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Are you working with a budget this holiday season? Or are you searching for gifts that your kids and family will find meaningful? Handmade and homemade items are the perfect way for you to provide meaningful and budget-friendly gifts for all of the people on your holiday list. Making items at home and purchasing handmade items will also help teach your children that it's the thought that counts.
You don't have to give expensive presents for people to know that you care about and value them. Small, inexpensive gifts that show you put some thought into what to buy or make someone can have just as much or more value than extravagant gifts. This is a great lesson for kids to learn because it gives them experiences and ideas they can compare to the materialistic world they encounter every day.
If you decide to make your own homemade gifts or purchase affordable handmade gifts this year, make an effort to include your kids as much as possible because experiences like these will help children understand the value of budgeting and being thoughtful. Children will enjoy the opportunity to be creative as they practice and develop new skills while helping you get ready for the holidays. Be sure to browse our art section for any art and craft supplies you may need. Here are a few budget-and-kid-friendly tips to keep in mind as you plan your holiday gift list:
1. Have your kids make holiday cards instead of buying them this year. This is a great creative project for kids because it will keep them engaged and make them feel like they are contributing something to your family's holiday planning. It will also save you money because greeting cards can be expensive.
2. Come up with DIY presents you or your kids can make for the people on your holiday gift list. The popular book 101 Great Gifts Kids Can Make provides unique gift ideas that children ages three to eight can make for family members, teachers, and other special people in their lives. The book is available in paperback and eBook formats. You can also browse Pinterest to find other ideas for gifts your kids can make and homemade gifts you can make for your kids.
3. Visit holiday festivals and fairs to find affordable handmade items. Some handmade items can be expensive, but you should be able to find a number of local artists and companies that sell their work for reasonable prices. Holiday festivals are also a great place to take the kids!
4. Make cookies, cakes, and other treats to give as gifts. This is a fairly inexpensive and enjoyable way to give gifts. People who are extremely busy at this time of the year or can no longer bake their own cookies will enjoy receiving homemade treats. Baking is also a great way to teach your kids about nutrition, measuring, and counting as you spend time as a family.
5. If you don't have time to make something homemade, look for budget-friendly items in stores and online. Kaplan Toys offers a variety of fun and educational items that can fit in any budget. Browse our Great Gifts for Under $10 and Great Gifts for Under $20 to find affordable gifts that your kids will love.
Check back tomorrow for Day 8 of our 12 Days of Learning!


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Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (Float Pool) - Texas
Satellite Healthcare
Satellite Healthcare is a successful, nonprofit organization that has improved the lives of people living with kidney disease since 1973. We earn our national reputation for excellent patient care each day by offering a complete range of dialysis therapy choices, personalized clinical services, and unparalleled wellness education.
The essential functions listed are not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned. All employees must work in accordance with Satellite's I-CARE Standards. Employees must abide by all Satellite's standards of patient care, patient's rights and ethical treatment, and adhere to safety and quality programs .
a. Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
b. Follows all clean/dirty procedures in order to eliminate cross-contamination
c. Performs cannulation using aseptic techniques for needle insertion and all other required procedures
d. Disinfects machines, station area, and chairs after each patient treatment
e. Maintains a neat and clean environment
Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying

subset: commoncrawl


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FORMER Rangers Football Club owner Sir David Murray has sold part of his metals business in a £34.5 million management buy-out (MBO) that sees him part company with key lieutenant Donald Wilson.
Wilson, who spent 25 years working with Murray, led the MBO of Premier Hytemp, which makes parts for the oil and gas industry, with financial backing from Edinburgh-based private equity firm Dunedin.
Dunedin stumped up £26.7m and has appointed partner Dougal Bennett to Edinburgh-based Premier Hytemp's board.
Last year Scottish Enterprise hailed Premier Hytemp as "one of Scotland's business growth success stories" because of its overseas expansion.
Murray created the company in 2008 after his Premier Alloys business took over Hytemp-owner Hillfoot Steel.
Bennett told The Scotsman that Wilson had left Murray International Holdings (MIH) to focus on his new firm.
But Murray remained tight-lipped last night over his plans to sell the rest of his metals business, which were revealed in his group's annual accounts in April. He declined to answer questions regarding the fate of the rest of his metals empire, which he founded 37 years ago.
As well as its Edinburgh head office, Premier Hytemp has a manufacturing plant in the Scottish capital, along with facilities in Sheffield, Canada and Singapore. A base in Dubai is due to open shortly.
The firm employs more than 200 staff and last year turned over about £42m.
Bennentt said the company plans to expand its customer base in the Middle East and North and South America following the MBO.
He added: "We're very pleased to be backing a Scottish headquartered that has the opportunity for global growth."
Wilson was joined in the MBO by chief financial officer Will Gold and chief operations officer Doug Harrison.
Accounts for MIH revealed in the spring that Murray's metals business was up for sale "in whole or in parts", although he denied there was any pressure from Lloyds Banking Group to make the disposal. MIH owes Lloyds some £470m.


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How To Become A Safety Engineer in Oregon
In order to qualify for Health and Safety jobs in Oregon, it's a smart idea to compare all the technical schools in your target area, as well as consider taking some of your courses online. Check with each engineering school below for assistance with certificate program requirements, degree prerequisites, and class registration. You may request information from several different schools below, without making a commitment.
To prepare for Health and Safety careers in Oregon, you need to complete a technical education in your specialty area, as well as consider taking part of your required courses online. Which college degrees give you the best chances of finding employment after graduation? Engineering job offers command competitive salaries due to accelerating technical innovation in manufacturing and heavy industry. Check with the safety engineering department for course registration deadlines, and engineering program requirements.
Health and safety engineers develop procedures and design systems to protect people from illness and injury and property from damage. Health and safety engineers also investigate industrial accidents and injuries to determine their causes and to determine whether the incidents could be prevented in the future. They also evaluate the corrections that were made to remedy violations found during health inspections.
Health and safety engineers can earn professional certifications, such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification and the Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) certification, both offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. In addition, the American Society of Safety Engineers offers a Certificate in Safety Management (CSM). Finally, the International Council on Systems Engineering offers a program leading to designation as a Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP). Beyond major requirements within the safety engineering department, you may consider Ashland University 3D printing as a complementary elective.


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Nicolas Cage puts the pedal to the metal, figuratively as well as literally, in this action tale that made every use it could of 3-D technology in its theatrical run. The star plays a vengeful man who literally escapes from hell to save his murdered daughter's child from a cult leader (Billy Burke, "Twilight"), especially since the infant is slated to be sacrificed in a ritual.
In attempting the rescue, the would-be hero is helped by a waitress (Amber Heard) and chased by an emissary of the devil (William Fichtner) ... and the result, if taken in the intended spirit, is more entertaining than some may expect. DVD extras: two "making-of" documentaries; audio commentary by director and co-writer Patrick Lussier and co-writer Todd Farmer; deleted scenes. *** (R: AS, N, P, GV) (Also on Blu-ray)
Buy 'Drive Angry' on DVD.


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LOS ANGELES — CBS scored big in the weekly ratings with the National Football League's Patriots-Broncos playoff game and the network's reliable series lineup.
New England's lopsided win over Denver in the AFC divisional match on CBS was last week's most-watched broadcast with 34.2 million viewers, according to Nielsen Co. figures released Wednesday.
CBS also got a boost from the debut of the sitcom "Rob." The Rob Schneider series rode the coattails of "The Big Bang Theory" to draw 13.5 million viewers despite scathing reviews.
Fox, in a distant second place, had the No. 2 program with the NFC playoff game between the winning New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers. It drew 23.8 million viewers.
The Golden Globes proved the bright spot for fourth-place NBC. The awards show was watched by 16.85 million viewers, beating all network competition in its time slot but dipping slightly from last year's audience of 17 million.
CBS averaged 13.9 million viewers in prime time (8.3 rating, 13 share). Fox had 8.7 million (5.0, 8), ABC had 7 million (4.4, 7), NBC had 6.6 million (4.2, 7), the CW had 1.3 million (0.9, 1) and ION Television had 1.1 million (0.7, 1).
Among the Spanish-language networks, Univision led with a 3.4 million average (1.7, 3). Telemundo had 1.4 million (0.7, 1), TeleFutura had 620,000 (0.3, 0), Estrella had 220,000 and Azteca 170,000 (both 0.1, 0).
NBC's "Nightly News" topped the evening newscasts with an average of 9.3 million viewers (6.1, 11). ABC's "World News" was second with 8.3 million (5.5, 10) and the "CBS Evening News" had 7 million viewers (4.7, 8).
A ratings point represents 1,147,000 households, or 1 percent of the nation's estimated 114.7 million TV homes. The share is the percentage of in-use televisions tuned to a given show.
For the week of Jan. 9-15, the top 10 shows, their networks and viewerships: AFC Divisional Playoff: Denver at New England, CBS, 34.2 million; Fox NFC Playoff: NY Giants at Green Bay, 23.8 million; "NCIS," CBS, 21 million; Golden Globe Awards, NBC, 16.85 million; "NCIS: Los Angeles," CBS, 16.6 million; "The Big Bang Theory," CBS, 16.1 million; "Person of Interest," CBS, 14.9 million; "The Mentalist," CBS, 13.6 million; "Rob," CBS, 13.5 million, "Blue Bloods," CBS, 12.1 million.
ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co. CBS is owned by CBS Corp. CW is a joint venture of Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corp. Fox and My Network TV are units of News Corp. NBC and Telemundo are owned by Comcast Corp. ION Television is owned by ION Media Networks. TeleFutura is a division of Univision. Azteca America is a wholly owned subsidiary of TV Azteca S.A. de C.V.


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The Beginnings of English Philosophy
> The Value of the Method
The Interpretation of Nature and the New Method
Herbert of Cherbury
The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes
Volume IV. Prose and Poetry: Sir Thomas North to Michael Drayton.
The Beginnings of English Philosophy
§ 12. The Value of the Method.
In spite of the width of his interests, especially in the domain of science, Bacon himself did not contribute any new discovery. His suggestions sometimes show insight, but also a certain crudity of conception which is connected with his inadequate general view of nature. The exposition of his method in the second book of
Novum Organum
is illustrated throughout by an investigation into the form or cause of heat. The result to which he permits himself to arrive as the first vintage of the enquiry exhibits this combination of insight and crudity. He reaches the conclusion that heat is a particular case of motion. The specific differences which distinguish it from its genus are that it is an expansive motion; that its direction is towards the circumference of the body, provided the body itself has a motion upwards; that it is a motion in the smaller parts of the body; and that this motion is a rapid motion of fine (but not the finest) particles of the body. This and other investigations of his own were abandoned without reaching a clear result. His knowledge of science was also deficient, especially in the region of the exact sciences. He looked for an increase of astronomical knowledge from Galileos telescope, but he appears to have been ignorant of the work of Kepler; he ignored Napiers invention of logarithms and Galileos advances in mechanical theory; and his judgment on the Copernican theory became more adverse at the very time when that theory was being confirmed by Galileo and Kepler.
These defects in his own scientific equipment were closely connected with some of the peculiarities in detail of the method he recommended. And the two things together may explain the sneer of his contemporary Harvey, that he wrote philosophy like a lord chancellor. Nor is it very difficult to understand the attitude of most subsequent men of science, who have honoured him as the originator of the experimental method, but silently ignored his special precepts. His method was not the method of the laboratory. When the objects investigated can be observed only directly as they occur in nature, greater importance must be assigned to the exhaustive enumeration of facts upon which Bacon insisted. Darwin, for example, has recorded that, in starting his enquiry, he worked on true Baconian principles, and, without any theory, collected facts on a wholesale scale. But Bacon did not recognise that, in investigations of this sort also, the enumeration must be guided by an idea or hypothesis, the validity of which is capable of being tested by the facts. He overlooked the function of the scientific imaginationa power with which he himself was richly endowed.
According to Bacon, human knowledge and human power meet in one; and the stress which he laid upon this doctrine lends interest to his discussions on practical principles. His views on ethical and political theory, however, were never set forth systematically or with completeness. They are to be found in the second book of the
and in the seventh and eighth books of
De Augmentis,
as well as in the
and in some of his occasional writings. His observations on private and public affairs are full of practical wisdom, for the most part of the kind commonly called Worldly. He was under no illusions about the ordinary motives of men, and he thought that we are much beholden to Machiavel and others, that write what men do and not what they ought to do. Fundamental principles are dealt with less frequently, but they are not altogether neglected. A preference is expressed for the active over the contemplative life, for men must know that in this theatre of mans life it is reserved only for God and angels to be lookers on. Aristotles reasons for preferring the contemplative life have respect to private good only. But the exemplar or platform of good discloses a double nature the one, as everything is a total or substantive in itself; the other, as it is a part or member of a greater body; whereof the latter is in degree the greater and the worthier. In this way, Bacon introduced into English ethics the distinction, on which many controversies have turned, between private and public good. But the nature of this good is not subjected to philosophical analysis. A similar remark has to be made regarding Bacons contributions to political theory. There is much discussion of matters of detail, but first principles are barely mentioned. The arts of government are said to contain three duties: the preservation, the happiness and prosperity and the extension, of empire; but only the last is discussed. Bacon maintained the independence of the civil power, and, at the same time, defended the royal prerogative; nevertheless, his ideal of the state was not arbitrary government, but the rule of law. In the
he had noted that
all those which have written of laws have written either as philosophers or as lawyers, and none as statesmen. As for the philosophers, they make imaginary laws for imaginary commonwealths; and their discourses are as the stars, which give little light because they are so high. For the lawyers, they write according to the states where they live, what is received law, and not what ought to be law.
And he goes on to say that there are in nature certain fountains of justice, whence all civil laws are derived but as streams. To this subject he returns in the eighth book of
De Augmentis,
which closes with a series of aphorisms on universal justice. In these aphorisms, all civil authority is made to depend on the sovereign power of the government, the structure of the constitution, and the fundamental laws; law does not merely protect private rights; it extends to everything that regards the well-being of the state; its end is or should be the happiness of the citizen: and that law may be set down as good which is certain in meaning, just in precept, convenient in execution, agreeable to the form of government, and productive of virtue in those that live under it.
Bacons contributions to human philosophy do not rank in importance with his reforming work in natural philosophy; and his influence on the moral sciences was later in making itself felt, though it was similar in character to his influence on natural science. He often appealed for help in carrying out his new philosophy; but, neither in natural science, nor in moral science, nor in philosophy generally, did he found a school. Harveys unfavourable judgment has been already quoted. Hobbes, who acted for a time as his secretary, does not seem to have been influenced by him in any important manner. And yet it is the leading thinkersmen such as Leibniz and Hume and Kantwho acknowledge most fully the greatness of Bacon. His real contribution to intellectual progress does not consist in scientific discoveries or in philosophical system; nor does it depend on the value of all the details of his method. But he had the insight to discover, the varied learning to illustrate and the eloquence to enforce, certain principles, regulative of the minds attitude to the world, which, once grasped, became a permanent possession. He did more than anyone else to help to free the intellect from preconceived notions and to direct it to the unbiassed study of facts, whether of nature, of mind, or of society; he vindicated an independent position for the positive sciences; and to this, in the main, he owes his position in the history of modern thought.
Note 13
. Compare Spedding, in Bacons
pp. 511, 725.
The Interpretation of Nature and the New Method
Herbert of Cherbury
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A Unique Cruise Odyssey Exploring North America's Treasures
Aboard the All-Suite, 50 Cabin Clelia II
June 7-26, 2010
Alumni, parents, and friends are invited on this very special voyage to explore the rivers and inlets of eastern Canada and the Great Lakes. Our travelers will explore the lovely coast of the Maritime Provinces, cruise up the broad St. Lawrence River to Montreal and Quebec City, then cruise through Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior.
We are especially pleased to have on this voyage two distinguished Middlebury Alumni, Jane Bryant Quinn '60, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, television personality, and one of the country's most trusted commentators on financial matters, and American Geographical Society lecturer Joseph Wood, '68, Professor of Public Affairs and Provost and Provost at the University of Baltimore, a cultural geographer whose scholarship and teaching focus on the North American cultural landscape.
To download the brochure and registration form click here.
For additional information, please call Travel Dynamics International at 800.257.5767 or contact the Alumni and Parent Programs Office at 802.443.5183.


text:
Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" enjoyed one of the more anomalous releases in 2012. Despite the fact that many critics gave Jackson's adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien classic poor marks, the first of three "Hobbit" films was a global blockbuster, grossing more than $1 billion worldwide, nearly as much as "The Dark Knight Rises."
The second installment in the trilogy -- "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" -- arrives in theaters on Dec. 13, and judging from the new trailer the film has more in common with Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" films than the first "Hobbit" production.
While the first film felt overly dark and somewhat claustrophobic -- with an extended action scene unfolding deep in a sprawling cave -- the new film harkens back to the sweeping vistas and outdoor action that Jackson employed in the "Lord of the Rings" productions.
PHOTOS: Hollywood Backlot moments
There are other similarties to Jackson's earlier Tolkien adaptation.
Judging from the trailer, the archer Legolas will enjoy significant screen time, the part that made Orlando Bloom a star from "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring."
And even though the creatures in the first "Hobbit" movie were impressive, in the new film we will see more of Jackson's epic design for Smaug, the giant dragon voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch.
James Franco, Jason Bateman among those actors trying directing
Joseph Gordon-Levitt's 'Don Jon' a movie about mainstream culture
'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2' is No. 1 on a crowded weekend
PHOTOS: Faces to watch 2014 | Movies
ENVELOPE: The latest awards buzz
DOCUMENTARIES: 10 best of 2013, and a new crop in 2014


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Looking Hard at JASIS&T: Results of a Series of Surveys, Focus Group Interviews and Other Studies
Donald O. Case is professor, SLIS, University of Kentucky, 502 King Library Building S, Lexington, KY 40506; 606-357-8415; firstname.lastname@example.com
Suzanne L. Allard is assistant professor, School of Information Sciences in the College of Communication & Information, University of Tennessee, 302 Communications Building, Knoxville TN 37996-0332; 865-974-1379; email@example.com
In the summer of 2000, we began a series of studies to better understand the readership of the Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (JASIS&T), as well as the membership of its sponsoring Society. Those studies, completed in 2003, included two focus group interviews with ASIS&T members and former members, an archival study of 380 JASIS&T authors, an online survey of non-member contributors to the Journal, and a mail survey of 1,121 readers of other information technology publications. Altogether, the surveys include responses from a total of 1,265 people.
These investigations offer empirical confirmation of some observations made earlier by long-time ASIS&T members. For example, many ASIS&T members may be aware that non-members are unsure of the Society's makeup and identity. They also know that many ASIS&T members find JASIS&T to be "too technical." Yet the research results may also provide ASIS&T leadership with a clearer picture of the dynamic relationships that exist within ASIS&T membership and between ASIS&T and other associations. This information is beneficial as it adds perspective on how to build on the strengths of ASIS&T, such as JASIS&T, and how to address other areas that may require additional attention.
Guiding Questions. A number of questions guided our efforts. Some of these reflect ideas that we developed, some came from JASIS&T Editorial Board members, and yet others from the Journal's publisher, John Wiley & Sons. The questions, along with sources for answers, are reflected in Table One.
Each of the guiding questions is addressed in some depth below. We present our findings in two parts: the first section describes the series of four small-scale investigations of JASIS&T readers, members, former members and contributors. The second section presents results of a large-scale mail survey of readers of other IT journals, only 4% of whom were ASIS&T members (hence we characterize them as chiefly "non-members").
Part One: Readers and Members
Who are ASIS&T members and JASIS&T readers? ASIS&T is a highly diverse society. It is composed of information professionals from many walks of life: librarians, database searchers, information architects, knowledge managers, vendor representatives, corporate information specialists, industry researchers and university faculty, to name just a few groups. Neither the public nor the private sector dominates ASIS&T membership.
We interviewed 25 ASIS&T members and two former ASIS&T members, mostly from private firms and public universities, many of whom were also members of the Special Libraries Association.
Some members have characterized the ASIS&T membership as being split between "practitioners" and "academics," with the former in the majority. Whatever the validity of the "practitioners" versus "academics" characterization, this report will make use of that distinction, because it is one that many respondents tended to make and explains some of the divergent opinions we documented.
What is the role of JASIS&T in the life of the Society? JASIS&T is a flagship for the Society. Most practitioners are proud of it but few of them read much of it. JASIS&T is perceived as a highly technical, research publication, but with limited value to practitioners and most of the membership. Most do not want to see JASIS&T changed but they'd like to receive a different kind of publication in addition, even if only in electronic form.
ASIS&T should consider means by which they can reinforce the value of JASIS&T to the practitioner members of ASIS&T, who, after all, are in the majority. For example, emphasize in published statements and advertising the various ways that JASIS&T promotes the profession and highlights the hottest topics and latest trends.
What do members get out of reading JASIS&T? Practitioners use JASIS&T to keep up with current trends and jargon so they can communicate with technical personnel within their organization and justify expenditures for new services, technology or projects. Academics get a respected, refereed journal that contains research and evidence of interest to them. It is also an outlet for publishing their own research.
What other publications do members read? Practitioners prefer industry- and professionally-oriented publications like Library Journal, Information Outlook, KM World, Knowledge Management and Information Today. Many read general publications like Wired and Fast Company. Some also read Communications of the ACM. Academics read Communications of the ACM and Information Processing and Management, among other publications.
What parts of JASIS&T do members actually read? Relatively few practitioners read JASIS&T articles, unless they are part of a Special Topics issue of particular interest. Some read book reviews and letters to the editor, which they find to be in plain language and more applicable. They do see JASIS&T as covering the right topics, simply at more theoretical level than they can use.
Academics read some of the feature articles. Non-member contributors to JASIS&T, for example, on average read two or three articles per year. We assume that contributors who are members are likely to read articles more frequently.
What do ASIS&T members want to read about? Practitioners are most interested in practical information about information architecture, digital libraries, knowledge management, Internet and database searching, information retrieval and usability issues. Contributors were not asked a parallel question, but judging by other responses are interested in research and development on similar topics.
What is the role of electronic publications? Many practitioners endorse the idea of an online journal aimed at their needs something searchable and immediate in content. They do not, however, want any electronic publication to be a vehicle for a lot of advertising.
Who are JASIS&T contributors? Only about a third of JASIS&T contributors are members of ASIS&T, and that ratio has been steady for many years. Contrary to a perception among practitioners that most JASIS&T articles have been written by authors affiliated with library and information science programs, only about 20% are written by LIS faculty. A similar proportion of authors are from computer science departments.
On the whole, JASIS&T authors are heavily "academic" nearly 90% of 311 respondents to the online survey were from academic organizations, a slight overrepresentation of their actual numbers. Contributors who are not members of ASIS&T typically belonged to the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
What other journals do JASIS&T contributors read? Non-member contributors typically read Communications of the ACM (CACM), Information Processing & Management (IP&M) and Proceedings of ACM SIGIR. Some also read IEEE Computer, the Journal of Information Science (JIS), and the Journal of Documentation (JDoc). Presumably this pattern is similar for contributors who are ASIS&T members.
Where else do JASIS&T authors publish? Non-member contributors also publish in IP&M, Proceedings of ACM SIGIR, CACM, and the JDoc. The chief competitor for readers is ACM, while the major competitor for contributions is IP&M. Many say they do not see JASIS&T as having an identity that is distinct from some other journals.
Why are many JASIS&T contributors not members? It is notable that many non-members nevertheless see JASIS&T as an important place to publish their research. Most non-members note that there are other associations that better reflect their interests. Some also cite the cost of ASIS&T membership and conference fees, while those living outside North America think that other associations give them more opportunities to be involved. About 10% of those we contacted were currently considering joining ASIS&T.
What are some ways to expand readership and membership? Among these contributors the chief competitors were the Special Libraries Association and the ACM. About five years ago ACM realigned the focus of their Communications to better serve the 80% of ACM members who are practitioners rather than academics. Perhaps ASIS&T could do the same with a new publication (not JASIS&T).
Clearly JASIS&T is a highly successful journal in the eyes of both academics and practitioners. However, many practitioners suggest that ASIS&T could publish more content of interest to them. The Bulletin is seen more as "membership news" than as content geared to practitioners. A new type of publication could address this need and serve as a vehicle for "branding" the Society.
Part Two: Non-Members
We wanted to learn about the attitudes and reading habits of individuals who were not ASIS&T members but whose professional interests suggest that they were potential JASIS&T readers. We were particularly interested in readers of various professional journals in information technology.
The Sample and Procedures. Finding a good sampling frame for such a population turned out to be challenging. For over a year we explored various subscriber and membership lists and discovered two things:
Eventually we pulled together a combined sampling frame made up of several subscriber lists, including 7,169 subscribers to Online and KM World, plus a contingent of 17,797 ACM members with self-described interests in digital libraries and information retrieval. These readers were the population for the mail survey.
In Fall 2002, a service bureau hired by the Professional/Trade Group of John Wiley & Sons mailed out a survey questionnaire to these 24,966 readers of information technology journals. The survey instrument had been designed over the previous two years, based on a series of focus groups with, and surveys of, ASIS&T members and JASIS&T contributors. To encourage completion, respondents were offered a chance to win one of three prizes (a notebook computer or one of two models of PDA) if they responded by December 15, 2002. Return postage for the survey was prepaid.
The Results of the Mail Survey of Non-Readers/Members. A total of 1121 completed surveys (a 4.5% response rate) were received by late January 2003. Although the response rate may seem low, it was higher than that usually obtained in publisher surveys of this sort, in which returns typically run from a high of six percent (with hefty incentives) to a low of two percent (more typical). In any event, the results are valuable because they do represent a substantial number of people and they provide an in-depth look at individual reader attitudes beyond simply knowing the names of publications to which they subscribe.
The typical respondent held either a Master's or Ph.D. degree in computer science and worked either as an educator/researcher or as a programmer/analyst although a wide variety of other degree fields and job titles were also present in the sample. The sample was approximately 80% male. The majority (55%) were between the ages of 35 and 54, and another 28% were under 35 years of age. Respondents were widely distributed across the United States.
A summary of their responses follows.
Many respondents had positive things to say about the organization, including praise for members they had met, ASIS&T conferences and JASIS&T. The criticisms made of ASIS&T are probably already familiar to many members even if not very well founded: mainly for librarians, too theoretical, too narrow in scope. More disturbing is that some respondents had heard of ASIS&T but did not know it was the new name for the old "ASIS," suggesting that the organization needs to publicize the name change.
The majority of comments about the Journal were very positive, praising the quality of the articles. The criticisms typically had to do with being too esoteric, academic and theoretical, or too focused on information retrieval, digital libraries and the like. It was apparent from some comments that many respondents had not looked at an issue of JASIS&T in a long time.
What can we take away from these investigations? This research did not address basic membership issues, yet the results do, indirectly, raise issues about the Society's image. More concretely the research points out some publication-related improvements that could be made. These might in turn favorably impact the membership. In conjunction with the Society's recent membership survey, ASIS&T leadership now has more evidence to work with in making improvements.
The overall conclusion that we have reached is that the Society has a very healthy flagship publication, JASIS&T, but that the Society itself needs reinvigoration and publicity. The most positive news is that the Society's journal, JASIS&T, is widely respected, both by members and non-members who know of it. Even ASIS&T members who find JASIS&T of limited practical value do not wish to see it change. Publications could play a role in addressing the key issues of membership and identity, which are more fundamental. ASIS&T should consider ways to increase the value of the society to existing practitioner members, means of attracting new members and of making the concerns of the Society known to a larger audience. As it is, many people in the IT workforce do not know of the Society or they misunderstand what it is about.
Potential reactions include doing a better job of advertising the Society, what it stands for and who should join. In terms of attracting a wider audience, it is critical that prospective members understand that the Society includes computer scientists and professionals from the business sector. Current impressions that ASIS&T is mainly an organization for librarians and information retrieval specialists are a major barrier to recruiting members from other groups.
ASIS&T should consider developing a magazine that attracts a wider, non-technical readership. Such a publication would be about the topics that concern ASIS&T, rather than about the organization itself, and would be geared more towards practitioners. If a new ASIS&T publication is pursued it should include regularly appearing features and columns for example, interviews with prominent ASIS&T members and current JASIS&T authors, pointing readers toward their full work in recent JASIS&T issues. Perhaps the current JASIS&T book reviews section could be moved to a new publication, or, alternatively, a new venue for shorter reviews could be included in a new publication. Another vehicle, successfully used at times in the Bulletin, would be short articles about research being conducted, or trends, services or applications in development. Such items would not provide the detailed descriptions of results that normally appear in JASIS&T.
However the market for information technology publications has been in decline, so efforts in the direction of a new publication may need to await improvements in the general economy. Nevertheless, the slump in IT
represents an opportunity for ASIS&T to make it self more relevant to a broader audience, some of whom are searching for new jobs and associations.
Table One: Questions about JASIS&T Readers and Authors
Copyright © 2004, American Society for Information Science and Technology


text:
Military Trail Natural Area
4600 N.W. Ninth Ave./Military Trail, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442Phone: 954-357-8109 • Email: email@example.com
Size19.9 acres
HabitatThe scrubby habitat dominating this site has become one of the rarest plant communities in Broward County. Since the Florida scrub was the highest and driest habitat in South Florida, development focused first in these areas as the region was colonized, leaving very little of the habitat intact. This site contains a mosaic of scrubby flatwoods, oak-dominated scrub, and sand pine scrub. A small remnant dome swamp is located on the north boundary.
VegetationThe scrubby flatwoods canopy is dominated by slash pine, while sand pines dominate the sand pine scrub area. Myrtle oak, sand live oak, Chapman's oak, hog plum, and saw palmetto are found throughout the site. Other plants found on site include largeflower false rosemary, netted pawpaw, wild pennyroyal, Feay's palafox, and coastalplain staggerbush. A few bald cypress trees along the north boundary mark the location of the remnant dome swamp.
WildlifeThis natural area is home to wildlife. Among the wildlife recorded on site are the zebra swallowtail, eastern towhee, American kestrel, eastern phoebe, painted bunting, and gray fox. Several fossorial animals – meaning animals that are adapted to digging and living underground – also live within the site, including the gopher tortoise (a protected species), eastern glass lizard, six-lined racerunner, and ox beetle. If you have questions regarding wildlife or wish additional information, please call the park number above. The following safety tips are recommended for our guests: 1. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid the water's edge. 2. Alligators, snakes, and other animals live in this area. 3. Do not approach, feed, or taunt alligators, snakes, or other wildlife. 4. Pets, where permitted, must be on a leash no longer than six feet. 5. No swimming or wading except in designated areas. 6. Use common sense while in this natural area.
AmenitiesSite amenities include benches and an unpaved nature trail just over half a mile in length. Wildlife observation is encouraged, although bicycles, inline skates, skateboards, and motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trails. As with all natural area sites, pets are not allowed.
A Little HistoryThe site's name reflects some of the history of the area. Military Trail was originally built as a dirt access road for soldiers during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). In 1890, the site was part of a larger land parcel deeded to the Florida Coast Line Canal and Transportation Company as payment for work on the Intracoastal Waterway. In 1897, the land parcel was sold to the company most commonly known as the Florida East Coast Railway Company, controlled by Henry Flagler. Broward County purchased the site through the 1989 Environmentally Sensitive Lands Bond program, which was dedicated to preserving sites with significant habitat. The site was opened for the public's enjoyment in 2011.
The natural area is accessible from Broward County Transit Route #34.
Aerial Image of Military Trail Natural Area


text:
Colorado Securities Commissioner Fred Joseph has filed a complaint against a Longmont private-equity fund and its principals on allegations they defrauded more than 20 investors out of $3.2 million, according to an announcement Friday.
Defendants in the complaint, filed in Denver District Court, are Colony Capital LLC, Colony Capital LP, Colony Capital Group, Gary Snisky of Longmont, David Burch of Aurora and Brenda Ridley of Bakersfield, Calif.
The complaint charges Snisky with investment-adviser fraud, securities fraud, selling unregistered securities and acting as an unlicensed investment adviser. Burch and Ridley are charged with selling securities without a license.
Colony Capital of Longmont is not affiliated with the Los Angeles real-estate investment fund with the same name.
Snisky, reached via phone, said he was not aware of the complaint.


text:
Spoiler Alert! Click to show or hide
In Kyoto, there are three kinds of residents: humans, raccoon dogs, and tengu. Shimogamo Yasaburou is the third son of the Shimogamo raccoon dog family. His father, Souichirou, had been the head of Kyoto raccoon dog community until he was eaten by the human members of "Friday Club". While taking care of old tengu, fighting with other raccoon dogs, and playing with a psychic human girl, Yasaburou approaches the truth of his father's death.
Other Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 13
Status: Currently Airing
Aired: Jul 7, 2013 to ?
Producers: Lantis, P.A. Works, Magic Capsule, Uchouten Kazoku Production Committee
Genres: Comedy, Fantasy
Duration: 24 min. per episode
First Impressions
Just finished watching and was a good episode.
Spoiler Alert! Click to show or hide
I didn't expect the kiss though in the second half lol. Well, that woman is kinda hot in a way...so....
Anyways, I'm a fan of PA Works and I enjoy their stuff so this was a delight for me. The animation fits I think and OP/ED songs were nice. The setting is Kyoto so it gives off a sort of natural way of Japan's setting. Anyways, I'll look forward to more but decent first episode!
Animanga hunter extraordinaire
So... summerwars the anime?
Maths is hard
I'll check it out later today
I love you Miichan, Takamina, Sasshi & Nako! (^_^)/
This was wonderful!! I always loved the theme of supernatural beings living along side normal people. <3 Benten was hot, and I could listen to her VA all day.
I thought she sounded familiar! It's Mamiko Noto... I remembered her voice from the Hell Girl songs, and for being Enma Ai.
Poi is the new Desu!
I was a bit worried after Red Data Girl but the story is already interesting and so are the characters here.
The character designs are unique and, I'll admit, a bit weird. Not sure this is something I could buy at this point but the are not enough to put me off from watching it.
Backgrounds are beautiful.
Seems interesting. Not what I was expecting but I will keep watching for sure.
Spoiler Alert! Click to show or hide
First episode kisses are always a good thing IMO! Don't need to keep us hanging...
I thought it was a solid first episode; actually, one of the best first episodes I've seen this season. It didn't over-explain or be deliberately obtuse, something which I've noticed a lot of this season. The main character is likable, but still has that tanuki quality of mischief to him. And I definitely am interested in how Benten fits into all this.
I actually hadn't read anything about this show prior to watching, so I expected a family sit-com type of show, though, considering it is a P.A. Works show, I should have known better. Liked the OP, mostly because I like milktub, and their pop-punk sound seems to work well for the show.
After reading a bit more, I also discovered it was based on a novel, which means it should have an actual ending, something I find encouraging. Overall, I liked it a lot more than I expected.
I have almost no free time, and yet I'm here...priorities
imaginarycreatures wrote:
After reading a bit more, I also discovered it was based on a novel, which means it should have an actual ending, something I find encouraging. Overall, I liked it a lot more than I expected.
You can't bet on that! Was it just one novel? Red Data Girl anime only did 5/6 novels... leaving us hanging a bit hoping for a movie or some OVAs. I have all the books but for most people that doesn't really help.
Looking forward to this, although I still have no idea how to gauge the potential for this one. We'll see, I suppose.
Is there a legal stream for this hanging around somewhere I'm being completely oblivious to?
Insomnist wrote:
Is there a legal stream for this hanging around somewhere I'm being completely oblivious to?
Living with the Parum of manliness, mennnnn!!
NoBreyner wrote:
Insomnist wrote:
Is there a legal stream for this hanging around somewhere I'm being completely oblivious to?
... domo arigatou gozaimasu.
I'm not sure how I missed that.
Episode 1
I had to drop this. It might be because I'm currently sleep deprived, but I didn't get a good sense. I'll try to pick up the series again when the Summer 2013 Simulcast ends. To everyone that's enjoyed the episode, happy watching!
Episode Grade
N/A (Episode cannot be graded if dropped.)
I love you Miichan, Takamina, Sasshi & Nako! (^_^)/
Awesome first episode. The characters are interesting. Noto Mamiko's soothing voice is always refreshing among the screeching female voices in most anime. I noticed all of the characters including the humans have weird looking ears lol (not that it matters though). OP and ED songs are great. That synopsis sounds intriguing, looking forward to seeing more.
(」・ω・)」 うー! (/・ω・)/ にゃー! (」・ω・)」 うー! (/・ω・)/ にゃー!
Eeh... not sure what I think about this. None of the hooks were baited for me. I'll give it another episode though.
summer wars has an anime...
is this like summer wars?
His Holiness Optimus Maximus Decimus Meridius Colossus Nemesis Nexus Genesis


text:
Advances in Human-Computer Interface Design:
by Alan C. Rough
A Report on the 14th Annual Symposium and Open House of the Human-Computer Interaction Lab
After the opening remarks by Richard Herman, dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Ben Shneiderman, head of HCIL, spoke about the challenges of making informed decisions in an information rich environment. Important decisions are often based on an incomplete or incorrect understanding of the relevant data sets. The key is to present the data in a way that provides the decision maker with structured information that facilitates decision making with a high degree of success.
To illustrate one solution, he demonstrated Spotfire, a commercial product for data mining from IVEE Development (www.ivee.com). Spotfire uses a starfield display, originally developed at the University of Maryland, to view tens of thousands of data points with as many as five attributes per data point. (An unexpected bonus for conference attendees included the right to download a free copy of Spotfire for personal use.)
In the next presentation, Tightly Coupled Views, Chris North reviewed the Visible Human project, which demonstrates the strength of linked images. Images can be linked hierarchically, structurally and relationally. He noted that Elastic Windows is only one example of a tool that can link images and documents. Other tools also include the ability to provide synchronized scrolling between WWW documents and their HTML source code, for instance. All of these strategies offer information seekers a better sense of "place" as they navigate.
Further examples of linked data sets were presented in two papers which used LifeLines for personal histories. LifeLines had originally been developed by HCIL researchers for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice in order to track youth offender records. That research led in a new direction reported in Visualizing Medical Patient Records with LifeLines. It provides physicians with a single screen summary of visits, medications, lab reports, imaging, immunizations, hospitalizations, etc. When linked to pharmacological information, it has enough power and flexibility to monitor whether a patient is ordering too much or too little of prescribed medications. Patterns of doctor visits can also be observed.
To test the concept, further research led to a second paper on LifeLines: LifeLines vs. Tabular Format: An Experiment. Preliminary work suggests that inexperienced users can make correct assumptions from data faster and more accurately using LifeLines than with tabular information. Further research will test the concept with trained professionals and data sets that are further enhanced with exact dates, attribute decoding and the spread of overlapping events.
Not everyone is able to respond effectively to spacial and visual information. Some individuals respond better to verbal and auditory cues. In the talk, The Effects of Spacial Visualization Abilities on Dual Task Performance, researchers discussed the task of determining whether individuals with a low degree of spacial visualization ability (SVA) are at a disadvantage in a multitasking learning environment. If so, further research will suggest new ways to improve the performance of low SVA individuals.
WebTOC was one of the navigation tools used to provide an overview browser of individual collections. Designed for the American Memory project, it automatically generates a hierarchical table of contents for a site which helps to visualize the scope of the data included in that site. These are working links to documents or images which can be retrieved as thumbnails or as full pages as needed.
NASA projects generate huge amounts of data in many formats including text, numerical data and visual images. Improving Access to Massive NASA/EOSDIS Networked Data: Overviews, Previews, and Dynamic Queries reviewed the Earth Observation System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) project, which will permit NASA data to be accessed over computer networks. Using the vast amount of data available, research has been conducted to create new data structures and algorithms for dynamic queries across the entire database. These algorithms are capable of eliminating zero-hit queries common to many networked databases. Experiments suggest that as many as 12 attributes can be searched as a set almost as quickly as four. The search results can include graphic representations of data as well as maps showing locations for the retrieved data sets.
Although most of the research presented at the HCIL symposium dealt with visual information, one program also dealt with recorded speech. Video Previews and Speech Analysis for the Retrieval of Multimedia Objects included a description of research beginning this summer which will analyze audio tapes of unknown contents. Researchers propose developing a comprehensive tool which will provide speech recognition as well as speaker identification. It will also generate robust transcripts from the recordings. Queries for phrases or concepts will build graphical displays of all information meeting the defined criteria. As one moves from result to result, the identified text would be displayed at the bottom of the screen on the conceptual prototype.
Related work on video browsing includes identifying the practical limits of key frame playback for video images. It has been determined by testing that video comprehension can be retained at a much higher frame rate than is possible for object recognition. Key frame analysis at a rate of 8 frames per second (fps) with frames selected every 200 frames provides a 50-fold increase in the speed of viewing a program at the standard speed of 30 fps effectively saving scholars precious time without sacrificing useful information. Other work described included alternative frame display options; for example 4 or 12 static key frames displayed or 12 animated key frames.
Learning Tools
The day's third set of papers reviewed learning tools. Researchers from the College of Education and the College of Library and Information Services presented the Baltimore Learning Community: An Interface Suite for Exploring and Using Learning Resources. This project, currently finishing the second year of its five-year life span, is being tested in three Baltimore City Public Schools. It is intended to assist teachers in developing multimedia units tied to specific outcomes. Components of the system include an explorer module providing dynamic query searching of videos, images, texts, Websites and previously constructed teaching modules. More than 1500 learning resources have been collected from several sources, including Discovery Communications, Inc., and the United States National Archives. Module construction incorporates instructional planning with the integration of available learning resources. The presentation component facilitates classroom instruction, the use of learning resources and video streaming. This project provides teachers with a powerful set of tools and collaboration options and researchers with numerous possibilities for future research.
The University of Maryland currently has two high-tech classrooms, or "teaching theaters," and a third under construction. Teaching/Learning in the High-Tech Classroom: Lessons Learned from Faculty and Students, reviewed the history and development of these facilities which were built to "transform the teaching/learning process, changing it from its traditional unidirectional information flow to a more collaborative environment." One important feature of these classrooms is the capability for students to ask questions anonymously. This seems to empower those students who are timid about asking questions verbally.
The final presentation of the day was a discussion titled Simulations in Engineering Education, Semiconductor Manufacturing Education and Training: Graphical User Interface Design Issues. The goal of this research is to construct a realistic model of time-dependent equipment and process behavior to train manufacturing operators, practicing engineers, undergraduate and graduate students. This kind of simulation is much less expensive and more flexible than physical simulators.
When the formal part of the symposium ended, the open house portion of the day allowed two and a half hours for visiting the various demonstration sites on campus. As the University of Maryland is a large campus, only the track team had time enough to visit all of the sites which were open. The facilities open for demonstration included most of the home sites for the research presented above, as well as the Neutral Buoyancy Research Facility. This facility contains a human control station design for space robotics. Many HCIL projects from previous years were also available for hands-on testing.
The most impressive thing about this symposium is that all of the work described above was done by student and faculty researchers at a single institution. Much of that work is the result of the collaboration between many students and faculty members. Most of the papers were presented by the student members of these research teams. For some of the students this was the first professional presentation of their careers. They are performing cutting-edge research that will shape the way the world searches for, collects and manipulates data in all formats. And they are doing it well. The future appears to be in good hands.


text:
Scientific name: Flammulaster erinaceellus (Peck) Watling
Derivation of name: Erinace- means "hedgehog" in reference
to the erect granules or scales covering the cap and stalk.
Synonyms: Phaeomarasmius erinaceellus (Peck) Singer;
Pholiota erinaceella (Peck) Peck
Common name(s): Powder-scale Pholiota; Hedgehog
Phylum: Basidiomycota
Order: Agaricales
Family: Inocybaceae
Occurrence on wood substrate: Saprobic; solitary to grouped
on deciduous logs, stumps, and fallen limbs; August through
Dimensions: Caps 1-4 cm wide; stipes 3-6 cm long and 3-6
mm thick.
Cap: Surface dry, covered with erect granules or scales; rust-
brown at first, fading to yellow-brown; margin often with
remnants of partial veil.
Gills: Attached; whitish or yellowish at first, becoming rust-
colored in age.
Spore print: Cinnamon-brown.
Stipe: Dry; covered with rust-colored scales below veil; whitish
and without scales above veil.
Veil: Fibrous, leaving zone of minute fibers or a slight ring on the
upper stalk.
Edibility: Unknown.
Comments: Compare this species with the description of
Pholiota granulosa in Bessette's field guide. The two species
are similar enough to warrant a careful comparison of
Figure 1. A fruiting of powder-scale pholiota. Note the
marginal veil remnants. Photo © William Roody.
Figure 2. Young and mature specimens of
Phaeomarasmius erinaceellus. Photo © John Plischke III.
Figure 3. Note the
granular/scaly material on the caps and
stipes. Photo © John Plischke III.


text:
Piaget [G0A25155Introduction]
Experienced a hundred years of development, Piaget distinguished achievement. In addition to the mechanical operation of the leading original equipment, all case and bracelet are bound by PIAGET 18K gold or platinum casting, designed for the surface decoration is colorful, mostly used as mother of pearl, agate and other precious stones carved . There are u0026 ldquo; jewelry timer u0026 rdquo; reputation of Piaget, Piaget of Georgia in 1847 in a small village in Switzerland founded. u0026 Ldquo; always do better than the requirements of u0026 rdquo; Georgia is the founder Piaget motto. Piaget is most proud: even today, the count is still the world's only remaining eligible minority called u0026 ldquo; integrated manufacturer u0026 rdquo; the highest honor of the brand, that is, from design, research and development to manufacturing and all other manufacturing processes are completed by the brand itself. Piaget consumer group in the world market, including not only business session of the businessmen, film and television celebrities, even including politicians. Slim-type machine operation device PIAGET pioneering achievements prominent is the history of the legendary watch industry. Today, PIAGET's produced, each part is fabricated from PIAGET studio, unique, wire-ho careful, even own gold casting workshop, so perfect.


text:
Zits, pimples, blemishes, pustules, whiteheads, blackheads, bumps. We call it acne, a build up of oil in the skin follicles causing an infection known as P. Acnes. But no matter what you want to call it, you get it, and we spend the majority of our time at ZENMED helping people find a solution to get rid of it for the long term.
One thing we get asked about a lot is a permanent cure. In fact, the demand to find a permanent "cure" has led to some super pricey options on the market today, and the current trending 'cure' is Laser Acne Removal. But how much do we really know about this 'low risk' procedure?
What is Laser Acne Removal?
Mostly used as a short-term treatment for acne, laser acne removal is said to reveal a 'radiant complexion' by reversing the signs of aging on our face. By transmitting a beam of light through a smooth glass wand placed onto the surface of the skin, waves emitted from the laser system absorb excess surface oil and simultaneously destroy bacteria. This procedure is recommended to be done 2-6 times, 2-3 weeks apart, and is said to reduce acne by up to 64%. A decent number for sure, but for $3,000-$6,000 for a full-face resurfacing I would want that percentage to be a bit higher.
What Are The Side Effects?
There are not a great number of side effects that exist for this procedure, but those that do are important to consider before undergoing laser acne removal, if the cost hasn't deterred you.
-Some laser treatments, even after being approved for public use, have now been banned due to reports of painful burns by patients.
-Thermal damage to skin during procedure often results in long-term dryness, hyper-pigmentation, and scarring.
-The laser used may result in immediate redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain to the treated areas.
-And, if cost didn't get you before, take into consideration that laser acne removal is not covered by insurance.
About blue light treatments and other DIY laser treatments
Blue light treatments seem to be a common interest for many people recently. These treatments are a DIY/at-home treatment that cost upwards of $250 and are quite limited in their results.
Unfortunately, blue light results are often temporary (because you are only treating the surface problem, not the cause) and you will likely have to continually use acne medication or other non-laser treatments. On average people need 1-2 treatments per week and only see a 30%-60% clearing after a series of treatments. On that note, the product claims to be safe for use "as many months/years as you want", but here is a question for you: Why get a product that even has the option of many years rather then using products that guarantee more permanent results? I don't know about you, but I do not want my acne to last for months, and especially not years. Also, with cartridges that need replacing, the costs of this product keeps adding up!
Another unfortunate fact is that blue light therapy cannot be used on skin suffering from rosacea, moles, warts, or any condition other then blemishes and acne.
That limits the target, I would imagine, since rosacea is one of the most common skin conditions and often accompanies acne.
Some side effects of blue light therapy are redness and dryness to treated areas.
Important Testimonial
I found this testimonial pretty easily online (http://www.realself.com/Pixel-laser/reviews) and thought it did a good job of summing up what can go wrong:
Pros: None
Cons: Hyperpigmentation
Bottom line I have East Asian skin, and got the Smooth Beam laser treatment done 8 months ago to help with my mild acne scarring. The procedure was recommended by a
dermatologist and performed by a medical nurse who explained the procedure every step of the way. She seemed nice and experienced. I followed aftercare instructions and stayed away from the sun.
I did a bit of research and it seemed like a low risk procedure to do at the time. Now I am left with stripes of hyperpigmentation through the sides of my cheeks.
In the past 8 months I have spent a lot of money trying to correct this problem with peels, microdermabrasion, Retinol, green light photo-rejuvination therapy, kojic acid, hydroquinone, and lumixyl. Some of them have helped to slightly lighten the dark lines, but I am still left with the hyperpigmentation.
I originally got this procedure done because I wanted to wear less makeup, and now I have to wear more make up and cover the sides of my face with my hair. I feel extremely
self-conscious, and cannot just jump into the pool during vacations anymore. I hide under the shade, and have to stay away from the sun at all times, or the lines will get even darker.
Please please do not get lasers done on your face. It is just not worth the risk. If I can turn back the clock, I would never put myself in such a situation again. It is much better to be patient and take your time with less invasive methods.
Even if the risks are low, it only takes one bad result to change your life forever. I did this to myself, and I have to live with it now."
Alternate Solution
ZENMED offers a variety of products for every skin type and got its superior reputation from its success in acne control. We develop products for every stage of the acne journey and make it our mission to use ingredients that are safe for both you and the environment. With a clear conscience and clear skin it is easy to see why ZENMED is top of its class in the chemical-free skincare industry.
If you have active-acne and are looking for a safe, chemical-free solution, we recommend our Derma Cleanse system. This system is designed to clear your skin and prevent the chances of scarring and long term damage. (http://ca.zenmed.com/skincare/acne/).
If you have your acne under control but still get the occasional break out we recommend our Daily Care line for either oily or dry skin (http://ca.zenmed.com/dailycare/).
ZENMED® continues to be at the forefront of developing Doctor-formulated skincare targeted towards persistently troubled skin. Let us save your skin and your money with
our gentle, 100% vegan, effective products. We recommend you avoid any laser acne removal until you have given everything else a try; and after using ZENMED, you won't
even have to consider it.


text:
098john wrote:Im trying to use ftp to enter my website , i know the user name but the problem is how to get the password to login to the site as the admin because i have forgotten the password i used.....?? Im a newbie here and i would appreciate any help....is there any software needed ?? I have tried password recovery but its not working.
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests


text:
|Members List
|Social Groups
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|Mark Forums Read
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Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wittenberg, Wisconsin
Posts: 702
My 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS
***Under construction
So I finally have the time to share the story of my car and start my own build thread. I'll start out with the story of what I went through to purchase my baby and then as I have time I will post out what mods I have done so far. It isn't going to be a very big build for now, but as of right now I intend to own this car for the rest of my life, so I'll get to the bigger stuff eventually
Ok, it all started back in fall of 2010. I was attending a technical college taking classes for engineering. I was 18 years old. My dad works as a supervisor at a foundry and brought me home an application one day. At first I really did not want to take the job but then I thought about it. It has full benefits, plus after I worked there for a year I could take classes again and the foundry would pay for them as long as I worked there for 3 years after I got a degree. Then I got to thinking of what I could buy. I got a poster of the concept camaro in the mail back in 2007 or 2008(I don't remember exactly when) and I had it hanging on my wall. Then it hit me, I could buy a Camaro! I didn't know if i would be making enough to buy an SS or not at the time. So I got the job.
The next 6 months were spent on the Chevy website building my Camaro over and over and over. And after working at the foundry awhile, I figured that I could indeed get a fully loaded SS! So I saved up for a down payment and when my 6 month mark rolled around and I had worked long enough to get a loan, I went in to Kocourek Chevrolet in Wausau with my mom and dad to see about purchasing my Camaro. This was on May 7th, 2011(Saturday).
I went in with the intention of ordering one straight from the assembly plant. I sat down with a salesman and he asked me how old I was and told me that they hadn't sold any of these cars to anyone under the age of 50(I was 19 at the time). He asked me what color and what options I wanted on the car. I told him that I wanted Imperial Blue Metallic and all the other things I wanted and he entered it into his computer and searched to see if any cars from nearby dealerships matched what I wanted. There where none. So I told him that I was interested in ordering one. He told me no one does that anymore these days because they have this new system where they can trade cars with other dealerships to get one that matches my options. So he then asks me what my second and third choices were for colors. Now, the price of these cars range from $35,000 to $45,000 and the one that I wanted with my options came out to around $41,000. If I am going to spend that much money on a car, I want it to be exactly the way I want it. No different color and no missing options. So I told him my second options would be Synergy Green and Inferno Orange Metallic. He still could not find a car that matched my options. So I asked him the price of what my options would be and he told me he would give me a call the next week and that he would keep searching for a car. This kinda seemed fishy to me because I pretty much knew what it was going to cost.
So Monday rolls around and he calls. He told told me he found a car for me. He proceeded to name off a car and its options. It was missing half the stuff I wanted. I said no and asked the price once again. He kept pushing me about buying one off the lot and told me he would give me a call the next day. Meanwhile my dad went to Nueville Motors in Waupaca after he was done with work and walked out with a price on the car within an hour.
So he calls me on Tuesday. He told me that he found a car for me, and names off two cars, one that was the same from Tuesday, and one that wasn't even in the color I wanted! I told him no thanks and that I really would prefer to order one. He then says ok, so what color would you like? I told him that I wanted Imperial Blue Metallic, and I know for a fact that he already knew this. He then says I'm sorry, but GM stopped taking orders for that color yesterday. And the way he said it it sounded like he was already going to say that before I even told him what color I wanted. He told me he would keep looking for a car
After I hung up, I called Nueville's(I was dealing with the owner Jeff Nueville himself) and asked if this was was true and they told me they would look into into it. They call me back later that day and sure enough, it is true. The Fukushima earthquake in Japan took out a factory that produced a pigment for IBM, RJT, and Synergy Green. So I suspect after all that pushing I got at Kocourek's that the salesman intentionally waited me out so I would be forced to buy one off the lot. So Nueville's tells me that they will go out 500 miles and try to find me a car that matches my options as close as possible and to come in the next day to discuss what they found.
So Wednesday rolls around and my dad stopped into Nueville's to see what they came up with(I work 3rd shift so I'm sleeping when they are open). They found two cars. Both in southern Illinois. Neither of them had the ground effects. One of them had white stripes, 20" polished aluminum wheels, car cover, floormatts, and a cargo net. The other had SIM stripes and the premium 21" rim package. Otherwise all my other options matched. They sent the invoices home with my dad so I could make my decision.
I decided to take the one with the SIM stripes. So on Thursday my mom and I went to Nueville's to finalize the deal. They would send their driver with a trailer down to Illinois 500 miles away that night. It would arrive at the dealership sometime on Friday. They would then put the Simonize coating on and prep the car so I could pick it up on Saturday Oh and meanwhile Kocourek is still calling me saying they found a car! But its still the same one. So it took 3 days at Nueville's to get a car where at Kocoureks they dinked around for almost a week and I didn't even have a price. I did take a drive through Kocourek's parking lot the next week nice and slowly with my windows rolled down, every salesman stood up in the dealership including the one I was dealing with. I bet he was kicking himself! lol
So I went to pick up my car on Saturday. I didn't know how to drive a clutch at the time. I tried to find someone who had an old stick shift so I could learn on there and not my brand new camaro but its kinda uncommon by me. So first thing I did was go to an empty parking lot and my mom taught me(my dad was at work). After I conked it out the first time I learned pretty fast. So once I had it down my mom hopped into her 4th gen camaro and I hopped into mine and I drove her home. It was rainy that day so all my first pics of the car are of it wet and slightly dirty. So thats my story of how I got my car! Mods to come in the following days!
Last edited by Tyler360; 04-06-2013 at 10:15 PM.
Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wittenberg, Wisconsin
Posts: 702
List of Modifications
Window Banner
Chrome Door Handle Covers
Borla Atak Stainless Steel Cat Back Exhaust System
MBRP Custom Exhaust Tips(match Ground Effects)
Custom ABL Dash Mod (accent light)
AAC Front Grille LED Lighting Kit
AAC Ambient Lighting Complete Kit (footwell lights, dome light color change)
List of Planned Modifications
CAI inc. Cold Air Intake
Window Tint
Lowering Springs (1" to 1.5" drop)
Chrome Fog Light Bezels
AAC Concept Side View Mirrors (pre-ordered)
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EmblemPros Custom Illuminated Door Sills
EmblemPros Custom Under Hood Bowtie
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Last edited by Tyler360; 04-26-2013 at 12:43 PM.
Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wittenberg, Wisconsin
Posts: 702
Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wittenberg, Wisconsin
Posts: 702
Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wittenberg, Wisconsin
Posts: 702
Drives: '11 Camaro 2SS/RS LS3
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Lexington, SC
Posts: 3,483
5? lol. Nice looking car. Glad you got what you wanted and didn't give into what the dealer was trying to sell you.
SRT and SS
Drives: 08' Jeep SRT8 / 13' 2SS Conv.
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Michigan
Posts: 210
Nice. I was the same way picking up my Jeep SRT8 when I was 20 a few years ago, except I got treated like crap the entire time when I went in to talk about a $55k jeep. well finally found mine down in Alabama and talked a shipping price into the price we agreed on and In essence got it shipped all the way up to Michigan at a price 2k lower than they were going for around here. Also had the great opportunity to see the butthole salesman that thought I was lying and just "wasting his time", his exact words, at a stoplight. Rolled the window down, waved and he was so dumbfounded he couldn't even find a word to say, needless to say I never got a call from them again. Awesome to see another young guy with a Camaro, even though I don't wanna know your insurance payments though haha, ironically my jeep is recognized in the same insurance bracket as a V6 laredo , FTWWW . Sub'd for later additions!
Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wittenberg, Wisconsin
Posts: 702
Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wittenberg, Wisconsin
Posts: 702
Drives: 2016 2SS
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Northeast Metro Detroit
Posts: 1,607
Great story. Great color. Always stick with what you want. Your money. Don't settle. Nice lesson. Well done!
Drives: 2012 ZL1 #141
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lake Conroe Texas
Posts: 911
I love IBM, in fact I originally ordered mine in that color, but it was discontinued in the Z before production. Yours looks great! The stripes and accents look awesome. Congrats!
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text: My cousin and I were driving from Williamsburg to Ohio and decided to spend a night in the Pilot Mountain/Mt. Airy area to visit the Mayberry section of Mt. Airy again. I came across Dr. Flippin's B&B on the internet, prices were reasonable and so I chose this as our first U.S. bed and breakfast experience. It was so much... More


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Volunteering with Natural England: support directory
Find out about the support you would get as a Natural England volunteer to carry out your role safely and effectively.
As a Natural England volunteer, you must:
- be committed to health and safety
- respect confidentiality
- comply with Natural England's policies on equal opportunities
Theis an agreement between Natural England and its volunteers setting out what we can expect of each other.
Your welfare
Natural England wants you to enjoy your voluntary role and hope the support provided enables you to do this. If you need further support or guidance on anything relating to your volunteering please contact your supervisor or support adviser. If you feel unable to do this for any reason, please contact us in confidence:
Volunteer bat roost visitors (VBRVs)
Martin O'Loughlin
Natural England
Mail Hub
Worcester County Hall
Spetchley Road
Email firstname.lastname@example.com
Telephone 020 8026 7101
Mobile 0777 022 5051
National Nature Reserve and all other volunteers
Volunteer Support Team
Natural England
Parkside Court
Hall Park Way
Email firstname.lastname@example.com
Telephone 020 8026 1225 or 020 8026 1254
Health and safety
Natural England's volunteers have a responsibility, like paid staff, to carry out their role in a safe manner. Natural England therefore requires all our volunteers to consider the effect their actions may have on their own safety and that of other people.
Natural England provides the following information to all volunteers:
- health and safety information as part of your induction
- regular health and safety updates
- training opportunities
- personal protective equipment
- fire protection information
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Reporting accidents
You must report all volunteering-related incidents, accidents, near hits and concerns to Natural England. It may seem unnecessary or even embarrassing, to report near hits, but near hits are 'accidents waiting to happen'. By reporting them it:
- prevents something similar from happening again and possibly harming someone
- alerts Natural England to hazards we were unaware of
- helps create a safe and healthy working environment for everyone
- complies with any external reporting requirements
- helps Natural England address training, guidance or equipment issues
To report an accident, incident or near hit, phone the Natural England incident reporting line on 0300 060 0100 as soon as possible or complete the incident report form and return to email@example.com.
Confidentiality and data protection
As with many voluntary and community organisations, Natural England volunteers provide personal information such as their address and telephone number when they register as a volunteer.
Personal data
Natural England collects personal data for administrative purposes, for reporting and statistical analysis and to allow us to contact you with matters of interest. It will not be used for any other purpose.
Data about your health is used to make sure that the voluntary role you undertake is suitable for your circumstances, and that you're not placed in a position where your health and safety is at risk.
Expression of interest forms are kept confidentially by our volunteering team until a suitable placement is found (for up to 6 months) and then personal information is transferred to our secure volunteers database, and paper forms are destroyed.
Your bank details are shared with a third party to process out-of-pocket expenses.
Shared Services Connected Limited is an independent organisation, a directorate of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, which provides back office services to Natural England, including processing expense reimbursement to volunteers.
If you have any queries about the confidentiality of information you might provide, please email email@example.com.
Handling confidential information
You may have access to confidential information, such as names and addresses of private individuals or locations of threatened species, while volunteering with Natural England. Natural England asks all of its volunteers to respect the confidentiality of such information, both during and after the completion of their placement.
Equal opportunities
It's Natural England's policy that all eligible people will have an equal opportunity for placement as a volunteer on the basis of their ability. This policy applies to all volunteers, irrespective of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, race, colour, religion, belief, nationality, ethnic or national origins. Natural England:
- will treat its volunteers fairly, and understands that combining home and work life with a voluntary role is sometimes difficult
- will always respect the right of the volunteer to decline a task at any time
- believes that its volunteers should reflect our constituency of support in the local community - building the diversity of our volunteers is an important part of involving local people in our work
If you would like more information on equal opportunities, please email the volunteering team email@example.com.
Claim out-of-pocket expenses
Contact your Natural England volunteer supervisor for a volunteer expenses claim form.
Volunteering while claiming benefits
Volunteering may affect any entitlement to benefits unless you follow a few basic rules for good practice.
If you are in receipt of benefits, you should check with the relevant local benefits office whether there are any restrictions on the type and quantity of voluntary work you can be involved.
The following information will be useful when you inform the benefits office that you plan to, or are already registered as a volunteer with us as you:
- aren't required to provide any minimum amount of commitment
- have no obligation to remain a volunteer for any length of time
- must not receive more than out-of-pocket expenses
In the event of personal, or third party, accident or injury Natural England 'self-insures' both volunteers and staff in the same manner (incidents are dealt with on a case-by-case basis).
This means that provided volunteers have not behaved negligently, have acted in good faith and followed all guidelines or instructions provided by an authorised person, Natural England will endeavour to support them in the same manner as it supports its staff.
Incidents or accidents, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, must be reported as soon as possible to Natural England following the accident reporting guidelines.
Driving vehicles
Natural England promotes the use of public transport wherever possible. However, where the use of public transport is impractical, volunteers may prefer to use their own vehicles.
Private vehicles
If you use your car during your voluntary role - for example to travel to and from a site - you must inform your motor insurance company. Most national insurance companies recognise that, as drivers do not make a profit from voluntary work, it's not a 'business use' of a vehicle and therefore recommend that existing insurance premiums should not be affected.
The standard mileage rate for reimbursement, used by Natural England is classified as a non-profit rate by the Inland Revenue, under the Fixed Profit Car Scheme.
For information about business use insurance, see insurance and claiming expenses. If you still have queries then contact your supervisor or support adviser.
Average running costs
The 45 pence standard mileage rate offered by Natural England is sufficient to cover average running costs. The Automobile Association (AA) website gives details of average running expenses. This includes fuel, oil, tyres, servicing, repairs and replacements (it does not include standing costs of car ownership such as finance, road tax, insurance, breakdown cover or depreciation).
Maintenance responsibilities
Volunteers are responsible for the maintenance of their cars. Natural England accepts no responsibility for costs incurred for MOTs, insurance, servicing, repair, breakdown cover, depreciation, oil or fuel.
Last updated 17 May 2016 + show all updates
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Watch The ::God Is Imaginary Videos On YouTube ::
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Poll out today that says 6 out of 10 Americans think the Iraq War was a mistake/not worth it. Same for the other war as well. I would have thought it might even be a little higher than that. 10+ years, 1000s of deaths among our troops, physical and mental disabilities, suicides...increasing all the time, families torn apart, civilians killed by the 100,000 of thousand, trillions spent and wasted...now coming back to affect all of our social programs. Nero may have fiddled, but Bush now paints. What a waste. I saw a bumper sticker today on a truck while at Wal-Mart. It said "Give War A Chance". Pretty sad statement. Maybe we will get this war thing right when we invade Iran and/or North Korea.
Oh, here is the Nixon story for those of you wanting a little Sunday morning enlightenment. The insight into Nixon is fairly recent:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21768668
Quote from: ParkingPlaces on March 17, 2013, 10:52:44 AMOh, here is the Nixon story for those of you wanting a little Sunday morning enlightenment. The insight into Nixon is fairly recent:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21768668fuck Gerald Ford for pardoning him. sonofabitch should have been sent to jail.I understand wanting hell. Because for some of our worst criminals there is no justice.


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La Scala Theatre – Opera Elektra 10/11/2018 – Basic Package
Theme: Opera, Opera and music, Teatro alla Scala
Territory: City
The experience of a night at La Scala Theatre in Milan: 3days/2nights package for individuals and groups, including first category Opera tickets and accommodation in 5, 4, 3 star hotel.
First day
- Clients arrival at the hotel
- Delivery of Scala Tickets at the hotel
- Free time
- Overnight
Second Day
- Buffet breakfast
- Free time
- 20:00h La Scala Theatre show
- Overnight
Third Day
- Buffet breakfast
- Check-out in the morning and end of services
Rates and supplements
|3* std
|4* central
|Package price
|€ 560,00
|€ 610,00
|€ 660,00
|€ 840,00
|Prices pp in dbl room
|Single Supplement
|€ 77,00
|€ 121,00
|€ 170,00
|€ 330,00
|Prices per room for 2 nights
|Extra Night
|€ 60,00
|€ 90,00
|€ 120,00
|€ 220,00
|Prices pp in dbl room per night
3*: St.Ambroeus, or similar
4* standard: Sanpi, Marconi, or similar
4* central position: Star Hotel Rosa, Hotel De La Ville, or similar
5*: The Gray, or similar
Please note our packages include the performance at La Scala Theatre, not a specific cast.
The Theatre reserves the right to alter dates of performances and the casts as well.
We are not responsible for this kind of changes.
Price includes:
2 overnights in hotel in standard double room, on B&B basis, 1 first category ticket for La Scala - Prices per person, in euro, including VAT
Price does not include: Milan City Tax to be paid at hotel reception at check-out. City tax is 4€ pp per night in 3* hotel, 5€ pp per night in 4* hotel, 5€ pp per night in 5* hotel + everything not mentioned under "Price includes"


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Green Bay Packers defensive back Charles Woodson attained a level of production and respect he never had in Oakland.
The fact is, when Woodson left in free agency, his career was on the rocks. Even Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden, who loved Woodson's talent, did not authorize a big contract during free agency for the 2006 season.
Instead, Woodson signed with the only team that offered serious money _ the Green Bay Packers. And after relocating to the central United States with a team that would seem to have little to offer a player notorious for enjoying himself, Woodson instead thrived.
I remember writing a column before Woodson's departure lamenting how a Hall of Fame talent would never reach the Hall of Fame. It's not lot like I've never been wrong before, but it turns out I was way off base.
A link to Saturday's story on Woodson after talking with Tim Brown and Rich Gannon . . .


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FF: The reality is that the Mets are not contenders this year. They shouldn't be looking for the quick fix but rather looking at 2011 (or maybe even 2012). The best way to do this is to look at it position by position …
General Manager – Omar Minaya must go and the sooner the better. The new GM should be given the reins to rebuild this club with a two-year window.
Manager – Bye Bye Jerry. Manuel has had almost two years to produce and has done nothing. Hiding behind Omar's inability to put a squad together is no longer an excuse. Bobby V would be the ideal candidate but anyone not named Art Howe would be an improvement (Lou Pinella???). In typical Mets fashion, we probably end up with Howard Johnson and Wally Backman somewhere in the mix.
Catcher – There is nothing available in the 2010 free agent class that would be an improvement over Rod Barajas. Bring Josh Thole up after the All-Star Break and let him split time behind the plate with Rod. It will give us an idea whether he is ready for the bigs or whether we need to resign Barajas to an extension.
First Base – Lots of big names may be on the market but the Mets should focus their $$$ elsewhere. A combination of Ike Davis and Danny Murphy won't hurt us here.
Second Base – Trade Luis Castillo now for whatever you can get for him. The Mets will need to fill this hole internally or accept another Alex Cora-type player going forward.
Shortstop – I know the consensus is to dump Jose Reyes, but he is the best option available. Take some of the pressure off him to carry the team and he will respond with an above-average glove and a spark at the top of the order. There are no better options available.
Third Base – David Wright needs to spend the offseason shackled to Lenny Dykstra. You're arguably the best player on the team … start acting like it and grow a pair.
Outfield – Give Carlos Beltran the rest of the season off to fully recover. Carl Crawford should be the Mets number one target during the offseason. Crawford, Beltran and Bay would be a nice outfield with Angel Pagan filling in where needed.
Starting Rotation – Johan Santana and Mike Pelfrey stay. Bring up some of the younger arms to compete with Jon Niese down the stretch. There is a strong free agent class and the Mets need to land at least two stars regardless of the cost.
Bullpen – The one part of the team I wouldn't change. Can it be improved? Yes, but the focus should be elsewhere unless something falls into our lap.
The Fans – The Wilpons should take out full page adds in every local paper apologizing to the Mets fan base, acknowledging that they have made mistakes and that the fans have been the biggest victim. They should do away with the current pricing plans, offer free parking days, and institute multiple fan appreciation days throughout the rest of the season. Season ticket holders should receive free seat upgrades to fill all those empty seats behind home plate that they could not sell because they were priced too high.
My response:
Omar's not going anywhere, especially with the draft coming up. He has until August 15 to make signings. By that time, the first trade deadline will have come and gone and the Mets should be far enough out of first place that the Wilpons will handcuff Minaya. Jerry will be fired mid-season, Bob Melvin will take over for the rest of the year and then there will be an open casting call in the off-season.
Thole is being exposed in Buffalo (.250/.312/.411). Barajas is the starter the rest of the season unless someone overpays. If he plays for $2 million next year, he's the 2011 starter as well. Davis and Wright aren't going anywhere and will remain the corner infielders. Reyes is your shortstop this year and next - if he doesn't produce then you look to trade him in July 2011. Second base is a black hole in the organization - trade Castillo yesterday and get a scrap heap veteran next year.
I'll say it again - Carlos Beltran's career is basically over. Bay is stuck in left field, so Crawford is not a viable option. The Mets need a CF and an RF (release Frenchie) so that Angel Pagan can go back to being a fourth outfielder. If Martinez ever learns to stay healthy, he'll be your right fielder.
Everyone knows what to do with the starters - let two journeymen fill it out after Santana-Pelfrey-Niese this season, sign someone else next season, have Mejia ready to be a starter in 2012. Send him down right now so he can work on secondary stuff.
As for Roy Oswalt (whose trade demand sparked the whole conversation): his contract is basically 2 years, $31 million, with a 2012 option for $16 million. The first major stumbling block is that the Mets simply will not take on that entire salary. My guess? The Astros would have to send the Mets at least $15 million in any deal. The Wilpons will pay for Oswalt at Joel Pineiro prices, but not at full price.
So now, you have to entice the Astros to move Oswalt AND $15 million. You have to start with Reyes now, add Niese, then add two cost-controlled, high ceiling minor league players. Would Houston consider Reyes, Niese, Jenrry Mejia and Fernando Martinez? I think so. I don't think the Mets can get Oswalt for anything less.


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U.S. News & World Report has released its 2009-2010 "America's Best Hospitals" list, which includes hospitals ranked by specific specialties. Rankings are determined by a hospital's reputation among board-certified specialists, death rate, factors that affect quality of care, and patient safety record.
The top 10 hospitals for the Ear, Nose & Throat specialty are:
1. Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore
2. University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
3. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City
4. UPMC-University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
5. Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston
6. Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
7. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
8. Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles
9. Cleveland Clinic
10. Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University, St. Louis
The complete list of the 50 top ENT hospitals can be found on U.S. News & World Report's Web site at http://health.usnews.com/health/best-hospitals/ear-nose-and-throat-hospital-rankings/.


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product description
Related Products:
Ohishi Hammer Finished
Blade Style - San Mai
Full Tang
Japanese/Asian Knives
Stainless - Damascus
Utility and Fruit Knives
Wood - Pakkawood
Maker: Ohishi Hammer Finished (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $98.00
Saving: $75.00
Item num: 89149
Blade length: 5.60 in.Cutting edge length: 5.50 in.Total length: 9.80 in.Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.06 in.Item weight: 3.20 oz.Shipment weight: 5.12 oz.Blade: San mai with VG10 stainless steel core between 15 layer damascus walls, hardened to 60-61 RchHandle: Mahogany pakkawood set on a full tang and secured with stainless steel rivets
Description: Utility knives are perfect for slicing produce, meats, and fish. This knife will be a great general purpose kitchen knife. The long, slender blade is perfect for slicing tasks throughout the kitchen.
The hammer-finished, damascus blades of these Ohishi knives are designed for the chef who needs a high-performing tool and appreciates a thing of beauty.
The ambidextrous blade is formed from a central layer of VG10 super-steel, surrounded by 15 layers of softer stainless damascus. The VG10 stainless steel is hardened to Hrc 60-61 ensuring that the blade will take and hold an extremely sharp edge.
The unique tsuchime, or hammer finish, enhances both the look and performance of the knife. Each of the hammer blows produce an effect similar to that of a granton edge - allowing the knife to move more cleanly and efficiently through the food and assisting the food to fall away from the side of the knife rather than sticking.
A mahogany-toned pakkawood handle completes the piece. Pakkawood provides strength and stability along with moisture resistance -- a valuable set of virtues in both home and commercial kitchens.


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Does it possible to sniff and steal information that is flowing inside X.25 traffic, if we have a physical access to the wire where this information stream is flowing?
Hrms..physical access? You mean you cut open the wire? Maybe if you had a device that could read the electricity flowing down the wires, while at the same time letting them go through. Just my 2 cents.
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I would not be surprised if Nintendo goes the way of Sega after this (with the exception of handhelds, although I'd imagine that market is dropping thanks to ipads and the likes) since they have decent I.P and good range of classic titles. Time will tell.
Also, for those who'v missed it, Axiom Verge is coming to the switch! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WMWOVN570k