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In Zimbabwe, you don't take food for granted.
A drought this year left many subsistence farmers short of food for their families in the southern African country, where food scarcity has been a growing problem since the government's land redistribution of 2000 triggered food shortages and decreased crop production.
But in a landlocked nation where most calories are consumed in the form of cornmeal, TEAM missionaries Dave and Cheryl Jereb are working to offer a possible solution: lots and lots of fish.
After a long and arduous support-raising process, the Jerebs arrived in Zimbabwe with a vision to help create new, sustainable food sources through an agricultural technique called aquaponics. The approach is a sort of all-in-one system for raising fish and growing produce — picture a giant fish tank next to tidy floating garden rows of vegetables. Zimbabwe is just the kind of place where proponents say aquaponics could revolutionize small-scale farming and open new doors for sharing the gospel.
"Very little land area, water or electricity is required to operate an aquaponics system," Dave says. "There is no need for any chemicals or pesticides, therefore both the fish and produce are healthy and organic."
At its core, aquaponics is a hardy, sustainable, and low-waste means of producing healthy fish and vegetables. And it's relatively simple. As Jereb explains it, the fish are housed and fed in a tank, and water is circulated from there to other tanks where any number of vegetables grow hydroponically. The plants, helped by beneficial bacteria, effectively clean the water by utilizing the nutrients excreted by the fish. The clean water is then recirculated back to the fish.
Aquaponics systems can range from minuscule to massive. Through their embryonic ministry called Fish for Life, the Jerebs hope to eventually install them in villages throughout Zimbabwe. They also have their eye on installing them at orphanages, in a country with more than 1 million children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS.
In launching their Fish for Life ministry, the first step for the Jerebs was into the classroom — or more precisely, a field for learning. Seeking the expertise of local farming experts, the Jerebs enrolled in Foundations for Farming, a four-week internship that teaches Zimbabwean farmers how to increase their crop yields, while also sharing the gospel. As missionaries whose primary platform will be agricultural, the Jerebs couldn't pass up the chance to learn first-hand from seasoned agro-disciplers.
After the internship, the Jerebs traded one classroom for another — this time, moving into a more traditional classroom — to begin studying Shona, the heart language of the people they're hoping to reach. It was hard work, to be sure, with class twice a week and four weekly meetings with private tutors. And then there were the Shona-language church services on Sundays. All of this proved to be quite the crash-course, but is really only the beginning of a long road of lifelong learning.
For now, the Jerebs are starting small. Having recently moved to the village near Karanda Hospital, a TEAM ministry, they're learning everything they can from local experts, diligently plying their language books, and working at the hospital. Cheryl is conducting Bible study classes with nursing students, and Dave is getting the Fish for Life ministry off the ground. He plans to build a small aquaponics system on the hospital grounds using funds from a large donation the ministry recently received.
They Jerebs want to maintain their posture as learners even when they step into the role of producers and instructors. "Can I sit down with the women in the village and ask, 'How would you make something float on water? What do [you] do now to make something float?'" Cheryl says. "We want them to teach us, because they sure know."
This approach, they feel, will keep Fish for Life from becoming dependent upon them and will make aquaponics more naturally reproducible in the Zimbabwean context.
"Once the Zimbabwean heart is attached to it," Cheryl says, "I can see this going almost anywhere."
For Dave and Cheryl, this time spent learning and teaching is invaluable. The way they see it, it's time spent in relationship that will enable them to be more than just fish farmers.
"Any time that you can have somebody put their hand to something that's successful, you're changing their self-esteem, their sense of worth. You're giving them hope," Cheryl said. "There isn't a lot of that [in Zimbabwe]. There's not a lot of success. There's not a lot of opportunity to change the course of your life."
That, after all, is what Fish for Life is all about. It's not just about providing a healthy meal, but about providing hope. Hope for this life, and hope for the next.
-Written by Josh McQuaid
-Photos provided by the Jerebs


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In this detailed analysis, ISVG analyst Alana Penza takes a look at U.S. citizens who have been arrested on terrorism charges since September 11, 2001.
Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, there has been a substantial increase in the number of homegrown terrorist threats; some homegrown militants have been successful in their attacks, such as Major Nidal Hasan, while others have been apprehended by federal authorities before the attacks could come to fruition (e.g. the "Fort Dix Six", Mohamad Osman Mohamud).
In order to better understand the types of individuals involved with homegrown threats in the United States, the profiles of 162 United States persons were analyzed. In this analysis, a U.S. person was defined as anyone who is a natural-born citizen, naturalized citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Of the naturalized or permanent residents, which made up 47% of all cases, a large number of individuals came from Pakistan, Somalia, or Jordan.
The following map illustrates the countries of origin for naturalized U.S. citizens and permanent residents arrested on terrorism charges post-9/11:
*In all graphics the Serbian representation is from Kosovo.
Looking at Somalia's history provides some clues as to why such a high number of individuals in the study came from Somalia: the country endured civil war in the 1990s and has failed to have a strong, structured government since. In 2006, international forces—including the Ethiopian army—invaded the country with the support of the United States. Parts of the Somali government were forced out of the capital, including an armed wing known as Al Shabaab[1].
Refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of the government that took over following the invasion, Al Shabaab emerged as a terrorist organization and displayed that it was a threat to the Western world by announcing that it intended to overthrow the government trying to control Somalia and would impose its own version of Sharia law[2]. Somali-born individuals in the study were reported to have been arrested for providing financial support to the group or for recruiting others to fight in Somalia.
While Al Shabaab was not the only group represented in the study, a majority of individuals were charged with providing material support to terrorists in the form of training with terrorist organizations, engaging in conflict against the United States, or conspiring with an organization to attack unnamed targets.
Please expand or download image for greater detail:
Though the ability of individuals or groups to carry out large-scale attacks in the United States has decreased, as evident in the arrests of the plotters, the threat to the United States homeland still remains. The analysis of the 162 individuals is merely a glimpse into the threats that have developed in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2011.
Copyright © 2019 The Institute for the Study of Violent Groups.

subset: commoncrawl


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Sealed Beam
Sealed beam lamps incorporate a parabolic reflector, filament, and a glass or polycarbonate lens sealed as a unit. Due to their reflector, sealed beam bulbs are also referred to as PAR lamps. These bulbs were used as automotive headlamps from 1939 until the model year 1984. Replacement sealed beam lamps are required for car enthusiasts and restoration experts that desire an authentic restoration of their antique and classic car headlamps. Sealed beam PAR64 bulbs have also been used in stage lighting in higher wattages with a variety of beam spreads. Colored gels are used over the PAR cans to change the color of the light emitted onto the stage. Like miniatures, the part numbers of sealed beam lamps are identified by a standard industry number that indicates physical and electrical characteristics. Lamp manufacturers that use the industry standard part number have designed their product to be in accordance to the American National (ANSI/NEMA) standards for sealed beam bulbs.
30W/12V Sealed Beam - HalogenPart Number: H4405$19.50ea
30W/12V Sealed Beam -Screw TerminalsPart Number: 4416$15.25ea
30W/6V Sealed Beam - Screw TerminalsPart Number: 4516$22.25ea
30W/6V Sealed Beam - HalogenPart Number: H4515$25.00ea
30W/6V Sealed Beam- Screw TerminalsPart Number: 4511$17.50ea
50W/28V Sealed Beam-Screw TerminalsPart Number: 4505$25.00ea
65W-42W/12V- Sealed Beam 3 Lugs-HalogenPart Number: H5024$45.00ea


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I've had the opportunity to work for several organizations, including Maisonneuve Magazine, CBC, CTV, Huffington Post and The Montreal Gazette. My work treats of various topics, ranging from federal and provincial politics to music festival coverage and the arts.
«Dans l'histoire récente du Québec, on n'a pas vu un niveau de candidatures féminines aussi important», constate le politologue Éric Montigny.
Même si le rôle de député en est d'abord un de «législateur» et de «contrôleur» du gouvernement, une vingtaine d'élus québécois ont manqué plusieurs votes sur des projets de loi et des motions depuis leur élection en 2014, selon des données colligées par La Presse Canadienne.
Whether we're wishing 2016 away or begging for an extension, many will be looking to the liquor cabinet to commemorate or commiserate it.
Montreal festival-goers don't need to hit up big retailers or spend a ton of money to stand out in the big crowds.
The attack on the nightclub is not only the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, but also an assault on a symbol of gay culture.
Dana El Masri, founder and sole operator of Parfum Jazmin Saraï, uses a particular method — she helps create the perfect perfume by focusing on, among other things, her customers' musical tastes.
Amid the gossip and the secrecy surrounding Sam's departure came a wave of resentment from members of the LGBT community — some claim Sam didn't only let fans down, he let down a group of people he never explicitly decided to represent.
The ban on bawdy houses (Section 210) was struck down along with Section 212, the law that deems it a criminal offence to live off of the avails of prostitution.
The ongoing battle with the legality of sex work-related activities is resurfacing in our country's judicial system. Today, workers from the Vancouver area brought their case to the Supreme Court of Canada.
From Sarah Palin's TLC reality show to the dubious presidential candidacy of Donald Trump, people consume politics the same way they once consumed People Magazine.
The YouTube playlist below showcases videos that I've had the opportunity to be featured in or produce.


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Street-Fire Wire Set Multi-Angl plug, HEI, Univ
The terminals are covered in black boots that protect the conductor from engine heat to ensure spark delivery.
$51.16 Suggested Retail
$46.04 Your Price
$46.04 Your Price
Free Shipping on orders over $100*
In Stock
Add to Wish List
The Street Fire Spark Plug Wires feature a low resistance conductor that's wrapped in a sleek and durable black sleeve.
- Helically wound conductor suppresses electro and radio noise
- Kevlar core combination for great strength and durability
- Heavy duty terminals for secure connection
- 8mm silicone and synthetic jacket resists heat and abrasion
- 500 Ohms per foot resistance for improved spark delivery and power
- Silicone boots protect against high exhaust temps
|Street Fire
|Emission Code
|Part Number
This part is legal for use on Emissions Controlled Vehicles when used in accordance with the manufacturers application guide because it has a California Air Resources Board Executive Order number or is a direct or consolidated replacement part.
The following vehicles are considered Emissions Controlled Vehicles:
- 1966 and newer U.S. manufactured California Certified vehicles
- 1968 and newer U.S. manufactured Federally Certified vehicles
- 1968 and newer Foreign manufactured vehicle
*Free Shipping & Handling only offered to the contiguous US on orders over $100.
Some parts are not legal for use in California or other states with similar regulations.


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White color can make our room see fresh and beautifull design. This white bathroom interior design can give you ideas how to make best bathroom decorate. if you like white color , you can get ideas from this bathroom design. i like this decorate , how about you ??
Modern and minimalist white bathroom by arlexital above is very amazing, attractive and very good design , i hope this baathroom decorate get give you ideas how to make best and good design interior of bathroom. i hope this very usefull for you.)


text: Doenges and Moorhouse's Electronic Care Plan Maker allows the student to create fully customized, documented care plans, which can be printed, saved, and modified as needed. This exciting program offers: -- An interactive tutorial on the nursing process and planning and documenting patient care-- A computerized assessment tool that can be tailored to the individual patient-- All the latest NANDA diagnoses, organized by diagnostic division, with associated risk factors, desired patient outcomes, and actions/interventions by nursing priority-- A comprehensive list of care plans from all of F. A. Davis's best-selling care plan books: Nursing Care Plans, Psychiatric Care Plans, Maternal/Newborn Plans of Care, and Nurse's Pocket Guide; this means complete access and the ability to search, view, copy-and-paste, and the edit hundreds of care plans for 114 disorders -- 94 med/surg, 10 psychiatric, and 10 maternal/newborn disorders/conditions-- A comprehensive list of current references for the documentation of interventions and rationales-- Nine sample care maps that illustrate the use of clinical pathways-- Bonus! Includes Davis's Drug Guide disk that provides 530 generic drugs to further customize care plans and to create customized med cards


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Insurance outlook briefing: Charging ahead of recent developments in ORSA expectationsAt the recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Spring 2014 national meeting, two new documents were approved for release as exposure drafts: the Draft Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) Guidance for Financial Analysts and the Draft ORSA Guidance for Financial Examiners. While the documents are intended to be guidance for insurance department financial analysts and examiners, the guidance provides a window into expectations for the future.
NAIC's ORSA subgroup provides new feedback to the industryThe NAIC formally adopted the Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) Model Act in September 2012, and the ORSA requirement for qualifying insurers will be effective January 2015. In an effort to improve guidance and regulation, the NAIC's ORSA (E) Subgroup has completed two feedback pilot projects, one in June 2012 and the most recent in September 2013.
ORSA: Common questions and answersDuring and following the 2013 ORSA, insurance accounting, and financial reporting updates webinar, the Baker Tilly insurance team fielded several questions around ORSA – Own Risk Solvency Assessment. Here are some of the most common questions and answers.
NAIC 2013 Fall meeting updateThe 2013 Fall NAIC meeting concluded on December 18, 2013 in Washington, DC. A number of substantive and non-substantive agenda items, including various committee meeting summaries were addressed. Key technical accounting updates were discussed during the Statutory Accounting Principles Working Group and the Emerging Accounting Issues Working Group.
NAIC Risk Management and Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (RMORSA) Model Act Implementation for Insurance CompaniesThe paper will examine domestic and global insurer solvency requirements with a primary focus on the United States' National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) Risk Management and Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (RMORSA) Model Act. In addition, this paper will provide industry guidance to small through midsized insurance companies that have recently breached or are close to reaching the $500 million of annual direct written and unaffiliated assumed premium.
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Blackshear is located deep in the Heart of southeast Georgia, in Pierce County. During the month of November in 1864, some 5,000 Union Soldiers began arriving by rail along the Atlantic & Gulf Railroad into the small community of Blackshear Georgia.
Many prisoners were being evacuated from a number of P.O.W. camps and sent to Blackshear Prison. Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman was making his push toward the coast during his Savannah Campaign. At the outbreak of the war, the town contained just 333 households. Most of the men had gone off to fight in the war.
The first shipment of 600 prisoners from the Millen P.O.W. camp arrived at Blackshear Georgia Prison on November 16, from Savannah. The prisoners were brought to the prison by taking the Atlantic & Gulf Railroad. The trains kept bringing prisoners to the camp until the Union prison population reached just over 5,000.
There were a number of prisoner escapes at night despite heavy patrolling by the guards. Col. Forno was the first prison commandant.
When these prisoners of war began arriving, the citizens were not prepared to handle such large numbers of starving human beings. Nevertheless, they shared what little they had.
By the beginning of January, 1865, the Union prisoners and their guards had moved on either northward into South Carolina or westward to the prison camp in Thomasville.


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An event every day that begins at 7:00am, repeating until Jul 22
"Faith into Fire of the Holy Spirit" Retreat is a fully Catholic spiritual development process rooted in Sacred Scripture and supported by teachings from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and papal encyclicals. Its objective is to lead attendees into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God supporting becoming more aware of and more open to the power and the action of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
It gives each individual an opportunity to grow in faith and to experience the "living Christ" in his or her daily life. It enables participants to be aware of the Father's immense love for mankind, His plan for our salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing the Father's plan to completion by the transformation of hearts.
The retreat meets for two Spirit-filled days generally during the month of July. Participation is encouraged for anyone looking for more in their life and is hungry for the gifts that God has in store for them.


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Decinema is a huge bundle of brand new cinematic-visual video template.
It's comes with various themes. We created it to help your customers to captive their audiences so they can generate more leads and doubleh their profits. Decinema Review
Yes, now anybody can start making cinematic-quality easily using just powerpoint without extra additional-complicated video editor. Also no spcial plugin needed and no tech-skill required.


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What's the first thing you think of when you hear the word fossil? Dinosaur, right? A fossil is the remains, trace, or imprint of a plant or animal that has been preserved in the earth's crust since some past geologic time. Well, there is fossil evidence for members of my family that belong to the phylum annelid that you will learn about in my family tree. There are the thousands of worm-like animals that have segments.
The problem with our fossils is that we are all soft-bodied and have no bones. Our fossils are not easy to find and recognize as are the fossil bones of dinosaurs. Existing fossil annelids date back 500 million years ago. Some scientists now say that they may have found that some of my relatives might have lived on earth more than a billion years ago.
The problem is that scientists haven't found fossils of the worms themselves but "trace fossils." These are tunnels in rocks that may be burrows that were formed when the worms wriggled through the sand. Scientists have found these in India. Not everybody agrees because some think these "tunnels" were made in other ways.
Most scientists would agree that annelids, soft-bodied worm-like animals, appeared during the Cambrian period. Body fossils of soft-bodied worms are rare, but some places have very good preserved fossils. One of the better places to find these fossils is Mazon Creek, near downtown Chicago. Fossils Oligochaeta, which are closer to earthworms, are rare and harder to find.
Now that you know about my history, check out another part of my website!


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Season Premiere of "The Game" - Jubi's Recap & Review
After a very loooooooooong hiatus, The Game is back! I was a fan of this show when it was on the CW, so I've been eagerly anticipating its return. Do Derwin & Melanie make their marriage work? Does Malik ever settle down? What happens to Kelly & Jason? And.....what's up with Tasha Mack & Rick Fox? LOL!
The season premiere was one hour #yay & it did not disappoint. The episode started two years from when we left off. Derwin is first on the screen, being a star, mobbed by the paparazzi. Next we see Tasha Mack, who informs us that Derwin has become a huge star with Nike endorsements & whatnot. Jason Pitts is now a sports commentator, we see him on site. Malik is still Malik - he's making out with his new girl (Megan Good) in the bathroom & she's smacking him around. Kelly is filming a reality show & tripping in her expensive heels. And Melanie is in her photoshoot with her hubby Derwin for Ebony (nice pub btw!).
Janay & little DJ end up at the shoot, and the ladies actually manage to at least pretend like they get along. Tasha, being the hater she is, starts talking to Melanie abt how DJ hasn't darkened up & he might not be Derwin's #hater. BTW, the actor they have playing the baby is cute but those cornrows? #notcute. Anyway, Malik's hosting a dinner for the new minority owner for the Sabres...and it doesn't go well. The new owner talks about how Derwin is the franchise, and Malik is not happy. Luckily the new girl steps in & cuts the night short...So the new girl is Megan Good, who was just making out with Malik in the bathroom - turns out her boo is the new owner! #drama
Now we're back to the Davis's. Derwin is giving his son a bath, but he's gotta run so Melanie convinces him to let her take care of the little guy while he leaves. She also drops during this time that she didn't finish her residency, just like I figured, but I digress.
Jason is on a tv show "Benched" with Chris Webber (older but still a cutie) and turns out Jason is holding out from the Sabres. He refuses to go to another team. Next thing you know, Kelly ends up on the show via Skype, where she tells him she has a reality show called Ex-Ballers Wives (is that gonna be on Vh1?). While Jason gets over the shock, we join back up with Melanie who is entertaining DJ in the tub. For some reason she's talking to the baby about his hair texture & skin color using bath puppets #weird. Luckily I don't think he understood.
Tasha walks in the house looking for her man...and its Terrance J! She's robbing the cradle like a mufucka! She was slobbing him down & stuff, talking bout "why you take a shower without me?" #huh Then she tell the man to get funky again...but he decides to just open his towel instead & apparently Tasha liked it. After she gets her freak on, she heads over to Melanie's house with the proofs from the Ebony shoot. Melanie confesses to giving the baby a DNA test #moredrama! Melanie says that she's cares for DJ & Derwin would be crushed if the baby wasn't his (and she also mentions that she just postponed her residency - yeah right). Tasha & Melanie go back & forth with the accusations ("you a gold digger" vs "you triflin for swabbing the baby"). So apparently Tasha rebuilt Derwin's career (interesting...) & now Tasha thinks the baby & Janay are ruining Melanie's perfect life. Melanie's friend calls with the DNA results & then they leave us hanging...
Hey TeeTee! Apparently he's running a chicken wing truck. Malik rolls up with Megan Good (was is her damn name on the show?), where he orders some food & orders TeeTee around even though he quit being Malik's assistant months ago. TeeTee warns him to not get caught cause he's risking his career.
Back Tasha & Melanie - Melanie calls Kelly with the news that DJ isn't the father. Tasha & Kelly go back & forth - apparently Kelly is still pissed that Tasha hooked Jason up with Camille (Stacy Dash) two years ago. I need her to let that go. Anyway, Tasha tells Melanie to keep the news to herself. Later, Melanie is at home having some wine when Derwin gets home from training camp. The two spend some time chitchatting before Melanie confesses to the paternity test. Derwin of course flips out & says he doesn't want to know the results, no matter what DJ is his son. But of course Melanie blurts it out anyway & Derwin's so mad that he punches a hole in the wall. #Damn that's some fucked up ass news & a fucked up way for Derwin to find out.
Alright so now we're back to Malik & Megan Good making out in a different bathroom, with the manager banging on the door. These fools break the sink! TeeTee manages to smooth things over with the club owner. TeeTee tries to talk some sense into Malik again but Malik gets all sensitive about it. TeeTee tells Malik to get someone else to clean up his messes cause now he's a business man (I'm feeling that). Malik walks out & then we move to Kelly & Jason trading custody of their daughter in a parking lot. BTW, the new Brittney is too grown! Anyway, Jason tells Kelly to stop with the reality show, and he also tells her that her haircut sucks (I have to agree with that). Kelly talks a bunch of shit to Jason about how she won & she's spending all his damn money.
Kelly leaves & now we're back to Tasha & Terrance J (I think his name is Dante). Apparently he got a contract to do Malik's video game release party & says he & Tasha can go together, but Tasha isn't feeling that. She starts suggesting different girls for him to go with, but he says he wants to take her & he also wants to meet Malik. Tasha is resistant & they have a serious convo about their relationship. Tasha convinces him that they should keep it casual & light.
We're back to Derwin & DJ - they are on the porch & Derwin is talking to his son. He starts talking about his son's features & his beef with Melanie. Janay shows up at the house. Janay coincidently has the same purse that Melanie had at the Ebony shoot, just in a different color. Derwin remembers how Melanie said that Janay just wanted everything they had, and he asks Janay if DJ is his. And of course BET goes to commercial, gotta always leave us hanging.
So Melanie meets up with Kelly, who is filming her show at a dermatologists btw. Melanie says that Derwin left so she's getting residency applications in case Derwin leaves her. Kelly tells her to work on her marriage & not give up, oh and that she's gonna beat Tasha's ass if she catches her in the street. Now its time for Malik's video game release party. Jason asks him about cover curse, and Malik flips out (again!). Even Tasha mentions the curse & how Derwin turned down the cover because of it. Tasha compliments her man but doesn't allow him to show her any affection in Malik's party. Ok so Sheree from #RHOA makes a damn appearance & calls Terrance J a pig. Then some other random chick rolls up & gets into it with Tasha, which makes her realize that Terrance J likes older women. She feels played, snaps on him & rolled out. Malik tries to get TeeTee to take him home, but TeeTee says he's not he's flunky anymore & declines. TeeTee's boo, my bad life partner, says she'll take Malik home so he can work the wing truck. Now back to Girl Melanie - she's sitting at home when Derwin walks in finally. She's ready for a fight but he walks in the house in tears. He knows now that DJ really isn't his child & he breaks down in Melanie's arms.
Ok so while Derwin is crying, Tasha is sitting on the couch all mad when Terrance J walks in. He asks her why she's upset when she wanted to keep it casual while he wanted to be serious. She confesses that she was fine with him being with young girls but she expected to be his only older chick. He tells her to just admit that she has feelings for him, and she does. He assures her that it's not a cougar situation (why did I immediately think of Vivica! I'm bad) & that they should figure out the next move. So I guess they gon be a couple.
Next Kelly is still filming her damn show, she's having a meal with these broads on her show when Jason walks in with a random brown-skinned chick named Peaches. Kelly is pissed & especially pissed that her crew leaves to go hang in Jason's cabana. Even the damn camera crew leaves & Kelly is pissed! Switch over to TeeTee arriving at Malik''s new house, which is ridiculously huge btw. TeeTee starts walking around the house looking for Malik & finds him in the hot tub with Megan Good & TeeTee's boo (hell naw! that's fucked up!). TeeTee is obviously pissed & Malik is basically like "fuck yo couch nigga!". Damn...now back to Melanie & Derwin at the house. The phone rings & turns out Melanie's friend made a mistake & DJ really is Derwin's child. Of course she doesn't tell him the truth immediately. We gotta have something to talk about this season right? And with that, we reach the end of this long ass episode.
First, recapping a live episode is hard work! Alright now that I'm done & the episode is over, let me give my two cents. I'm happy to see this show back, and to also have the longer format for the first episode. I don't know if I like all this cutting back & forth tho; when the show was on the CW it seemed like the storylines were more integrated with each other. The writers definitely disappoint with the drama, we had more than enough in this episode. Yet a lot of it was predictable - it was apparent that Melanie was gonna do the test, but also that there was gonna be a twist with the paternity issue. It was clear that Tasha was gonna fall for Terrance J & that TeeTee's girl was gonna get dicked down by Malik. *sigh* hopefully there will be more suspense in the rest of the season. And hopefully there will also be better acting, some folks in this episode left some to be desired.
Overall I'm happy The Game is back & I enjoyed the episode, just for the Twitter commentary.
What did you think of the episode? What do you think will happen this season?


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Placencia Marathon and 1/2 Marathon – December 8, 2013Posted on Monday, September 30th, 2013
A couple of years ago an article in GQ Magazine called Placencia Village "a quaint town that seems to have forgotten about mass tourism." And, now this little village is the base for a beautiful combination marathon and Belize vacation. Chabil Mar is proud to be a sponsor of the 2013, Placencia Marathon.
The second annual End of the World Marathon is scheduled for December 8, 2013 on the Placencia Peninsula. By all accounts the first Placencia Marathon & Half Marathon was a huge success and an inspirational day for runners, volunteers, and residents of the peninsula.
The 2012 race was called the End of the World Marathon because it just preceded the end of the Mayan Calendar. We chose to keep this unique name and, thanks to the distinguished writer Aldous Huxley, we have a reason to do so. Huxley famously wrote in 1934, "If the world had any ends, British Honduras (a.k.a. Belize) would certainly be one of them."
The 15 mile long Placencia Peninsula provides a wonderfully scenic (and flat) course for either a 13.1-mile half marathon or a down and back 26.2-mile full marathon.
Beyond the many benefits afforded to individuals and businesses in Belize, all profits will benefit the local Belizean communities.
And while in Belize, why not follow your achievements by vacationing in a premier adventure vacation destination like Placencia, Belize?" Contact our office staff for more information about customizing your celebration by contacting us at http://www.chabilmar.com. We would be so pleased to have you as our guests."
For more information about this event:
Placencia, Belize – Congratulations on the Opening of the New Pier and PlazaPosted on Monday, September 9th, 2013
"Placencia Village is arguably the most scenic coastal tourism destination and today, the aesthetics in one part of the peninsula will be all the more pleasing when a new pier will be opened." – Love TV Belize, September 5, 2013.
It started back in 2008 and now we are enjoying the new pier of Placencia Village, at what is still known as the point of Placencia. Home to Chabil Mar, Placencia Village celebrates the opening of its new pier and plaza. Traditionally a fishing Village, Placencia today has evolved to become one of Belize's leading adventure vacation destinations. Sprinkled with eating establishments from fine dining restaurants to traditional local street food vendors, gift shops of local wares and day and evening entertainment, Placencia has maintained its Belizean roots and culture while welcoming and embracing the Eco-tourism industry.
Through this new pier and plaza the point of Placencia welcomes the creation of another place to display and celebrate the culture of Belize and this Village's history.
Congratulations from Chabil Mar to all of the Village peoples who made this venture happen. We are so proud to be a part of this wonderful Village and welcome the opportunity to share it with our guests on a daily basis.
US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377


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Archive for August, 2011
Contingent Funding for Law Firms
Wednesday, August 31st, 2011
Here is my recent video blog on the topic of Contingent Funding for law firms, which I explain in detail chapter 7 of my book.
I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel for future updates:
Tags: Advocate Capital, Case Expense Financing, Case Expense Funding, Contingent Funding, how david beats goliath, Law Firm Funding, Michael J. Swanson, michaeljswanson, Mike Swanson
Posted in Video Blogs | No Comments »
No Shortage of Medical Errors
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011
We've all heard about the so-called "frivolous lawsuit" problem in America and about how doctors desperately need protection from greedy lawyers who are out to victimize them and the hospitals in which they practice. Well, I took just a few minutes to check out a few facts. First, I found that, according to the CDC, the top ten causes of death in the U.S. for 2007 (the most recent complete data), including the number of deaths for each was:
1) Heart disease: 616,067
2) Cancer: 562,875
3) Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 135,952
4) Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 127,924
5) Accidents (unintentional injuries): 123,706
6) Alzheimer's disease: 74,632
7) Diabetes: 71,382
8) Influenza and Pneumonia: 52,717
9) Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 46,448
10) Septicemia: 34,828
(source: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/deaths.htm)
Next, I tried to find out the number of deaths that are attributable to medical mistakes each year. I was surprised at how hard it is to find that out! You would think the CDC would have a category for medical errors but apparently they do not. Wonder why? Hmmm…
I did find a few sources, and among them was a fairly well footnoted article on Wikipedia here. It is difficult to know exactly how many people are killed by medical errors each year, but according to the sources cited the answer seems to be somewhere between 44,000 per year on the low end and 200,000 on the high end. If we average those two numbers, we come up with an estimate of 122,000 deaths per year. (Wow!)
(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_errors)
Now look back at the chart of the top ten causes of death as reported by the CDC above. It would appear that medical errors are well within the top ten causes of death per year. In fact, if we assume that those 122,000 deaths are "hidden" somewhere in the other causes in the chart and should therefore be subtracted out and reported separately, then deaths caused by medical errors could easily be as high as number 4 or 5 on the list!
I don't think we need medical malpractice tort reform…I think we need medical competency reform!
PS. The numbers above only discuss deaths caused by medical errors, not injuries. I'll try to blog about injuries soon.
Tags: causes of death, CDC, frivolous lawsuit, how david beats goliath, medical errors, Michael J. Swanson, tort reform
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How David Beats Goliath in the News
Friday, August 26th, 2011
As seen on Reuters, Yahoo Finance, Market Watch and many others.
CONTACT: Tina Burns, Marketing Manager at email@example.com
How David Beats Goliath
Access to Capital for Contingent Fee Law Firms
(Nashville, Tenn. – July 25, 2011) – The new book How David Beats Goliath: Access to Capital for Contingent Fee Law Firms addresses a little-known but critical flaw in America's system of justice. Average citizens who have been injured or wronged through negligence or malfeasance are guaranteed their day in court. In practice, however, this bedrock legal right is often compromised.
Industry veteran Michael J. Swanson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Advocate Capital, Inc., has written a definitive, common-sense book that explains how contingency-fee funding works, who provides it, what it costs, and how law firms can acquire and use it efficiently.
"I wrote the book because I believe in the important work that plaintiff lawyers do every day as they put into practice every citizen's constitutional rights, especially the right to a trial by jury guaranteed under the seventh amendment of the United States Constitution." commented Mr. Swanson. He continued "I also have come to realize that there is a need for more and better practical training for contingent-fee law firms regarding financial and business management techniques. This book is an attempt to help fill that void."
Mr. Swanson has generously committed to donate all profits from sales of the book to the American Association for Justice – Seventh Amendment Fund. Contributions to this AAJ fund help provide the resources needed to protect the civil justice system and every American's right to a trial by jury.
Initial reviews of the book have been very positive. "This book describes the real life drama faced by individuals and the attorneys who represent them. I…recommend this book to all practitioners who toil in the trenches on behalf of those we represent." Said Robert Cartwright, of the Cartwright Law Firm Inc. in San Francisco, CA. Another trial lawyer, Mitchell Jensen of Siegfried & Jensen, P.C. in Salt Lake City, UT had this to say "Mike [has] hit it on the head with this book! Our freedoms and constitution will soon be hanging by a thread if the trend continues."
More information is available at www.HowDavidBeatsGoliath.com, including a free sample chapter of the book, links to online bookstores and more information about the author, Michael J. Swanson.
Note: The views expressed in this book are not necessarily representative of the views held by AAJ. Furthermore, the donation of profits from the sales of the books to the Seventh Amendment Fund does not imply that AAJ has endorsed Advocate Capital, Inc. or the book and the views and information contained therein.
Attention, Media: For more information about the book and the author, please contact…
Tina Burns, Marketing Manager
Tel: 615.577.5447 Fax: 615.377.9212
Tags: Finance contingent fee practice, funding sources for plaintiff attorneys, Michael J. Swanson, New Book How David Beats Goliath
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EPN Interview: Mandatory Arbitration with Michael J. Swanson
EPN Interview: 7th Amendment Advocate Michael J. Swanson
Michael J. Swanson ePodcast Network Interview
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Friday, July 18, 2008
"Reverend" Jesse Jackson?
Today I learned that Rev. Jesse Jackson said more than the already crude statements regarding Sen. Obama's private parts aired on news channels over the past week. He apparently used the N-word. Now everyone from the ladies on The View to the usual TV pundits are trying to figure out what's going on with Jackson. And I'm dusting off my pink slip marked Jackson.
I don't know what it is, but iconic African-American clergymen in the twilight of their careers have been falling like flies around Barack Obama. First Wright, now Jackson. Men who have served for decades now watch either their reputation or their work burn like wood, hay, and stubble in the flames of indiscretion, immorality, and public outrage. What will the flames of Christ's judgment do?
I remember the first time I heard John Piper pray that the Lord would keep him from falling and would enable him to finish well. It was a lightning bolt through my soul. I had not been praying that way for myself or for others, and I instantly knew I needed to. I can fall. I can ruin myself, my family, and the reputation of my local church, and most of all bring disrepute upon Christ. In an instant, off-mic, leaning to a colleague, I can do almost irreparable harm.
So, Jackson reminds me that mine is a public life as well. Every pastor's life is a public life. And perhaps a case can be made that every Christian life is a public life. And we all can fall to depths that make us shudder when we're sober-minded enough to think about it. We are Christ's, but Satan has asked to sift us like wheat, sin lies crouching at our doors. We'd better watch our lives and our doctrine carefully.
Having said that, I wonder what the term "Reverend" now means in the minds of Christians. When people call me "Rev. Anyabwile" as they sometimes do, what are they thinking? Are they thinking anything at all really? Is "Reverend" a quaint little title we normally assign to kind old men in collars who've served a gray-haired flock for some time, but also a title that happens to land on younger men destined for that same humble little future? Is anything of reverence, respect, holiness, God-fearing, Christ-likeness associated with the word any more?
Not if Jesse Jackson can be justifiably called "Reverend". I'm not singling out Jackson. We could list the Swaggarts, Lyons, Paula Whites and others who for various reasons make the name meaningless either by their lack of reverence or their misplaced energies. After all, Jackson hasn't been involved with a church as an active pastor for some time as far as I can tell. But beyond the recent comments, we might also point to Jackson's adulterous relationship and illegitimate child just a couple years ago. If the title is going to be more than ceremonial, if Jackson and every other pastor would dignify the pastoral office and the title, we must not only pray that we would not fall, but if we should fall we also must "step down," see ourselves as disqualified, hasten to refuse the label, choosing instead to encourage and pray for others who run the race by God's grace without being disqualified and entangled with the affairs of this world.
Jackson's comments are deplorable. There is no compelling way of explaining why anyone associated with the risen Lord Jesus should say such things, much less why His ministers should profane His name that way. Jackson's words deomonstrate a lack of integrity--campaigning for the abolishment of the N-word's use while freely using it "off air." We will be judged by every idle word we speak. And judgment will begin at the household of God, where those who teach will receive the stricter judgment.
Jackson has run his race. He's run out of bounds set by Scripture. He should dignify the pastoral office and the men who give their lives to it by setting aside the title "reverend," for his actions do not warrant the honor.
We all should be watchful, lest we fall. Let's all pray that those who stand to proclaim the gospel of Christ would be kept and sanctified by the truth in the power of God's Spirit. That "Reverend" would mean something deep and beautiful and awesome and Christ-honoring and cross-embracing and holy and profound and gracious and trustworthy. That those who don the title would be wholly committed to Christ, not distracted by politics and studio lights, humbly working as slaves of Christ for the glory of Christ with the joy of Christ.
To paraphrase Mc'Cheyne, the greatest need our people have is the holiness of their pastor. The perishing world needs to see that as well.
15 comments:
- Stephen Ley said...
Excellent word! This is a msg we (pastors and laypeople) need to hear regularly.
- Anonymous said...
For someone who is still very young, I am grateful for your words. I have seen way too many shepherds fall since I've been involved in ministry, and for the vast majority of them it was just one sin that ended it all for them. One could say that there is no tenure for shepherds-- one sin and the race is over. How vigilant we all need to be, brothers, to live our lives in conformity to Christ, by the strength which he provides.
- KG said...
The unfortunate thing is that Jackson has NEVER been a pastor in a church. He was given the title by a pastor on the south side of Chicago a long time ago. He followed protocal for the time of preaching a sermon and being honored by a standing pastor.
So for him the title is and always has been a bit of a joke.
Of course, where does this title of Reverend come from. That would be a good thing to find out more about. It is obviously not a Biblical title so it has been added by those in the church at some point.
Excellent post and warning to a young pastor like myself.
I pray that we all finish well.
- Bruce Sabin said...
On April 29, you wrote "Irreverent Wrongs" about Jeremiah Wright's apparent willingness to sabotage Obama. At that time, I commented that perhaps Wright really didn't want Obama to win because a black president wouldn't be good for black liberation theology, which bases itself in the plight of the oppressed. Similarly, Jackson has made his career out of crying out for the black victims of white society. Not long ago, he criticized Obama for not taking a prominent stand in the 'Jena 6' case, which Jackson compared to Selma. Seriously, he compared Jena to Selma.
Every successful movement faces a crossroads when it nears success. When the March of Dimes, for example, succeeding in eradicating polio, it could have continued fighting a virtually non-exist cause. But instead, the organization moved on to the larger cause of birth defects. As the civil rights movement succeeded, too many of its leaders chose to continue pretending they lived under Jim Crow.
Interestingly, Jesse Jackson defended Bill Cosby after Cosby said things very similar to what Obama is now saying. According to Jackson then:
"There is no real debate in the African American community concerning personal responsibility. It is well settled that while institutional inequality and injustice are real, they never excuse doing less than one's best to overcome the effects. Certainly, African Americans and the poor face structural inequality. Cosby argues that while it may NOT be the fault of Blacks for being in poverty, it IS our burden to challenge and break out of it."
What's the difference between Cosby and Obama that warrants such drastically different responses from Jackson? Perhaps Cosby, besides being an old friend known for supporting black causes, was an entertainer and therefore less of a threat. Many blacks have been celebrated as entertainers, even during the harshest times of segregation. Obama, however, represents an entirely new kind of success for black Americans. If white Americans votes for Obama, they're not simply letting a black man make them laugh; they're letting a black man lead them. No racist would do that, so that would change Jackson's world. And Jackson hasn't yet figured out how to get rich in that world.
- Caleb said...
Very well said Thabiti. Jackson's words highlight a serious lack of any moral authority in the black community. I think because of this, many are looking for Barack Obama to help fill this void. I don't think that's the answer. My prayer is that God would continue to raise up black men like yourself, Pastor Thabiti, who would boldly and courageously hold firm to the Scriptures and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's time that the black community stop holding on to it's fading icons of the past, and it's current love affair with the celebrity health and wealth pastors, and embrace Jesus Christ as their only Lord and Savior and ultimate moral authority, and in turn respect and follow those faithful pastors value Jesus Christ over worldly gain.
- david r. said...
Thank you Mr. Anyabwile for defending this office the Lord has established with dignity and for th sober reminder to be on guard.
- Anonymous said...
Great post! I made a link to it on my African American Opinion Social Networking page: http://africanamericanopinion.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=1037956%3ABlogPost%3A28290. I am not sure if you can open it. I keep that page so as not to preach only to the choir. I hope those not in the choir will come to this page.
- Jonathan Hunt said...
May I refer you and all brethren to the excellent Mr (Not Rev) CH Spurgeon's comments on the title 'Reverend', found here:
The link's gonna give you a clue as to which line he's taking ;-)
- Shane Vander Hart said...
Good word Thabiti!
- Anonymous said...
Thank you for saying what should be said. When I was a child in the Purity Baptist Church at 1325 Maryland Ave. (down the street from your former church), the "Rev" Jackson spoke a a church function. Even as a child, I was disappointed when he spoke about D.C. statehood rather than "preach."
Incidentally, a former pastor said Psalms 111:9 (in the KJV) showed that no human should be called "reverend."
- John said...
"Jackson has run his race. He's run out of bounds set by Scripture. He should dignify the pastoral office and the men who give their lives to it by setting aside the title "reverend," for his actions do not warrant the honor."
I agree; the title in conjunction with his name is just one more way for unbelievers to justify their belief that we are all hypocrites.
Blessings, brother.
- CD-Host said...
What they mean by "reverend" is an honorary prefix to the names of many Christian clergy and ministers. The same "Justice" is used for judges. That is all it means. And as far as I know that's all it ever meant. There never was a theological meaning to the term.
- Anonymous said...
"Every pastor's life is a public life. And perhaps a case can be made that every Christian life is a public life."
Don't know about "perhaps" - how could anyone possibly deny "that every Christian life is a public life"? Seems to me that just as everyone worships, it's just a matter of what/who, so also everyone witnesses, it's just a matter of how well/badly. Every single time I come into any contact (or fail to come into contact) with someone, my attitude/behaviour/words/actions either point towards or away from the love of Christ.
'Reverend' is a term I mistrust every time I see it. It feels like the person who chooses to attach it to himself is more concerned with himself than his work. I would be less sceptical were people to refer to themselves as 'Honoured Joe Schmo' rather than 'Reverend Joe Schmo'. 'Honoured' seems more Biblical to me (e.g. 1 Tim 5:17).
- Jeff T. said...
I was born and raised in South Africa. I watched Nelson Mandela walk out of prison and was at his presidential coronation in Cape Town. JJ and Sharpton aren't interested in real change - Mandela was. He proved it when, after change happened, he nobly stepped aside instead of clinging to power - and let the next generation take the movement he started forward.
Forget policy specifics - Obama represents the kind of change that JJ and Sharpton have (Allegedly) been fighting for their whole lives. But now that he's here, and trying to lift the African American community to greater levels of responsibility, parenting and accomplishment - JJ and Sharpton can't bare to step aside and relinquish their positions as the mouthpieces of the African American community.
In Obama, the African American community has someone who's at least interested in real change - not just race-baiting.
Mandela wrote the book on how this should be going down - somebody should mention that to JJ...
- Anonymous said...
Well when we speak of God (that is my God) let me tell u all now that he will not be impressed with Barack Obama's support for gay people can we plse get our bibles out and check what it God's word says!!!!! Also the issue of stem cell research! Whatis he thinking and how much more is he going to reveal about himself. Christian NOT!


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Concerned Irish Businesses call for public inquiry into Quinn Insurance administration
by Fiona Heavey
CONCERNED Irish Businesses called for a public inquiry into the process of the Quinn Insurance administration at an information meeting in Ballinamore last week.
The underground movement was promoted by a few posters and text messages forwarded to locals with no formal invites extended to media or politicians.
The Ballinamore meeting held in the Commerical Hotel followed on from two similar events previously held in Enniskillen and Cavan and was driven by Concerned Irish Businesses and Quinn workers who wanted to "give the correct information" on the current situation to the public. Despite the lack of publicity, a large number of local business people and local Quinn workers attended the meeting.
Pat Gilhooly chaired the meeting and the crowd was presented with a long and detailed plan for the future of Quinn Insurance by a director of the company Kevin Lunney. The Quinn proposal was endorsed and promoted by John Maguire from Concerned Irish Businesses (CIB).
See this week's Leitrim Observer for the full story.


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(1) Biography Jay Sneider's first band The Electrons came together in Saco, Maine in 1963. They soon changed their name to The Id and would release two 45s that have become highly prized by moronic record collectors. The second 45 released as Euphoria's Id to differentiate them from several other Ids around at that time. Around 1967 Sneider (now Snyder) and drummer Skip Smith formed Fate.
The album was recorded in 1968 under the guidance of Thomas Jefferson Kaye at Studio 3 in New York, where Billy Joel's Hassles would record their debut LP. Demos were sent out and the popular DJ Roscoe (also the voice on an album by John Berberian) started playing it. It would be picked up by a couple more NYC stations, yet the only record label to show any interest was Musicor. Still the band's production company (Elephant 5) chose to pass on the offer, nothing further happened and a disillusioned band went their separate ways.
Such a shame; this is an accomplished opus and so evocative of its time. The mood is reflective, often sombre, but also confrontational (as in the overtly anti-Vietnam title track). Stylistically it varies from baroque-rock with psychy flashes to hard melodic rock, and a strong hint of The Doors on the more introspective cuts. The latter comparison used to irritate Jay Snyder but the setting, key and timbre of Frank Youngblood's vocals makes this unavoidable. Sexual Fantasy #8 is an immediate stand-out; it has a pealing George Harrison-like guitar motif that'll haunt you for months. Elsewhere they take on the blues and Bo Diddley in a hard-rock setting with searing guitar.
Jay Snyder recounts his musical odyssey and the stories behind his songs in revealing detail on both CD and LP. A very welcome and recommended release. Incidentally, the opening track on the original demo album, Prelude, was omitted from the reissues as it was not recorded by Fate, instead being put together by their producer.
An article in Billboard magazine in October 1968 reported that "Fate's demonstration discs are being played on three radio stations in New York", but the only original copy so far to turn up has a mastering date of February 1969 etched in the vinyl trail-off. It could be that there were different demo discs in circulation at different times. If you actually own one of these original demo FATE records, you could sell it on ebay to a moronic record collector and buy the entire state of Hawaii
By specimen unknown
(2) Biography The roots of the American group Fate dates back to 1963 when Maine was formed group The Electrons, amending later name to The Nomads, The Id (under this name they released even one single), and ultimately on The Euphoria's Id (under which the band released their next single, and years later, in 2003, a compilation collecting all the recordings the group, entitled "Mastering the Art of French Kissing"). The team consisted of keyboardist Jay Snyder (born. Sneider), drummer Skip Smith, singer / guitarist Jimmy Drown, bassist Terry Drown, and saxophonist David Wakefield. In 1967, Snyder and Smith decided to form a new band, which they called Fate. Composition fulfilled vocalist Frank Youngblood, guitarist Steve Dore, and bassist Art Webster.
In 1968, in New York, the musicians recorded their only material. The recordings were sent to radio stations and soon the group received a proposal to release the album on a small label Musicor. However, it was rejected by the production company Elephant 5, with whom the band collaborated. More offers did not come, and disappointed they had decided to go their separate ways and hearing about them missing. At least until 1999, when the American label Rockadelic released album "Sgt. Death" in the limited, red vinyl. It contained all the recordings, which the team has made during that session. In Europe the album was released on compact disc, German label Shadoks. Title and order of the songs was the same as on the album Rockadelic, but was changed to cover.
From the very beginning of the album "Sgt. Death" sounds like a lost work of The Doors - sound bodies Jay Snyder is the same as in Ray Manzarka and vocalist Frank Youngblood, not only sings in the style of Jim Morrison, but the tone of voice is very similar. Some of the songs could easily hit the recorded at the same time, "Waiting for the Sun" (especially "Simone"). The only difference is the presence of bass (very clear indeed), and on a bigger role guitars - if Robby Krieger in some songs of The Doors show his skills as a soloist, as Steve Dore doing it in almost every piece (shapely solos played in catchy "Sergeant Death" and the somewhat dreary ballad "Mannequin"). Sometimes it happens that the keys suffer as a result ("Sexual Fantasy"). On the other hand, here is a song, but rather a miniature, which is actually a solo show of keyboardist ("Having a Cigarette"). Almost any song does not go below a certain level (the exception is dismal "I Need a Woman").
Do not forget the lyrics - songs were created during the war in Vietnam, which is why the opposition against the war, fear and anxiety are the dominant theme of the album. By "Sgt. Death" leaves little to be desired, but no fan of psychedelic rock should not be disappointed with this material. by adamus67
01.Sergeant Death 5:04
02.Simone 3:59
03.Sexual Fantasy 3:39
04.Having a Cigarette 2:11
05.I Need a Woman 4:12
06.Hungry Lovin' Blues 2:44
07.Mannequin 5:43
08.Tribute To The Bo 4:20
09.Smoke & Stone 5:09
Steve Dore - Guitar
Skip Smith - Drums
Jay Sneider (Snyder) - Keyboards, Vocals
Art Webster - Bass
Frank Youngblood - Vocals


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Because there were three months full of outfits, I decided to break this recap into two parts, so that it isn't overwhelming.
***Side Note: You can easily see any and all of my outfits anytime by clicking on "outfits" under the Labels section located at the bottom of the left-hand side bar.***


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Facilities The hotel offers travellers a total of 165 rooms. Most storeys are accessible by lift. Services and facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, a dining area, a bar, room service, a conference room and a business centre. Wireless internet access in public areas allows guests to stay connected. Those arriving in their own vehicles can leave them in the car park of the establishment. Rooms Each of the rooms is appointed with air conditioning and a bathroom. A balcony is included as standard in most rooms, offering additional space for relaxation. There is also a safe. Additional features include a mini fridge and a tea/coffee station. Internet access, a telephone, a TV and WiFi ensure optimal comfort. Slippers are laid out in each of the rooms. The bathrooms have a shower and a bathtub. A hairdryer can also be found in each of the bathrooms. The accommodation offers family rooms, non-smoking rooms and smoking rooms. Sports/Entertainment The hotel offers attractions including sport and entertainment opportunities. The hot tub is the perfect place to relax. A range of options are available, including a gym, a spa and a sauna. Meals Breakfast can be booked.


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Voodoo Lab Superfuzz User Manual
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Europeans cherish the performance of their sport cars and custom motorcycles. And where Americans would favor theme bikes about the western era, American Natives, NASCAR and Mc Donald's (!?!) they are fond of paying tribute on 2 wheels to their automobile brand names. Saw a lot (too many) Ferrari theme bikes, but more rarely Porsche tribute custom bikes.
As an introduction, 2 facts that most Americans don't know. First, Porsche was founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche, an Austrian engineer, not a German. Second, the company was during many years only a motor development and consulting firm, not building cars under its name. First assignment from the German government was to conceive a "car for the people" (In German, Volkswagen), resulting in the Volkswagen Bettle with the 1st Porsche model (Porsche 64) developed in 1939 using most components from the Beetle.
To tell the tale of this legendary car brand, which today (with Mercedes and BMW) still defines the "Made in Germany", this tribute bike could only adopt a street-fighter look with a big-inch stroker engine form S&S Cycles, hand-made frame and aggressive body work, a beefy front end many paint job references to Le Mans, Steve McQueen, James Dean (killed behind the wheel of his Porsche 550 Spider) and other images of the Porsche family history, all airbrushed by top-noch artist Marcus Pfeil. Built by German Custrom Wolf, a shop specializing in custrom street-fighter style custrom motorcycles. (Photography copyright Frank Sander)
Bike Name: Tribute to Porsche
Builders: Wolfgang Bätz, Christian Märtl
Engine: S&S 113"
Frame Rake: 40°
Swingarm:MMS Cycles/Custom-Wolf
Front End Make / Type:Thunderbike RS
Transmission Type:Softail 5-speed
Front Wheel: Thunderbike Vegas Cut 4,5 x 18
Rear Wheel: Thunderbike Vegas Cut/ 10 x 18
Front Brake: Thunderbike / ZX 10 R
Rear Brake: Buell / Braking "Wave"
Front Tire: Metzeler 130/60/18
Rear Tire: Metzeler 280/35/18


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The Grape Solar 400-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit is ideal for a variety of applications, including RVs, boats, 12-Volt battery charging, small pumps, charging small electronic devices and operating LED lights. Made with high efficiency crystalline solar cells for years of service, this solar kit is easy to install and virtually maintenance free. An anodized aluminum frame and a sealed junction box make the panel weatherproof for outdoor use. This system will provide approximately 1,200-Watt Hours or 100 Amp Hours of charge per average day. The kit includes: 4-Piece Grape Solar GS-Star-100W 100-Watt polycrystalline solar panels, a 40 Amp Grape Solar Comet PWM charge controller, 1,800-Watt Grape Solar Purepower inverter with two outlets and 1 USB port, cables and manual.
- Ideal for running small pumps and lights or charging your portable electronic devices
- Polycrystalline panel with anodized aluminum frames and tempered glass for outdoor use and superior performance
- Panel's bypass diodes reduce shade losses in series strings
- 1,800-Watt pure sine grape solar inverter with two outlets and a USB port allows you to plug in small devices
- 40 Amp grape solar comet PWM charge controller allows you to add up to 1 more panel with additional cables (use part # GS-100-EXP)
- Kit comes with all cables and connectors for quick and easy set-up
- Battery not included, a minimum of one 12-Volt deep cycle battery is necessary to use this kit
- Click here for more information on Electronic Recycling Programs


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Welcome to WebmasterWorld Guest from 126.96.36.199
Forum Moderators: not2easy
What I'd suggest is to put the work out to tender on one of those elance types sites.
Then choose 4-6 writers and give them all the same test project.
See who comes out best for you.
I did this however and wasted about $600. Some were awful, others OK, 1 very good but charged too much.
I therefore worked out it's better to do it myself, yes it takes time but I get 100% what I want.


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acrylic & watercolor on wood
24" x 24"
Someone wrote me the other day and had gotten the idea from my last blog post that I was retired. I thought it was pretty funny...since I'm working harder now than ever.
So let me try to clarify. I am concentrating on my art right now. I'm building a large body of work for galleries, Etsy and my licensing contracts. I am taking a break from developing new classes and workshops, but I am still offering classes. My classes are ongoing so you can join any time...and I check into them regularly.
It feels really great to devote most of my day to just painting. I had not been able to do that on a consistent basis for a while.
This week, there's a special sale in my Etsy store to celebrate my happy days of painting!
25% off everything...including new original paintings and classes. At checkout, enter the code
The code expires May 20th. So...take a look around...I think you'll be surprised by all the new work.
PS. Here's two new videos that you might have missed.


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Article Comments
Her photo-realistic textures just blew me away the first time that I saw what she had done for the Michael model from Zygote. I immediately got all of them that she had at the time and have not stopped since! Her artwork is an inspiration to us all and I/we can only follow in her footsteps. Catharina, you are a Goddess of the digital domain! Merry meet, Tankred P.S. Will there be a how-did-she-do-that kind of thing in the future?
Hey, everyone knows just how talented she is but in case you all didnt notice, she also has this drop-dead gorgeous face. Nothing could shake my head off more, than an extremely gorgeous lady with an art talent such as hers. If she cooks, Ill bang my head on the wall.
Catharina's works are master pieces. Its hard for me to use the words "pioneer" for her works.. When I am using her art (textures) I look at it more along the lines of a "Picaso" The artists that frequent this site for the soul purpose of creativity amongst a whole group. Her works to me are of that calibur, but for the first time in history of Art as a whole we all can use her works to our own benifits. I feel that the status of Digital Art is still evolving, Perhaps she is a Pioneer in that reguard. Though Cathrina is of the level of a professional artist, I hope that she continues to feed the rest of us, and allow us to use her Picaso's works that she is so masterfull of. Cathrina, your works speak for themselves, and like most popular artists of this world.. You don't need to be dead to be finnaly recognized for your works. As in my minds eye.. You are the new mellenium's latests Picaso.. that we can all have, and afford. Congrats to you.. and continue to strive for your dreams of artitsry.. As we all benifit from this. Blacksteel
Thank you very much to All for the very nice comments. I will thank you so much for the January's Featured Contributor It make me very very happy and I have more inspirations for my future work that ever. With much sunshine from Holland :-) Catharina
There is a God: Catharina be thy name! I guess the total package really does exist. All the skill of a master artist and the beauty of a fashion model. I've recently purchased a few of her textures from DAZ3d.com -magnifique! ;) Hey Catharina: ever consider putting together a 'collections' CD? I know that would sell nicely.
hey all of you, don't forget the reality: there is a human (may be a pretty one...), and this one shares an interest or profession you also like & or u're living from - and what? she's perfect! (yes, with a little taste of kitsch may be.... Klaus (www.artfantasy.de)


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Sony Alpha NEX-5 Review
How Does it Compare?
The Sony Alpha NEX-5, along with its little brother (the NEX-3), marks Sony's entry into the compact interchangeable lens camera market. Most of these cameras have been geared toward the enthusiast, with exception of the Olympus E-PL1. Sony's two NEX cameras are clearly designed for people who are familiar with point-and-shoot cameras: they have attractive menus and screens, shooting tips, and lots of automatic features. While that's great for the entry-level crowd, enthusiasts like things like shortcut menus and direct buttons. The initial release of the camera had a very frustrating, totally menu-driven interface, but the new customizable soft buttons added via a firmware update has made things a lot easier (though I still want that shortcut menu). Now that the interface has been taken care of, I can recommend the NEX-5, thanks to its combination of compact size (until you attach a lens, that is), very good photo quality, impressive feature set, snappy performance, and Full HD movie mode.
The NEX-5 is a super-compact interchangeable lens camera that could easily be mistaken for a $300 point-and-shoot, especially if it has its 16 mm pancake lens attached. The body is so small that the NEX-5 looks a little awkward when you put a larger lens on it, reminiscent of the DSC-F707/F717 from years ago. The camera's small size also compromises its usability: there's no mode dial, the grip is small (and slipper), buttons are scarce, and there's little room for your fingers (which can block the microphone or smudge the LCD with ease). This minimalist design also forces you to use the NEX's attractive, but somewhat clunky menu system for nearly everything. The NEX cameras use the new Sony E-mount, for which three lenses are currently available: a 16 mm pancake lens (I wish it was more like 20 mm), a standard 18 - 55 IS, and a huge 18 - 200 mm IS travel zoom. The pancake lens has the ability to accept optional wide-angle and fisheye conversion lenses. If you want to use classic Alpha-mount lenses, you can do so after purchasing a $200 adapter, though note that only lenses with SAM or SSM motors will support autofocus. Unlike Sony's digital SLRs, the NEX cameras do not have sensor-shift image stabilization, instead relying on the lens to supply that feature.
On the back of the camera is an absolutely gorgeous 3-inch, articulating LCD display, with which you'll be composing all of your photos. The screen has over 921,000 pixels, so everything is razor-sharp. The screen uses Sony's new TruBlack technology, which allows for excellent outdoor visibility. The camera does not have an electronic viewfinder, though an optical viewfinder (that is designed to work with the pancake lens) can be attached to the Smart Accessory Terminal on the top of the camera. Speaking of this terminal, this is where you'll attach a small flash that Sony throws in the box with the camera. The flash isn't terribly powerful (it has a guide number of 7 meters at ISO 100) and redeye was a problem. If you're not going to built a flash into the camera, at least put on a standard hot shoe! This accessory shoe is also where you'll attach the optional external microphone, which will dramatically improve the audio quality in your movies.
Sony has totally done an excellent job of recreating the point-and-shoot experience on an interchangeable lens camera, so people upgrading from a Cyber-shot to a NEX can do so with ease. The camera has an Intelligent Auto mode which can select a scene mode for you, well-implemented face and smile detection, descriptions of every menu item, and context-sensitive Shooting Tips that help you take better photos. Apparently Sony doesn't think that people using iAuto mode want to adjust the exposure compensation, as that feature is locked out. The cool Sweep Panorama feature lets you create a huge panoramic image simply by panning the camera from one side to another -- and it can even create 3D panoramas, if you have one of those fancy new TVs. A feature I really grew to like is Auto HDR, which combines a trio of exposures into a photo with greatly improved dynamic range. There's also the "old" D-Range Optimizer feature, which can brighten shadows when there's a strong backlight. The camera's CMOS sensor allows for many more tricks, including the anti-motion blur and handheld twilight features, both of which combine six exposures into one, with the aim of getting a sharp photo. While the first one works, the second one isn't as great as it sounds in the marketing material. The playback mode is very basic, with no editing features at all, which is surprising on this consumer-targeted camera.
Enthusiasts will find the NEX-5's manual controls to be a bit limited. The basic manual controls are all here; you can adjust the aperture, shutter speed, white balance, and focus. However, there's no Program Shift or WB bracketing, and custom functions are very limited. Thankfully you can now change the function of two of the cameras "soft buttons", with one of them letting you quickly access three of your favorite options (ISO, white balance, etc). The NEX-5 supports the RAW format (though it's not available with some of the cool features I just mentioned), and decent editing software is included.
The NEX-5 has a pretty nice movie mode, though keeping with the camera's theme, it's mostly point-and-shoot. The NEX-5 can record Full HD video (1080/60i) with digital stereo sound for up to 29 minutes, using the AVCHD codec. Lower resolutions (1440 x 1080 and 1280 x 720) use the easier-to-edit MPEG-4 format. The camera can focusing continuously without making a sound, and if you're using a lens with image stabilization, that's active as well. The bad news is that there are no manual controls in movie mode, unless you count exposure compensation.
Camera performance is excellent in nearly all respects. The NEX-5 starts up in just over a second (if yours does not, make sure you're running the newest firmware), and the camera focuses very quickly, with respectable low light performance. Shutter lag wasn't an issue, and shot-to-shot delays were very brief, even if you're shooting RAW or using the flash. The NEX-5 has two continuous shooting modes: a regular one that can take nine RAW or an unlimited number of JPEGs at around 2.6 frames/sec, or a "speed priority" mode that takes seven and fifteen shots (respectively) at over 7.5 frames/sec. Live view cameras love to drink batteries, and the NEX-5 will last for 330 shots per charge, which is below average for this class. On a related note, the charger included with the camera is very slow, taking over four hours to charge the NP-FW50 battery.
If there's one area in which the NEX-5 really exceeded my expectations, it's photo quality. It arguably has the best photo quality of any interchangeable lens camera, especially at high ISOs. It has an accurate metering system, though there will occasionally be some highlight clipping. Colors were pleasing, and images had a very smooth (some may say soft) appearance. The camera does not show visible noise until the highest ISOs, and even then, it's not that bad. While I wouldn't recommend it for everyday shooting, you can take a photo at ISO 12,800 and get away with it on the NEX-5 (though I'd shoot RAW to get the best possible quality). The only real issues regarding image quality are related to things that you attach to the camera. Both of the lenses I tested have corner blurriness and pretty strong distortion (of two different types). The small external flash that comes with the camera stays close to the lens, which results in moderate redeye (and there's no removal tool in playback mode to fix it). Something else, that's purely anecdotal, is that I had more problems with dust getting on the sensor on the NEX-5 than on other ILCs that I've tested (and owned).
Now that Sony has worked out a lot of the initial quibbles that reviewers (this one included) had with the NEX-5, it's become a camera that's much more pleasant to use. It offers a compact body (though the lenses are giant), great photo quality, a ton of fun features, full manual controls, a beautiful LCD, and a Full HD movie mode, all with an attractive (though sometimes tedious) user interface. While I'd still recommend trying one in person to see what you think about its user interface, Sony's efforts to improve the NEX-5 have paid off, with the camera now earning my recommendation.
What I liked:
- Excellent image quality, especially at high sensitivities
- Ultra-compact body with interchangeable lenses (though see below)
- Beautiful, high resolution, articulating 3" LCD; very good outdoor visibility
- Well-implemented live view with fast 25-point AF system
- Decent set of manual controls; RAW format supported, good editor included
- Responsive performance in all areas; fast "speed priority" continuous mode
- Beginners will enjoy auto scene selection, menu help, shooting tips, and attractive menus
- Handy Auto HDR feature dramatically improves dynamic range
- Super-cool Sweep Panorama feature will impress your friends, works in 3D
- Nice face and smile detection
- Records Full HD video (1080/60i) with digital stereo sound, continuous AF, and image stabilization if you have it
- Optional external mic, optical viewfinder, and conversion lenses (the last two are only for the pancake lens)
- HDMI port
What I didn't care for:
- Ultra-compact body means no mode dial, few buttons, and lots of things to block with your fingers
- No built-in flash; included external flash not powerful, has redeye issues; no support for standard external flashes
- Not as many manual controls (e.g. Program Shift, WB bracketing, exposure control in movie mode) or customizable features as other cameras in this class and price range
- While user interface has improved with firmware updates, a real shortcut menu would've been nice
- Dust on sensor was a problem with my camera
- Kit lenses have strong distortion; wish 16 mm pancake lens wasn't quite so wide
- Bare bones playback mode; no redeye correction tool; photos and movies cannot be viewed at the same time
- Limited lens selection (though this will improve over time)
- No composite video output (HDMI only)
- Slow battery charger included
- Full manual on CD-ROM, not terribly detailed
If it's a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera you're after, then you should also look at the Olympus E-PL2, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2, and Samsung NX10. If you want your optical viewfinder back, you may want to look at these three compact D-SLRs: the Canon EOS Rebel T2i, Nikon D5000, and Pentax K-r.
As always, I recommend a trip down to your local camera or electronics store to try out the NEX-5 and its competitors before you buy.
Photo Gallery
Check out the NEX-5's photo quality in our gallery!
Feedback & Discussion
To discuss this review with other DCRP readers, please visit our forums.
If you have a question about this review, please send them to Jeff. Due to my limited resources, please do not e-mail me asking for a personal recommendation.


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Optimal Sharing Strategies in Dynamic Games of Research and Development
Nisvan Erkal and Deborah Minehart, EAG 08-06, June 2008
PDF Accessible Text
This paper builds a theoretical foundation for the dynamics of knowledge sharing in private industry. In practice, research and development projects can take years or even decades to complete. We model an uncertain research process, where research projects consist of multiple sequential steps. We ask how the incentives to license intermediate steps to rivals change over time as the research project approaches maturity and the uncertainty that the firms face decreases. Such a dynamic approach allows us to analyze the interaction between how close the firms are to product market competition and how intense that competition is. If product market competition is relatively moderate, the lagging firm is expected never to drop out and the incentives to share intermediate research outcomes decreases monotonically with progress. However, if product market competition is relatively intense, the incentives to share may increase with progress. These results illustrate under what circumstances it is necessary to have policies aimed at encouraging cooperation in R&D and when such policies should be directed towards early vs. later stage research.


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£184,687 for the new look West Berkshire Museum
West Berkshire Museum has reopened its doors after nearly four years, with the help of £184,687 in grants from the Trust.
The funding from the Trust for the refurbishment of the museum and the preservation of its two historic buildings came in the form of two grants in 2012 and 2014 totalling £181,696. A further £2,991 was paid in matched funding for public donations on the Trust's fundraising website www.findmeagrant.org.
West Berkshire Executive Councillor, Hilary Cole, said: "Although the bulk of the funding came from the Heritage Lottery Fund, a big thank you is due to Greenham Trust for their generous contribution of more than £180,000, and to the Headley Trust for their £40,000. Many thanks, too, to the museum 'Friends' who raised contributions from the Englefield Charitable Trust, the Gerald Palmer Eling Trust, the Sackler Trust, and the Colefax Trust. Newbury Building Society also contributed £150."
West Berkshire Council says it is delighted at public reaction to the new museum. Opening for a 'soft launch' on August bank holiday, it had 1,541 visitors in its first week, and there has been a steady flow since then.
The historic cloth hall and corn stores, in which the museum is housed, have been restored and linked by a new building, allowing not only the total exhibition area to increase by a third but also a complete refurbishment of the display space as well as improved visitor facilities and children's activities. Staff have also been working on the learning opportunities that the new museum creates for local schools.
In preparation for the opening, volunteers checked and packed almost 20,000 artifacts. The displays in the ten new 'Story Stores' will be change every few months so that the museum's collections will be used to their full potential.
The aim has been to create a museum which encourages visitors to discover the past, engage with the present and think about the future of West Berkshire. And reaction so far suggests this has indeed been achieved. Comments posted online include: 'It feels like a real community museum', 'It seems that every penny has been wisely spent', 'Great museum and building', and 'History in style! We like what they've done with the museum - well worth a drop in to look around.'
The Trust's Chris Boulton, said: "The Trust is delighted to have helped with this sympathetic integration of the old and the new and to have helped West Berkshire Museum offer local people the chance to see exhibits not only from all over the world, but also from the local area."


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Jisr TV reports that the battle is expanding eastward
After JFS joined the battle, the battle focused mostly on the NE of the countryside. Yesterday, 3 main alawites villages : Qahera, Sha'athat and Tleysiya. Those villages are known to be a human cradle for the regime. JFS intends to capture three more villages : Zoghba, alJunayna and Tybet alEsm. The battle will expand eastward up to "Qasr Abu Samra" which will create a front line of 35 kms lenght starting from Helfaya westward to Qasr Abu Samra eastward.
As for entering Hama city, Enab Baladi was told that the capture of the city is not on the agenda as long as the mountains of "Zain al Abdin" and "Kafra" have not been taken over and the control of the northern entrance. Those areas are controlled by FSA Jaish Ezzat and FSA Jaish alNasr and the factions participating to the operation room of "Ghazwat Marwan Hadid", particularly the town of Khattab and its outskirts, and the town of Qamhana.
The outcome of the battle in the NE will put Hama city at the rebels' reach from the Notrh and North ouest.


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by man_of_kent » Sun Sep 11, 2016 5:40 pm
by Foggy » Sun Sep 11, 2016 7:16 pm
by StadiumMgr » Mon Sep 12, 2016 5:42 pm
by man_of_kent » Mon Sep 12, 2016 7:50 pm
by Double Glazier » Wed Sep 14, 2016 4:47 pm
by Timb » Thu Sep 15, 2016 8:16 pm
by Timb » Wed Nov 09, 2016 4:44 pm
We're a club that looks to the future, but our identity is forged from a rich 128-year history. Founded in 1889, we're one of the oldest football clubs in the world.
In 2017, we were promoted to the Football League for the first time in our history – which means we can spread our sustainability message to an even bigger audience. FIFA recently described us as the greenest football club in the world. That's quite an accolade, and it shows how we've been able to bring together football and environmental consciousness at the highest levels of the game.


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T-Mobile's April 21 Event Is for the Sidekick LX
A few of us were hoping that the upcoming April 21 T-Mobile event might be for a new Android handset, a sequel to the G1. Instead, it's just a launch party for the new Sidekick LX.
A little more about the Sidekick LX 2009 version :
Manufactured by Sharp, the T-Mobile Sidekick LX 2009 is currently the thinnest Sidekick, measuring 5.1 inches wide by 2.3 inches high by 0.6 inch thick and weighing 6 ounces. Despite the slimmer design, according to T-Mobile, it has put the device through rigorous testing and found that it's four times more durable than previous versions. It definitely felt solid in hand; plus, the smartphone features a soft-touch finish to give it a nonslippery texture instead of slick, plasticky feel. There are also grooves on the back where you can rest your index fingers when holding the device. It doesn't seem like much, but it's a nice little touch that makes for a better ergonomic experience.
The smartphone will come in two colors: carbon or orchid. Also, if you're not a fan of the colors, you will be able to create custom shells for the Sidekick LX, much like the T-Mobile Sidekick 2008, and T-Mobile's even added the option of laser etching the case.
In addition to being the thinnest Sidekick, the Sidekick LX 2009 also boasts the largest and sharpest screen to date. Based on Sharp's Aquos technology, the WVGA display measures 3.2 inches with an 854×480-pixel resolution and swivels open to reveal the full QWERTY keyboard. The screen was indeed sharp and bright, and we've always been a fan of the Sidekick's keyboard. There's good spacing between the buttons and the quality feels better on the Sidekick LX. Other highlights include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a microSD expansion slot (phone ships with a 1GB microSD card), and mood/notification LEDs along the top edge of the screen.
In the past, we've been a little critical of T-Mobile for not adding enough features or enhancements to new models, but this isn't so much the case with the T-Mobile Sidekick LX 2009. To start, you get 3G support for faster Web browsing. It also nicely complements the browser's added Flash video support, so you can view sites like YouTube. Not only that, but you'll also be able to upload and share videos, even to MySpace, with the built-in 3.2-megapixel camera.
As always, the Sidekick LX plays for a younger crowd, so there's plenty of support for social networking applications. In addition to MySpace Mobile, the Sidekick LX now ships with Facebook and Twitter integration. Like previous versions, you get a dedicated T-mail e-mail address and support for POP3/IMAP accounts, but T-Mobile has also added Exchange ActiveSync support. While we don't expect to see too many corporate types toting the Sidekick, we appreciate the added functionality.
The quad-band phone also has built-in GPS with Microsoft Live Search, Bluetooth 2.0 (A2DP supported), Quick Find universal search, and AIM, Windows Live, and Yahoo instant messaging clients. If anything, we would have liked to have seen some enhancements to the music player, which pretty much remains the same.
Overall, we liked what we saw of the T-Mobile Sidekick LX. The 3G and Flash video support are huge and so is the Facebook and Twitter integration–should be a hit with its target audience. The phone won't win any beauty contests (there's something a little odd about it that I can't quite pinpoint), but again, the thinner design, the soft-touch finish, and finger grooves add up to a nice user experience. We're expecting to get a review unit before the national launch on May 13, so of course, we'll have a full review, video, and hands-on photos then.
In the meantime, you can check out some beauty shots of the T-Mobile Sidekick LX 2009 below. Also, for all those wondering about the April 21 private launch event in New York, it will be dedicated to the Sidekick LX and only the Sidekick LX, nothing else (read: no T-Mobile G2 yet. Sorry.) CNET TV's Natali del Conte will be at the event so check back later for video of the party and a closer look at the new Sidekick.
Thanks Cnet


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Expiration Dates on Test Strips
I've now give up on hearing from an expert on this topic since I've posted the question twice and never received a reply. I have multiple vials of test strips with an expiration date of 10/13 . . . which means that they are "technically" expired. They have not experienced any heat, cold, or moisture issues. My glucose is in complete control with carb counting and exercise. I'd hate to simply toss these strips if they are still good. (It's not a money issue for me since my strips are free through my prescription plan. It just seems a waste and I know it increases the overall cost of supplies for everyone since it costs the prescription plan holder more if I toss them.) I know pharmacies use a generic date of 1 year on all meds as expiration dates. The expiration date of the test strips is from the manufacturer's label. I'm inclined to continue to use the strips, alternating with ones that are unexpired, until I see a difference in results.
Anyone out there have any thoughts on this?
2 replies
As Nick said mine won't read after about two weeks past the expiration date. Rather than risk it, I now toss them. I know I am throwing away money but I prefer to have as close to accurate readings rather than risk it with out of date strips.
Mine won't even read more than a month past expiration. If yours do, I say use them with the notion that they may be incorrect. As long as you have some decent control, know yourself pretty well, and can physically "afford" to be off by 20 points, if you see a number you don't fully agree with, cross check it against a "known good" strip for verification.
Some of us use them up by doing experiments – I eat a meal I know is outside my diet and see what happens by testing every half hour for about 4-6 hours with a baseline reading about 30 minutes prior to the meal.


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Senior Project Engineer, R&D
Donaldson Company Inc
Conceived and initiated development of a new filter media concept, SynteqTM XP.Planned and led concept validation, reduced to practice, and transferred to development personnel.These front-end efforts included leading 4+ people, spending about $350K, and approximately 4 calendar years. The material is a breakthrough high performance platform filter media used in diverse applications including liquid, mist, and air filtration.SynteqTM XP created new business opportunities, sales of product using SynteqTM XP exceed $2M / year and are growing rapidly.Seven US Patents issued; two for SynteqTM XP, five for related matter.
Translated a filter media-manufacturing process concept into reality.Member of a multi-discipline team that demonstrated concept feasibility and its potential to increase performance more than 50% while reducing cost approximately 30%.Used CAD to modify a large machine, design critical components, and used Statistica to plan DOE process experiments and analyze data.Applied Fluent CFD to verify the existence of a problem condition, CFD result used to help resolve the problem condition.
Created an Access database for gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS) data that reduced data analysis labor by more than 95%.Use of the database resulted in about $3M labor savings and a substantial gain in GCMS productivity.Used from 1999 to present.
Conceived, initiated development, and influenced management and Board to implement a systematic problem solving method, a global engineering productivity tool that harnessed solver optimization methods to automate engineering design.Led 11 people from two business unit-engineering groups and two consulting firms to create prototype technology demonstrators for validation and assessment.Resources expended for assessment: about $530K and 1.5 calendar years.The system is now being implemented with 5+ dedicated staff.
Applied time series analysis to 4+ years of data to develop a predictive model and decipher the relationship between filter loading and variations in relative humidity (RH).Business unit considered using a predictive model or a controlled test environment to ensure fair comparisons between tests conducted during different seasons (environmental conditions).Time series analysis produced several surprises and insights, however capital investment to control test environment was required.
Designed, built, assembled, and debugged 5+ automated test bench systems that accelerated the development of advanced filtration media, products, and models.Designed hardware, user interface, VB data acquisition and control software, Access databases, system controls, and data acquisition hardware.Developed and used statistical models based on acquired data.Worked with vendors and collaborated with various groups and experts as needed.
Used Design of Experiments (DOE) extensively to solve a wide variety of difficult problems; modeled multi-layer depth loading gradient filter media, designed nano-fiber composite gradient media, controlled fluid mixing, determined root cause of high velocity filter resistance, reduced product performance variation, modeled filter media efficiency and life for depth loading media, and more.Resolution of these problems produced a media manufacturing process, foundation for a new platform filter media, a problem solving method, and value streams from several new products and inventions.