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One of the most compelling accounts of the Aurora, Colo., theater massacre can be found not on any conventional news outlet but on Reddit, a social news website in which a member nicknamed integ3r began posting soon after the gunfire stopped.
"Denver resident here," integ3r wrote. "Reddit, I'm doing my best to update this."
The first post, presumably taken from broadcasts of police radio communications, sets the tone.
U.S. & World
1:27: "Bring as much crime scene tape as you can"
What follows is dry but chilling narrative that continues to be updated, in real time (and often without fact checking), by not only integ3r but other Reddit members, drawing from all sorts of sources: police communications, television live streams, newspaper reports, Facebook, Twitter, you name it.
Welcome to breaking crime news, 2012 social-media style.
While traditional news outlets scrambled to confirm and understand what happened inside Theater 9 of the Century 16 Multiplex, witnesses were uploading pieces of their stories. Reporters at the scene added what they were seeing and hearing. Reporters not at the scene chased witnesses for more comment. A twitter hashtag, #theatershooting, sprang up. So did a Wikipedia page. Before long the Aurora police and fire communications became available online as well.
Friends of those killed shared went online to share their grief. That's how the world first learned that one of the victims was Jessica Ghawi, an aspiring sports reporter from Texas whose last post to Twitter was "MOVIE DOESN'T START FOR 20 MINUTES."
Back on Reddit, a witness posting as Peener 13 went to her online community for solace. "Someone came into our theater at the midnight release of Dark Knight Rises and began opening fire," Peener 13 wrote. "Who here on Reddit can help me calm my nerves?"
Not long after, a victim calling himself – unfortunately – themurderator snapped bloody photos of himself, including what appears to be a gunshot wound. "i am one of the 50 wounded in the aurora theatre shooting," he wrote. "here are a few photos of my very lucky but nonethless terrifying brush with death. my thoughts go out to those less fortunate than me."
At last count, thousands of people had responded to those two posts. Comments on the Reddit tick-tock included a debate on social media's place in the future of news reporting. Some called the Reddit contributors "the professional journalists of tomorrow."
Others were less convinced, noting that much of the timeline was culled from work being done by emergency responders and traditional media. "I agree that (integ3r) is providing a tremendously valuable service by aggregating all of this info," ryanhgwu wrote. "But let's not confuse that with actual reporting."
On Friday afternoon, Buzzfeed identified integ3r as 18-year-old Morgan Jones. He told his interviewer that it was "liberating to be able to inform so many people so rapidly."
In a briefing to reporters on Friday afternoon, Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates added his own skepticism, warning the press and the public not to rely on social media for information. "There are a lot of pranks," Oates cautioned.
But he also admitted that authorities were watching social media, too. Not looking for news, but clues.


text:
Secondhand smoke is tobacco smoke that affects a nonsmoker.
Secondhand smoke can come directly from a cigarette or other lit tobacco; it
may also be exhaled by a person smoking.
Secondhand smoke is sometimes referred to as environmental tobacco
smoke (ETS), involuntary smoking, or passive smoking.
Secondhand smoke contains the same cancer-causing and lung-damaging
chemicals that affect smokers. Repeated exposure to secondhand smoke over many
years can cause damage to a nonsmoker's lungs that is similar to that of a
Secondhand smoke is the most important risk factor for cancer among
nonsmokers, far greater than other known cancer-causing substances. Secondhand
smoke is most harmful to:
Last Revised:
September 12, 2012
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Michael Seth Rabin, MD - Medical Oncology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

subset: commoncrawl


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Hello all,
I have the sad announcement that more than the half of the bukkit staff resigned in the past two days and more are likely to go. There were only barely enough people to handle the plugin flow before and now it is impossible for them to catch up with the posts. Bukkit is likely to die. There might be some possibilities like mojang finishing the dev of their own api or Bukkit getting new moderators in the team. Hope Bukkit will survive.
cheers, fred.


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In September, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration sponsored the first ever "Take Back" campaign, asking people to bring all their old and unused prescription drugs to law enforcement sites all over the country. The American public really responded and brought 121 TONS of drugs back to more than 4,000 sites! That's a lot of unused drugs.
Now, on November 13th, the Partnership for a Drug Free America and its partners are sponsoring the American Medicine Chest Challenge--once again asking Americans to clean out their medicine cabinets and bring their old prescription drugs to sites listed on the Web site.
Why all the commotion about unused prescription drugs? Studies show that when teens take prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons (like trying to get "high") they usually get them from family or friends. Taking drugs not prescribed for you--or taking prescribed drugs long after you really need them--can be dangerous. And mixing them with alcohol and other drugs can cause overdose and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, recently reported that in the last 10 years, the number of fatal overdoses involving pain medications more than tripled from 4,000 to 13,800 deaths, greater than heroin and cocaine combined.
So ask your parents to check out the family medicine cabinets for old or unused medicines---let them know they can bring them to sites in your own communities where they can be disposed of properly. By doing so, you can benefit the public health in two ways—getting more prescription drugs out of circulation and helping the environment, since flushing pills is not good for it. Photos from the DEA event can be found on the DEA Web site.
Its Good that we can get rid of pills saftley! Thank you for posting this!
It is good that we can do that cause there will be like no where to disgard the pills that you don`t need
New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, New Jersey Prevention Network and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. The parent organization AMCC is the Partnership for a drug-free New Jersey.
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Actually the medcine now has attracted people's eyes all over the world so I think it is the right time to avaoid pills and use pills safty.
drugs will get u addicted
yeah You are right,,, We should always consider the side effects...
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Every drug has its side effects.So see to it!!!!
thanks for everything
Easily, the post is in reality the freshest on this precious topic. I fit in with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your upcoming updates.
The American Medicine Chest Challenge provides a unified national, statewide, and local focus to the issue of medicine abuse by children and teens.Actually the medcine now has attracted people's eyes all over the world so I think it is the right time to avaoid pills and use pills safty.
[commercial link removed, per guidelines]
Nice explanation and very thorough..
I'd need to consult with you here. Which isn't some thing I usually do! I quite like reading an article that can make people think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment! [commercial link removed, per guidelines]
New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, New Jersey Prevention Network and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. The parent organization AMCC is the Partnership for a drug-free New Jersey.
[commercial link removed, per guidelines]
This is really a good news . peoples should care about taking drugs.I think this work can get rid of us from bad effect of drugs.We should more care about it.Thanks for this good news.
I discovered your blog web site on google and verify a few of your early posts. Continue to maintain up the very good operate. I simply additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to studying more from you later on!�
I am not positive the place you are getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or working out more. Thank you for excellent info I used to be searching for this information for my mission. [commercial link removed, per guidelines]


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Will file-sharing be the savior or the slayer of the music industry? The industry is quite sure that it knows the answer, and it has been attempting to sue the file-sharing genie back into its bottle, with limited success. Defenders of sharing argue that it actually benefits the music industry by exposing people to more artists. But for a topic this controversial, file-sharing has received limited academic scrutiny. The entire debate is in need of some good empirical evidence, which is why Norbert Michel's recent paper in Topics in Economic Analysis & Policy is so intriguing.
Though the methodology is complex, the results are straightforward: some US music consumers "could have decreased their CD purchases (prior to 2004) by about 13 percent due to Internet file sharing."
The paper, titled "The Impact of Digital File Sharing on the Music Industry: An Empirical Analysis," is the first to use the fine-grained data gathered by the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX). The Survey is run by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracks nearly all household expenses for selected families in order to calculate numbers like the Consumer Price Index. Michel points out that such a survey has the advantage of eliminating self-serving responses, since participants have no reason to believe the data will be used to measure the effects of file-sharing.
The data used was from 1995 through 2003. Michel wanted to see if there's a link between owning a computer and decreased CD buying during those years. It turns out that there is. During 2002 computer owners' CD sales decreased by $4.79 a year, and by $5.55 in 2003. Those without computers only decreased by $0.80 and $0.22, respectively. On the other hand, in 2001, the year that Napster closed, people with computers increased their CD buying by 19 percent while non-computer owners held steady. Could the decrease in CD buying the following two years be chalked up to increased sales of digital downloads, which started to become popular just at that time? The paper does not address the question.
According to Michel's methodology, those who owned a computer bought almost 13 percent fewer CDs from 1999 to 2003, with those who bought the most music showing the largest decrease. His conclusion is that file-sharing does have an effect on music sales, a conclusion shared by Zentner (2005), Hong (2004), Liebowitz (2004), and Rob and Waldfogel (2004).
A consensus?
The scholarly consensus is not unanimous, however. Michel notes that Oberholzer and Strumpf (2004) found no correlation between file-sharing and P2P use in 2002, and a more recent paper by a Harvard student found that file-sharing benefited more obscure artists.
The dominant impression gained from reading these studies is that finding accurate correlations between file-sharing and loss of revenue for the music industry is tremendously difficult. Michel points out, for instance, that his data would be better if it focused only on broadband users—but such data was not available for the time period he wanted. And then, of course, having a broadband connection is not the same as using it extensively, or even for using it at all for P2P. And of course it would be nice to know exactly how many copyrighted songs each particular household downloaded using such software, but this number too is almost impossible to get.
Despite the sophisticated regression analyses and economic modeling done by these authors, the initial data points are not ideal starting places for this sort of analysis. And academic papers are unlikely to sway those who have either made up their minds on the issue or simply want to justify behavior they think think should be legal.


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Home Is Wherever I'm With You Wood Sign
regular price $55.00
A sign with an adorable message and design- perfect for an entryway or mantle.
- Sign measures approximately 13x13".
- A keyhole slot has been installed for hanging.
- Your item will be shipped out in 3-6 business days from our shop. Transit times will vary across all of Canada and the USA. Please check your tracking for an up to date timeline.
Got a question? Well we have an answer!
What happens if there's been a delivery mishap?
If your item has failed to be delivered to your address and has been confirmed as "lost" from the shipping company we will re-ship your item. A sufficient amount of time from when the item was shipped must have elapsed. Having said that, each case will be treated differently.
What happens if my item has been delivered damaged?
If your order has been delivered damaged please send us your order number and the name the order was purchased by and photos of the damaged areas of the sign to firstname.lastname@example.com. We will then send out a replacement as soon as possible.
How soon will my order ship?
We will ship your order within 3-6 business days. Custom orders will ship approximately within 3-10 business days.
What countries do you ship to?
Right now we currently offer free shipping throughout Canada and the USA.
Do you accept cancellations?
If your order has not been shipped out yet we will gladly refund your order- you have a maximum of 3 business days to inform us. If your item has been picked up already we will not be able to recover the item.
Do you accept returns or exchanges?
We do not accept any returns or exchanges. If you have any questions beforehand when purchasing please e-mail us firstname.lastname@example.com.
Will I get a tracking code for my shipment?
Yes! Every shipment we send out will have a carrier tracking code. If you order more than 1 sign we will ship your signs together depending on the size.
Do you guys do custom orders?
Yes we do! Head to our shop to purchase a custom item listing. If you don't see the sign dimensions you would like e-mail us email@example.com and we'll put your item up! The biggest we ship throughout Canada and USA is 37x25". For local pickup we can do signs maxed out at 50x40" with a flush frame.
Still have more questions?
E-mail us- firstname.lastname@example.com


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Next Media Animation enjoys a good controversy, so it decided to chronicle the latest changes to Facebook and its f8 announcements in an animated video.
Of course, the video casts founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg as Big Brother and has Facebook putting up Orwellian posters saying, "Zuckerberg is Watching You" and "Sharing is Privacy."
This refers to Facebook's new of having its app developers request all access to user information as a condition for using a third-party apps or games. Facebook has also historically encouraged its users to use its default settings to make their information public. This has only grown in scope because now Facebook wants more information about users including music and video tastes (with Spotify and Netflix).
The video continues to a "The Matrix"-style ending where a now-enlightened user can choose to leave the social network for Google+.
Despite the many complaints and threats of leaving we see on Facebook, we don't think everyone will leave. Google+ has only been in existence a few months and only has about 25 million users. It takes time to build a social network -- Facebook has gradually grown to 700 million users in just under a decade.
Nonetheless, it's a decent video.


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As its name suggests, this is a fast Gigabit Ethernet NAS drive, based on a single SATA II hard drive in capacity choices ranging from 250GB to 750GB.
Iomega do actually make a 1TB version of the drive as well, but this includes two hard disks with RAID options, at about twice the price.
Simple setup
The 500GB version that we tested was impressively compact but the fan in our review sample was a bit on the noisy side.
Apart from this niggle, the drive proved quick and easy to set up, with an excellent range of server options, including web, FTP, printing and AV streaming.
Additional hard drives can be added easily, via the USB ports, and backup is automated handled by the excellent EMC Retrospect Express, which comes free with the drive.


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Please choose a size and medium to view price and an example image of how it may look.
Note: Frames are displayed for the 150 x 60 cm size only. For examples of each frame color please click through the slide show.
Images are a guide. Please see our guide to mediums for photo galleries of finished product.
35 editions remaining.
All our prints come from the only Prolab in the Australia to be 'Certified Fine Art Printers' by the world's most prestigious paper manufacturers Hahnemuhle, Canson and Ilford.
Every piece is handmade and inspected by people that take pride in their craft.
Face Mount Acrylic
Our Face Mount Acrylics create a 3d floating effect when hanging from the wall, and provide a real 'wow' appeal.
We print on premium metallic paper with the highest definition giclee print technology available to create ultra rich colours that really 'pop'. This is accentuated by the 6mm museum grade plexiglass acrylic laminated to the paper front, with a diamond polished bevelled edge. Behind is another white acrylic sheet which further accentuates the colour brightness, and onto this is mounted an aluminium U channel about 60mm in from all edges. This provides a secure hanging mechanism which facilitates hanging in any orientation and provides an elegant floating look.
Dye Sublimated Aluminium
This is a futuristic process that boasts vivid colour and crisp detail, along with a finish that is scratch resistant, waterproof, and lightweight!
It is the combination of Chromaluxe metal panels, Sawgrass Inks and our superior colour management practices. During the Sublimation process, the specifically formulated inks are turned to gas at 600 degrees and infused into the metal panels to create a glass finish.
Beyond wall art, it is also a great medium for Kitchen Splashbacks which we can manufacture to your size requirements.
The max single panel size is 150x90cm. We can achieve larger works by creating a triptych (3 panels hung slightly apart). Alternatively, we can achieve the same visual effect with an 'Ultra gloss laminate' (Fujiflex paper laminated to aluminium with a high gloss laminate over the top). Whilst visually stunning, this does not have the same heat and scratch resistant properties and must be handled with care. If you would like to chose this option please make your purchase as 'Face Mount Acrylic' but let us know on checkout that you would like it as 'high gloss laminate'.
Fine art paper:
Our Giclee (pronounced jee-clay) process creates as perfect art reproductions as is possible. We use advanced 2880dpi printing technology to apply archival Ultra Chrome pigment ink onto the finest art papers available. These incs are certified not to discolour for over 100 years. Our preferred paper is the German made 310gsm Hahnemühle Photo Rag Smooth, Satin, or Textured Etching. Our go-to is 'smooth'. If you would like a different option please let us know as part of your order.
We can print any size you like up to 140cm x 1000cm, and send it to you rolled ready to frame, or framed ready to hang.
You can choose from any of the frames offered by our framer. These can be viewed here.
The default frame choice in our cart is for 'classic' or 'standard' frames. If you would like a different choice please let us know which on checkout and we'll get back to you with a quote.
For the white border between the print and frame you can choose between: 1) Traditional mat-board (3mm thick beveled cardboard), 2) Extending the print paper as white space all the way to the frame, Or 3) 'Floating' the print on a raised panel inside the frame. For the largest print sizes options 2 and 3 are the only option as it exceeds matboard sizing.
Our premium museum grade canvas prints combine gislee printing technology with a heavy cotton canvas to create as 'close match' to an 'original painting' as print media can achieve. They're finished with 3 coats of Satin UV archival spray to preserve the image for scuffing and airborne pollutants. When required these canvases can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
We can print any size up to 130cm x 1400cm, and provide the print rolled for your local framer to stretch, stretched ready to hang, or stretched and placed within a shadow frame.


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Benghazi focus distracts from questions about 9/11
This is in reference to the May 14 letter, "Unanswered questions remain about 9/11 attacks."
Kudos to the writer for raising questions about the Sept. 11, 2001 terroristic attacks. He hit the proverbial nail on the head, by suggesting that the current focus on Benghazi is a distraction from questions about 9/11 and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have asked these questions over and over.
It seems like the masters of distraction are at it again.
Elayne Decker


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And the Hour is coming without any doubt, and Allah will raise up all those in the graves. (Surat al-Hajj, 7)
Death is coming closer by the day. Whether you are young or old, death is a little closer to you every day,
even every minute. You cannot resist time or prevent death's approach. Nothing you do can change the fact that you and those close to you are only "temporary" beings. Like every other living being, you are advancing toward the Day on which your life will end.
Humanity is not the only part of creation that is subject to death. All other creatures, Earth itself and the whole universe, have a day of death fixed for them. The Day of Judgment is a day of terror and unimaginable fear. But at the same time, it is most wondrous. Everything on Earth will be flattened, the stars will be extinguished and fall in rapid succession, and the Sun will be wrapped up in darkness. All human beings who have ever lived will be gathered and made to witness this Day. This Final Day will be dreadful for the unbelievers, and its Lord will be Allah, Who owns all that exists. The Day of Judgment, contrary to many people's belief, is approaching; it is not in the distant future. When it arrives, Earth and everything belonging to it will be destroyed. Ambitions,desires, anger, expectations, lusts, enmities, and pleasures will
cease. Plans made for the future will become meaningless, for those who had forgotten that they will be returned to Allah, preferring this world over the eternal life and its misleading wealth, beauty, and pleasures, will have met their end. On this Day, everyone will witness clearly Allah's existence and will come face to face with the death that they had tried so hard to forget. Their attempt to forget Allah and the Hereafter is finished, and a new beginning, one which will be eternal and bring no happiness to the unbelievers, is awaiting them. From the very first moment of this eternal life, the punishment is so fearsome that those who experience it will beg for "death" and "annihilation." The beginning of this life is the Day of Judgment and, "the Hour is coming without any doubt."


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This title can imply a lot of things, yet this post will outline where the Fennec QA team is on developing tests, plans, and processes for our Fennec releases.
As many of you have seen, we released Fennec Maemo Beta2 and Windows Mobile Alpha2 last Friday. We also held the first ever Fennec testday logging a massive 43 bugs. This brings up some questions about why would we release after just finding 43 bugs, what is our release criteria, and what is the QA team doing.
Here is my take on the Firefox QA process (which the Mozilla community is accustomed to and looks to Fennec for a similar process):
- Build master test plan for release (alpha, beta, final)
- This includes a list of new features, update features and bugs fixed
- Define the target audience (hardware), performance goals, and list of must pass tests
- Outline points of intersection with other products, upgrades, l10n, support, marketing and schedule
- Start writing test cases and feature specific test plans
- Test private builds for feature and integration with product and ecosystem
- Test nightly builds
- As bugs trend towards zero (naturally or through triage) finalize test plan for features, dates, criteria
- Get release candidate build, start running full tests
- When no blockers and tests are done start running update, l10n, and documentation tests
- QA gives sign off, everybody is happy
For Fennec, we are not ready for that type of a cycle. Dev is cranking out serious changes to code. We are building from mozilla-central which is a roaming beast. Unittests are not running for all platforms. Everybody is asking where they can download Fennec for iPhone! A lot of chaos to apply quality measures to. Lets say (hypothetically) we want to check in a performance fix to gain 25% faster panning, but causes some issues in the url bar and focus. This might get done overnight (not planned) and there are only a few notes in a bug outlining this. Worse yet, this could happen after we are already testing a release candidate since it resolves so many side effects of bad performance and only introduces a few new problems.
Here is a quick outline of the current QA cycle for the Fennec releases to date:
- List of bugs is built up (~40) for the upcoming release
- a few weeks later, we are at 30 bugs (a lot of new issues)
- We triage down to top 5, build release candidate and start testing
- QA runs through litmus test suite, also some manual browsing
- If no big issues are found, lets ship tonight
I know this is a lot less formal than Firefox and rightly so. We are looking with our Alpha releases to get feedback from the motivated community members who are willing to tinker and hack and give us good feedback that we act upon. For the Beta releases, we need to be much more stable and change our audience to people who are not so patient but willing to accept a lot of bugs. This means little to no crashes, faster performance and good compatibility with the web.
Going forward, we will step up the QA involvement and evolve into a more formal QA process. Keep in mind we will be doing alpha, beta, and formal releases all at the same time just on different platforms (we can't lose our current methods completely).
Here is what we have in place right now:
- Litmus test cases
- Firefox unittests running on Maemo
- Maemo talos runs (including fennecmark for panning and zoom performance)
- Initial presence in phone specific forums: htc touch pro and samsung omnia
- Account with Device Anywhere for compatibility testing
These are all key components to providing quality test coverage. If you look at putting some solid release criteria around the things we have in place for an official release we will look more like this:
- Create test plan with release criteria
- Test individual changes and new features
- Develop new test cases and flag cases required for release
- Get consensus from team on release criteria
- Request milestone build every month that we can make a quick pass on to see how close we are
- Utilize Testdays to keep the product stable at each milestone
- Bug count trends to zero, RC build is generated, test pass starts
- Tests pass, move onto final release prep (note: not just call it good)
- Test install on criteria hardware, l10n, and release note testing
This new approach falls in line with the Firefox QA methodology quite well. It really adds more overhead to the process, but give appropriate time for each area as well as a general consensus with the whole team of what to expect and how to make the decisions.
It is time to mature the Fennec release process and make it a real piece of software that is reliable and well respected in the mobile community.


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Gina Lala's new phone from an independent Verizon store in Skokie came with a few features she wanted, and at least one she didn't: graphic pictures of naked men. Lots of them.
"I go to the photo gallery and there are pictures of people I don't know, that have obviously been on the phone, very disturbing pictures, very offensive," Gina told NBC Chicago. "I got very upset. I have young kids and they go through my phone. They play with my phone!"
The manager of the independently-owned store in Skokie took care of her situation, she says, and made her a promise: "Assured me this was a mistake and it would never happen again. And sure enough, it happened again - with my mom."
One year later, same store- it happened again. This time it did not have the pornography. The "new" phone was purchased by Lala's mom, Nancy, an iPhone she says she was excited to bring home.
"And I looked at the box, and on the back of the box there was a little sticky note that said this phone had been slammed on a desk and there's a nick on the back of it," Nancy said. She showed NBC5 the yellow sticky-note from the box:
While most of the phones sold as new are, indeed, new gadgets, Target 5 found this is a problem that continues to plague consumers around the world. Customers sound off about the practice online; in China, a lawsuit was filed by angry iPhone users who allege they were sold refurbished phones with dwindling warranties.
The manager of the store in Skokie told Target 5 he remembers the Lala's two incidents, and admits mistakes happen. Verizon Corporate issued this statement in response to NBC Chicago's inquiry:
"We require full disclosure that a device has been previously used. Equipment sales are the agent's independent business, however. To the extent full disclosure was not provided, we would certainly take corrective action. We appreciate the issue being brought to our attention and we are committed to ensuring adherence with our policies. We will address any customer concerns directly. It is our goal to ensure customer satisfaction."
After their experience, the Lalas question if this is a problem experienced more at independently-owned stores, versus corporate branches. The CTIA, a group that represents the wireless industry, did not respond to our repeated calls for comment on the questions surrounding this issue. But the following wireless companies did respond to consumer complaints about sales of refurbished phones represented as new.
Here's what a few other providers said about their policies.
Cricket Wireless:
"It is Cricket's policy not to sell refurbished phones as new to customers." The company says it takes this policy seriously, and in recent months revoked the sales privileges of six stores that were selling refurbished phones as new.
"With one of the broadest portfolios of Smartphones in the industry, AT&T is proud to offer great devices at a variety of price points. One way we do this is by offering customers the opportunity to purchase refurbished phones at lower costs than new ones. Our refurbished phones are clearly marked as such at point of sale. They are phones that have been returned to the store within 30 days of purchase. The software on all refurbished phones has updated and reset so as to remove any information about the previous owner."
Tiger Direct:
"In today's marketplace, cellphones are available from a variety of channels. Online, small phone stores, and even at gas stations. Refurbished (sometimes called recertified or "previously owned") phones serve as replacements for the majority of phone carriers when your phone is damaged. They are also a good value for people buying phones without contracts or even for use with prepaid services.
TigerDirect sells new, as well as refurbished phones – including those with and without service. All products on our website and in our retail stores clearly show the product condition to ensure customers are clear on what they are purchasing. –Lonny Paul, VP of Marketing
Refurbished phones are always marked as such – and generic packaging (plain white or brown box) is a great indicator. (New phones tend to come in branded packaging.) At smaller retailers and gas stations, many of the inexpensive phones available are refurbished as well – even though they may be in a very attractive sealed plastic package. "
"Realizing that I paid for a new phone and did not get a new phone, that it was like you were selling me a used product and it was expensive!" said Nancy.
Like mother, like daughter, Lala echoed the sentiments.
"I'm paying full price for a brand new phone and I get a refurbished phone -- it's kinda like I was scammed!"


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I have just released version 3.5.5 of MyQuery, which is a minor feature, cleanup and bugfix release. If you don't know MyQuery since before, this is an Open-Source Windows based MySQL and MariaDB ad-hoc query tool. What makes MyQuery slightly different from all the other similar tools is that MyQuery has a focus on SQL-scripting, allowing statements in a script to be run one at the time, to restart a script where it left of in the case of an error and some other features like this. MyQuery features colour coded syntax as it uses Scintilla for editing, and this is highly configurable. Also, multiple editing tabs are supported. Another thing that makes MyQuery stand out a bit is that it is highly flexible. If you have SQL statements that you run often to monitor the state of the server or your application, then it is real easy to implement this as a simple tool accessible from the MyQuery menu.
There is much more to MyQuery than this, so if you think this sounds cool, then download it from sourceforge and give it a shot, you might like it!


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December 5, 2013
Your interest in cultural activities powers up early in the week, so see if you can scout out a new gallery or find a concert that sounds appealing -- you're always looking out for new stuff! The bulk of the week is taken up with hard work -- but it's stuff you're confident you can do, and you should be able to take care of it all, no matter how hopeless it seems at first. Spend the weekend with people who agree with you on the big issues -- you don't have the time or patience for major arguments!
Your easy charm works magic on people on Monday and Tuesday -- especially those who are visiting your home, city or country for the first time. Show them how sweet your people can be! A spiritual person shows you what's what midweek, and while you may be dubious at first, you can sense that they have a real connection with you on a deep level, so keep listening (but don't do anything crazy). You're irritated by someone who keeps pushing your buttons this weekend -- most likely a family member or someone younger than you. Try to avoid them when it's at its worst.
Your closest personal relationships get very interesting this week. You should find yourself focused on one person early on, though you may want to reach out to others in your life if you have the time. From Wednesday through Friday, you may chafe under the authority of someone who used to be an equal, which could leave you thinking twice about your commitment to them. If you have your doubts, expect someone new and exciting to pop into your life this weekend, which should make the transition even likelier if it's what you really want.
You have a slightly harder time fitting into your social life than usual today, though that doesn't mean you should just cloister yourself away! Try to just apply yourself as well as you can on Monday and Tuesday, though you can feel a blockage in energy that you know is short-lived. You need to deal with the conflict between your inner live and outer life midweek, and should find an easy out that is lasting. Your emotional side causes problems this weekend, but only for those among your friends and family who are more aloof or reserved.
You begin the week feeling fantastic and ready to explore your surroundings, especially if there's something new about them. Travel and change are far more exciting than usual for you! You may feel obligated to help someone on Wednesday, and if so, expect it to stretch out far longer than you had anticipated. Still, you do earn far more karma points than usual. The weekend is a good time to let go of something or someone you have been holding onto too tightly -- you are amazed at how easy it is!
You're the responsible one as the week begins, keeping yourself focused and on track even as your friends and family seem obsessed with spring fever. Just keep hammering away at your work and you'll have more time later. Wednesday through Friday open you up creatively, and it's easier than ever for you to express yourself in new ways. Someone really likes what they see or hear! Mix things up a little this weekend, if only to show your people that you don't have to do everything in the same way all the time.
Your brainy energy is the perfect antidote to any bad mood your friends are having early this week -- share your quirky ideas with them and watch their faces light up! It's also a good time to apply yourself to real-life problems. Your nostalgia takes a slightly darker turn through Friday, and you may want to focus on the present to avoid thinking too much about the past. Life gets a lot sweeter this weekend, as nearly everyone in your social circle seems willing to get along well for the sake of the group as a whole.
Big ideas are having a greater influence on you than usual on Monday and Tuesday -- even stuff that seems totally unrelated to your recent obsession goes through the filter, with interesting results. Your social energy is almost perfectly harmonious in the middle of the week, and you enjoy most of the time you spend with friends and family to an unprecedented degree. Things do get weird this weekend, thanks to some recent changes and the resulting resistance -- outbursts are the norm for a bit longer.
You're full of surprises as the week begins, showing everyone why they love you so much with your jokes, gifts and games. Keep it up and see what happens next! Try to keep your wallet at home from Wednesday through Thursday and use other tricks to keep yourself from spending more than you can afford. Impulse buys are all too likely if you can't restrain yourself. You make a solid impression on at least one person you meet this weekend, and that could lead from anything from romance to artistic collaboration.
It's vital that you keep yourself on track on Monday and Tuesday -- there are distractions aplenty, and if you don't maintain some semblance of discipline, you can expect to have to make up for lost time later on. If you pull it off, you should get recognition right away, and your good energy lasts through the end of the week. You can accomplish even more than you had hoped! The weekend might get a bit tricky, though, thanks to unexpected circumstances that interfere with even the best-laid plans.
It's your job to marshal the forces and get them moving on Monday and Tuesday, even if you don't feel all that organized yourself! Sweet if you can get your friends or family to pitch in. Discipline is the keyword for the middle part of the week, as you end up spinning your wheels, getting nowhere if you can't force yourself to stick with the program. Trick yourself into following orders! You need to get yourself focused on something bigger than yourself this weekend, and it's easy and fun to do so!
Don't worry too much if things seem to be working against you early this week -- you can rely on a little shot of luck just when you need it most! That doesn't mean you can get away with slacking off, though. Your input is vital to help your coworkers or friends figure out a plan starting Wednesday, and you may have to assume a leadership role temporarily to ensure the right decision is made. Your brain feels like a hamster wheel this weekend, and you might just have to let it wear itself out so you can get some rest.


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Filmmaker George Lucas wants everybody to see his movies, but not where they're made.
The "Star Wars" creator's latest plan for moviemaking magic is also an architectural treat: a "three-story digital technology fortress" on the site of the former Grady Ranch in a secluded part of Lucas Valley in Marin County, Calif., according to the Marin Independent Journal.
Lucas proposes to build on-site a 263,000-square foot building, where 340 employees — and actors and guests — will be able to avail themselves of film stages, screening rooms, a cafe, a day car, a gym, sleeping quarters and underground parking for 202 cars and 24 bicycles.
All this will be hidden from view by a man-made knoll.
Nine bridges to span Miller, Grady and Landmark creeks will be built, and there's also a plan to dig a cave in which Lucas can age the wine culled from his nearby vineyards.
The building will look similar to either the Mission-style St. Vincent's School for Boys or the Casa Grande at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, depending on who you ask.
The 187-acre project is not far away from Lucas's existing facilities at the 2,500-acre Skywalker Ranch.
The plan seems destined for approval, according to reports: a less-intensive plan was already green-lighted by Marin County officials, the newspaper reported. This one will go through the public process next year.
While there's certainly a similarity, George Lucas's name is not literally on Lucas Valley: the area is named for a 19th-century rancher, not the director.


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Snow Bells: The Festive Augsburg Christkindl Markt
Snow Bells is a delightful documentary short film by Frank Glencairn, which was filmed at the 2012 Augsburg Christkindl Markt. The Augsburg Christmas Market or Christ Child Market is inspired by a 700-year-old German tradition, with its market streets and churches lined with outdoor festival huts featuring unique handmade crafts and traditional Christkindl treats.
Snow Bells: The Festive Augsburg Christkindl Markt
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Registration is closed for the professionally-timed Fat Ass 5K race through downtown Springfield that starts at 10 a.m., but you can cheer the runners on their 1/10 mile jaunt as some detour to down beer, ice cream and donuts. The party starts at 11 a.m. and includes a pig roast with all the fixings and Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters. This race has risen over $110,000 for charities such as the Multiple Sclerosis Association and Sparc. There's also a pre-party in front of Celtic Mist Pub Friday, May 13 from 4-9 p.m. For more details, visit fatass5k.com.
Saturday, May 14, 10am-3pm
Downtown Springfield
Seventh Street, between Adams and Washington
$30 street party, $60 race


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Rate This MovieSYNOPSIS: 1983: A group of high school students are having a great time near Hollywood Hills at the weekend when they bump into the Loser from their school, Sam, who's just on his way home. Sam would do anything in order to get Jenny's attention, one of prettiest girls in school. Unfortunately she's also the girlfriend of the …Read More »
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Looters, rogue cops, rifle-toting vigilante militias, and homes protected by jerry-rigged alarm systems made of empty strung-together beer cans.
New Orleans in the immediate wake of Katrina was a surreal, dismal, and sometimes deadly place.
Four years after the flood waters receded, it remains a city inundated by doubt about those days of chaos.
Did vigilante bands of roaming "people hunters" from a white neighborhood pass among the flood waters, shooting 11 black men, as one victim has alleged? A burnt car with a bullet-ridden body inside was found on the West Bank near the 4th District Police Station in the storm's aftermath. Police fired on civilians on the Danziger Bridge, thinking them looters, killing two.
What actually happened and who is culpable in these incidents is now the focus of probes by the US Attorney's Office and the FBI. Asked why investigations like these are just now being launched, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin recently explained, "We had a little event called Katrina."
Some New Orleanians believe the allegations point to "a broader pattern of violence ... that should reframe our understanding of the catastrophe," writes A.C. Thompson, a reporter with ProPublica, a nonprofit journalism venture.
In an article published in The Nation, a weekly news magazine, he claims that incidents of white-on-black violence "have gone unpunished."
But teasing the facts out of a flood of rumor and grains of truth will be daunting. It is a "morally treacherous" gambit to measure the actions of stressed people in the virtually lawless state of post-Katrina New Orleans by typical standards, says Peter Scharf, a criminologist at Tulane University. The outcome, he worries, could impact the willingness of first responders – police, doctors and nurses – to stay behind during a major natural emergency for fear of later repercussions.
The United States District Attorney and the FBI are "entering this incredibly gray, confusing period," says Mr. Scharf. "It's like investigating the Battle of the Bulge where everyone is lost in middle of the Ardennes Forest. There's ambiguity in the fog of war."
The New Orleans coroner's office has counted 23 dead with gunshot wounds to their heads, he says. What happened to these people is a mystery to authorities, he adds.
One focus of the investigations is Algiers Point, a historically white enclave on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. As New Orleans flooded, survivors from the Lower Ninth Ward came across on boats, and residents armed up, even walling off neighborhoods.
What happened next, Mr. Thompson alleges, amounted to mob justice. "[V]igilantes and residents – citing the exact locations and types of weapons used – detail a string of violent incidents in which at least eight other people were shot, bringing the total number of shooting victims to at least 11, some of whom may have died," he writes.
Several of the vigilantes have bragged of various shootings, but Loyola criminologist Dee Harper, for one, says "they don't come off as very credible – something is missing there."
It's clear that footage from the time – including a Danish documentary – includes as much braggadocio as fact.
"I've heard that 120 people were executed and dumped in the river, but I've never seen proof that it actually happened," says Mr. Harper.
With the complete collapse of a functioning civil society after Katrina "rumors became urban legends," says former FBI agent Jim Bernazzani, who was on the scene.
One Algiers Point resident, Vinnie Pervel, said he does not appreciate being cast as "a thug."
He had been clubbed with a hammer by a looter the day after the storm, he told Thompson. Later, he came close to shooting somebody, but they ran off after being warned, he said. Mr. Pervel has been interviewed by the FBI.
"At the time, at the storm I thought, I guess, we could be considered like a neighborhood hero," he told CNN. "When the FBI contacted me, I felt like a vigilante, a thug."
Despite the difficulties involved with separating rumor from fact, the FBI has a responsibility to follow up credible leads, police sources say. FBI agents recently seized several New Orleans Police Department computers in a raid connected to an investigation of the Danziger Bridge incident.
A judge threw out indictments against seven police officers in the case.
"There's no presumption of guilt here," says Mr. Bernazzani, the former agent. "But the FBI will follow the facts. And if the facts warrant further scrutiny within the legal system, we have processes in place – because we are a nation of laws – to achieve that end."


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10th Anniversary Idea House
With broad porches and generous windows, our 2007 Idea House demonstrates the timeless beauty of traditional design
Captain's Quarters
One look at our 10th Anniversary Idea House in Oriental, North Carolina, and you might think it's a treasured historic home. But behind those clapboard walls, you'll find extraordinary surprises. A team of architects and designers utilized cutting-edge building products and filled each room with innovative design solutions. Click through this section to see what piques your curiosity. We've provided a list of sponsored products for each room and additional resources. Enjoy your tour!
Siding: James Hardie. Windows and doors: JELD-WEN. Exterior trim: AZEK Trimboards. Roof: Metal Roofing Alliance. Porch draperies: Sunbrella.
A Room for Living
Casual and inviting, yet refined-that's how interior designer Tammy Connor describes the living area she created at our Idea House. Like readers' favorite getaways, "it's a space where you immediately feel comfortable kicking off your shoes," she says. Taking a cue from the coastal setting, Tammy chose a muted palette of ocean blues and greens, then washed the cypress walls with a soft khaki. "We drew inspiration from the area's natural beauty-the water and the wetlands," says the Alabama-based designer. Cheryl Hackett-Galvin constructed the Roman shades and draperies here from recycled sailcloth. The hand-sewn material adds history and visual interest. "Every sail has a story to tell, and no two are alike," says the Rhode Island designer.
Paint: Valspar. Upholstered furniture: Thomasville. Accent pillow fabrics: Robert Allen. Windows: JELD-WEN. Rug: Elizabeth Eakins Inc. HVAC: Lennox.
Coastal Cool
Energy-efficient and nearly silent, the technologically advanced HVAC system regulates heat and humidity. Instead of roaring on and off like traditional systems, it automatically adjusts fan speed to refresh the air.
Table for Six
Informal meets formal in the dining area, where a pair of casual settees provides contrast to the more-traditional upholstered slipper chairs. The settees' generous dimensions balance the visual weight of the 7-foot table, custom-made for the space from salvaged red oak. Above the table, a wrought-iron lantern makes a dramatic statement. "Introducing a hanging element brings a third dimension into a room," Tammy says. "It completes the space."
Upholstered furniture: Thomasville. Fabric on chairs, settees, and solid pillows: Robert Allen. Paint: Valspar. Rug: Elizabeth Eakins Inc.
Grand Scheme
Tammy suggests using large-scale accents for instant impact. Here, she boldly chose an oversize hanging lantern to illuminate the intimate space. Its size and proportion create a simple yet graphic look.
A Chef's Dream
Anyone who loves to cook-or eat-will fall for this state-of-the-art kitchen. With a stainless steel sink and honed-marble countertop, the generous island offers plenty of space for food preparation or a buffet-style setup. Open shelving and colorful cookware recall the kitchens found in historic coastal homes. The design team even customized the space with a punched-tin overlay concealing the fridge. "People always congregate in the kitchen," Tammy says. "That's why we made it one of the most inviting rooms in the house."
Sink and fixtures: Franke Consumer Products. Blue cookware: Le Creuset. Cabinetry: Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry. Appliances: Jenn-Air. Roman shades: Robert Allen. Paint: Valspar. Windows: JELD-WEN.
Kitchen Confidential
Dual dishwashers (talk about luxury!) simplify cleanup after a night of waterfront entertaining. A built-in warming drawer and versatile pot filler provide restaurant efficiency. Pendants deliver valuable task lighting for island food prep.
Best Seat in the House
What do you hope for in a breakfast room? Sunshine! That's why the architects designed a space with three exposures and harbor views. Below the coffered ceiling, they added a shallow display ledge for sea-color bottles. Every element in the room-from the chandelier to the door hardware-adds subtle elegance.
Windows: JELD-WEN. Door hardware: Schlage. Furniture: Thomasville. Paint: Valspar. Rug: Elizabeth Eakins Inc.
Transparent Choic e
Durable aluminum-clad, double-hung windows stand up to harsh coastal weather, including 150-mph winds. These windows are suitable for use anywhere, but ideal for regions vulnerable to brutal storms. The wood core is specially treated to resist water and pests.
Home and Work
Cypress paneling creates a sense of warmth and tradition in the study, but the room is filled with contemporary touches. Tammy fitted the richly colored draperies with grommets that slip over iron rods. She also secured the wool rug to antique heart-pine flooring with handsome brass tacks. Then she finished the space with a modern, drafting table-style desk; the polished chrome base supports a sleek glass top. Even the ceiling fan provides an element of surprise with unusual silk blades.
Drapery fabric: Robert Allen. Windows: JELD-WEN. Rug: Elizabeth Eakins Inc. Furniture: Thomasville. Ceiling fan: Casablanca Fan Company. Wood stain and paint: Valspar.
On the Walls
Bold artwork gives any room personality. Throughout the Idea House, Tammy used artwork from the Savannah College of Art and Design, a leading institution of fine-art education.
Outside In
Sheer draperies, a jute area rug, and plush seating lend this outdoor space the elements of an interior room. Tammy selected a lively green fabric to complement the woven-wicker furniture. The hand-tumbled, all-masonry brick fireplace furnishes a sense of warmth as well as extra seating on the hearth. Overhead, an oil-rubbed gas lantern guarantees ambience after sundown, while a reversible ceiling fan in a rusted-iron finish helps keep temperatures comfortable in all four seasons.
Outdoor fabric and draperies: Sunbrella. Wicker furniture: Agio. Hanging lantern: Charleston Gas Light. Ceiling fan: Casablanca Fan Company. Deck stain: Cabot. Exterior trim: AZEK Trimboards. Teak dining table and chairs: Barlow Tyrie.
Sealed to Last
An ultradurable deck stain protects exterior porch floors from the severe seaside climate. Tammy chose an attractive opaque finish that adds rich color while allowing some texture to show through.
Restful Retreat
To add height and maximize harbor views in the master suite, Tammy hung sheer fabric panels on drapery rods attached just below the ceiling molding. Then she repeated the celery-and-celadon-stripe material on the four-post, iron bed. The cotton rug, linen bedding, and ultrasoft fabric on two slipper chairs enhance the bedroom's luxurious feel.
Fabric on bed panels, draperies, and green accent pillows: Robert Allen. Rug: Elizabeth Eakins Inc. Furniture: Thomasville. Windows and doors: JELD-WEN. Paint: Valspar.
Grand Entrance
A six-light door connects the master bedroom to a covered porch overlooking Grace Harbor. Though the door has the look, feel, and weight of solid wood, it's made of weather-resistant fiberglass that won't warp or rot.
Fresh Air Living
A covered porch off the master bedroom provides a comfortable vantage point for watching boats come and go in the harbor. Tammy treated the private space as an open-air sitting room, complete with area rug, table lamps, and cozy seating. When planning an outdoor room, she recommends choosing materials carefully. Opt for all-weather furnishings and fabrics.
Wicker furniture: Agio. Outdoor fabric: Sunbrella. Deck stain: Cabot. Ceiling fan: Casablanca Fan Company. Exterior trim: AZEK Trimboards.
In lieu of wood
Solid-frame columns are wrapped in the same PVC-based product as the railings and trim. The low-maintenance material can easily be milled and won't split or crack, even in the most humid climates.
Spa Luxury
The theme of the master bath is luxury, pure and simple. A trio of surface-mounted sconces provide ideal lighting conditions, and polished chrome faucets coordinate with the fixtures. Enhancing the room's spa-like feel, a highly veined marble appears on floors and countertops as well as in the shower. Custom elements-such as the simply detailed sink base and the carved interior doors with oil-rubbed bronze hardware-highlight this home's fine craftsmanship.
Ventilation: Broan-NuTone. Sink base: J. Tribble Antiques. Faucets: Moen. Interior door: JELD-WEN. Door hardware: Schlage.
Royal Treatment
There's nothing mundane about this shower. The marble unit features a built-in bench, a rain-style fixture, multiple body sprays, and a handheld nozzle for easy rinsing. A high-tech humidity-sensing fan automatically switches on and off to control moisture, reducing the risk of mold and mildew both behind the walls and on their surface.
Hanging Out
"It's exotic and functional, with fun written all over it!" says Tammy of the second-floor guest room. Teak platforms suspended from heavy-gauge rope take center stage, while a punchy striped fabric on the wall and Roman shade creates a seamless backdrop. "I don't use orange often," the designer says. "But here it provides a surprising pop of color." Engineered hardwood flooring echoes the rich graining of the bed platforms, and offers tropical-wood appeal at a fraction of the cost. It's environmentally friendly, too!
Fabric wall panels and Roman shade: Robert Allen. Flooring: Mohawk. Rug: Elizabeth Eakins Inc. Chest: Thomasville. Window: JELD-WEN.
Fresh Flair
The beauty's in the details in the guest bath. Pewter nautical cleats take the place of standard hardware, and brass fixtures illuminate mirrors mounted over a custom vanity. Even the flooring and countertops are unusual: Mosaic tiles form a subtle geometric pattern, and the counter is composed of a nonporous quartz material perfect for high-splash zones. Nearby, a woven-wood Roman shade ensures privacy from neighbors while filtering light.
Sink base: J. Tribble Antiques. Floor tile: Mohawk. Countertop: Cambria. Fixtures: Moen. Window: JELD-WEN. Paint: Valspar.
Above it All
An all-American palette fills the third-floor sitting room and bunk room. The painted wood floors put a playful spin on traditional boat decking, while the compass rose provides a dramatic anchor for the spiral staircase ascending to the crow's nest. Tammy chose a woven area rug for the sitting room because "it has a rope-like weave with nautical appeal."
Paint: Valspar. Fan: Casablanca Fan Company. Windows: JELD-WEN. Furniture and upholstery, draperies, and striped accent pillows: Robert Allen.
Paint Magic
In the sitting room, Tammy painted walls off-white and emphasized individual architectural elements (window muntins, stair treads, doors, and trim) with vibrant navy blue. She reversed this scheme in the adjacent bunk room by painting walls blue and accenting details with the neutral shade.
Stylish Stateroom
A cleat big enough to secure a Boston Whaler serves as the handle on the sliding barn door to the bunk room. Custom-made beds, inspired by those found on classic yachts, sit atop built-in storage drawers. They're practical, accessible, and-thanks to the pewter rope drawer pulls-nautical, too.
Doorknob: Schlage. Paint: Valspar. Rug: Elizabeth Eakins Inc. Window and interior door: JELD-WEN. Roman shade and red accent pillow: Robert Allen.
Instant Art
On painted walls, a life ring and boat oars become eye-catching works of art. Tammy salvaged nautical finds and painted them to suit the space. "It's an easy and inexpensive way to add character," she says.
Settle In
Just outside the back door, two teak chaises await guests interested in lounging-or relaxing with a glass of iced tea. Because they're made from durable outdoor fabric, the comfy blue-and-white bolster pillows won't fade, even in direct sunlight. And that cobalt-blue grill? Let's just say stainless has its place-in the kitchen.
Teak loungers and umbrella: Barlow Tyrie. Bolster pillow fabric and umbrella fabric: Sunbrella. Grill: Weber. Siding: James Hardie. Exterior trim: AZEK Trimboards. Roof: Metal Roofing Alliance. Windows: JELD-WEN.
Build Smart
The composite siding looks like wood but requires minimal maintenance. Builder James Adams chose the material for its durability and versatility: "It has all the resilience of natural wood," he says, "and is available in a variety of prefinished colors, eliminating the need to paint." The grained synthetic decking won't warp or rot, making it ideal for coastal applications. Undermount fasteners hold planks in place and prevent the risk of loose or rusty nails.
A Place to Call Home
"It's a community designed for both pleasure and convenience, a place to share coastal memories for generations to come," says River Dunes developer Ed Mitchell. "Out your front door, you've got the harbor, and out back you have endless views and opportunities for recreation on the big water of Pamlico Sound. You can slip out after dinner, go fishing, and return home in time for a nightcap."
Anchored by the largest protected inland marina between Florida and the Chesapeake Bay, River Dunes has preserved the area's bountiful natural resources. "We have maintained existing vegetation and landscaped with indigenous plants," says landscape architect and community planner Bill Lincicome. "There's an absolute commitment to the native species. Everything reflects the environment of coastal North Carolina."
Though the community is still under construction, Ed envisions exciting programs for residents. There will be sailing, fly-fishing, and angling workshops for owners and guests, and facilities for painting classes. Canoe and kayak clubs will welcome both novices and experts. Hikers will enjoy miles of nature trails.
When completed, River Dunes will contain more than 600 single-family homes, plus additional living accommodations. Bikes and carts will be the primary means of transport. The town center will include a post office, coffee shop, bakery, and an ice cream parlor. A spa, two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, tennis courts, and a harbor club will provide land-based entertainment. A fitness and wellness center, two chapels, and nine honeymoon cottages will follow.
With all these amenities, it's still primarily a boating community, "a place to learn about life on the water," says Ed. (The charming village of Oriental, just minutes away, has long been called "the sailing capital of North Carolina.") Fifty years from now, residents' grandchildren will swap stories about time spent at River Dunes, "and they'll remember it with a smile," says Ed. For more on coastal North Carolina, log onto visitnc.com. Get directions to the Idea House here.
By Design
A design team from Historical Concepts, the award-winning Georgia-based architecture firm, designed the 10th Anniversary Idea House in classic coastal style. "The house doesn't feel overly formal, but at the same time it has a certain dressiness," says founder Jim Strickland.
Sited to take advantage of Grace Harbor views, the home features an open plan, high ceilings, and large windows. "The simple square columns and lantern crowning the roof reference 19th-century designs found from North Carolina to New England," says project manager Joshua Roland.


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7 Whole Days
Posted by antithesis Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 8:09 PM
One week of being conscious of my consumption and activity levels. I noticed that while I am still on the first level of the workout series, it feels harder the more I do it. I added heavier weights yesterday but seemed to struggle more today. My friend says thats good. I hope she is right.
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Misdiagnosing autism
A reassessment of autism in children with 22q
UC Davis MIND Institute researcher Tony Simon and his colleague, Kathleen Angkustsiri, see children with a genetic disorder called 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Many of these patients also have a second diagnosis: autism.
But to Simon and Angkustsiri that seemed wrong-headed
"Over the years, a number of children came to us as part of the research or the clinical assessments that we perform, and their parents told us that they had an autism spectrum diagnosis. It's quite clear that children with the disorder do have social impairments," said Simon, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the chromosome 22q11.2 deletion program at the MIND Institute.
"But it did seem to us that they did not have a classic case of autism spectrum disorder. They often have very high levels of social motivation. They get a lot of pleasure from social interaction, and they're quite socially skilled."
22q11.2 deletion syndrome — or 22q — may cause mild to severe cardiac anomalies, weakened immune systems and malformations of the head and neck and the roof of the mouth, or palate. Children with the condition also experience developmental delay, with IQs in the borderline-to-low-average range. They characteristically have significant anxiety and appear socially awkward.
A groundbreaking study
Video: Tony Simon talks about 22q
Based on parent-report measures, about 50 percent of children with 22q are thought to have autism. Simon and Angkustsiri decided to study the incidence in children they see at the MIND Institute with 22q and autism. They administered two tests — Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), a gold-standard autism assessment for autism to 29 children with 22q. The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), a 40-question parent screening tool for communication and social functioning based was administered to their parents. Their study, published in September 2013 Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, found that none of them "met strict diagnostic criteria" for autism.
"Our findings lead us to question whether this is the correct label for these children, who clearly have social impairments. We need to find out what interventions are most appropriate for their difficulties," said Kathleen Angkustsiri, lead author and assistant professor of developmental-behavioral pediatrics at the MIND Institute.
Far-reaching implications
Simon and Angkustsiri said the children's social deficits might be more a function of their developmental delay and intellectual disability than autism.
"If you put them with their younger siblings' friends they function very well in a social setting," Simon said, "and they interact well with an adult who accommodates their expectations for social interaction."
Video: Kathleen Angkustsiri talks about 22q
The study has far-reaching implications for children with 22q, because some autism treatments, including widely used discrete-trial training approaches to teaching skills in structured steps, may exacerbate the anxiety that is commonplace among the population.
UC Davis MIND Institute
The UC Davis MIND Institute is a collaborative international research center, committed to the awareness, understanding, prevention, care, and cures of neurodevelopmental disorders. Click here to learn more.
Angkustsiri said that further study is needed to assess more appropriate treatments for children with 22q, such as improving their communication skills, treating their anxiety, and helping them to remain focused and on task.
"There are a variety of different avenues that might be pursued rather than treatments that are designed to treat children with autism," Angkustsiri said. "There are readily available, evidence-based treatments that may be more appropriate to help maximize these children's potential."


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Hi all, I know I've been missing in action for the past many, many days. But I've been quite busy working on a model for Carbine Studios and NCSoft — that will be covered in a separate post 😉 — so now that I've finally got a little bit of a breather, I can finally post again. Yay!!! 😀
And today is a special day for me — It's my Birthday!!!!!!
But I love sharing the birthday goodness so I'm doing a giveaway.
There will be 3 ways to enter:
1)Comment on this post
2)Like my Model Building Secrets Facebook Page and then Like, Share, and Comment on my link about this post
3)Follow me on Twitter @MariannAsanuma and reply to my tweet about this post with the #Birthdaygiveaway
Yes, you can enter once all three ways. I will leave the giveaway open till midnight April 30th (pacific standard time). This will be international, so as long as I can mail this to you, I will (but the Hobbit 2 blueray and DVD are Region 1, so may not work internationally).


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Taupo Hotels
Taupo Hotels
Stay in New Zealand's volcanic heartland with our Taupo accommodation. Here you'll explore some of New Zealand's finest untouched, uncrowded and unique landscapes while learning about the natural changes that shaped one of the country's most fascinating regions.
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Taupo Hotels
Showing a selection of Taupo Hotels.
Take a look at the Taupo hotels map
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Common Misspellings
Taupo accomodation, Taupo accomadation, Taupo accomidation, Taupo accomodations, Taupo Hotles, Taupo Hotes


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Canon's range of DLRs seem to have gone through something of a phase shift, moving the specs up the range and allowing Canon to create a new entry-level point for the new digital EOS 1000D, under the current EOS 450D. There may be a little head-scratching to determine whether this is a new camera, or a rehash of the previous entry model the EOS 400D, or a feature-reduced EOS 450D, combining specs found on both models.
That said, if you are looking for a Canon at this entry point, it is worth reading up on both the EOS 400D and EOS 450D, so you know what you are getting.
The "1000" model number does, however, hark back to Canon's film DSLRs, where the EOS 1000 was the entry model. The new 1000D is aimed again at the newcomer to DSLR photography who wants more creative features and control than a compact camera will offer. We tested the camera with Canon's EFS 18-55mm IS lens, which is the standard kit lens for this model. However, it will work with EF and EF-S lenses, so those moving from a film SLR will be able to use some of their existing glass.
The body of the camera is typical DSLR size and shape, slightly smaller than the 450D, but slightly larger than the 400D. There is the usual right-hand grip arrangement with space on the back for your thumb to lie without hitting any of the controls. Compared to the 400D that it effectively replaces, it does feel a little plasticky, not helped by the slightly larger buttons.
Canon users will instantly recognise the buttons and menu systems which reflect the rest of their range of cameras, so for those that do step-up (from an Ixus, for example) things will be easy to get a handle on. As with Canon's other DSLR cameras, main modes are selected on the top dial, with the usual A-DEP, M, Av, Tv, P and full auto, with scene selections for portrait, landscape, macro, sports, night and no flash all catered for, just as you'll find on the other models.
Other controls within these major mode selections are handled via the back buttons, allowing you to change the more detailed settings, exposure compensation, white balance, focusing, metering and so on. ISO control, which offers you from Auto up to 1600, now sits on the top of the body in a slightly unusual place, but is easy enough to get to, as in the 450D, with similar performance. The Auto ISO only takes you from 100-800, after which things begin to get noisy.
One of the headline features here is Live View, allowing you to use the 2.5in LCD screen rather than the viewfinder. Whilst this seems like a logical move, the size of the camera generally means it is impractical for holding out and shooting like you would a compact, but is useful when mounted on a tripod and setting up a scene. Still, it is the feature du jour, so something that you'd expect to see at this price.
However, it doesn't feel as though this feature really integrates into the camera on offer here. There is no Live View button (you have to press Set), so rather than shouting about this feature, it feels like a last minute addition. Equally, it doesn't seem to work in full-auto mode, disappearing from the menus, until you venture into a different mode, as is common with Canon menus. However, for those looking for this feature, it certainly ticks that box, but the screen is fixed, with no tilt options that you'll find in some competitors.
The camera brings the 10.1MP CMOS sensor found in the EOS 400D, but backed by Canon's Digic III processor as in the 450D. The result are good crisp images, with plenty of detail and rich colour. One thing that Canon haven't done in the EOS 1000D is degrade the quality of images you capture. In very very bright conditions there is a tendency to over-expose, easily compensated for however, and easy to detect by shifting through the display options.
You only get seven-point focusing, down from nine in the 400 and 450, and whilst this doesn't make a huge difference, it might mean you spend longer trying to get the subject you want in focus. That said, focusing, as you'd expect, is quick and accurate and when the light gets low it still does a good job of illuminating the subject and finding a focal point. Occasionally you'll find it just focuses on the wrong thing, but manual focus is only a switch of the control on the lens and perfectly useable for composed shots.
We found the flash to be good, and when put along side a compact, you'll achieve the results that your point and shoot may fail to deliver, especially for those wedding reception moments, capturing groups and friends and so on. For those serious about illuminating indoor scenes there is the normal hot shoe for an additional flash.
Whilst on the flash, we did find that it has a tendency, in full auto mode, to pop-up whenever you get too close to the sun. This is something of a double-edged sword, whilst reducing shadow on the face of your subject, it may also destroy the scene you wanted. For a standard portrait on the beach with strong backlighting it might work, but we found the flash wanting to fire in some landscape shots too, prompting use of the preset options over the simple full auto mode.
The other major change that the EOS 1000D brings to the table is the support for SD/SDHC cards, moving away from the CompactFlash of previous cameras. This is a good move for Canon, especially in this level of camera, meaning any one moving up from a compact will probably already have a card they can slot right in. It is also becoming increasingly common for notebooks to have a built-in reader, whilst the space required on the camera is small – so everybody wins.
With the EOS 1000D coming with the pedigree it does from the Canon fold, you can't go far wrong in terms of usability and image quality: out of the box the EOS 1000D is easy to use and delivers great results.
Live View is a good feature for an entry-level model, however, this is an increasingly busy sector of the market and at an RRP of £500 for the body only, the EOS 1000D does look a little on the pricy side. The EOS 450D, however, is only a small step up in price and delivers a fuller set of features although the final performance is very close.
However, if you don't have a particular affinity to Canon then there are other cameras in this space that potentially offer a greater range of features for your money, and it is certainly worth weighing up all options available.


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It was a scene of pure elation in Nativity Square in Bethlehem on Sunday as Palestinians celebrated the visit of Pope Francis I. Welcomed by Palestinian Christians, Muslims and tourists alike, the Pope held mass in the square for crowd of approximately 7,000 people.
On his first official visit to the Holy Land, Pope Francis said his aim was to strengthen ties with the Orthodox Church, officially marking the 50th anniversary of the historic meeting in Jerusalem between Pope Paul VI and the then-leader of the Orthodox Christian Church, Patriarch Athenagoras. In addition to holding a public mass, Pope Francis spoke to children from local refugee camps and had a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Jessica Salameh, a resident of Bethlehem and a volunteer organizer of the occasion told Palestine Monitor Pope Francis's visit was a "big event" for Palestinian Christians and that "many people from all over Palestine" had come to Bethlehem to welcome the Pope.
Photo by Lazar Simeonov.
In addition to hosting the Pope, Bethlehem presented his holiness with a gift. Vera Baboun, the Mayor of Bethlehem described The Lamp of the City of Peace, designed by George Sadafi Khoury and carved by Akram Anastas in a press conference prior to Pontiff's visit: "The most important symbolism of this gift is that the light needs oil to remain enlightening and the best oil is the oil of peace." The Lamp of the City of Peace was in the form of a chandelier, made from red Jerusalem Stone, the same stone used to restore the church of the Nativity in the 6th century.
Pope Francis had to walk the diplomatic tightrope whilst in the Holy Land. The purpose and message of this trip gave rise to divergent opinions, with many respecting Pope Francis as a religious rather than a political figure, and others expecting him to address Israel's occupation. In a press conference with Pope Francis on Sunday morning, President Abbas commented: "We count on your holiness to contribute towards enabling our people to attain their freedom and full independence, by bringing the Israeli occupation to a complete end and establishing an independent state with east Jerusalem as its capital."
When asked if the Pope's visit could encourage the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, Sophia Daibes, a 19-year-old student from the village of Birzeit and Palestinian Christian attending Sunday's mass, affirmed that his visit was purely for religious purposes: "It is our pleasure to have the Pope here and it brings happiness to our hearts that he came here to the holy land, but he is a religious figure, not a political one." Pontiff's presence cannot reverse what "the Israelis have been altering for the past twenty years. I don't think his visit can make that much of a difference," argued Diabes.
However, the unscheduled stop at Israel's Separation Wall came as a welcome surprise to many. Prior to the Papal visit, large sections of the wall in Bethlehem had been painted grey in an effort to cover paint slogans written by people of the popular resistance. "Despite the fact that the Israeli army continued to paint over them so the Pope would not see. They did this regardless of the risks involved in their acts," Mustafa Barghouti, leader of the Palestinian National Initiative, said in an interview with Palestine Monitor.
Mustafa Barghouti also touched on the significance of the Papal visit. For him, the most poignant part of Pontiff's Sunday's visit to Bethlehem was "the image of the Pope standing in front of wall, head against it and praying…He not only touched the wall, he touched the actual physical injustice being done to the Palestinian people. In fact, the part of the wall he touched is the segment that blocks Palestinians from Bethlehem from reaching Jerusalem."
Pope Francis's prayer at the separation wall may not be enough for those expecting a denouncement of the occupation, but the gesture was politically charged. This image will resonate with a great many people who regard the wall as unjustified. It was a quiet yet moving portrayal of sympathy and respect toward those living with life behind the wall, and reinforced Pope Francis's view that the situation has become "increasingly unacceptable."
The resounding image of the Papal visit to Bethlehem, one that will "stay with the world as long as Israel's Apartheid wall stands, is the image of the Pope standing and praying at the separation wall," said Barghouti.
Video by Claire Boubé from HolyLand Production.
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"The AAA/CAA Magellan partnership is a very successful example of how we are integrating consumer technology into our core services. Mobile applications have become especially important to how AAA/CAA meets the needs of our members," said Marshall L. Doney, AAA National Vice President, Automotive, Financial Services and e-Business. "AAA/CAA content availability on Magellan's RoadMate navigation products was one of our first mobile deployments and it continues to be very popular with our members and clubs. I'm also excited about the integration of the Magellan RoadMate 5190T unit with our roadside assistance dispatch system. It will improve fleet productivity, accuracy and increase association awareness about the benefits of the Magellan relationship."
All Magellan RoadMate personal navigation devices include AAA/CAA TourBook® information which provides drivers with instant access to listings and descriptions of AAA Diamond-Rated restaurants and accommodations, as well as attractions, events and campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. Also included are Show Your Card & Save® locations for member discounts, AAA Approved Auto Repair® and club-owned repair shops and AAA branch office locations.
If a vehicle requires roadside assistance, motorists can access the Magellan RoadMate to identify the location of the vehicle and obtain the necessary information required to request AAA roadside assistance. AAA/CAA call operators then apply the location data to dispatch service. Through the partnership, AAA/CAA members also save on the purchase of Magellan personal navigation devices, accessories and map updates.
"Magellan is committed to giving drivers the best navigation experience with content and features that enhance the safety and convenience of auto travel," said Peggy Fong, President of MiTAC Digital Corporation. "Our exclusive partnership with AAA/CAA gives motorists the best travel resources combined with the dependable PND hardware they need for everyday navigation."
Expanded Partnership for Dispatch Systems
Reflecting the success of the Magellan and AAA/CAA alliance, the companies have expanded their partnership to begin integrating the Magellan RoadMate Commercial 5190T navigator with AAA/CAA's D/2000 dispatch system. Road service operators will be able to use the Magellan RoadMate device for automated electronic navigation to the location where roadside assistance is required.
According to Rick Lorenz, AAA's Director of Wireless Program Development and Fleet Communications, "Timely arrival to a breakdown location is a critical component to member safety and road service network productivity. AAA's ability to pinpoint breakdown location and navigate to a particular street address is enhanced with Magellan navigation."
"The integration of the AAA dispatch system with our RoadMate 5190T is one of the first deployments of our complete fleet management solution," said Stig Pedersen, Associate Vice President of Product Management for Magellan. "We are very excited to be an integral part of the AAA dispatch system. Our companies rapidly integrated the project and we are pleased that it further proved the capability of our Fleet API."
Since 2007, over 3.2 million of Magellan personal navigation devices have been manufactured with AAA/CAA content for sale to consumers in North America.
About AAA/CAA
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 53 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com. Follow AAA on Facebook ( www.Facebook.com/AAAfanpage), Twitter ( www.Twitter.com/AAAnews) and YouTube ( www.YouTube.com/AAA).
About Magellan
Headquartered in Santa Clara, CA, MiTAC Digital Corporation, manufacturer of the Magellan ( www.magellangps.com) brand of portable GPS navigation consumer electronics devices, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MiTAC International Corporation. Recognized as an industry pioneer, Magellan globally markets its award-winning portable navigation devices including the Magellan® RoadMate series for autos, RVs, fleet and commercial vehicles, the eXplorist® PRO for mobile GIS applications and field data collection, the eXplorist outdoor series for hunting, fishing, hiking and geocaching enthusiasts, Magellan Fitness Switch series of crossover GPS watches, and mobile apps and accessories for smart phones. Follow Magellan on Facebook ( www.facebook.com/MagellanGPS), Twitter ( https://twitter.com/magellangps) and YouTube ( www.youtube.com/magellanvideo).
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Contact: Pattie Adams Magellan Public Relations Email Contact 408.615.5172 Ginnie Pritchett AAA Public Relations Email Contact 407.444.8003


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Los Coches Creek Middle School reaches new heights of digital learning
As a Classical Studies Magnet Academy (CSMA) school, Los Coches Creek Middle School in El Cajon, California, focuses on fostering "educational opportunities that will support (students), challenge them, and help them grow as productive, globally responsible citizens of a 21st Century global community." Technology is becoming an increasingly important resource for achieving this goal, and through the Dynamic Learning Project (DLP), teachers and students are reaching new heights of digital learning.
The DLP supports technology coaches in underserved schools such as Los Coches Creek to help train teachers on how to leverage technology in the classroom and beyond. "When I initially heard about this opportunity through my district, it was simply described as a 'digital learning coach.' It wasn't until later in July 2017 that I fully grasped the magnitude of this program," says Amanda Plocinski, the DLP coach at Los Coches Creek during the 2017-2018 school year.
"My experience with classroom technology allowed me to be a catalyst to do outside-of-the-box things with teachers in addition to helping those just getting their feet wet."Amanda Plocinski, DLP Coach
Using a structured coaching approach, Amanda personalized her support for each teacher. Additionally, her five years of classroom experience helped prepare her to coach teachers through many different classroom situations. "The tools and skills I teach vary depending on the experience and technological comfort of the teacher," she explains.
Along with training educators on using technology to address specific challenges, Amanda helped ground them in the fundamentals, including supporting them as they began using G Suite for Education applications. "Whether it was a math teacher learning how to replace her paper quizzes and tests (with digital forms) or training and supporting an entire grade level of teachers in creating up-to-date digital portfolios (using websites), the tools that we work with all depend on the need(s) of the individual teacher and their students," she says.
Teachers at Los Coches Creek seized on the opportunity to introduce technology into the classroom to spark student engagement in the learning process. One math teacher used Storyboard That, a simple yet powerful digital storyboarding tool, to help her students create visual representations of what they'd learned in class. Other teachers took advantage of their "Genius Hour" time (an opportunity to pursue technology projects they found inspiring) to expand their students' horizons. Amanda shares how one teacher "organized and prepared her students for two video conferences during her Genius Hour to connect students with a Google employee to ask questions and share their work."
Calling it her "mantra to my method," Amanda says part of her secret sauce for DLP coaching is "to constantly remind myself what it is like to be in the middle school classroom full time." Putting herself in her teachers' shoes (and classrooms) has helped her see their challenges through the lens of her own experience.
Looking back on her first year as a coach, Amanda says that "some of my proudest achievements (involved) the work I did with a handful of teachers that are very close to retirement. They were so eager and willing to work with me that they were willing to take risks they most likely would have avoided without direct coaching support."
For the 2018-2019 school year, Amanda is returning to her former school, nearby Montgomery Middle School, to serve as a DLP coach. "Now that I have a year under my belt as a technology trainer and advocate I am so excited to bring my experience and knowledge back to my former school site," she shares, noting that her time as a coach at Los Coches Creek "was a year of growth and taking risks...I believe I still have so much more to learn and achieve, and I am eager to keep up the momentum."


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Solar Hot Water Systems Jindalee
You could be saving more than $1000 every year with a Solar Hot Water System from ureco
Families across Jindalee are saving more than $1,000 each year by installing environmentally friendly solar hot water system.
With ~265 days of glorious sun-filled days in Jindaleeeach year, there's no reason you can't take advantage of a more sustainable solution that doesn't cost the earth.
A solar hot water system puts money back in your pocket by harnessing free energy from the sun, and depending on your property, and the system you choose, can slash your hot water heating bill by up to 80%. Generous government rebates can also help reduce upfront costs by as much as 40%.
For the average household in Jindalee, a solar hot water system typically pays for itself within 2-6 years through reduced utility bills.
Good for your bank account, good for the planet.
Money isn't the only thing your solar hot water system will save. Domestic water heating is currently the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia, contributing around 23% of total household emissions from the average Australian home. Using a more efficient solar hot water system reduces environmental impact and produces no direct emissions with greenhouse effect.
Want to check your rebate eligibility?
Our quotes come with a breakdown of the value of the hot water rebate here in Jindalee. You can also check out the Clean Energy Regulator
Choosing the right system for your home
The system you choose will need to take into consideration your household size and average water usage. As a guide, the average person uses about 50L of hot water a day, but this depends on things like how long you take in the shower, how often you use the washing machine and if you have a dishwasher.
Contact one of our hot water system experts today to chat about your hot water needs, or read on for more info about our solar hot water systems, designed to maximise Perth's unique weather conditions and sized to suit your household.
Call the Jindalee Team - 08 6222 6676
Solar Hot Water Systems - Jindalee
Roof Tank Systems
Rooftop solar hot water, also known as close-coupled thermosiphon solar, has shaped Jindalee's Skyline for years. These units are ideal for situations where:
- The plumbing/electrics are already set up on roof
- Or there is no space at ground level for a tank
Ureco Solar Hot Water offer prompt installations and interest-free payment plans are available. Get a quote for Installation in Jindalee. Our systems are Perth designed for Perth conditions and supported here in Perth.
Ground Tank Systems
Envirosun are a Perth-based company specialising in solar hot water with manufactured and warehouse facilities in Perth and Sydney.
Contrary to popularity on the East Coast, Western Australia has been slow to adopt split systems. There are many benefits versus roof solar:
- Easy servicing of tank at ground level
- Improved roof aesthetics
- More safety and control features
All split systems are installed with high-temperature UV-resistant insulation. Unlike the standard pipe installation/foam, it will not crack and disintegrate after only a few years' service. Get a quote for Jindalee.
Evacuated Tubes Jindalee - Solar Hot Water
Evacuated tubes (aka vacuum tube) solar collectors provide more output in Perth when you need it. Australian Engineered over 30 years ago, the vacuum around each tube provides a 'thermos' effect, insulating the collectors against wind and cool air which detract from the suns heating capability.
How they work:
- The evacuated tube solar collector captures the sun's light and heat energy
- A Circulator pushes water through the solar collector, transferring the captured heat into the water
- The heat is then stored in a tank, which continually heats throughout the day
- Hot water is drawn from the storage tank onto the household
Our in-house installers at Ureco take great pride in installing evacuated tube solar hot water systems. Each system is installed with attention to detail, insulated valves and high temperature/UV-resistant pipework insulation.
For the discerning investor Evacuated Tubes installed by Ureco is a wise choice to save you more.
Heat Pumps - Jindalee
Hot Water Heat Pumps provide the benefits of saving money equivalent to traditional solar hot water without the need for roof thermal panels. Our range of Perth Heat Pumps also works in conjunction with solar power panels saving you even more money.
- Heat pumps rely on the suns energy that is available in the atmosphere 24/7, 365 days a year. No direct sunlight is required.
- No roof collector is required with a heat pump. Instead, the thermal collector (or evaporator) is present inside the heat pump unit at ground level.
- A fan draws the solar energy filed air over the evaporator to provide a constant flow of fresh air-sourced energy.
- The small amount of electricity a heat pump consumes is similar to that of traditional solar when averaged out over the course of a year. Whereas Traditional solar requires an electrical element (or gas) to boost in wnter.
Heat pumps very efficiently use electricity to run a compressor. The compressor excites the refrigerant, loaded with solar energy extracted from air, so it then transfers the solar energy through a heat exchanger to the stored water. Read more about Heat Pumps for the Jindalee Area Here.
Other great local businesses that service in Jindalee


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American Physical Society Sites|APS|Journals|PhysicsCentral|Physics Magazine
- American Physical Society Sites
- Publications
- Meetings & Events
- Programs
- Membership
- Policy & Advocacy
- Careers In Physics
- Newsroom
- About APS
- Become a Member
Dr. Gregory P. Meisner is a Staff Researcher at General Motors Global Research & Development. He received his B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Physics from the University of California, San Diego, where his research focused on the superconductivity and magnetism of new ternary compounds. Following a post doc at Los Alamos National Lab, where he studied heavy fermion systems, he joined GM and has been conducting industrial research there for over 28 years. His physics research interests have included superconductivity, magnetism and high performance permanent magnets, hydrogen storage measurements and materials for fuel cell vehicles, and advanced thermoelectrics materials and devices for automotive waste heat recovery. He has published over 90 refereed publications and has 10 patents. He received two John M. Campbell Awards from General Motors Global Research & Development for "An Outstanding Contribution to Filled Skutterudites: High-Efficiency Thermoelectric Materials" (1997), and "Accurate Measurements of Hydrogen Storage" (2004), and he is a Fellow of the American Physical Society. He has served as Member of the APS Committee on Careers & Professional Development (2011- 2013), Chair of the Selection Committee for the APS Prize for Industrial Applications of Physics (2007-2011), Member of the APS Selection Committee for the George E. Pake Prize (2009-2010), Member of the Executive Committee of the APS Forum on Industrial and Applied Physics (FIAP) (2004-2007) and has served as APS Focus Session Organizer for FIAP. He is also a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Ceramic Society, Materials Research Society, Sigma Xi, American Vacuum Society, and American Chemical Society. His is currently the Principle Investigator for GM's research projects on thermoelectric technology for automotive waste heat recovery.
One of the most pressing needs faced by APS is to more successfully cultivate students' interest in physics, encourage them to pursue careers in physics, and retain them as active members of APS. Many physics students, however, follow professional careers that are not in academic institutions, and consequently they tend to not remain connected to APS. This is because the perceived benefit of APS membership and attending APS meetings is too small. This is particularly true for industrial physicists, and it is also true for applied physicists working in other fields. An important role for FIAP is to further APS's ability to meet the physics career development needs of industrial and applied physicists by, for example, providing linkage between the somewhat diverse physics communities of industrial research, national labs, and academia. The goal is to create and take advantage of opportunities designed to enhance and extend the participation of physics students in the application and practice of physics as they become professional industrial or applied physicists. One way to do this is to increase the presence of applied physics topics relevant to industry, government, and universities in the Symposia and Focused Sessions held at APS Meetings. Equally important is enhancing the way APS recognizes significant physics accomplishments by industrial and applied physicists via fellowships, awards, and prizes. My previous participation on the FIAP Executive Committee, FIAP's Fellowship Committee and two APS Prize Selection Committees qualifies me to help FIAP and APS address these matters. As FIAP Councillor, I will serve as liaison between the FIAP Executive Committee and the APS Council, and I will work within FIAP and the APS Council to support efforts to appeal to and retain involvement of all physicists in APS.