennessee: another Luminous Blue '62 Sport Fury convertible. I went up and looked at it, says Garrett, and dragged it home.
Before hauling his find home, he found out that this first-year B-Body needed a lot of work before it would move under its own power. My son was given the job of steering it down out of the carport, around a curve, and down the driveway, Garrett recalls. When he got in, the left front seat went right through the floor to the ground.
Also gone, along with the '62's structural integrity, was its original engine. The original 361 was gone when I bought the car, says Garrett. The guy said that he had it, but when he went to look for it, it had been junked. No matter, Garrett had other ideas for this Sport Fury, which turned out to be an ultra-rare, factory-air car. Only about 5 percent of all '62 Plymouths had that $375 option.
Once home, he searched for the parts needed to make his '62 whole again. We found a complete front-to-back floorpan from a donor car in Arizona, Garrett says. We took my little plasma torch out there, cut it out, and had it shipped to Chattanooga, then we brought it home with the rest of the car and we welded it in. Fortunately, it needed no other metal surgery. The doors and the quarter-panels were in great shape when we got it, and there was no Bondo in it, he adds.
The Carriage Works in Huntsville was where Garrett's '62's unibody was restored by a team that included shop owner Tom Snitger, Gary English, Mike Lowery, and Garrett himself. Snitger also sprayed on the Luminous Blue color, in basecoat/clearcoat form.
Under the hood went a period-correct 413 that Garrett had built by David Ross at R&R Speed and Machine in Huntsville to replicate the one in his first '62. Sharp-eyed B/RB fans will notice later-year exhaust manifolds on it, instead of correct 1962 pieces. Garrett says they're on there for a reason. The '62s had a bad habit of cracking and breaking across the top. I found these on a '71, and they each have a ridge across the top to keep them from cracking. Backing the 413 is the restored 727 TorqueFlite (inside its new-for-'62 aluminum case) and the restored original 8-inch rear end.
In all, the restoration and phantomization of this drop-top took five years. The interior took a long, long time, recalls Garrett, getting all the chrome done on the inside and getting good stuff to put in it. That's especially true of the long-out-of-production pieces not only unique to all '62 Plymouths, but to all '62 Sport Furys (and factory-air-equipped Sport Furys, at that).
What's it like to drive? Just ask this former rocket engineer. It drives like my old one, he says. We don't take it to the grocery store, but my wife and I take it to church, we take it visiting, and everyplace else we go. My son lives up in North Georgia, and we drive it over there fairly often. He adds that it's also been seen on the show scene, too.
We took it to Kentucky, to a Concours show, and we took third place with it. We were competing against old Chrysler Town & Country woodies. I was very pleased with that.
If you're looking to restore an early ('62-'65) B-Body Plymouth or Dodge, take Garrett's advice: Be really patient, because, with the '62s especially, there's just enough different sheetmetal. If I had needed any sheetmetal, I would have had an awful time finding it'62 and '63 were pretty close, but after then they were all different. The floorpan stayed the same though '65, and anything having to do with the instrument panels was unique. mm
The doors and the quarter-panels were in great shape when we got it, and there was no Bondo in it.Garrett Hicks
Fast Facts:
1962 Plymouth Sport Fury convertible
Owned by: Garrett Hicks, Harvest, Alabama
Mopar Power
- Engine: Looks like a stock 361, but it isn't. Garrett had R and R Speed and Machine in Huntsville, AL build a year-correct 413-inch RB, to '62 specifications.
- Transmission: The OEM 727 TorqueFlite, restored down to its dash-mounted pushbutton shift.
- Rearend: Per Garrett, it's the same one that it left Lynch Road Assembly with, and restored like the 727 was.
Sure Grip
- Suspension: (Front) Restored original– longitudinal torsion bars and tubular shocks with an anti-sway bar. (Rear) Restored original–leaf springs with tubular shocks
- Brakes: Restored original–non-power-assisted drum-and shoe brakes all around.
- Wheels and Tires: OEM 14-inch steel wheels wear Coker Classic wide-band whitewalls and the new-for-'62 factory "starship exhaust" Sport Fury covers
High Impact
- Body: Original '62 Plymouth B-Body convertible unibody was restored by The Carriage Works in Huntsville, AL, and features a floor pan from a donor early B-Body, and original quarters and doors . Also restored: The original Sport Fury grille and trim pieces.
- Paint: The original hue, metallic Luminous Blue, in "Diamonte" base/clearcoat form, applied by Tim Snitger at The Carriage Works, Huntsville, Alabama.
- Interior: Restored stock interior features the original console, AM radio, gauge cluster, bucket seats and factory A/C outlets. Restoration and upholstery work by Rich Cunningham, Kelso, Tennessee.


text:
The most common method for importing data into the Health Disparities Calculator (HD*Calc) is to use a SEER*Stat export dictionary and associated data file.
- Before starting HD*Calc, use SEER*Stat to create age-adjusted rates or survival statistics and export the resulting matrix. Two files will be created: one is a dictionary file (.dic) that describes the data and the other is a text file containing the data. Refer to the tutorials on preparing input data files for help with this step.
- To import the data exported from SEER*Stat, launch HD*Calc and select Open... from the File Menu. You will be prompted for a dictionary (*.dic) file.
- When your file is opened, you will be taken to the HD*Calc Data Import dialog where you will provide all the information needed to identify the fields in your input file.
- In the edit box at the top please provide a Title for your input data. This title will be displayed with the resulting disparity measures.
- Use the Dictionary edit box to select a file for storing your data input specifications.
- The checkbox indicating that your Data File Contains Column Headers will be checked if headers were exported with your data.
- The Statistics are Sorted by All Variables In Their Order box has been checked by default and is disabled. This will speed up retrieval of records during computation.
- Select Fields Are Character Delimited and choose the appropriate Delimiter for your text file.
- Your fields should have the correct field type by default, but you can select them individually (one field at a time) and press the Change button to the right to view the details.
- Click OK.
- You will be prompted to answer the following question to specify whether the disparity groups in your data are ranked:
"REMINDER: Some disparity measures apply only to groups that have an inherent ranking, such as by income or education.
(Lower left)
Are the disparity groups ranked? (Yes/No)"
- Once the appropriate response is made, HD*Calc will automatically calculate the corresponding values for each of the disparities measures. You are now ready to view the information contained under each tab heading.


text:
Highly Rated Affordable SEO Services in RomulusCreated in 2009 and headquartered in West Bloomfield, MI, High Level Marketing (HLM) is nationally recognized as a top-rated web design and SEO company. As one of the fastest growing online marketing companies, we have one clear goal: to bring our clients more customers through the power of SEO Services. HLM is an SEO company that's on the leading edge of digital marketing.
Rank Your Business At The Top For Your Services In RomulusAs the internet and search engines continues to evolve, businesses need a partner who is aware of the latest methods in the industry. We will ensure you are focused on today's strategies and tactics for SEO, acting as your true partner on the path to better web presence. Our staff works with the major search engines to rank your business organically in the top results for your search targets, creating a higher return on investment for your company.
Top Rated Search Marketing Services For Small BusinessHLM has a team of highly-skilled, highly-motivated, and highly-capable content developers and SEO specialists who all work together to ensure that your website is designed to enhance your online presence and increase your revenue. We specialize in creating comprehensive search engine marketing campaigns that boost your rankings beyond what your website can do alone. Our team will make sure your content is written for both customers and search engines while also supporting your long-term SEO goals. We also consider local SEO (where customers search for your online in Romulus MI) critical to your search engine marketing strategy. HLM employs a unique set of strategies intended to boost your online visibility in local search results, setting you apart as the top choice for customers in your area.
Small Business Marketing Experts In A Wide Range of Industries Including:
We Want To Earn Your Business - Review Our Testimonials
"HLM has been a great "partner" for our company. Not only have they helped us gain exposure to our customer base, but they have given us a sophisticated website and platform to introduce our customers to our company. I always enjoy working with the staff at HLM, they make it easy!! "
Joe Fork Lift*
High Level Marketing is a Michigan based company that specializes in affordable web design and seo for small business
Ready to take your website to the top of search results? Contact High Level Marketing today - we're here to help.


text:
Hamilton - The Musical Tickets Louisville
Hamilton - The Musical Tickets Tickets Rated 0.00/5 based on 0 customer reviews 100 0
Gold Coast Tickets is your number one source for Hamilton tickets in Chicago and New York City! Don't miss out on the hottest musical to hit Broadway and the Chicago Theatre scene since the likes of Wicked and The Book of Mormon. Sold out? Not here! Find the Hamilton tickets you've been searching for today and enjoy the show tomorrow. Questions about seating or unable to find tickets to the date or time you're looking for on our website? Just call us at 800-889-9100 or send us an email at firstname.lastname@example.com and we'll be happy to help you find the perfect seats!
Results Filter


text:
EssentialNYJobs.com offers a centralized location to find all of the available job openings in the Central Upstate New York and Southern Tier regions - AND - to make it fast, free, and easy. Our mission is to help Upstate New York companies publicize their positions to as broad an audience of job seekers as possible.
There are two ways to get your job openings into the Essentialnyjobs.com database. One is to submit your jobs directly to us. If you are in one of our Strategic Industries we will also publish your company profile on the site under that section.
To submit job postings you must register for an account and use our Member Login area to post your jobs. From this area you will be able to return to edit as well as delete your postings and change your company profile.
Please Note If you have posted jobs to our site or one of our partner sites (Project Ion or Essential Connection) in the last twelve months, you most likely already have an account in our system. Before registering, or if you had difficulty registering, please use the forgotten password form to check if you have an account.
The second way to get jobs on our site is to submit them directly to Indeed.com, our data source. Your job postings must be on the web on your website and publicly accessible for this to work.
We LIVE NY . . . committed to making New York State an even more attractive place to live, work, raise a family and start a business.
EssentialNYJobs.com plays a key role in demonstrating the employment opportunities throughout the state funded in part by Empire State Development Corporation and the Governor's Small Business Task Force in association with We Live NY.
©2019 Essentialnyjobs.com hosted at pair


text:
Hero of Allacrost Forum Rules
* Do not ask for anything illegal, like OST rips, ROMs, Warez, etc.
* Do not spam. If you want to advertise or share something put it in your signature.
* Do not harass, flame or start fights
* Do not crosspost (post the same message in more than one forum)
* Make legable posts. Don't write !1k3 U R 13 yearz k1D 0n A0L wh0 iz l33t. DON'T LEAVE YOUR CAPSLOCK KEY ON.
* Do not use more than 1 account.
* Avoid use of excessive profanity
Reprimands for Violations of the Rules
* Bad posts may be deleted
* Inappropriate threads will either be moved to the appropriate forum, locked, or deleted.
* Threads that turn into flamewars or go too far off-topic may be locked
* Members who constantly violate these rules will be given a temporary ban from a few days to 2 weeks (you will recieve notification of why you were banned and the length of your senence)
* In extreme cases, we may serve out permanent bans to those who contribute nothing useful to the community and are a constant annoyance.
Hello, we apologize but forum registrations are non-functional at this time. This issue should be fixed around mid-December. Until then, please stop by our Discord channel if you'd like to get in touch with the team. Thanks!
Forum Rules
A discussion area for general design issues that staff would like detailed feedback on.
Moderator: Staff
1 post • Page 1 of 1
1 post • Page 1 of 1


text:
Gotta love the rage though...and she only suspected he was cheating. So her cheating revenge may not have even been justified...can't imagine what she would have done if she actually saw him in the act of cheating!
I was tempted to do this to the slut's house back in March when I found out. Kinda kicking myself for not doing it now...ReplyDelete
Oh no! You'd of had to think of some other way, something that wouldn't have hurt yourself. But of course, in that devastation, you don't really think of yourself...you just think about getting back.
I know though... I wish I had done a lot of things that I didn't. I wish I had confronted her and told her off or something. But oh well...should of, would of, could of.