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'Game Of Thrones' Recap: Melisandre's Evil Plan Is Revealed
Murder, adultery, incest — no one does Easter like the good people of Westeros.
Game of Thrones fans have used many words to describe Melisandre (Carice van Houten) after she made her debut on last week's season premiere — evil, shady and cryptic come to mind — but the April 8 episode added one more to that already colorful list: slutty! The "priestess" offered herself up to Stannis (Stephen Dillane), promising to deliver him the son his wife never could. And as an added layer of poetry, Stannis wrecked Melisandre on a map of Westeros, sending all the pieces crashing to the floor. Foreshadowing much?
Also troubling: Melisandre told Stannis that sleeping with her was the final step in giving himself over to the "Lord of Light," which is crucial to him becoming king. I haven't read the books, but even I know that procreating with a cultish priestess is a terrible, terrible idea. Evil powers aside, just imagine Melisandre's red hair on a baby.
Meanwhile, Stannis' most loyal peeps were off enlisting the help of Salladhor, a charming pirate who agreed to lend his fleet of 30 ships to their cause — but only if they promised him lots of gold and Cersei's (Lena Headey) hoo-hoo.
Speaking of Cersei's hoo-hoo, things weren't any less dramatic at Kings' Landing this week. Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) decided to do a little re-shuffling, exiling Janos (Dominic Carter) and appointing Bronn (Jerome Flynn) as the new commander of the city watch, which didn't sit well with his sister — or her hoo-hoo.
And because no season of Game of Thrones would be complete without a little incest, Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) took it upon himself to finger his sister on a horse. It was sort of like that scene in Fear where Mark Wahlberg pleasures Reese Witherspoon on the roller coaster — only ten times more traumatic.
In his defense, Theon's been away from home for years and didn't know Yara (Gemma Whelan) was his sister, though Lord Greyjoy (Patrick Malahide) was happy to remind him. It turns out Yara will be leading their army, and while I'm sure Theon could have come up with a perfectly good argument against that, he was a little tongue-tied. Getting to third base with your own sister will do that to you.
Over in the Red Waste, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) continued facing opposition from her fellow khals, who remain less-than-cool with the idea of a female ruler. This became pretty clear when Rakharo's (Elyes Gabel) horse returned to camp… with Rhokaro's severed head tucked neatly in its saddle bag like the world's grossest Christmas present. Personally, I wasn't as opposed to the senseless violence as much as I was against the re-gifting. That's just tacky.
Lastly, Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) found himself beard-deep in some serious baby mama drama when Gilly (Hannah Murray) — one of Craster's (Robert Pugh) many unfortunate bride-children — told Sam (John Bradley) she was pregnant and afraid of what would happen if she had a boy. And because Sam is a big bumbling idiot, he got Jon involved in the situation.
Later that night, Jon watched as a baby was delivered in the woods and handed off to someone (or something), before being ambushed by Craster, who knocked him out cold.
Final death count: 1
What did you think of this week's episode? Sure, it was another hour of mostly talking, but the last few minutes set up some really twisted story lines. Drop your thoughts about what's to come in the comments section below!


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Jenna Fischer Gossip
Jenna Fischer gossip, latest news, photos, and video.
Smutty Social Media, August 8, 2016
Jessica Biel's restaurant Au Fudge was graced with a visit from Dembabies and the Elusive Chanteuse Butterfly. There are a lot of pillows, do you think her caravan includes an SUV full of extra pillows in case the seating options aren't sufficient? Kids night out 🎉🎉🎉 #demkids #alwaysbedembabies @aufudge Full Story
Smutty Social Media, April 27, 2016
Did you love Jim and Pam? I did, especially the wedding episode (which Mindy Kaling and Greg Daniels wrote). But towards the end, the show went so off course and I kind of ended up disliking Pam. Disliking Pam for Jim. The writers knew it and tried to redeem her but it felt too late. Sooooo....This rabid theater fan came to #DryPowder last night. Full Story
The Belly-Cupper party
Wenn, Charley Gallay/ Michael Buckner/ Getty
Jennifer Love Hewitt has a line of maternity clothes now. You know, my colleague on The Social, Melissa Grelo, was pregnant through the entire first run of our show and she wore regular clothing the entire time. Same thing with Cynthia Loyst. And so many of the other women I hear from. The only "maternity" item they bought were the jeans with the elastic waistbands which, frankly, I plan on investing in even though I will never get pregnant because that just seems like a really good f-cking idea. Full Story
Thankful for…
Jim & Pam. "Frankly, it's a different sensation." Entertainment Weekly's recap summed it up best, the writers did indeed pull it off. And they accurately judged that stupid real life YouTube wedding dance too: embarrassing, desperate, disgusting – in other words, perfect for the staff of Dunder Mifflin. Full Story
Emily Blunt candid & The Office Wedding
This is Emily Blunt in New York today with Matt Damon shooting The Adjustment Bureau. No need to be worried about having your girlcrush destroyed here… Scott & Claudio, longtime readers with whom I've been having a love affair over email for years, were fortunate to meet Emily at TIFF when she was at the festival promoting The Young Victoria. Full Story
Talking and Just Being
Earlier today, I posted an email from Joan in North Vancouver who pointed out the deficiencies in my marriage because Jacek refuses to take me out to dinner for some "talking and just being". I am a crusty old hag because there's not enough "talking and just being" in my life. Full Story
Pam's dress, Jim's tie – SPOILER
Do not proceed if you can't handle it. …….. …….. …….. Sigh. There are only 3 more new episodes remaining for True Blood Season 2. And then a long ass gap until Next. F-cking. June. "Thanks God" for The Office. The Office is back in October. You remember how The Office left off, right? Well… Cutest shotgun wedding ever? Not sure why Jim's tie has been cut. Full Story
The Office 100
The Office celebrated 100 episodes yesterday at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. Most (all?) castmembers were in attendance including the adorable Jenna Fischer and of course everyone's boyfriend John Krasinski who looks like he has tiny ankles and this is not attractive to me so let's forget about them please, quickly, right away. Full Story
SAG Most Improved: Jenna Fischer
She's normally at hot mess at awards shows. Like, Jenna Fischer canNOT get it together. So, all things considered, this isn't bad. Nothing stands out, nothing offends, nothing terribly remarkable, the hair is soft and wavy, the makeup soft and pretty, the breasts respectfully and not garishly on display…. Full Story
Most Emmy Endearing: Jenna Fischer
She's not a fashion girl. So the dress… it's obviously not the best. Far from the best. But it was a sweet effort, if not the most fashionable. Let's focus instead on premiere week. The Office is back on Thursday and do we worry for Jim and Pam? It's not television if there's no difficulty. Full Story
Jenna Needs a Stylist
This is Jenna Fischer at the premiere of Walk Hard last night – yet another Judd Apatow project with high hopes. Jenna plays the female lead opposite John C Reilly, her June to his Johnny. For Jenna, it could be a career defining moment. And this is what she wore. THIS is what she wore. Where to begin? First…the hair. Full Story

subset: commoncrawl


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According to a new report from research firm Retail Sails, Apple's retail stores have been ranked as the highest sales per square foot in the U.S.. Apple's retail stores have been ranked number 1 for the second time in a row. This is more than double that of second-place Tiffany & Co, earning $3,017.
Besides Apple and Tiffany's, no retailer was able to surpass $2,000 per square foot. The No. 3 chain lulu lemon athletic earned $1,936. Apple also made the top 10 retailers list with the highest overall sales per store. Apple came in at No. 9, behind wholesale retailers like Costco and Sam's Club, as well as Neiman Marcus and Walmart. Retail Sail's data comes from an analysis of more than 200 American retailers across 15 sectors.


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Wholesale? Inquire now
Any question? Free ask now
Wholesale? Inquire now
Any question? Free ask now
1.1 item name: LCD Display Touch Screen Digitizer Assembly
1.2 Compatible with: Xiaomi Mi 4
1.3 Color: Black
2.Quality Grade: Grade O+
View different grade descriptions .
3.included components: LCD Display and touch screen digitizer assembly
4.How to Install:
A. Please choose the right model and color before placing an order.
B. Please try to replace the parts in a dry , dust free environment without Static electricity, direct sunlight.
C. Special repair tool is required when disassembling & reassembling the LCD Screen and Digitizer Assembly .
D. We are not responsible for any damage caused by installation of the replacement parts.We suggest you are familiar or seek a professional for dismantling your device, or otherwise you may damage or break your device.
Please test the LCD before final installation and removing the front and back protector and only proceed if you are 100% Satisfied with the Product, We Will Not Accept any return if the front or back protector is removed and LCD Was Installed In the Frame.
1.Quality Guarantee
eFixP guarantee all products from our warehouse are under strictly quality control per shipment.
Please check eFixP quality control process here: XXXXX (Link)
Of course, we will also provide you with our return & refund policy to ensure your profits.
eFixP offer the following safeguards for all customers :
a)Risk free
If you are not satisfied with our products, please contact us within 30 days after receiving, we will offer return and refund you all the money.
(Remarks: returning goods should stay in same condition as we shipped.)
b)Quality guarantee
For any customer, if the product you receive doesn't match with the quality as we have guaranteed, we will offer return and refund you all the money.
(Remarks: the returning goods should stay in same condition as we shipped.)
2. Warranty Policy
In order to protect your legal rights, we warranty for an exchange or refund if product defects occur is in following cases.
2.1 Malfunctioning Products:
If product from Etrade Supply does not function properly (physical damage or damage caused by incorrect installation and usage are excluded) within 180 days from the original purchase date. Customers can submit RMA for an exchange or refund request.
0 – 60 Days:
Any merchandise is allowed to be returned within 60 days after the original purchase date for a full refund or exchange excluding shipping fee.
61- 180 Days:
Any merchandise is allowed to be returned within 61 to 180 days from the original purchase date. Refunded amount will be the current selling price.
2.2 Wrongly buying:
If unfortunately you mistakenly choose wrong model, we are willing to do you a favour for after-sales services. Please submit a RMA in 7 days upon receipt and pay for the returning freight. Will let you know the results after we test the returning.
2.3 Wrong dispatching:
If we have dispatched wrong item to you, please just request a RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) from us together with two high digi "eFP" stamp showing images. We will get back to you as quickly as possible.
2.4 DOA (Dead on Arrival), Customer received defective parts or missing parts
Please refuse the package (from the courier) if it looks like having been opened or visibly damaged or the weight is lighter than we told, and contact us to let us know. If you have accepted a damaged package and the products inside are physically damaged or nonfunctioning or missing products, please request a RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) in 5 days of receipt. Please provide the follow information for us within 5 days after you have received the package so that we may file a claim with the shipment carrier:
•Photos of the front and back of the shipment box, it can clearly show the shipping information, such as tracking number, delivery address and so on.
•Photos of the front and back of the product that has physical damages(if you received defective parts).
•Photos of showing the actual weight on electronic scales (if you received missing parts).
2.5 Lost Package
If package not received due to our factors (If necessary, customer have to pay for import tax and provide the necessary information under the requirement of local custom.) and beyond intended date of receipt, please contact our customer service center directly. After we confirm it, we will refund or send another package within 2 working days. We have been cooperating with the most reliable shipping companies and such accidents have never happened yet.
Uniformed terms for all returning and exchanging.
• All returned items must be in original condition with packaging, unused, and undamaged.
• For returned package, it must be with a receiving RMA approval before shipment .
• All returned items must be with the "eFP" seal
• For returned package, it must be with a RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number in the package .
• All returned items must be in a warranty period of 180 days from the original purchase date. Otherwise, the RMA will be rejected.
1. We have listed every possible accident that may happen. But don't worry! Our records just show 0.2% possibilities all above may occur.
2. If you do not provide information regarding DOA (Dead on Arrival) item in 5 days upon receipt will cause the RMA to be denied.
|Shipping Method
|Cut-off Time
|Minimum Shipping Cost
|Processing Time
|Transport Time(business days)
|Total Time( business day )
|international express
|6:00 pm CST
|1-2 days
|HK post
|Singapore Post
1. All items will be shipped from Hongkong .
2. For unhurried parcel such as samples, Post Airmail will be recommended.
3. For the parcels that need to be received quickly, we will ship it by international express. Usually we will send the parcel by DHL, TNT or other carriers may be used for order shipping based on customer demand or under special occasion.
4. We are happy to ship with a customer's own shipping account.
5. The final shipping cost will be calculated by the total size & weight of the packaged product.
6. As we are VIP customer for these courier companies, an attractive discount will be available for our customers.
Note: For remote regions, additional fees will be charged according to express company policy and buyer is liable for any customs taxes or duties.
Delivery coverage
We ship to locations all around the world that is over 170 countries at present. For separate countries or regions, suitable shipping option will be recommended.
Catalog of FAQ
1.Quality and After Sale Services
1.1 How to classify quality classes? 1.2 How to make quality control?
1.3 Quality Guarantee and After Sale Service 1.4 How to return?
2. How to search for what I need?
2.1 How to search for what I need? 2.2 What if I want to customize product?
2.3 What if I cannot find the product I need?
3. About price 4. Is sample available and what is the MOQ?
5. How to place an order? 6. What kinds of payment options do you accept?
7. About shipping
7.1 Do you ship internationally? 7.2 How long will it take to ship out an order after payment is confirmed ?
7.3 How long is the delivery time? 7.4 Once an order is delivered, any tracking number available?
7.5 How can I cancel or change the order?
1.Quality and After Sale Services
1.1 How to classify quality classes?
A. How to classify quality classes?
Answer: To check quality class tag of the product.
B. What does the quality class stand for?
|quality class
|quality class description
|Grade O+
|brand new
|Grade O
|Original parts that replaced the glass lens by original one
|Grade O-
|Original parts that replaced the glass lens
|Grade A
|Third-party factory assembled by the original material
|Grade A-
|Compatible with the original parts, completely normal use. it save cost for repair shops, it keep good balance between price and quality .
|Grade B
|Original parts, fully functional, but there are small flaws, such as highlights, local small area bruised marks.
1.2 How to make quality control?
A. Has every product been tested before sending out?
Answer: Yes, it has.
B. What if the parcel or product been damaged when received?
Answer: Please contact us and send us a clear image showing the damage within 5 days after receiving the parcel.
How we make quality control: Link to…
1.3 Quality Guarantee and After Sale Service
A. If the product received not in conformity with quality class or product description, how will you solve it?
Answer: Return and refund with no hesitate.
B. If the product received is not satisfied or no need any more, what will be the coming after sale services?
Answer: Return and refund with no hesitate.
1.4 How to return?
What are the processes for return?
Answer: (Refer to M2-6 return – 3.2 Return program)
2.How to search for what I need?
2.1 How to search for what I need?
A. Firstly, you have to know our product and project range. Including cell phone and tablet computer repair and changing accessories, repairing tools and facilities.
B. Under product classifications: You can get to know our detailed classifications from the left top classification menu.
C. Under key words: e.g. key word of detailed model type or part name
Key word list of part name: A4 link
2.2 What if I want to customize product?
Answer: Please contact our service center at:
Skype to support on line : XXX ;
Send email on support on line ;
WhatsApp: +86 136 6266 3653
2.3 What if I cannot find the product I need?
Answer: Please contact our service center at:
Skype to support on line : XXX ;
Send email on support on line ;
WhatsApp: +86 136 6266 3653
3.About price
The listed price for each part is only for your reference. We will try to quote you our updated best wholesale price based on your final order.
4.Is sample available and what is the MOQ?
Yes, sample order is welcomed and even encouraged at EFP for us to know each other better before further cooperation. No MOQ is required, but the more you order, the better price we offer.
5.How to place an order?
You can either register membership and place an order online or send us inquiry directly.
[Add in details M1-3 ] A5 link
6. What kinds of payment options do you accept?
Payment need to be done 100% in advance either by T/T (Wire Transfer), Western Union, MoneyGram or Escrow/Paypal .
7. About shipping
7.1 Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we accept orders worldwide and ship to over 170 countries at present. For separate countries or regions, suitable shipping option will be recommended.
7.2 How long will it take to ship out an order after payment is confirmed?
Normally, it takes 2 business days after the payment is confirmed.
7.3 How long is the delivery time?
FedEx, DHL, TNT, UPS: 5-7 business days
EMS: 7-15 business days
7.4 Once an order is delivered, any tracking number available?
All parcels we sent will come with an independent tracking number from the courier service companies such as DHL, Fedex, UPS, Post Airmail, etc. and you can view the tracking number and track the package status on eFixPartner.com.
7.5 How can I cancel or change the order?
A. Cancel Your Order before Payment
If you have not paid for your order, you need not do anything. And we will skip it.
B. Cancel Your Order after Payment
eFP provide rapid delivery to our customers. We does not offer refunds should customers change their mind or incorrectly place orders. If we have sent the package, you only can receive it first, and then return it.
C. Change Your Order after Payment
To add Items to your order without canceling any previous items, please don't hesitate to contact us soon. You can contact us by live chat,email (firstname.lastname@example.com), or WhatsApp(+86 136 6266 3653).
Note: If the items have already been delivered, we cannot cancel or change the order. Please reference returns and refund policy.


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Walkin' On Water Surf School is the Gold Coast's Premier Surf School, located at Greenmount Beach in Coolangatta and using the beautiful beaches of Greenmount and Coolangatta - the perfect ideal beaches for all levels of surf lesson.
They offer group and private lessons for all ages and abilities having taught people from four years old to those in their 80s They are blessed with an amazing location for beginners and early intermediates especially having protected rolling waves, perfect for getting the basics and learning in gentle forgiving waves.
It is renowned as the ideal learn to surf location on the Coast. For those with greater experience and skills also have fantastic wave opportunities to work on all levels of skills. Combined with their comprehensive lesson plans, all of their Surf Instructors are professional fully qualified Surfing Australia surf instructors that are handpicked for their skills, knowledge and experience and importantly are able to successfully pass on this knowledge and information to their surf participants in an extremely fun, friendly and non threatening environment. All of their Instructors also hold a number of lifesaving/lifeguard and first aid qualifications to ensure as safe an environment as possible.
|Cost AUD
|Valid From
|Indicative Prices
|$50 - $50
|Their Group Lessons are AUD50 per person including the lesson and everything needed for the lesson including soft surfboard, rashshirt, wetsuit (if required) and suncream.
|Opening Hours
|All year
|7am - 7pm
|25 December 2020
|26 December 2020
Note: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator's website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD).


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A tour of the April Fair from morning until night. The fairground itself, the bullfighting festival, the dancing and the whole of this colourful event. Promotional video for the Seville Fair. Produced by: Gabinete Comunicación @Ayto_Sevilla Camera operators: Pepo Herrera and Fernando Ruso
April Fair by night
The April Fair is basically about having fun.During these days, all the young people in Seville gather together in the roads leading to the fairground, intent on making the very most of a night of fun and high spirits.The only thing to do is to let go and enjoy the great atmosphere, the music, the drinks… In the municipal marquees which are open to the public, laughter and conversation flow freely, accompanied by glasses of refreshing "rebujito" (manzanilla sherry with fizzy lemonade).As glasses are raised, the party gathers momentum and you'll find yourself mingling with the crowds, joining in the traditional sevillana dancing ...It's up to you when to stop:you can go on until the early hours of the morning or until you drop from exhaustion… The fair will still be there the next day.
Организация поездки
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A wine gift basket makes an ideal housewarming gift, thank you gift, corporate gift, bridal gift, or gift for any other special occasions! Vino lovers beware: once our wine baskets are enjoyed, your loved ones will be hooked. Whether the recipient opens the bottle of wine right away or saves it for another day, a wine gift or gift basket will be appreciated. More than fresh flowers, FTD's selection of gift baskets is the best in the industry.
Our wine gifts and gift baskets not only include fine wines and champagne, but they are also filled with gourmet tidbits to nibble on. From artisan cheeses, to assorted peanuts, to all kinds of chocolates, FTD establishes an experience around our wine gifts. Send a gift basket complete with a delicious bottle of wine (or two!) and delicious snacks evokes good feelings and great times.
Pair your wine gift or gift basket with FTD's stunning floral arrangements. If flowers aren't your recipient's pleasure, have a fruit basket arrangement delivered to pair with our fine wines. Send red roses or a mixed flower bouquet of daisies, tulips, lilies and more-your loved one will value your thoughtfulness. At FTD, we proudly offer the freshest flowers on the market and thus, stand behind our Satisfaction Guarantee.
In addition to wine gifts and fresh flowers, FTD is known for its large selection of plants, including blooming plants, rose plants and orchid plants. A plant serves as a great green gift - ideal for the environmentally friendly individual. Long lasting and easy to maintain, plants can be enjoyed for many months to come.


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Underwater Landslides Threaten California Coast
When more than 2,200 people died after a 1998 earthquake in Papua New Guinea, it wasn't the earthquake that killed them, but a massive undersea landslide -- triggered by the quake -- that within minutes sent 50-foot waves surging over the shoreline, drowning unwary victims and destroying their villages.
Similar submarine landslides down unstable coastal slopes threaten many California coastal communities, and the slides may not even require earthquakes to touch them off, scientists agreed yesterday at a briefing during the American Geophysical Union meeting in Moscone Center.
A global network of tsunami warning centers are designed to signal whenever major earthquakes occur anywhere around the Pacific's notorious "ring of fire, " where the land and sea are marked by almost constant quakes and volcanic eruptions
But predicting the onset of the threatening underwater landslides when quakes are not involved is a science barely in its infancy, and experts are taking the first steps toward understanding the undersea origin of the waves.
A group of geologists and tsunami experts described how their high-tech maps of the offshore sea bottom along coastal areas of California are revealing potential hazards in areas where few have feared major dangers in the past.
Geologist H. Gary Greene of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, for example, used two remotely operated submersible vehicles from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute to map in detail the steep underwater slopes that dip down from the shore facing the Santa Barbara Channel.
He discovered clear evidence that at some unknown time in the past a truly monster slump occurred off Coal Oil Point near Goleta. It was more than six miles wide and nine miles long, and slid in three distinct segments, from a depth of 300 feet down to 2,000 feet.
Whether the slide was triggered by an ancient earthquake on one of the many faults in the region, or on the more distant San Andreas fault, is impossible to tell, Greene said. But his submersible craft recovered samples of chemicals and bacterial mats in the area that indicated the undersea slopes of earth and rock might well have been weakened enough to slide without any earthquake at all to trigger them, he said.
While major earthquakes on either side of the Pacific can cause tsunamis that cross the entire ocean within 12 to 24 hours, undersea landslides can also generate local tsunamis as the surface of the ocean first recedes and then surges forward to crash against the shore.
Such a slump along the Santa Barbara coast could batter the shore with waves as high as 50 feet if it were triggered by even a modest earthquake on one of the many known faults in the Santa Barbara Channel, according to Costas Synolakis, an environmental engineer at the University of Southern California.
Canadian geological engineer Jacques Locat created another scenario affecting the Palos Verdes Peninsula, which stands above the Los Angeles region with its scores of beaches and dense population, based on his calculation of what could happen if a 300-foot-thick rockfall were to slide down the peninsula's escarpment into the sea.
Plunging to a depth of more than 2,000 feet, the rockfall would generate a huge, surging wall of water -- a local tsunami that would batter the coast with a wave at least 100 feet high, Locat said, and give people on the shore at nearby Long Beach just 24 minutes to climb to safety.
What's needed, at least for California if not for all the world's coastal nations, the scientists agreed, is program to map the seabed wherever offshore slopes dip steeply enough to pose the threat of submarine landslides and the deadly tsunamis they are capable of generating.
Using remotely operated submersible vehicles, geologists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute have produced high-resolution maps of the sea floor off the coast of Santa Barbara. Their data have produced clear images showing evidence of a massive submarine landslide that occurred at some point in the past. Scientists can use these observations to help determine the causes of potential tsunami-producing landslides in California. . Source: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute Chronicle Graphic


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The 3 blue arcs are just repaints of the orginials.
The more I see, the less I want it.
Anyone notice the Toysrus website on these? No Longer Available! So for all you people like myself who ordered these months ago we may be screwed. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000CEXNP8/103-6278118-4848626?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance
The TRU.com separation from Amazon.com can't come soon enough. Amazon has screwed up on every single SW order I've had with them since ROTS hit. My order has a new revised shipping date of July 2. These have been hitting locally but I haven't had the time to pursue them. I'm hoping they'll continue to ship for a while and I can resume a search once my move is over.
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Wednesday, December 21 3:24 pm
Ancient Amber Preserves 52-Million-Year-Old Biological Partnership
Fossil provides evidence of early symbosis
between fungi and tropical trees
Click on image to see its original size
Ectomycorrhizae in Indian amber
Credit: Alexander Schmidt, University of Göttingen
Preserved for 52 million years in a piece of Indian amber the size of a walnut, a rare fossil discovered by an international team of scientists from the United States, Germany, and India documents a biological partnership that makes the survival of most terrestrial plants possible.
This long-standing symbiotic relationship between soil fungi and plant roots is called mycorrhizae. With fine thread-like cells, the fungus increases the root surface for the plant, enabling the host plant to access more nutrients. In return, the fungus receives energy from the plant in the form of sugars. This symbiosis also has been shown to enhance a plant's resistance to pathogens and the effects of drought.
"Mycorrhizal relationships are believed to have arisen more than 400 million years ago, as plants began to colonize terrestrial habitats," said Paul Nascimbene of the American Museum of Natural History's Division of Invertebrate Zoology. "They are seen as a key innovation in the evolution of vascular plants."
There are two primary types of mycorrhizae: endomycorrhizae, found in more than 80 percent of all plant species studied, and ectomycorrhizae, which occurs in roughly 10 percent of plant species.
Nascimbene is part of a research team led by Alexander Schmidt from Göttingen University in Germany that has discovered the first fossil ectomycorrhizae associated with flowering plants. Details about the fossil, which was found in a piece of Indian amber and was formed just 13 million years after the demise of dinosaurs, are published in the December issue of the journal New Phytologist. The fossil inclusions show various stages of development and reveal a variety of morphological details.
"Mycorrhizae are extremely rare in the fossil record - in fact, only one other fossil ectomycorrhiza has ever been found," said Schmidt. "The Indian amber containing the fossil was produced by the dominant trees of an early tropical rain forest."
Based on the amber's very specific chemistry, as well as on analyses of pollen and fossil wood found in association with the amber, the researchers determined that the tree that produced the resin is likely a member of the dipterocarp family. These are the prevalent trees in Southeast Asia's rainforests today.
The collaboration between paleontologists from the University of Göttingen, the American Museum of Natural History, and the University of Lucknow (India) made detailed study of the fossils possible.
Click on image to see its original size
Scanning electron mocrograph of fossil ectomycorrhiza leached out of the amber fragment
Credit: Alexander Schmidt, University of Göttingen
"Unlike most other ambers, the Indian amber's unique chemical properties allow it to be dissolved easily in organic solvents," said Christina Beimforde, a specialist in fossil fungi at Göttingen. "Thus, we were able to extract one of the ectomycorrhiza from the amber and perform ultra-structural analysis using a scanning electron microscope. In this way, we examined the fossil mycorrhizae in as much detail as we can examine living specimens today."
The researchers also detected melanin, a black pigment, in the ectomycorrhiza. It is the first time that melanin has been found in a fossil fungus or in amber.
The discovery of 52-million-year-old mycorrhizae illustrates the stability of terrestrial ecosystems, said Nascimbene, and "has important implications for the health and survival of today's forests and other continental biomes."
.American Museum of Natural History (amnh.org)
The American Museum of Natural History, founded in 1869, is one of the world's preeminent scientific, educational, and cultural institutions. The Museum encompasses 45 permanent exhibition halls and galleries for temporary exhibitions, the Rose Center for Earth and Space with the Hayden Planetarium, state-of-the-art research laboratories and five active research divisions that support more than 200 scientists in addition to one of the largest natural history libraries in the Western Hemisphere and a permanent collection of more than 32 million specimens and cultural artifacts. Through its Richard Gilder Graduate School, it is the first American museum to grant the Ph.D. degree. In 2012, the Museum will begin offering a pilot Master of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in earth science. Approximately 5 million visitors from around the world came to the Museum last year, and its exhibitions and Space Shows can be seen in venues on five continents. The Museum's website and growing collection of apps for mobile devices extend its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs to millions more beyond its walls. Visit amnh.org for more information.
Follow Become a fan of the Museum on Facebook at facebook.com/naturalhistory, or visit twitter.com/AMNH to follow us on Twitter.
Media Inquiries: Department of Communications, 212-769-5800


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Richard Littlemore | February 14, 2012
By Richard Littlemore • Tuesday, February 14, 2012 - 13:14
An anonymous donor calling him (or her)self "Heartland Insider" has released the Heartland Institute's budget, fundraising plan, its Climate Strategy for 2012 and sundry other documents (all attached) that prove all of the worst allegations that have been levelled against the organization.
It is clear from the documents that Heartland advocates against responsible climate mitigation and then uses that advocacy to raise money from oil companies and "other corporations whose interests are threatened by climate policies." Heartland particularly celebrates the funding that it receives from the fossil fuel fortune being the Charles G. Koch Foundation.
Heartland also continues to collect money from Philip Morris parent company Altria as well as from the tobacco giant Reynolds American, while maintaining ongoing advocacy against policies related to smoking and health.
Heartland's policy positions, strategies and budget distinguish it clear as a lobby firm that is misrepresenting itself as a "think tank" - it budgets $4.1 million of its $6.4 million in projected expenditures for Editorial, Government Relations, Communications, Fundraising, and Publications, and the only activity it plans that could vaguely be considered policy development is the writing of a curriculum package for use in confusing high schoolers about climate change.
There will be more comment and analysis to follow on DeSmogBlog and elsewhere, but we wanted to make this information available so that others can also scrutinize the documents and bring their expertise to the task.
Deep Climate – Heartland Institute Budget and Strategy Revealed
Greg Laden – Anti-Science Institute's Insider Reveals Secrets
Planet 3.0 – Is turnabout Fair Play?
Climate Crocks - How is Joe Bast like Joe Camel?
Climate Progress - Heartland Documents Reveal Fringe Denial Group Plans to Pursue Koch Money, Dupe Children and Cultivate Revkin
|(1-15-2012) 2012 Fundraising Plan.pdf
|(1-15-2012) 2012 Heartland Budget (2).pdf
|2 Agenda for January 17 Meeting.pdf
|2010_IRS_Form_990 (2).pdf
|2012 Climate Strategy (3).pdf
|Binder1 (2).pdf
|Board Meeting Package January 17.pdf
The exposure of these
The exposure of these documents confirm what climate realists/scientists have been saying for many years about the source of climate denial, and that the people pushing denier talking points are doing so for money. This money comes largely from the fossil fuel industry, which this further proves.
The "Climategate" emails, whose motivated misinterpretation and attendant media blitz was *successful* at creating additional climate denialism, and importantly, gave politicians political cover to avoid climate legislation/renewable energy support. It was a case study of the powers of modern PR and misinformation, and just how effectively a lie can be made to persuade and effect policy.
These Heartland docs *should* be a very effective weapon to shut down climate denier arguments, disbar the media credentials of paid climate deniers everywhere, and demonstrate the sophistication and dishonesty of the PR machine that climate scientists are up against. It truly is a test of whether or not scientists and honest/objective media brokers will ever be able to turn the tide in the climate messaging/media fight. This is a rare gift, and I hope to see the same strength and media brilliance employed in its dissemination as we all had to witness and endure during the "climategate" media blitz.
Hopefully this episode becomes branded with a catchy name, which can then be neatly invoked forevermore to call to mind the devious and fraudulent nature of climate denial. You know, sort of like all manner of conservatives attempt when mentioning "climategate". Please do better than "Heartlandgate", though.
Barry Saxifrage replied on Permalink
Wow, what a great haul. Thanks!
Yeah it is. Heartland's
Yeah it is. Heartland's hauling tons of money through their tricks but that's their problem to worry about.
Barry Saxifrage replied on Permalink
Teaching science...oh no!
Here's a great quote from their climate strategy doc:
"focus on providing curriculum that shows that the topic of climate change is controversial and uncertain - two key points that are effective at dissuading teachers from teaching science."
Don't want any of that nasty "science teaching" going on…
This important find will mark a tactical shift for denialists
What a great find. Thanks so much.
I want to know who is paying off all the politicians to not mention the problem. Both parties - one denies, and the other ignores. Eager to find the answer here.
#denialgate might work
#denialgate might work
HengistMcStone replied on Permalink
What does GR stand for?
Wow what a find. Hat Tip to all at DeSmogBlog .
I'm looking through the fundraising plan and it appears to indicate an astroturfing operation regarding fracking on page 19. What does GR stand for anyone? In fact what does PR stand for too?
Heartland has been one of the most outspoken defenders of fracking in the U.S., using Environment & Climate News, its Web sites, and its PR and GR operations to comment repeated on the issue and reach large audiences.
John Mashey replied on Permalink
GR = Government Relations
I think.
Please keep us informed...
Thanks SO MUCH for this important release of documents,
Please tell us why the site was down this morning? Was it traffic?
There is no response on the Heartland web site. So I called the Heartland Institute asking for a confirmation of these documents, and they put me off - saying that Jim Lakely would be available later.
If you have questions about The Heartland Institute itself, start out by visiting our "About" page but also don't hesitate to give us a call at 312/377-4000.
Possibly another way to confirm is to call some of the numerous donors listed on the documents. Simple ask them if they were aware, and confirm their donation amount.
This is straightforward fact-checking - I hope to see some reports in mainstream media. Perhaps they need training in basic journalism,
Carbonicus replied on Permalink
Heartland flap
Boy did you step in it!
You, Greenpeace, NRDC, Sierra, etc. will be the only outfits who lose in all this. Heartland has done absolutely nothing you and Greenpeace, NRDC and Sierra haven't done, only with a fraction of the budget and absent the support of the left-leaning mainstream media.
Your efforts here have only proven two things, nothing more, nothing less:
a) it's farcical to suggest that Heartland, with a budget of under $7 million (and many fish to fry with that budget other than "climate change") is a threat to the propaganda machines of Greenpeace, NRDC, Sierra, etc., all of whom have budgets 15-50 times the size of Heartland. Anyone with a brain sees these figures and asks themselves "who is really influencing public opinion here?" (and that's before they ask themselves the source of this funding!)
b) AGW Thermageddonists, like yourself, will do virtually anything to keep the eco-socialist policy prescriptions and the funding mechanisms alive.
For a look at how this ultimately ends, I highly recommend you research the history of the earth-centric view of the universe, Copernicus, and Galileo.
You and the AGW Thermageddonists are the modern equivalent of the Catholic Church.
Answer me this question: what good could have been done for human health and the environment with the $100 BILLION the U.S. govt. has wasted on "climate policy" since 1999? And before you go suggesting that's a made-up number spouted by Heartland or Rush Limbaugh, I'll save you from yourselves: it is an Obama administration Congressional Budget Office figure.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
As I've said… this is just the tip of the iceberg, and that is absolutely clear from the evidence in hand.
Mr. Big Mysterious Donor has given money to have education modules written. Mr Big Mysterious Donor is going to take care of getting the education modules into the hands of teachers via some undisclosed entity.
So, Heartland Institute is just one of many organizations being used as a front to push a propoganda regime on the US. (And indeed the world.)
And you and I have NO CLUE how much money is really getting funneled into this agenda. We only know there is more. Lots more.
Stop trying to confuse the matter by talking about a bunch of eco nuts. Desmogblog isn't Greenpeace, NRDC, Sierra, etc. its Desmogblog. These guys are the ones you are attacking and selling FUD about, so stay on topic;
Finally, you could argue that Heartland Institute isn't a charity. They are clearing work on demand through their organization like a contractor.
mastersam replied on Permalink
The actual three parents
The actual three parents Testking 640-802 turned down to be able to mail the children to be able to such schools after the 8th quality, quarrelling that school presence has been despite the spiritual beliefs. Demonology.
Vaccination programs and
Vaccination programs and distribution of condoms to prevent the spread of communicable diseases are examples of common preventive public measures, as are educational campaigns to promote vaccination and the use of condoms. Thanks.
Secondary care is the health
Secondary care is the health care services provided by medical specialists and other health professionals who generally do not have first contact with patients, for example, cardiologists, urologists and dermatologists. Thanks a lot.
Regards, http://www.reinventingaging.org/diet/sensa/sensa/


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Emmie Leather Flats
Additional Information
Laidback chic has never been easier to achieve than with our versatile Emmie Flat. Choose from leather, fabric and velvet options - there's an Emmie Flat to complete any look! Rubber heel and outsole.
- Heel: 0.31 inches
- Available in velvet or leather upper, synthetic lining and outsole
Fabric & Care
Write a Review
Great with Jeans (6), Comfortable (8), Stylish (7), Versatile (5), Good Cushioning (4), Stable (1), Durable (1), Arch Support (1)
Stains Easily (1), Poor Fit (3), Too Stiff (2), Uncomfortable (3), Poor Arch Support (1), Poor Cushioning (1), Poor Support / Stability (2), Poor Quality (1), Wears Quickly (1)
View On Shoes
Shoes are for Wearing (1)
Feels true to size (7), Feels half size too small (2), Feels full size too small (2)
Best Uses
Casual Wear (10), Travel (3), Dates / Night Out (2), Work (4), School (2)
Feels true to width (10)
Describe Yourself
Stylish (5), Conservative (3), Trendy Style (2)
Reviewed by 91 customers
Displaying reviews 1 - 91
Dana 11/1/19
I've purchased several pair of the Emmie Flats from Belk with no issues. I bought 2 pair from Lucky Brand online and within 2 months I have a pair that have the leather separating from the bottom of the shoe and per an email from customer service, they are out of warranty period. I will never buy these again as I do not support a company that will not stand by their products, only to offer me a 25% off coupon...yeah, NO THANKS!!!
Rose 9/28/19
I bought have these in 2 colors. They are great flats for everyday office and weekends. With these shoes aren't for prolonged standing or walking. It's true to size. My favorite ballet flats.
I love these ballet flats
Kristen 9/28/19
I've tried SO many different brands and styles, and Emmie's the only way to go! I purchased my first pair about 3.5 years ago. They lasted through 3 Midwest winters (i.e. salted sidewalks and parking lots that eventually led to their discoloration) before needing to be replaced. I then purchased Sonoma brand which quite literally fell apart after about 3 months of wear. I just recently purchased another Emmie pair, and it's the only brand I'll wear from now on! They're comfortable; the leather is soft so there's no "breaking in", they've never torn up my heels like every other brand; and the insoles are more cushioned than any pair of memory foam insoles I've tried. I can wear them all day (12+ hours) with no issues, and they seem to get even more comfortable with time. I love the Emmie and recommend anyone who may be on the fence to give them a try!
My favorite shoes!
Laura 9/18/19
I love the smoothness of the shoe and the way it molds perfectly to my foot. Some flats have a very uncomfortable stiff back and sole, these however do not which I love! The soft little added support in the heel is my favorite part next to the stitching up the back!!
The perfect pair of flats
These shoes are awful quality, but I still like the look of them. Good luck if they last more than 6 months! They start to fall apart at that point and get holes on the sides. I have replaced about 8 pairs total. Wish they were cheaper considering the low quality.
I keep buying new pairs
Sumer 7/31/19
I am a teacher which means I am on my feet all day. This will be my 3rd pair of Lucky Brand flats and they are the most comfortable and stylish shoes! I love them!
I would buy them in every color
Carol 7/26/19
These are not what I expected, so I returned them. Too small,
Not as I expected
(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
LR od 3/31/18
I recommend this shoes to anyone, I use them to work, to hang out and they are the most comfortable shoes I have came across.
Love this cute,comfortable shies
(2 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
Linette 3/31/18
Very comfortable and adorable.
I have them on every color
(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
Jennifer 3/30/18
What can I say other these are my favorite flats, ever! I have them in quite a few colors. The grey leather/suede is the newest edition to my collection. They are just as nice as the bourbon color I've had for the last 7 Years. They might take a few times to break in but the leather is soft and becomes super comfy.
Super comfy!
- Displaying reviews 1 - 91 Back to Top


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Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Door Shelves! From Doors! Now They're Shelves!
--we now have, awesomely, this: Finally, space for beads (Perler beads for mosaics and regular ones for stringing and collaging and decorating and embellishing...)Finally, space for toys you need space to spread out with, board games and floor puzzles and Legos and blocks:
Finally, space for the art supplies that I insist on buying in bulk, because frankly, I'd rather run out of food than art supplies:Finally, space for the kind of good non-fiction books that you really need to lie down on your belly on the floor, maybe with a big pillow or two, to explore:Finally, space!!!!
What with life, natural disasters, and everything, I haven't had too much time to throw all the stuff on them that I want to, and I won't be doing it tonight, either. On Tuesday nights, I feed the girls an early dinner before my office hours and their dance class, and after office hours I put them to bed while Matt goes to get grown-up take-out from a real restaurant, and then we sit down, at a table, just the two of us, and eat and talk like adults. What do we talk about?
The kids. Duh.
7 comments:
- Kimberly said...
Gorgeous!!! Recycled doors into shelves, who'd have thunk it (yes, I used horrible, horrible Southern IN colloquialism to someone who teaches in the English dept!).
- September 16, 2008 at 7:41 PM
- Abby said...
nice shelves! can matt come over and build us some shelves in our basement playroom? we are in serious need of some!
- September 17, 2008 at 7:54 AM
- Kimberly said...
Wait....OMG is that a Death Star on the top of those shelves? Right on! :-D My husband had a Millenium Falcon strung by fishing line (so that it "hovered" in the air) in our old house. He hasn't rigged it up yet in our new one.
- September 17, 2008 at 8:53 AM
The shelves look great! What a brillant idea to use closet doors. Pure genius.
- September 17, 2008 at 11:11 AM
- julie said...
Aww, you guys! I'm basking in your compliments, because this is literally, in three years of home ownership, the first time we have ever, ever done something to the house that didn't end up just making it uglier. It's pure bliss.
Abby, Matt would totally come over and build shelves for you, but considering that I had to bribe him with sex to build mine...
- September 17, 2008 at 3:00 PM
- Abby said...
Oh, so THAT'S how you get Matt to do so much shit for you!
- September 18, 2008 at 10:58 AM
- julie said...
What can I say--You work with what you've got!
- September 18, 2008 at 12:12 PM


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Micro flannel is luxuriously soft and warm. Micro flannel is an innovation that combines the best comfort features of high quality European cotton flannel with the easy care of fleece-and all without bulk or heavy weight. Micro flannel does not shrink, is anti-pill, resists wrinkling, and fits deep pocket mattresses. Micro flannel is energy saving because it is fast wash and quick dry. Micro flannel is a registered trademark of Shavel Home products/patent pending.
- 1 Throw
Product Specifications
- Item Code919908
- ManufacturerShavel
- ConditionNew
- Product TypeBlanket / Throw
- FinishLighthouse
- StyleNautical
- ConstructionPolyester


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Custom monogram stamps are an excellent choice for personalizing stationery, letterhead, party favors and your outgoing mail. Several styles are added regularly. Nearly all of our monogram stamps come in the traditional wood-handled style and the self-inking style. Available in several colors, choose your favorite design below!
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Nate Berg
Nate Berg is a freelance reporter and a former staff writer for CityLab. He lives in Los Angeles.
Dan Gilbert has deep roots in Detroit. And deep pockets. The founder and chairman of Quicken Loans is a third generation Detroit native and has become a major force in the city, bringing thousands of his employees into new headquarters downtown and helping to incubate new start-up businesses in the city. In addition to Quicken Loans, Gilbert is also the majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team, and, after a recent spree of purchases, he now owns more than 1.8 million square feet of property in downtown Detroit. This makes him the third largest land owner in Detroit, behind only General Motors and the city itself, according to
Gilbert chatted with us about why he's so involved in downtown Detroit, what he sees for its future, and how his approach to rebuilding the city can benefit his business and others.
You've been buying up a lot of property in downtown. Why the focus downtown?
People in their 20s and 30s, the best and brightest coming out of our universities, the vast majority of them want to be in a cool urban core in a hip city. Period. So, if we're going to retain and maintain talent in our companies and have innovative creative people, we've got to make sure that we're in the right locations that are going to generate the interest of those people. All of our businesses are Internet-related, technology-related, entertainment-related businesses. So thinking we're going to do that in a suburban setting where people have to walk a couple hundred yards across asphalt in the middle of winter, it's probably not going cut it for the kind of folks that we're trying to attract. Kids don't leave suburban Detroit to go to suburban Chicago or suburban New York or suburban L.A. They're going to the downtowns. Most of the activity and the kinds of areas and the companies that are attractive to people who are the best and brightest in our view want to be in the urban core.
How are you getting others to follow you downtown?
We created this non-profit academy that trains entrepreneurs called Bizdom U, and another way is through a venture fund we started called Detroit Venture Partners that Magic Johnson, myself and two other local Detroit guys partnered on to fund companies and startup businesses with a big Detroit bent and a Detroit bias. We will invest in other businesses, but primarily it is Detroit companies. And funding Detroit-based ventures for startup businesses. And then we've got our real estate piece of it. One of the things people don't realize about Detroit is that a lot of young people are moving back to downtown, but the inventory is very, very low. Occupancy is at about 98 percent. You can't find a lot of lofts and apartments and places to live in, so there's a huge opportunity for real estate developers to actually build residential because there's just not the inventory. A lot of people think, 'oh there must be so many vacant places. There isn't. So we're looking to do stuff there and partnering with developers on that front as well.
Why do you love Detroit?
I was born here and raised here. My father was born here, my grandfather was born here. I find myself in a fortunate position to be able to, I think, contribute to help leading the city back. And I feel like that's a great thing to do for the city, but it's also a great thing to do for our business. We have a "doing good by doing well" strategy here. And the investment in Detroit is one that's significant and growing, and we're doing it again so we can help tie all the threads here in Detroit and bring back the kind of downtown that people envision or even maybe have never seen here. We're also trying to make good investments, and we've got values of property that are low by any historical standards. So we're very excited about it. We think it's just the beginning. We've got about 4,000-plus people we've moved down here in the last 18 months. And were going to continue to move more down here and bring in more businesses and do everything we can with a bunch of other people who've been working very hard even before we got here and try to make Detroit the comeback city of this decade.
You've been involved in trying to bring more transit to the city. How are those prospects looking?
We've been working on this line called M-1, which is light rail along Woodward Avenue from the river up to Grand Boulevard. The city and state and the feds have been working on this bigger transportation plan, and they were working on light rail until a couple weeks ago when all of a sudden they changed directions and put in this rapid bus line and they killed the rail line. We had $100 million raised in private investment from companies, businesses and foundations to get some light rail along the main corridor here in downtown. But we just had a meeting with the mayor, the governor, two U.S. senators, congressional representatives, Ray LaHood, the transportation secretary, I mean it was incredible, and everybody agreed to have our rail system sit within their rapid bus line. So we're back on track, no pun intended. We almost have all the money raised for it. And we feel like we'll be getting into the ground early next year or the end of this year if everything goes well. We have a 90-day period to prove to the feds and the state and the city that we have all our ducks in a row so we can pull the trigger on it.
Does Detroit need an emergency manger?
How Detroit does it I can't really comment because I don't have enough information or enough knowledge deep in the financials to understand. But what I do know is that something has to happen and it needs to be fixed, and it just cant keep going on and on and on here. And I think the city and the state finally realized it. It's sort of similar to the auto companies here a couple years ago. The bankruptcies at GM and Chrysler were looming for so long, and when it happened it was a little anti-climactic. Everything got washed out, and now they're really starting to boom again here. Things are looking up. There's a lot of optimism around the auto business. And for decades that kind of financial doom and gloom weighed down these companies, and it's the same way with the city of Detroit. Whether it's the financial planner or another method, you've got to fix the financial house so we can move forward.
What do you think the city will look like in ten years?
I would hope that people all over the country and maybe the world would be talking about Detroit as one of the biggest comeback cities they've ever seen. That there's a thriving downtown with hundreds if not more of startup technology service companies who are thriving and growing, and there's venture capital and there's a lot of residential and retail down here. And there's a major improvement in the neighborhoods and there's a hugely optimistic feeling among the citizens of both the city and the state that things are really moving in the right direction here and that people would be coming back into the city, both young and older, and that hopefully the school systems improve. We obviously can't do all of it, nor can anybody, but it's got to be a group effort by a lot of contingents.
Any chance you'll be sitting in the mayor's office one day?
I'll leave that one to Dave Bing for now, that's for sure.
Photo credit: Rebecca Cook / Reuters
What do we know so far about the types of places that are more susceptible to the spread of Covid-19? In the U.S., density is just the beginning of the story.
The short-term rental market is reeling from the coronavirus-driven tourism collapse. Can the industry's dominant player stage a comeback after lockdowns lift?
Will COVID-19 change how cities are designed? Michele Acuto of the Connected Cities Lab talks about density, urbanization and pandemic preparation.
Because of coronavirus, millions of tenants won't be able to write rent checks. But calls for a rent holiday often ignore the longer-term economic effects.
To help get essential workers around, cities are revising traffic patterns, suspending public transit fares, and making more room for bikes and pedestrians.


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The Equestrian sports Centre "Riesenbeck International" has been established in the second year after it's opening, and is well accepted by riders and horse friends.After a successful premiere in October 2016 it´s fixed: the late entry tournaments will regularly take place at Riesenbeck International. In January 2017, not only show jumping-late entrys but also dressage-late entry will be offered.
"We received a very positive response to our first event", says Ludger Beerbaum, who will organize the tournaments with his orga-team in the two new riding areas.
The judges also have signaled that this kind of riding tournament should have a fixed place in the time schedule of Riesenbeck International.


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Our company was established on the 19th of November 1990 and started its activities in Paphos retailing in gold and diamonds. In 1995 the Managing Director of the company received his diploma as a Certified Diamond Grader from the HRD Institute of Gemmology. On the 17/3/1998 we became members of the International Bourse of Diamonds (No. 1392). This gives us the ability of obtaining rough and polished diamonds with authenticates certificate and registration as well as the ability of obtaining lower prices. There are about 3500 members in this organisation from all over the world. In 1998 the company?s activities expanded by setting up a laboratory for manufacturing specialised and unique jewellery, offering a quick service to our customers. In 1999 we started entering the wholesale in diamonds, with the aspiration of becoming the leaders in the Cypriot market in this area. Since November 2000 we officially started the activity of the Diamond Cutting Center in Cyprus. In 2008 we proceeded renovating our company from the beginning of which at the moment is of International standards. Athos Diamonds offers 18K (750) gold and platinum jewellery, precious stones and diamonds in different colours and shapes. Apart from our huge quantities and varieties, we are able to create especially for our customers, exclusive designs of jewellery in our design laboratory. We also have sealed diamonds approved from the HRD Institute of Gemmology and GIA. Our solid clientele is proving the award of Athos Diamonds in the area of brand named jewellery. Our experience and knowledge, our sincerity and respect to our clients, has lead us to an astounding path up to now. We are utilising up-to-date jewellery software, used only for the purpose of jewellery and Diamond Center, which help us to serve our customers in the most efficient way.
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27 piece hairstyles can easily bring out your inner diva and turn you into a short haired goddess, so check out the following 27 piece hairstyle ideas and draw inspiration for your next hot style!
Laura Wright has delighted soap fans with her new haircut in 2013. Laura Wright's short hair is a natural extension of her preferred style, that suits her great.
Refuse to get stuck in the rut and instead make sure you try out all the rad hair style options. These modern short mohawk hairstyles will provide you with the best motivation to ramp up your locks with...
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Stay on trend with the newest trends by sporting this modern Pixie haircut for older women.


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Digital transformation definition
Digital transformation is the process of integrating digital technology into all aspects of business, requiring fundamental changes in technology, culture, operations, and value delivery. To best leverage emerging technologies and their rapid expansion into human activities, a business must reinvent itself by radically transforming all of its processes and models. Digital transformation requires a shift of focus to the edge of the enterprise and more agile data centers to support that edge. It also means shedding legacy technology that may be costly for the enterprise to maintain and altering the company culture so it supports the acceleration that comes with digital transformation.
Brief history of digital transformation
While digital transformation is a popular topic in today's tech climate, it's actually been part of the conversation for the last few decades. However, it hasn't always meant the same thing. For a long time, it was something along the lines of digitization, or translating traditional forms of data so they can be stored digitally. This is important, but doesn't begin to cover the scope of modern digital transformation, which really evolved out of digitization.
When businesses realized they could leverage the newly digitized data, they began developing processes to do so. Since then, the rate at which technology emerges has accelerated exponentially, making it all the more important to adapt and remain competitive.While digital transformation is a popular topic in today's tech climate, it's actually been part of the conversation for the last few decades. However, it hasn't always meant the same thing. For a long time, it meant something along the lines of digitization, or translating traditional forms of data so that they can be stored digitally. This is important, but doesn't begin to cover the scope of modern digital transformation, which really evolved out of digitization. When businesses realized they could leverage the newly digitized data, they began developing processes to do so. Since then, the rate at which technology emerges has accelerated exponentially, making it all the more important to adapt and remain competitive.
Why digital transformation?
Businesses are rapidly replacing their traditional interactions with digital experiences powered by advances in technology. Often, this occurs not because businesses choose to transform, but because they must transform to survive. The market has come to expect efficient digital experiences from its businesses, and a business that does not adapt to this new digital customer model will be abandoned.
On the other hand, a business that embraces change and adapts to a more agile model has the potential to be more successful than ever. This is because digital transformation essentially means looking at all aspects of a business and figuring out how to modernize them so that they can continue to evolve as technology does.
Improve processes
New technology allows businesses to automate simpler processes and cut out the intermediaries in more complex processes. This makes businesses more agile and allows them to use their human capital in more effective ways.
Find new revenue streams
Profitable avenues that may not have been open to businesses when they were first established may be open now via emerging technologies.
Create more personalized and engaging experiences for customers
Today's customers have come to expect businesses to listen to them and meet their specific needs. Technology has evolved to fit this very purpose.
In order to leverage digital data, though, businesses must adopt technologies as they become available, test them, and use this feedback to better adapt and look ahead to the future. While incorporating new technologies is somewhat riskier than staying with established systems, the rewards also have the potential to be much, much greater.
Key steps in a digital transformation
Although the digital transformation process is different for every business, there are a few steps that are important for all to consider.
Create a plan that works for the business
When beginning the digital transformation process, it's vital for a business to think about both how it wants to evolve and which new technologies it can leverage to get there. Businesses must think through the resources they have at their disposal and which can be devoted to modernization. This might even mean reprioritizing projects and thinking through the business organization, identifying any gaps that could hurt the digital transformation effort.
Get employees to use and master emerging technologies
This process can be complicated, as traditional business models asked employees to learn certain systems and continue using them for years to come. With digital transformation, employees must be open to changing the processes they use to do their work if it will make their work more efficient. It also means thinking creatively about the potential of new technologies and how they can best be utilized.
Let go of legacy technology
Businesses often spend massive amounts of money just to maintain older technology that is no longer profitable and which doesn't provide the digital experience required by the market. This occurs because it can be expensive and complicated to update older technology. However, holding onto legacy technology bogs down the business as a whole. It consumes valuable resources that could otherwise be expended on technology that is easier to use, provides a better customer experience, and/or conducts data analysis more quickly.
Digital transformation with HPE
Digital transformation is not simple. It requires strategy, redesign of business models and processes, infrastructure, software, services, implementation, training, and ongoing support. HPE provides it all. Our portfolio spans cloud, security, IoT, mobility, and infrastructure. HPE Pointnext provides the expertise you need to achieve successful transformation.
Overcome poor capacity planning
Sometimes it can be difficult to identify the capacity you will need for your future digital efforts. Fortunately, HPE has agile solutions to increase your capacity planning in minutes.
Only pay for the services you use
HPE can help you transition to an IT as a service model and move towards composable infrastructure, reducing IT department complexity and lowering the total cost of ownership.
Make your infrastructure smarter
There's no doubt that artificial intelligence is part of the future of digital business. HPE adds AI to data analytics and operational support so your infrastructure can effectively take care of itself.
Take advantage of the Internet of Things
HPE develops intelligent edge technology, Intelligent Spaces, and hybrid IT solutions to make businesses efficient, profitable, and competitive.We can assist you in transforming your business more quickly and easily than you ever thought possible.
We can assist you in transforming your business more quickly and easily than you ever thought possible.
Featured HPE digital transformation services
HPE Pointnext
Drive rapid transformation across your enterprise on your own terms with the help of an innovative IT services organization.
Advisory and transformation services
Design your business's transformation and help build a roadmap tuned to your unique challenges.
Professional services
Accelerate time to value across the enterprise by leveraging digital transformation and management of change services.
Let's talk
Speak with an HPE expert about how you can get started on or accelerate your digital transformation.
Çözüm Özeti : Aligning IT, investment and support strategies to meet business needs
This is one solution brief of HPE Customer brochure providing an overview of the purpose and key elements of the Support Transformation Executive Workshop.
Makale : HPE Pointnext on digital transformation
Learn how HPE can support your digital transformation strategy with IT-as-a-Service model from HPE Pointnext that starts with your infrastructure and ends with application management.
Blog Gönderisi : Digital transformation made simple
We've all heard the term "digital transformation". But what does it mean? Digital transformation is the evolution of business activities, processes, competencies and models to fully leverage the opportunities and capabilities of new digital technologies.
Blog Gönderisi : 10 inspiring videos about digital transformation
These presentations and keynotes have a message to every business large and small: Get on the digital train now, or be left at the station forever.
Blog Gönderisi : Visit the Transforming IT Blog
Join the conversation with experts and colleagues to get advice, discuss issues, and find solutions.
Blog Gönderisi : Introducing HPE Pointnext by Ana Pinczuk, SVP and GM
Introducing HPE Pointnext by Ana Pinczuk, SVP and GM


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Due to variances in monitors, the colors and patterns displayed may vary slightly from the actual product. Physical samples should be ordered prior to specifying.
Like vertical cords, this pattern is a tone on tone narrow, irregular stripe. This wallcovering offers a no-nonsense, businesslike, and very attractive approach to décor. A baker's dozen of colors include Ebony or Mist blue.
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PinKster wrote:So PetPlan doesn't cover anything preventive?
Exams, vaccinations, ect?
Petplan policies provide the most comprehensive reimbursement for veterinary fees relating to treatment administered by a licensed veterinarian for illness or injury (provided that it is not pre-existing or occurred during a waiting period) such as:
•Hospitalization - including emergency treatment
•Diagnostic testing - such as MRIs, x-rays, endoscopy
•Surgery - including cruciate ligament surgery and organ transplants but not spay/neuter
•Cancer treatment - regardless of the type of cancer
•Non-routine dental treatment - such as tooth extraction, root canal but not routine teeth cleaning
•Prescription medications
•Referral and specialist treatment
•Alternative and complementary treatments - such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy or chiropractic treatment
If I recall there were plans that did cover yearly shots etc. but I found the premiums too high... not a good value.
Of note the select illness category did get into this somewhat - e.g. one of the select illnesses was arthritis and covered alternative treatments such as accupunture and others... at that time the coverage for each select illness was $2000 for lifetime with a one time deductable (100?) for each.


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Midsize Insider hosting my WebCast on Storage Management
Visits (11781)
Mark your calendars! Next month, IBM's Midsize Insider is hosting me as a speaker for a Webcast: [Storage Management with IBM], on August 7th, 12pm EDT. Midsize Insider is a valuable repository of expert content tailored for small-to-midsized business owners and IT decision makers.
The problems that used to keep storage managers awake at night -- power, cooling and physical footprint -- are being successfully addressed by technology, but a more vexing issue still remains: How to get more out of the limited supply of skilled storage management professionals.
Demand for storage capacity continues to grow far faster than the pool of people to manage it. With no end in sight to data growth, businesses need to apply technology and practices that distribute management responsibility to the people who need storage, and multiply the volumes of storage that skilled professionals can handle.In this presentation, in this session, I will cover best practices and new tools that are enabling leaps in productivity, in three main areas:
To sign up for this event, go to the [IBM WebCast Registration Page]!
Update: This event has been re-scheduled to September 25, 2012. Here is the [Registration Page]
Robert LeBlanc Keynote Session at Red Hat Summit
Visits (13623)
Robert LeBlanc, IBM Senior Vice President for Middleware, gave a keynote presentation at the Red Hat Summit. Here is the [26-minute YouTube video]:
I am running Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 6.2 as my primary laptop operating system. Most of IBM's products, like Lotus Notes for email, run natively on Linux for the desktop. I have a Windows XP running as a Linux KVM guest to run a few third-party software that we are still using.
technorati tags: , IBM, RedHat, RHEL, Robert LeBlanc
Happy Fourth of July
Visits (11507)
Photo by Amy Claxton, in Paris, Texas
Happy Fourth of July everyone! For my readers outside the U.S.A, this Wednesday marks America's [Independence Day]. Celebrations include parades during the day, and fireworks at night.
A long time ago, the IBM Tucson lab decided to close down the entire week, forcing everyone to take a week of their allotted vacation, so as to perform maintenance on the air conditioners and other equipment. Since then, many IBMers in Tucson have adopted this week as a good time to get out of town.
Most years, I head over to San Diego, California. This year, however, I will be taking a cruise on the Caribbean.
Things to See and Do in Moscow
Visits (12455)
Despite having business meetings every day I was here in Moscow, I managed to do a bit of sightseeing. June is a good month to visit Russia, as there are nearly 18 hours of daylight to see things. Some things are outdoors, and not constrained to normal business hours.
Near my hotel, the [Crowne Plaza at the World Trade Center], was a cute little park called "Ulista 1905 Goda". It is always nice to see large cities set aside space for nature. There were plenty of park benches to sit and enjoy. The word Ulista simply means "Street" in Russian language, and 1905 refers to the year of historical importance.
The [1905 Russian Revolution] was a wave of mass political and social unrest that spread through vast areas of the Russian Empire. It included worker strikes, peasant unrest, and military mutinies, including sailors aboard the battleship Potemkin. Alexander Adrianov became Moscow's first official mayor. The revolution led to the establishment of the State Duma of the Russian Empire, the multi-party system, and the Russian Constitution of 1906, ending the reign of Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia.
Walking from my hotel towards the direction of the Kremlin, I managed to find the [Old Arbat street], which has been around since the 15th century. This was considered a prestigious area of town, home to many artists, academics and politicians. Today, it is pedestrian-only, no cars allowed, with various souvenir shops and restaurants.
This is [Saint Basil's Cathedral], on the [Red Square]. This is officially The Cathedral of the Protection of Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat, but there is no longer any moat.
There is a lot to see around the Red Square to see. The [Kremlin] is a walled castle with an [Armoury Chamber] and various other cathedrals and government buildings to see inside. A ticket for the Armoury Chamber will set you back 700 rubles (about 22 bucks). [Lenin's Masoleum] is free of charge, but only open for three hours on weekdays, from 10:00am to 1:00pm, so plan accordingly.
Returning back to the hotel from the event venue on Wednesday, I walked past the [Cathedral of Christ the Saviour] on my way to the Kropotskinskaya subway station. It is actually across the river from the Red Square. Built in 1860, it is considered the tallest Orthodox church in the world at 344 feet. The domes are electroplated in gold.
I found the taxis to be ridiculously expensive here in Moscow, so I took to the subway instead. If fellow filmmaker John Waters can [hitchhike across the state of Ohio], I can certainly be adventurous and ride the Moscow Metro.
The Moscow Metro is second most used rapid transit system in the world (the first being the one in Tokyo). As a result, the subway can get quite crowded, but I found being squashed into a carload of Russian supermodels to be quite tolerable. The price is a bargain at only 28 rubles per ride (less than a dollar), with unlimited transfers.
While the Metro is a great way to get around the city, it is also a destination in itself, as the system was built in 1935 and has historical architectures that you can only see underground. At the [Ploshchad Revolyutsii station], for example, there is a whole collection of bronze statues of men and women in different work roles. For the statue of the frontier guard, many people rub the dog's nose for good luck that it has become bright and shiny.
Dispel quickly the notion that you need to eat traditional Russian food while in Moscow. A bowl of Borsch (a watery soup made from beets) and a plate of Beef Stroganof set me back 50 bucks! Apparently, restaurants know that only tourists ask for "traditional Russian food", so the prices are set accordingly.
I had to find less expensive eats to stay within my per diem meal limits. Where do the locals eat? Russia is a modern country, with plenty of Burger King, Wendy's, Baskin Robbins, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks.
No visit to any foreign country would be complete without at least eating one meal at McDonald's. Before working for IBM, I did software engineering for McDonald's, so as a former employee, I try to visit at least one McDonald's in every country. They have restaurants in over 120 countries, so I have a ways to go yet.
A meal consisting of a "Royal" quarter-pounder with cheese, large fries and a Coke was only 214 rubles, less than seven dollars. The meat patty was medium rare, just like I make at home. You just can't get that in the States where everything has to be overcooked to avoid food-bourne illnesses. The fries were a bit over-salted, but the Coke struck just the right balance of syrup and carbonation.
Moscow is home to many museums and art galleries. The [State Tretyakov Gallery] focuses on sculptures and oil paintings from Russian artists, named after a Russian merchant who dontated his collection to get it started.
Plan a good two hours to see everything. There were many guided tour groups when I was there, which slowed me down getting through the large crowds of old people.There were over 50 rooms, with subject matter ranging from portraits, ships, and buildings, to piles of dead bodies in battle scenes. I especially liked the unique styles of [Mikhail Vrubel] and [Vasily Vereshchagin]. In many of the rooms, there were laminated placards in large-type English that explained the pieces on display.
My last stop was the [Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU)]. This served two purposes. First, it is situated up on a hill so that you can see a great view of the rest of the city. Second, there were street vendors selling souvenirs, including the ever-popular [Matryoshka dolls], military hats, keychains, and refrigerator magnets.
In other countries, I have found going to the movies as an interesting way to see the locals in action. Foreign movies are shown here in their original language, with either Russian subtitles for the locals or headphones to hear the Russian dubbed audio track. Sadly, I did not have time to do that this week. This poster, depicting the latest Disney movie "Brave", indicates that it opens this weekend.
As always, from a sightseeing perspective, I try to leave a few things un-done, so I have reason to come back. If you know of any other exciting things to see or do in Moscow, please put that in the comments below so that I can consider it for my next trip! I would like to thank my IBM Russia colleagues Rimma Vladimirova and Sunil Bagai for their suggestions and assistance.
technorati tags: Moscow, Russia, Arbat, Kremlin, Saint Basils, Red Square, Moscow Metro, McDonalds, Armoury, Lenin, Masoleum, John Waters, Tretyakov, Disney
IBM Edge Comes to You - Moscow Russia 2012
Visits (19391)
This week I am in Moscow, Russia for today's "Edge Comes to You" event. Although we had over 20 countries represented at the Edge2012 conference in Orlando, Florida earlier this month, IBM realizes that not everyone can travel to the United States. So, IBM has created the "Edge Comes to You" events where a condensed subset of the agenda is presented. Over the next four months, these events are planned in about two dozen other countries.
This is my first time in Russia, and the weather was very nice. With over 11 million people, Moscow is the 6th largest city in the world, and boasts having the largest community of billionaires. With this trip, I have now been to all five of the so-called BRICK countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and Korea) in the past five years!
The venue was the [Info Space Transtvo Conference Center] not far from the Kremlin. While Barack Obama was making friends with Vladimir Putin this week at the G2012 Summit in Mexico, I was making friends with the lovely ladies at the check-in counter.
If it looks like some of the letters are backwards, that is not an illusion. The Russian language uses the [Cyrillic alphabet]. The backwards N ("И"), backwards R ("Я"), the number 3 ("З), and what looks like the big blue staple logo from Netapp ("П"), are actually all characters in this alphabet.
Having spent eight years in a fraternity during college, I found these not much different from the Greek alphabet. Once you learn how to pronounce each of the 33 characters, you can get by quite nicely in Moscow. I successfully navigated my way through Moscow's famous subway system, and ordered food on restaurant menus.
The conference coordinators were Tatiana Eltekova (left) and Natalia Grebenshchikova (right). Business is booming in Russia, and IBM just opened ten new branch offices throughout the country this month. So these two ladies in the marketing department have been quite busy lately.
I especially liked all the attention to detail. For example, the signage was crisp and clean, and the graphics all matched the Powerpoint charts of each presentation.
Moscow is close to the North pole, similar in latitude as Juneau, Alaska; Edinburgh, Scottland; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Stockholm, Sweden.
As a result, it is daylight for nearly 18 hours a day. The first part of the day, from 8:00am to 4:30pm, was "Technical Edge", a condensed version of the 4.5 day event in Orlando, Florida. I gave three of the five keynote presentations:
(Note: I do not speak Russian fluently enough to give a technical presentation, so I did then entire presentation in English, and had real-time translators convert to Russian for me. The audience wore headphones. However, I was able to sprinkly a few Russian phrases, such as "доброе утро", "Я не понимаю по-русский" and "спасибо".)
After the keynote sessions, I was interviewed by a journalist for [Storage News] magazine. The questions covered a variety of topics, from the implications of [Big Data analytics] to the future of storage devices that employ [Phase Change Memory]. I look forward to reading the article when it gets published!
The afternoon had break-out sessions in three separate rooms. Each room hosted seven topics, giving the attendees plenty to choose from for each time slot. I presented one of these break-out sessions, Big Data Cloud Storage Technology Comparison. The title was already printed in all the agendas, so we went with it, but I would have rather called it "Big Data Storage Options". In this session, I explained Hadoop, InfoSphere BigInsights, internal and external storage options.
I spent some time comparing Hadoop File System (HDFS) with IBM's own General Parallel File System (GPFS) which now offers Hadoop interfaces in a Shared-Nothing Cluster (SNC) configuration. IBM GPFS is about twice as fast as HDFS for typical workloads.
At the end of the Technical Edge event, there was a prize draw. Business cards were drawn at random, and three lucky attendees won a complete four-volume set of my book series "Inside System Storage"! Sadly, these got held up in customs, so we provided a "certificate" to redeem them for the books when they arrive to the IBM office.
The second part of the day, from 5:00pm to 8pm, was "Executive Edge", a condensed version of the 2 day event in Orlando, designed for CIOs and IT leaders. Having this event in the evening allowed busy executives to come over after they spend the day in the office. I presented IBM Storage Strategy in the Smarter Computing Era, similar to my presentation in Orlando.
Both events were well-attended. Despite fighting jet lag across 11 time zones, I managed to hang in there for the entire day. I got great feedback and comments from the attendees. I look forward to hearing how the other "Edge Comes to You" events fare in the other countries. I would like to thank Tatiana and Natalia for their excellent work organizing and running this event!
technorati tags: IBM, Moscow, Russia, Edge, ECTY, Cyrillic, Tatiana Eltekova, Natalia Grebenshchikova, Smarter Storage, Smarter Computing, Smarter Planet, Big Data, Cloud, IBM Watson, Jeopardy, Hadoop, HDFS, InfoSphere, BigInsights, GPFS, GPFS-SNC