text:
Why would the image or audio quality vary?
These players transfer video and audio data over HDMI, which is digital.
So how can the picture or sound quality be different between one player and another?
Happy Christmas, the format war is over. Now that Toshiba has abandoned HD DVD, Sony's Blu-Ray has emerged as the new standard for high-definition discs, and the millions of folk who've been watching ye olde standard-def TV programmes on their HD TVs can go out and buy themselves a Blu-ray player safe in the knowledge it's not …
Reading the review, everything about it is great. it's very well priced, for it's blu-ray abilities alone, with PQ as good as the others, SQ, again onpar with the others, the BD-J vastly superior in the PS3, due it's beefier processing, it's DVD upscaling is also VERY good, only a sniff short of the quality expected from a Reon based upscaler. If imagine the PS3 in a regular box, for £249/£299 (and £10 for the BD Remote, so you can hide the controller in the cupboard), it would have been rated pretty highly, however add PS3 gaming, HD Media streaming, Internet browser, Linux compatabilty into the mix too, and it should still be up there in the 95%+ region.
The only reason anyone should not choose a PS3 over any of the units listed here IMHO, is if they MUST have a flat box to fit with other AV components.
Now call me a liar, but please base that accusation on solid ground...
- Blu-Ray is a "industry standard" way to store digitally encoded video.
- All players have to conform this standard to carry Blu-Ray-logo.
- There cannot be anything different at the first stage, when decoding video - every player has to decode exactly the same way, otherwise the output is garbage - or differs greatly from what the editor of disc intended.
- Digital input in digital television is standardized too, so there cannot be anything different between what the players output to television - it has to follow standards (Ok, I know there are different resolutions, and interlaced/not interlaced - but let's assume every player would be set to output exactly same resolution - and that test setup television is actually handling signal digitally from input to output, and not having some analog stage or upscale/filter effect software active inside telly.)
El Reg finds some difference between players. Recommends stand-alone players, because they output better picture. May I ask editor, how did you come in a conclusion that there might be something different on output quality between players :) ? Measured by your eyes after 3 beers or actually using some scientific instrument?
As you know, in digital world, there are no analog conversions, decoded pixels must run "as-it-is" from decoded video to LCD cell on telly.
Conclusion -> Only thing that can make ANY difference would be some sort of scaling or filtering effects that are built-in the player decoding software. But these are hardly standard, output will be different from what the editor of Blu-Ray Disc intended, even if it might please the eye.
Only other reason would be that the player is not following standards and outputs crap - then auditor who gave the right to use the Blu-Ray logo failed.
A way to actually measure the output image quality would be to construct decoder device that 100% conforms to standard, and record digital pixel output from every player, compare recorded output bit-by-bit, and if there is any difference between signals it is non-standard and should be burned with fire.
My opinion is that the Playstation software could be updated at any time to include same crappy filters that "enhance" picture as any other player. So I hereby declare Playstation as the winner :)
...let the flames burn this witch. Apologies for length, girth, etc.
I think people are too used to £29 players and <£4-5 DVDs from the market or play.com etc...
With the world sliding into economic turmoil which is tipped to last the lifetime of a video format such as this, I can't see the format making much of an impact except amongst the AV-philes.
A better review than that from Lewis Caliburn and his unbelievable £1000 DVD player/surround sound kit that produced pictures as good as Blu Ray (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/11/19/review_home_cinema_yamaha_dvx_1000/).
I have a Dolby Digital EX 6.1 surround sound system - it'd be useful to understand if I will get this channel information from the players reviewed...
Only the PS3 has WiFi capability - I'm looking at this from a Profile 2 perspective which means access to live content from the internet. Having an Ethernet port is fine if you have the ability to run a cable to it discretely. I'd be OK with the Sony stand-alone player (small, neat) aside from the fact I think I'll need to but a WiFi hub as well to plug it into?
It really doesn't matter whether these players can decode the 7.1 channel sound formats. Any multichannel amplifier worth the name that can accept 7.1 channel sound over HDMI will have its own decoders which are likely to be better than those built into the BD Players. So what matters is whether or not the players can transmit the formats in LPCM for the amplifier to decode. And that's where the Yamaha (potentially) scores. Rip out the decoders from the player and you can spend money on improving other parts of the system - in theory.
And, for the record, the PS3 cannot do either. It can only decode the compressed 5.1 core of an uncompressed 7.1 channel soundtrack and can only transmit that in miltichannel mode.
Interesting that you showed the Iron-Man disk at the start of the article.
I own a PS3 and a 1080p TV, and whilst browsing casually in Tescos prior to picking up some dinner, I saw both the Blu-Ray and DVD versions of the movie. Guess which one I bought.
I bought the DVD version, because the film still comes across as being too expensive on Blu-Ray, and whilst I could possibly have found it cheaper on Blu-Ray elsewhere, I see absolutely no reason why the studios have to charge more for your Blu-Ray equivalent - they dont cost more to make, package or distribute, what with economies of scale, it seems the Blu-Ray owners at the moment are subsidising some of the costs of DVD production.
Perhaps if the studios equalise the DVD and Blu-Ray prices, then it might help me justify to myself the high cost of the BR player component of the PS3!
Suffice to say, your average consumer will take a look at your typical throw away casual buy movie like Iron-Man and decide on the cheaper version, that is if they decide to permanently own a 'hard-copy' of the movie at all.
Also, I'm going to raise this classic argument again - Why plump for a dedicated BR player if you can buy a device that does a whole lot more, the PS3. Even if you're not into the games at all, the PS3 is also an all-formats multimedia powerhouse, an internet browser, and a friends video-messaging system. I am also dubious about the lower image quality thing with the PS3 - Its going to be very difficult for your average consumer to tell any difference without properly calibrating your entire home entertainment system for your living room!
The only feature Panasonic DMP-BD35 player is missing, compared to DMP-BD55, is analog 7.1 output (but DMP-BD35 still delivers 7.1 in digital audio and HDMI socket), but the price is also £150 lower! This is a killer - as short internet search can confirm.
You should have also published some info on which players can be bought with ICOS HD chip mod (multiregion Blu Ray upgrade). Not everyone wants his player locked, given that some great movies are published in Blu Ray only in one region (e.g. try to find "The Lives Of Others" not locked to region A).
Blimey, you think all decoders work exactly the same way? The quality of decoders varys enormously.
Some chips will cut certain corners, others chips will apply additional post processing to positively enhance the picture. HDMI ensures the output from the player is carried to the TV without degredation, it doesn't make all the players produce the same output in the first place. Software decoders (such as on the PC and the PS3) don't have the luxary of dedicated hardware and thus very often have to cut corners.
All players have their own processing chips to decode the data. Granted they follow rules to adhere to BluRay standards but they do other things too.
One of the image processing tasks is to upscale DVD format to Hi def image. Depending on the algorithms used there will be slight differences in image quality.
These image processors also calculate hue, contrast, levels of darkness etc... Depending on how they are set by default or how they can be modified can reduce image quality and clarity. I agree with the review and think it is difficult to rate these devices on image quality alone so I am happy they included other factors.
My two cents (renminbi)
I would like to know what the DRM situation is. I once bought a DVD player that would not display a picture from a CSS DVD on my DVI screen. It worked fine on cheap non CSS disks and a pirate disk I borrowed to test. It went back under warranty and I bought a different one that works. (I don't want to be forced to get pirate disks). Will the same happen with some or all bluray players?
I would also like to know if region locking still exists.
Assuming they actually work with DVI screens (I use a Dell 1600 x 1200 monitor with s-video for my home entertainment system, it also has DVI.) Is the scaling flexible enough to specify the correct target screen resolution? Otherwise there will be no benefit.
(I can't see myself buying a new player and a new screen)
Do the disks have a standard DTS (as used on LaserDisc and DVD) track?
And I don't know how anyone can call dolby digital 5.1 adequate. It's worse than a 64K mp3
Image quality does vary, and it's very easy to tell the difference if you know where to look. Decoding DVD and Blu-ray video codecs is not as simple as 'just decompressing it' and some of the rarer decoding scenarios are harder to fix. It took *years* for certain bugs that weren't present in high end DVD players to be fixed in the 30 quid player from Tesco.
CD redbook audio, for instance, is dramatically simpler than any video codec out there. That doesn't stop CD players worth hundreds (thousands) of pounds being sold when a CD player can be bought for less than 20 quid. Why? Again, it's not just ones and zeroes - there are issues with timing and suchlike.
Anyone who has bothered will have a seperate audio decoder, being fed by the HDMI cable. In-built decoders in the players are largely redundant and have been since they were put in DVD players.
Wrt the reviews, whilst in theory they all output a standard digital picture, you should still have calibrated the player/screen for each set-up, if this wasn't done, all you've done is prove which player that you reviewed was closest to reference. Pointless.
Most people will either have an all singing multi-speaker system or will have the sound coming out the speakers on the TV. Either way, the in-built decoder is pointless.
@Iron Man Blu Ray
Given that shops will currently sell far more DVD copies of a film than the Blu-ray equivalent, the "economies of scale" argument doesn't really fit at this stage.
Fast forward a couple of years or so, when sales of the 2 formats are equivalent, and the prices will probably balance as well. Roll forwards a couple more years and DVD will be more expensive.
How much do video tapes cost now compared to DVD, and indeed how many shops still even sell them?
The reason there is a difference in image and sound quality would most likley come from quality of components
while there is no analogue conversion to worry about, there is still laser quality, capacitor quality, transport accuracy, and of course the logic that controls the whole thing.
for an instance in how bad wiring can be done, just take the lid off (very carefully) an old PS2, and see the tinfoilyness in all its immediately tearing glory.! :)
'I bought the DVD version, because the film still comes across as being too expensive on Blu-Ray, and whilst I could possibly have found it cheaper on Blu-Ray elsewhere, I see absolutely no reason why the studios have to charge more for your Blu-Ray equivalent'
Why does everybody expect new technology to come out the same price as old on release ?
Simple economics deny that...For a start the market for Blu-ray is a lot smaller so economies of scale for disc production don't kick so they actually ARE dearer to produce. Secondly who pay's for all the new technology investment, start up costs etc..? We do in the end with higher prices in the first few years. Then there is the lack of genuine competition. At the moment all the Hardware manafacturers are 1st tier (Samasung, Sony etc..). so the presumtion is if you can aford 250uk + for a player then ditto the discs/films are dearer. Perhaps you don't like the ecomomic development cycle however that is the way its always been (Tapes, CD's, DVD's etc. you name it)
Once you can pick up players at Walmart/Tesco for 50 ukp etc. then obviously prices of films will have to match the download trend
I've been thinking about upgrading to Blu-Ray for a while now so we can actually benefit from having a HD TV (we've only got a 720p model though). To be honest looking at the prices and the fact that around half the standalone players don't support Profile 2, I'd rather spend the cash on a PS3.
Sure a PS3 is more than the cheapo Sony player but if I'm spending £300 on a player I want some sort of future proofing (at least a couple of years!).
I did the same with DVD, I bought a PS2 first and then a standalone player when the prices came down a tad.
- To anonymous coward: even a single code specification such as H264 the quality of the image can vary greatly depending upon decoder parameters. For example if you decode an H264 video with Smplayer on you computer you can disable the loop filter step to play on older hardware but with a significant quality loss, enable the loop filter to get "normal quality (at the cost of more processing power) or add some extra filters such as denoise3d to get even better quality (at the cost of even more CPU power). To a certain extent this is also true of DVD / mpeg 2
- To Stu: actually Blu-ray disks cost a lot more to manufacture than DVD and HD-DVD Last year some production house claimed that duplication cost were about 5 times higher for BD (because the disk are much more different from DVD, so new equipment needs to be bought). One of the reason many people backed HD-DVD was that since duplication costs were much lower it could have entered the mainstream much quicker. BD will stay a premium / luxury product for the near future, or at least until the duplicators have recouped the cost of buying brand new duplication equipment from Sony (which may take year).
Personally I am still not confident enough in the technology to invest: there have been too many issues with compatibility and DRM for me to spend my cash. Also I would suspect the price of disks to stay higher than expected because Sony would want to recoup the investment done in pushing BD the PS3 trough duplication equipment sales. If they implement MMC in a way that allows me to easilymove the content on many other devices (such as my netbook and my iPod) I may bite for the convenience factor (which for me is as important as the image quality), but my prediction is that this will not arrive soon and will probably be botched.
I have a large collection of DVDs in various regional formats. No way am I even going to consider buying a BR player unless it can play them all, and even then I probably wouldn't buy one if the BR disks were region locked.
As for onboard decoders, they can be very useful. I have a competent 5.1 surround system but it doesn't accept HDMI input and I have no intention of upgrading it in the immediate future. A player which will allow me to extract 5.1 sound in digital or analog form would be essential.
Are you trying to suggest that PS3 can't do 7.1 sound in any form? As that's total bollocks. It can't bitstream 7.1, sure, but it can decode internally all current formats, and send uncompressed 7.1 audio across HDMI 1.3, which is just as good, if not better. Of course having a purely software based solution means that next year, when 9.1 audio arrives, or Dolby DTS-Master Audio ++, the PS3 will be sending that uncompressed too, and all hardware players will be obsolete.
@Stu The cost of Blu-Ray per disk manufactured is much higher than DVD, because you cant use the same techniology not make both disks.
In order to make Blu-Ray you need to invest and build a Blu-Ray facility costsing rather a lot a DVD planet cant be changed inorder to make Blu-Ray disks.
That is why the price is so much higher.
"I see absolutely no reason why the studios have to charge more for your Blu-Ray equivalent - they dont cost more to make, package or distribute"
The reason is that they stuffed the format with "intellectual property" which nobody wants and which is designed to "protect" them against you (AACS). Now they want YOU to pay for that "protection". The cost of patents and licences is what makes BD so expensive.
And disregarding the costs - there is the issue of control. The AACS allows them to remotely disable your player and/or BD discs you legitimately bought by revoking their keys and distributing the revocation certificates either on other BD discs or with the firmware updates.
In addition, the players must abide by system renewability messages, which again may disable your equipment or, for example, reverse modifications you might have made - such as "unlocking" the regional coding.
I am really surprised that the majority of Joe Blows over there are happy to bend over and be had by the industry, but I know I should not be as the same suckers demonstrated that they are happy to be had like that by buying locked iPhones. Good luck (and a jar of Vaseline(R)) to them.
I think you've got that back to front haven't you?
LPCM is already decoded - if you want an amplifier to decode the soundtrack you have to send it as bitstream.
For the record the PS3 can bitstream a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack over optical but a 7.1 True HD soundtrack has to be decoded internally first and then sent as lossless LPCM to an amplifier over HDMI, but it can do it!
Frankly I'd say that if you went for a player that couldn't do Profile 2.0 now, you'll be kicking yourself a year or two from now.
Especially when LOTR comes out on BR with profile 2.0 live interactive features that allows you to personally chat with Peter Jackson and ask him what he had for breakfast the day he was shooting the scene you are watching right now ;)
It doesn't even have to be about whether you personally want to bother with profile 2 features though. You'll find it harder to sell the player if you upgrade without profile 2.
It's funny though the attitude of "ah well, don't need it anyway" (which I always felt was just a way of rubbishing HD DVD when it had the upper hand). No one would stand for a single DVD feature being unplayable today because of the limits of the player.
You're paying a fortune for this stuff. Demand the full spec. Buying Profile 1.1 and 1.0 players to me are like buying the battered old manager's special in Currys that comes without a box, manual, cables, remote and is scuffed up and battered (but yet flogged at only a £10 discount).
But thankfully there are some reasonable priced profile 2 spec players now (that aren't games consoles). Shame they're Sony. And region coded.
I just got the Sony S350 for ........ 171 Swiss francs after an 80 franc mail-in rebate and 10% discount in the store. Even at the 279 francs list price, it was a steal.
I already now have 4 movies plus play.com just got my business on several.
Rejoice - that I no longer "have" to download movies ;)
Although they didn't mention it, the Sony doesn't have a remote control port (IR)
So most people that are purchasing a BluRay player probably already have a universal remote, and it will NOT work with the PS3.
Unfortunately this is a deal killer for me. And I really wanted something I could play Motorstorm Pacific Rift on too.
There are two "levels" of unlocking Blu Ray device. Cheap software "hack" will give you ability to play DVDs from all 6 regions in a player, but it will remain locked to one of three Blu Ray region. Expensive chip "modding" (e.g. ICOS HD chip soldered in the device) will give you ability to play locked Blu Ray disks from all three regions (this is normally bundled with software hack to allow playing all DVD regions as well). For example compare prices and product description at http://www.mrmdvd.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=976 and http://www.mrmdvd.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=982
Don't suppose any of the players reviewed has a SCART socket?
I know the output won't be as good as HDMI, but at least I could have a player with SCART and buy all newly released films in blu-ray format so that I won't have to buy them again when I finally replace my TV.
AFAIK (disclaimer only, I do know everything)...
1) Audio quality is not likely to vary one jot, if using HDMI output.
2) Video quality COULD vary, firstly because of potential colourspace conversion (MP2,VC-1,AVC(h.264) are all encoded in YCrCb, not RGB) and HDMI can transmit either YCrCb or RGB. But mostly that as DVD players did, and as you might see in the VLC media player, video can be 'enhanced' and there's no reason why BD players wont do the same.
(BUT IVE NOT SEEN ANY VARIATION IN THE PLAYERS I WORK WITH - S300, PS3, Samsung something)
3) Good point, PS3 only has a bluetooth remote. Which has its advantages anyway! So no universal remotes.
4) And, although they may not have a SCART socket, most if not ALL players have a standard 'video'/'composite' cable.
So we all know about picture quality - if you have a 1080p tv, and HDMI you'll get your picture at the quality the TV allows. (apart from that option in all players for one of the two colourspace conversions (normal or deep, or whatever its called - basically is YCrCb converted to 16-235 or 0-255)
Audio is another story. Players can support each audio codec on two levels - decode, or stream. If a player decodes it, it can output it through its analogue output and push the compatible PCM down the HDMI. If its stream, it can output the encoded bitstream out the HDMI for whatever is at the other end to decode it. The third option is means they're not supported, so you'll get either no sound or at best nothing better than DVD audio.
I went for a PS3 myself. Totally future-proof (I think!). The drawback of the PS3 is that at the moment the audio is RUBBISH because I dont have an HDMI surround amplifier. I'm suffering crappy 640kbs Dolby. Cant wait to raise another grand for a nice Pioneer doo-dah-71...
um, was that all the questions... ?
You don't need to spend mega-bucks on a HDMI amp. There is a decent range of Sony HDMI amps, as well as Onkyo for less than £300. Both very good buys.
@Tezfair, clearly you havn't seen how bad "HD" downloads are. Compared to DVD they look a little better, but take ages to download. Compared to proper HD, Blu-ray, they look shit. Still consumers like crap products, i mean iPods sell...
@ "So how can the picture or sound quality be different between one player and another?"
- its the quality of the components mate.. like denon dvd players always have a much better picture quality over something like a bush.
@"- Digital input in digital television is standardized too, so there cannot be anything different between what the players output to television - it has to follow standards (Ok, I know there are different resolutions, and interlaced/not interlaced - but let's assume every player would be set to output exactly same resolution - and that test setup television is actually handling signal digitally from input to output, and not having some analog stage or upscale/filter effect software active inside telly.)"
- wow, you lot really are showing up ignorance in this field arent ya? HDMI 1.3 will make a MASSIVE difference (many times more colours available), various differences in components can make massive differences. 24fps dropdown allows the movie to play at proper 24fps rather than speeing up etc.. also motion compensation. i will agree its not as simple as buying an expensive RGB scart like the old days lol... i still get amusing that some people are paying 100£ for a hdmi cable... its a digital signal ffs.
ps3 (i have one) is great but a little noisy (even the new models) - compared to a separate BR player, as its not needing a big fan to kep it cool, also with the lack of a LCD display makes it worse for watching films imho... although i see no need to buy another BR player... the ps3 will do me fine :)
@"I have a Dolby Digital EX 6.1 surround sound system - it'd be useful to understand if I will get this channel information from the players reviewed..." - should do... i have a 7.1 yamaha amp and have even watched a few 6.1 dvds (blade 2 if i recall and others). this mainly depends on your AMP tho... if its good it will. i can make 5.1 into 7.1 (mirrors to my back 2 speakers) or 7.1 stereo which is amazing for music
@ iRON MAN - thats an amazing BR disk - my fave so far, and transformers was amazing! looking forward to the 2 new batman films coming through soon too :)
@"And I don't know how anyone can call dolby digital 5.1 adequate. It's worse than a 64K mp3" - hmmm... wow, i guess you are using an amazingly shit system there! if you cant tell the dirrerence (and as someone who admits to using s-video ffs) i guess you cant see/hear differences...
@"I've been thinking about upgrading to Blu-Ray for a while now so we can actually benefit from having a HD TV (we've only got a 720p model though)." - hmm 720 HD tvs looks crap in comparison im afraid mate... should have splashed out for a 1080p imho.
also - cant you get 7.1 from optical? i keep hearing HDMI being banded about but 7.1 audio was around well before BR and HDMI. i cant be arsed to lay out another £500 for an amp just to move over to HDMI switching (from optical here)
@"So most people that are purchasing a BluRay player probably already have a universal remote, and it will NOT work with the PS3.
Unfortunately this is a deal killer for me. And I really wanted something I could play Motorstorm Pacific Rift on too." - wtf? the ps3 stuff is all BLUETOOTH. this means i can take my remote round the house and even use it in the bathroom/outside... BT is the way to go with remotes imho!
@"I know the output won't be as good as HDMI, but at least I could have a player with SCART and buy all newly released films in blu-ray format so that I won't have to buy them again when I finally replace my TV." whats the point of HD player if you have no HD medium to play it on? the ps3 is also a bit pants with SD output... much better with HD - and a lot smoother. plus the ps3 couldnt do RGB movie output to SCART.. why not ? stupid!
I bought an LG combo Sata drive for my PC from Ebuyer earlier this year for less than 70 quid - reads/writes CDs and DVDs and will read both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. It even came with Cyberlink PowerDVD 7 that can play HD-DVD and Blu-Ray movies on the PC. How come a relatively cheap PC add-on like this wasn't reviewed? Heck, you could probably buy an entire PC *and* the LG drive for the cost of one of the pricier Blu-Ray decks you reviewed!
Firstly there are some great features not mentioned in the article.
The Samsung BD-P1500 has a fantastic (and unique to the P1500 and P2500) that if you connect the device via optical to a legacy amp that doesn't have HDMI it will re-encode ALL of the higher end HD Audio into maximum bitrate DTS audio (1.5MBps) this is a massive upgrade over standard DD or DTS and great if you want a "cheaper" system but still excellent sound.
Similarly the Panasonic BD35 and BD55 will re-encode all HD Audio to LPCM and bounce that over to the amp - handy if your amp can't decode DTS HD MA etc...
The Sony and Panasonic models can be converted to multi region for SD DVD using a "One For All" remote... and with a hardware mod can do multi region for Blu Ray too.
As for many people querying the quality of the internal decoders, using Profile 1.1/2.0 and the PiP functionality you actually need the player to do the decoding otherwise you'll only get a single channel of audio - namely the film. This isn't an issue for me at all, but may be for many people.
Buying a computer device is great if you want that as part of your home cinema system, but there are only a couple of sound cards that have HDMI audio on them and actually work properly... not ideal if you really appreciate the high end stuff.
For those querying an amp, a cheaper player (such as the excellent Sony S350 - very cheap at Amazon at £163 http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001DN1SP4/202-3314281-8268652?ie=UTF8&tag=spoavetstu-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=1634&creativeASIN=B001DN1SP4 and worth noting that the Blockbuster deal doesn't start until December 1) the Sony DG-R820 is £261 delivered and whoops the Onkyo - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001EWE98C?ie=UTF8&tag=spoavetstu-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B001EWE98C
Cracking system there for very little outlay (relatively speaking!)
"I read that in the US all this DVD technology is being ditched in favour of Broadband HD content. Seems that HD style DVDs will end up the same way as the minidisc. Glad I didn't rush out to get one!"
Dewd....get real, we're gonna be waiting a very very long time before the UK's broadband infrastructure can cope with HD downloads that the whole country can realistically use. It's pie in the sky that one. I agree with AC, these so-called HD downloads aren't much better than DVD quality, if at all.
To the rest of you luddites moaning about DRM and this and that (and you haven't even got any HD kit evidently!), sorry guys you have no clue. I got my PS3 hooked up to my Onkyo TX605, a 40" Samsung 1080p with 5.1 sounds delivered by my B&W 620 series, a matching HTM-62 centre unit and a Rel Quake. It's utterly awesome. Hell I don't even go to the cinema any more because this is way better, I can sit in the comfort of my own house with some mates get pished and enjoy some hi-def action all for the cost of a £3.75 rental HD-BR.
Paris....because she probably enjoys some 5.1 action as well.
There is one flaw with the PS3 playing films.
Because of the sheer power, size and activity of the machine it generates quite a few watts on heat, all of which need to be removed. Now, when I was working at EA the PS3s were all actually rather loud, now while this doesn't really affect gaming, I can imagine hearing that whine of the fan while watching, for instance a quiet crime thriller, maybe off putting. However, the development PS3 kits we had would also "spin down" when they weren't actually being used much, which I hope is a feature of the retail boxes (as I'll be ordering one very soon).
With standalone BD-players I see the need for a wifi connection as more important than with the PS3... afterall the people who are happy to have cables running the building (or already have cables running the building) are more likely to want a games console.
With myself retiring from high-end PC gaming (what with the rebranding of games as HD, as if my 1600x1200 PC wasn't high enough definition) and the (what I think) disaster of Vista, the PS3 is one hell of a bargain.
I assume you havn't checked out the latest 80GB PS3. 90w power consumption (nominal), 110W (under load). That's pretty darn low. The latest units are what I would call silent (from normal viewing distances).
Consider the 360 draws twice that...
It's also worth pointing out that CNN gave the PS3 a A Rating for it's Blu-ray abilities, beating every standalone on test. (not like the audiophile snob test that they did here).


text:
- ATR 45 Hoka 4 Midnight Niagara Challenger One One FedEx Cares
- Shoes Thick Roman Dream Summer Flat Color Sandals Student Magic Toe Size Elegant Exposed 35 Ladies Shoes Stick Brown Shoes C0tzwq0
- Lite White Purple WoMen Lilac Lucid Fitness Shadow Reebok Shoes Trainflex Lilac TExqRvXwH
- Volunteerism
4 One One Challenger Hoka 45 Niagara Midnight ATR 6a8Wq
Primary tabs
Delivering for Good
Doing what we do best for those who need it most.
When disaster strikes, and there's not a moment to lose, our people mobilize the FedEx global fleet and use deep shipping expertise to provide urgently-needed supplies quickly and efficiently to relief organizations.
Even when there's no emergency, FedEx gets the call to transport other precious cargo safely. Whether it's rare artifacts, traveling museum exhibits or endangered animals to support conservation, we do more than deliver — we deliver for good.
Success Stories
Saving lives during times of disaster by delivering prescription medicine, medical supplies and other critical relief aid.
Inspiring future leaders to innovate by shipping more than 800 student-built robots to two global competitions and engaging millennials in the FedEx Innovation Challenge.
Providing our logistic expertise and network of services to enhance investments that meet social needs and build the FedEx brand and reputation.
Carrying 96K pounds of relief supplies worth $2.5M for Direct Relief, International Medical Corps, Heart to Heart International and Water Mission to Hatti in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.
Delivering more than 5,000 shipments from USO to service members located around the world.BalaMasa Black Heels Imitated Platform Boots Chunky Elastic Womens Leather Band ZqwRA7rZ
Transporting Panda Bao Bao from Washington, D.C. to Chengdu, China, generating 1,000 pieces of news coverage.
Delivering 3,000 "kit of parts" to FIRST teams globally and 800 robots competing in the FIRST World Championship events in Houston and St. Louis.
Moving a 50-ton portable emergency field hospital for International Medical Corps to a FedEx warehouse near the FedEx World Hub in Memphis.
Shipping a legendary painting by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze to Alaska for the first time in its 150-year history.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
How can i find a mistress
Consultations loversearch.xyz
Home photos of naked girls and women in each anchor are always popular. And they can be familiar to you naked girlfriends, classmates or just neighbors, and you can finally invite them to meet for sex.
Or maybe you just want to see how the naked woman looks like you are unfamiliar at all, or just want to chat on the webcam or in a sex chat?
© 2018


text:
This year has certainly been the year of notable golf training aids. The Gyro Swing was first shown on The Golf Channel's "Fore Inventors Only" reality show. It was a huge hit, eventhough it did not win, most would agree that it was the most unique golf aid and was a huge break though for golf training devices. Never before had a gyroscope been used in a golf swing trainer to engrain the proper feel for the golf swing plane. You definitely have to take a look at the Sklz Golf Gyro Swing. In order to see the Gyro Swing in action, we have the instructional dvd available to view online.
Everyone who picks up the Gyro Swing says "Wow, that is amazing!" You really have to experience it to see the feedback that it can provide. Rick Smith is currently endorsing the Gyro Swing and the complete line of golf training equipment from Sklz Golf.


text:
Winston Hall
View from North
Scroll below for building history
Location: North Campus
Built 1910;
Sq. Footage
The four-story, brick building with it's prominent Ionic portico overlooking Hillsborough Street was designed for the engineering department and named to honor George Tayloe Winston (1852-1932), the second president of NC State University.
Winston was privately educated during the Civil War and entered UNC-CH at the age of 15. One year later, he was appointed to the Naval Academy of the United States, but resigned shortly afterwards to finish his bachelor's degree in literature at Cornell University. He returned to Chapel Hill to teach Latin and was named UNC's sixth president in 1891 serving five years in that position before becoming president of the growing University of Texas.
Winston returned to North Carolina in 1899 to serve as president of NC State, helping to expand its faculty, student body, income, and equipment. During his office, the School of Textiles was established and work in agriculture was strengthened. Summer courses in teacher training and industrial skills began, and organized athletics developed. Winston received several honorary degrees during his presidency at the three institutions. After a Carnegie Foundation grant for retirement, Winston pursued his literary interests in Asheville where he wrote a biography of his friend, David A. Tompkins ( see Tompkins Hall).


text:
Search Begins for the Next Teen, Miss and Mrs. Humble 2014
The search is on and applications are now being accepted for the titles of Miss Teen Humble, Miss Humble and Mrs. Humble International 2014. These women will have the honor of representing their area at the Texas International Pageant to be held at the Granville Arts Center in the Dallas, Texas, area March 14th to March 16th. A new Miss Teen Texas International, Miss Texas International and Mrs. Texas International will be crowned then, kick-starting a year unlike any other for the lucky ladies who will represent Texas, wearing the most beautiful crown in the Lone Star State.
The International Pageant System recognizes ladies across the state, from teens to misses to married women, for their accomplishments and their desire to make a difference.
"The Texas International system is something that dads and husbands can be proud of their daughters and wives participating in," said Rachel Hedstrom, director of Texas International and former Mrs. Texas International 2012. "This is the kind of system that rewards women for who they are and what they want for themselves and their families."
No previous pageant experience is necessary, and there is no talent or swimsuit division. Married women compete in interview, fitness wear and evening gown, where they are escorted by their husbands on stage.
Teen and miss contestants compete in interview, fitness wear and evening gown, as well as "fun fashion," a category devoted to showing off their own personal style in an age-appropriate outfit of their choosing.
"It's all about celebrating women as they truly are, and showing a level of confidence as they sparkle on-stage," said Hedstrom.
Mrs. applicants must be married and between the ages of 21 and 56 as of July 1, 2014. Miss applicants must be unmarried and between the ages of 19 and 30, and teen applicants must be unmarried and between the ages of 13 and 18 as of July 1, 2014.
The women selected as Miss Teen Humble, Miss Humble and Mrs. Humble will serve as ambassadors from the Humble area with an official title and sash. Other area titles are also available.
The women crowned as Miss Teen Texas International, Miss Texas International and Mrs. Texas International 2014 will each receive a prize package valued in the thousands of dollars and the opportunity to represent Texas at the 2014 Mrs. International, Miss International or Miss Teen International Pageant in Florida in July.
Mrs. Texas International 2013 Michelle Berndt is a mom of two and a fourth-generation breast cancer survivor who was crowned while wearing a wig, a result of her chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She has spoken across the southwest and in the media about her campaign against cancer, and has been featured in a documentary about her mission. Miss Texas International 2013 Samantha Riddle is an advocate for heart disease awareness, and has lobbied the Texas State Legislature, working closely with the American Heart Association and serving myriad non-profit causes, for which she frequently makes appearances. Miss Teen Texas International 2013 Kylie Boyd is a student at Texas Tech University, where she is also a barrel racer. She has led the Polar Bear Plunge at Sea World of Texas, and has shot for National Geographic magazine, in which she will be featured later this year.
"The International system allows women to be at their best and to chase their dreams," said Hedstrom. "It's not about fitting into an unrealistic norm; it's about helping these women get to that next level and do something meaningful and fulfilling. Competing is about investing in who they are, not trying to be someone they are not. In that, these girls find success."
To learn more about the pageant or the reigning titleholders, please visit http://www.mrstexasinternational.com, http://www.misstexasinternational.com, or http://www.missteentexasinternational.com. To request an application to represent your area, please contact Rachel Hedstrom at email@example.com.


text:
NEW YORK (AP) – New York fire officials say a resident in a Chinatown building set off two rounds of bug bombs to battle an infestation, causing an explosion that injured 12 people.
Fire officials say the woman set off 20 canisters Wednesday. On Thursday, she deployed about two dozen more but forgot to turn off a pilot light. The poisonous flammable fumes exploded, shattering windows on three floors. Three people were seriously hurt.
Bug bombs are also known as foggers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued new warning labels last year reminding people to not use more than one in a room at a time and to turn off all electronic appliances and pilot lights because the pesticides are highly flammable. They cause about 500 explosions annually nationwide.
The fire was considered accidental.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


text:
in the book Graham says about closure :
"""When a function refers to a variable defined outside it, it's called a free variable. A function that refers to a free lexical variable is called a closure The variable must persist as long as the function does."""
and after says also that """Closures are one of the uniquely wonderful things about Lisp"""...but isn't it?
for example in python we can follow this behavior for example with 'nonlocal' variabile declaration:
- Code: Select all
def closurep():
n = 3
def closurep_help(m):
nonlocal n # now we can set a new value for 'n
n += 1
return (n * m)
return closurep_help
x = closurep()
print(x(3)) --> 12
but also decorators may be considered in "closure way"...if we want..
then I understood the true meaning of CLisp closure? are they only a CL 's prerogative?.. thanks in advance


text:
Hi all,
In general, I'm comfortable with the dynamic typing of CL 'except' in a case where I want to lock down interfaces to a package. That is, beyond exporting only the functions I want exported from the package, I want to specify the types of their arguments in the most precise way possible to make the code explicit for users of the package.
It looks like deftype can be used to build up type abstractions but I'm really having a heck of a time with it. The Graham book only briefly touches the topic. There are two main things I'm trying to define.
1. A type 'somthing-list' that represents a simple list where all elements of that list are of type something.
2. A way to define a function signature type. For instance, a type that represents the class of all functions that take two number arguments.
Are either of these even possible using deftype? Maybe there's an entirely different, more Lispy, way of achieving the same sort of package encapsulation effect? Any examples or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!


text:
Tragedy As Young Bride Dies Just Days After Her Husband
The heartbreaking story of a young couple - who were the inspiration behind bestselling novel and movie The Fault In Our Stars - has reached its tragic conclusion, with 26-year-old Katie Prager passing away just five day after her beloved husband.
Her devastated mother revealed the news in a poignant Facebook message honouring "her girl".
"Early this morning, she gained her wish of being at home, in her bed, surrounded by her mom, dad, brother and her dogs, dying peacefully, away from the hospital, tubes, IVs," Debra Donovan wrote.
"Katie knew how much she was loved. She know how much I loved her, I told her and showed her everyday.
"We were given a great gift, we knew her time was short and she was able to do a few things that she wanted, and I am grateful for that.
"The days to follow will not be easy, but I find comfort in knowing that my girl lived, she really lived."
Katie and 25-year-old Dalton, both cystic fibrosis sufferers, initially met online as teenagers and fell in love; they defied doctors' orders, risking the chance of contracting infection, for the chance to be together and got married five years ago.
In a recent interview with CNN, Katie confessed that she would "rather have five years of being in love and just really completely happy than 20 years of not having anybody."
Dalton, who tragically passed away on Saturday following complications from a lung transplant, had planned to fly to be with Katie for one more Christmas but was too ill to travel.
Unable to be by Dalton's bedside in his final moments, Katie FaceTimed her husband as he died, posting a heartfelt tribute after his passing.
"My angel, my best friend, the love of my life, my husband, went to be with the Lord our God today.
"He was a courageous fight and 'give up' wasn't in his vocabulary."
The couple's joint Facebook page has been flooded with tributes to the brave pair.
Trending now: JonBenet Ramsey's Brother Speaks Out For The First Time


text:
President Obama's speech Wednesday started with math (or something close to it) and ended with a poetic encomium to (and from) the late Ted Kennedy. There's a reason for that balance. He had two goals in mind last night: 1)Allay public concerns that the costs associated with the program are too much to handle in the current economic circumstances and, 2) demonstrate to Democrats that he's willing to stand up and fight for his policy.
The speech began with a nod toward transition: Obama reminded the public that the last time he addressed Congress, the country looked like it was about to fall into an economic meltdown. He assured all that while the nation wasn't yet out of recession, the worst appeared to have been averted. He then pirouetted from there to explain why reform was essential now:
Then there's the problem of rising costs. We spend one-and-a-half times more per person on health care than any other country, but we aren't any healthier for it. This is one of the reasons that insurance premiums have gone up three times faster than wages. It's why so many employers – especially small businesses – are forcing their employees to pay more for insurance, or are dropping their coverage entirely. It's why so many aspiring entrepreneurs cannot afford to open a business in the first place, and why American businesses that compete internationally – like our automakers – are at a huge disadvantage. And it's why those of us with health insurance are also paying a hidden and growing tax for those without it – about $1000 per year that pays for somebody else's emergency room and charitable care.
Finally, our health care system is placing an unsustainable burden on taxpayers. When health care costs grow at the rate they have, it puts greater pressure on programs like Medicare and Medicaid. If we do nothing to slow these skyrocketing costs, we will eventually be spending more on Medicare and Medicaid than every other government program combined. Put simply, our health care problem is our deficit problem. Nothing else even comes close.
In addition to concerns about whether the already-insured had anything to fear, the biggest worry for the public is the cost factor -- whether a nation drowning in red ink can afford to take on another trillion-dollar burden. Obama turned that fear around -- "our health care problem is our deficit problem." Whether the public will accept that formulation or not, the president was smart to tackle it head-on.
Of course, those closely paying attention did also hear the president declare that the reform effort can be paid for by rooting out "waste," "fraud", "abuse" and "inefficiency." But as has been noted before, politicians have been pointing since time immemorial to variations of those phrases in promising savings in government programs. Unless there is something more forthcoming from the administration, the public's concerns about increased deficits will only continue.
The other main goal for the speech was undoubtedly to reassure the president's own Democratic base. On that, he likely succeeded very well. The Ted Kennedy card (literally, a letter from the departed senator) was deployed expertly. Rather than sounding ghoulish, Obama used the moment to, once again, celebrate liberal lion Kennedy's history with the issue --but also connecting that Democratic Holy Grail of health care with examples of Kennedy working with Republicans. It was an ironic jiu jitsu move: Obama was as overtly partisan as he has ever been (two references to the costs that grew out of George W. Bush's Iraq and Afghanistan missions and his "tax cuts fr the wealthy"), but used Kennedy as an example of bipartisan efforts, pointing to legislation he developed with Orrin Hatch, John McCain and Chuck Grassley.
Rank and file Republicans might not have liked it, but it surely bought Obama time to keep all of his Democrats -- moderate Blue Democrats and hard-line "progressives" -- in line long enough to keep the ball moving.
Barack Obama's health care initiative is still in trouble. The president didn't put forward a brand new operating system last night, but did do a sufficient enough upgrade that the product might yet make it to market in some form.
New York writer Robert A. George blogs at Ragged Thots. Follow him on Twitter.


text:
Retired Marine General James Mattis has some advice for men and women looking to inspire and motivate employees in the corporate world: Lead by example.
It's a lesson Mattis learned over more than 40 years of leading troops, which culminated in his last assignment as the commander of U.S. Central Command. The four-star general, currently writing a book on leadership and strategy, offered guidance on Wednesday in a talk with business students at Stanford University, where he serves as a visiting fellow.
Business Insider attended his lecture, and pulled out the key takeaways leaders can use.
Be passionate about your role to inspire your workers
If you want to motivate your subordinates, Mattis says you need to be personally motivated, and be passionate about your work. "They may not reach your level, but that's certainly what you're coaching to try and do," he said.
With workers feeding off a leaders' passion and belief in the mission, they will also tend to let mistakes made by a leader slide, as the general found out firsthand.
"[In Iraq] I managed to get my battalion surrounded in the open, flat desert," Mattis said, noting that he was very tired and should have spotted the danger. His men pulled him out of the mess, but they weren't angry — they jokingly asked, "you were just testing us, right?"
Back up your subordinates when they make mistakes
Earning the trust of those you lead is important, and stressing mistakes as an employee learning opportunity — as opposed to something that needs to be punished — can work wonders.
On getting his battalion in a jam, Mattis recalled his own superior officer only saying, "Did you learn anything today?" He knew I learned something, and he didn't need to tell me how stupid I was, Mattis told the audience.
As a leader, Mattis said, you should tell subordinates they just need to focus on their job, and say "I will take the stress that's coming down on your shoulders, you let me have that."
On the flip side, a bad leader who reacts poorly to subordinate mistakes can be toxic. "You want to really pollute your system, you start promoting people that act like little tyrants to workers."
Empower your people by delegating responsibility
Mattis made a powerful argument for the importance of delegation, by drawing upon the British Navy during the 18th and 19th century. It was long considered the best navy in the world at the time under Admiral Horatio Nelson, but as Mattis explained, over the following years it became entrenched in strict regulations, and promoted officers based on how fast they could follow orders, rather than if they could think critically under fire.
The changes did not serve the British Navy well early in World War I, when it was bested by Germany at the Battle of Coronel. Mattis said officers having "no responsibility for taking initiative" was a big reason.
Officers were entirely dependent on higher leadership to tell them exactly what to do. "Many big companies, by the way, have this problem."
Ideally, you want to delegate to the lowest capable level to get the job done, and reward risk-takers, he said.
Get the corporate culture right
There are many challenges organizations can overcome, but having a bad culture is not one of them, Mattis argued.
"You can overcome wrong technology. Your people have the initiative, they see the problem, no big deal … you can't overcome bad culture. You've gotta change whoever is in charge."
Culture starts at the top, and a good or a bad leader sets the tone for how the organization does business.
"[Culture] is whatever the seniors say it is," Mattis said. "That's what it comes down to."


text:
We are here to help, try anyone of these options to contact us:
- Request a Quote- Contact Us- Call us at 508.203.2400
Pump Expert
Filter Expert
Instrumentation Expert
Tank Expert
Heating, Cooling, & Plating Expert
Service Expert
Featured Manufacturers
67 Green StreetFoxboro, MA 02035
Phone: 508.203.2400 Toll Free: 800.370.0439 Fax: 508.203.2401
Questions? Feedback? powered by Olark live chat software


text:
Paul007 had een nieuw andere ontwerp nodig en lanceerde daarom een wedstrijd op 99designs.
Een winnaar werd gekozen uit35 ontwerpen ingezonden door12 freelance designers.
DMI Consult (Healthcare Digital Agency) based in Sydney Australia
We are a digital marketing agency that specialise in developing applications, websites and portals for the healthcare sector in Australia. I have 2 designers and I am looking to expand this to 4 in total as my 2 current freelance designers are at capacity.
I am using this project as an opportunity to A) secure a solid and professional design (only) and B) to begin working and developing a working relationship with a new designer (possibly 2 new designers)
Kind Regards
The target audience is HCP's (Health Care Professionals). We have designed the storyboard and functionality. I would like a designer to design 2 to 3 pages in PHOTOSHOP and provide us with the photoshop file so that we can incorporate the design into overall app
As stated above
Design (only) of an iPhone application
Based on the 3 pages (I have attached the entire storyboard for the application- please choose 3 suitable pages that you feel is best represented by your design - E.g. it may be the front page, a fly wheel page and a sliding scale page. OR you might want to increase your chances of securing the job and include a 4th page... your call
The app is for rheumatologists, they are Specialist Doctors who are conservative and very tech savvy
The app must be creative but respect the fact that the audience are looking at a serious condition - Rheumatoid Arthritis
All IP must be handed over to DMI Consult
The file must be developed in Photoshop so that we can incorporate the design into the entire app
We already have a developer/coder
The storyboard has already been built - this is purely design
I am looking for a 150% design, hence the high price I am paying for the job.
Also, please keep in mind that, the person who I choose will naturally be my first port of call for the next app (there is a 2nd and 3rd planned for the same product)
Please provide contact details so that I can contact you (should you develop a design that is in line with what I am looking for


text:
Download free HD Wallpaper Lock Screens, backgrounds, images, lock screens and photos. Click the download button to save the wallpaper to your desktop computer or click on the wallpaper image to view the full size image and photo.
You can also click on any page number below to search and find the perfect wallpaper for your phone, tablet, pc or mobile device. InspirationWallpaper.com offers the best free inspirational wallpapers and motivational wallpapers online. We are your number one source for inspiring quotes, motivating quotes, wise quotes and famous quotes.
Like any inspiring wallpaper image? Please share and post the photo, image, lock screen or background to your favorite social media site, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google Plus+, Tumblr, Flickr or any other social networking site, blog, wordpress, forum or publishing website. You can also share wallpapers via SMS text messages, email, Messenger, WhatsApp, Line, WeChat, Snapchat or any other mobile app.
lock screen wallpapers for iphone, lock screen wallpapers android, lock screen wallpaper download, lock screen wallpaper tumblr, lock screen wallpapers for samsung galaxy, lock screen wallpaper android free download, wallpaper for lock screen


text:
Alvina Ling at Little, Brown has bought After the Red Rain, a YA novel from actor Peter Facinelli, Hollywood producer Rob DeFranco, and YA author Barry Lyga. The book is set in a future world of environmental collapse and mass poverty, where a mysterious boy named Rose discovers he possesses inhuman powers that can irrevocably change the lives of everyone on the planet. It's scheduled for release in summer 2015; Kathleen Anderson of Anderson Literary Management and Steve Fisher at APA Talent and Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.
Lauri Hornik at Dial has bought world rights to the tentatively titled Wonton Afternoon by Jon Agee, a palindromic graphic novel starring Don, who has a simple and delicious recipe for wonton soup, but nobody wants to try it. Publication is planned for 2015; Holly McGhee at Pippin Properties was the agent.
Krista Marino at Delacorte acquired Melissa Grey's Feathers and Flame, first in a YA trilogy about Echo, a pickpocket runaway adopted and raised in New York City by a race of creatures with feathers for hair and magic in their veins. The series follows Echo as she becomes involved in an ancient war and a centuries-old love, and discovers startling truths about the world she lives in. Publication is set for spring 2015. Catherine Drayton at InkWell Management held the auction for North American rights.
Krista Marino at Delacorte also acquired two new novels from Matt de la Peña, author of Mexican WhiteBoy and the forthcoming The Living. De la Peña will publish an untitled middle-grade novel, scheduled for fall 2015; and an untitled YA novel about a biracial teen mixed up in an ill-fated romance and the perilous world of Mexican drug trafficking, scheduled for fall 2016. Steve Malk at Writers House negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Jennifer Klonsky at HarperCollins has acquired Allison van Diepen's YA novel On the Edge, as well as a second untitled novel; Kari Sutherland will edit. Set in Miami, On the Edge features a teenage girl who witnesses a gang-related crime. When she identifies the gang members in a police line-up, she is thrust into the shadowy world of street justice, attracted to a handsome gang leader, and terrified of retribution. Publication is planned for fall 2014; John Rudolph at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management brokered the deal for world rights.
Andrew Karre at Carolrhoda Lab has acquired world rights to Perfectly Good White Boy, the second novel by Carrie Mesrobian (Sex & Violence). Her book looks at the crisis of teenage entitlement, following a high school senior whose only solution for the lonely, useless future he fears is to join the Marines. Publication is scheduled for fall 2014; Michael Bourret at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management brokered the deal.
Jenne Abramowitz at Scholastic has acquired author-illustrator Kevin Sherry's debut chapter book series, The Yeti Files, in a two-book deal that will launch in 2014. The book introduces yeti Blizz Richards and a ragtag team of bigfeet with secrets that are just too good to keep quiet. Teresa Kietlinski of Prospect Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Caroline Abbey at Bloomsbury has acquired Jump In by Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe winner Shadra Strickland. Her picture book tells the story of how a game of jump rope unites a diverse community. It's slated for publication in winter 2016; Lori Nowicki at Painted Words negotiated the deal.
Wesley Adams at Farrar, Straus and Giroux has acquired North American rights to Brian Falkner's untitled, two-volume YA alt-history in which Napoleon crashes his way to victory at Waterloo by unleashing an unstoppable battlefield weapon: a legion of giant, carnivorous dinosaurs, imported from the wilds of the unexplored Americas. Only a boy who knows the emperor's secret to commanding the beasts stands in the way of his plan for world domination. Publication for volume one is scheduled for June 2015, the bicentennial of Waterloo. Nancy Gallt of the Nancy Gallt Agency was the agent for North American rights on behalf of the Frances Plumpton Literary Agency. Walker Books Australia, which holds foreign language rights, will publish its edition simultaneously.
Jean Feiwel at Feiwel and Friends has bought North American rights to Josephine Angelini's (Starcrossed) new series, Crucible. The series follows a teenage girl who gets caught in an epic struggle between good and evil when she's transported to a parallel universe where witches rule and scientists are burned at the stake by an alternate version of herself. Feiwel preempted the series from Mollie Glick at Foundry Literary + Media. In separate deals, U.K. rights and German rights were also preempted.
Alessandra Balzer at HarperCollins imprint Balzer + Bray has acquired world English rights to Finding Paris by Joy Preble, author of The Sweet Dead Life. The novel, pitched as Speak meets 13 Little Blue Envelopes, is about a teenage girl whose older sister sends her on a scavenger hunt from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, to protect her from a dark secret. Publication is planned for spring 2015; Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency brokered the deal.
Emily Easton at Walker & Co. has bought Hold Me Like a Breath by Tiffany A. Schmidt, first in the Once Upon a Crime Family series, in a two-book deal. The romantic thriller, loosely based on "The Princess and the Pea," takes place in a United States much like our own, but one in which the major crime families are in the organ replacement business. Main character Penelope is about to get caught in the crossfire as rival families scramble for prominence. Joe Monti of Barry Goldblatt Literary did the deal for North American rights.
Sharyn November at Viking took world English rights to The Glass Sentence by S.E. Grove, first in a planned series. Set in an alternate reality, the story follows a 13-year-old girl who lives in Boston, circa 1891, in a world that has been "remade by the Great Disruption of 1799, when all of the continents were flung into different time periods." When the heroine's uncle, and the city's leading cartologer, is kidnapped, she sets off, with a new friend, to find him. A summer 2014 release is planned; Dorian Karchmar at William Morris Endeavor was the agent.
Emily Seife at Scholastic Press has acquired three books in Cynthia Lord's new chapter book series, Shelter Pet Squad. Second-grader Suzannah volunteers at her local animal shelter's program for kids, gaining confidence as she and her new friends help different animals find their forever homes. The series will launch with Jelly Bean in 2014, with one book following per year. Tracey Adams at Adams Literary negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Marilyn Brigham at Amazon Children's Publishing's Skyscape imprint has acquired world English rights to Erin Fry's YA novel The Benefactor. In the book, eight high school seniors compete for a college scholarship on a reality show where do-or-die challenges require more than high SAT scores to avoid elimination. The Benefactor will be released as a Kindle Serial in six weekly episodes beginning October 8, and the trade paperback edition will be available in January 2014. Jill Corcoran negotiated the deal while still at the Herman Agency.
Erin Clarke at Knopf has bought, in a pre-empt, debut writer Holly Bodger's YA novel 5 to 1, a dark look at the near future as shaped by gender selection in India (boys outnumber girls five to one), told through the alternating perspectives of two teens who dare to challenge the system. Publication is set for spring 2015; Lauren MacLeod at the Strothman Agency did the deal for world rights.
Melanie Cecka at Knopf has acquired Sarah Dillard's Mouse Scouts, an illustrated chapter book series, in a four-book deal. The series, set to launch in spring 2015, follows a troop of young mice who are rising through the ranks of a Girl Scout-like organization, and includes tips from the Mouse Scout Handbook. Lori Nowicki at Painted Words sold world rights.


text:
The Office of Continuing Medical Education of the Brody School of Medicine sponsors a variety of activities developed for physicians and other health professionals and designed to reflect the constantly expanding body of knowledge which impacts the practice of modern medicine.
The Office of Continuing Medical Education approves and manages the Continuing Medical Education activities offered by both the Brody School of Medicine and the Eastern Area Health Education Center (AHEC).
The Associate Dean for Continuing Medical Education of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University also serves as Executive Director of Eastern AHEC. Thus, through the Office of CME, a linkage between the School and the AHEC provides a collaborative vehicle for the production of continuing medical education activities at both the community and the regional level.
The Associate Dean for CME is responsible for assuring that the Office's activities are in compliance with accreditation essentials. The Director of CME is responsible for the administration of the Office and production of learning activities.
The CME Advisory Committee of the Brody School of Medicine, composed of departmental and private practice representatives, establishes policy for the program and, when indicated, reviews, approves, and monitors continuing medical education activities sponsored by the School.


text:
Your cart is currently empty!
A beautiful evening prom cocktail with a gorgeous fitted bodice and fitted short skirt with a one sleeve one shoulder design with a ruffle at the wrist. Beautiful dress, very simple but very effective!!!
Jovani homecoming dress 55226
Jovani short homecoming dress 61998
Jovani 61998 is a stunning, backless, sparkly black, short homecoming dress. Covered completely in beading and sequins this gorgeous cocktial dress will sparkle and glistenw ith every move you make. It has a daring plunging neckline and a sexy, figure hugging fit which accentuates your hourglass shape and will make you feel a million dollars as you turn heads on and off the red carpet. Perfect for on stage at a pageant or for prom, homecoming, cruises, graduation, award ceremonies, balls and cocktail parties. Available to order in black in sizes petite to plus.
Jovani short homecoming dress 61892
Jovani 61892 is a gorgeous, sequin embellished, sparkly short homecoming dress. This stunning backless cocktail dress has a sexy, figure hugging fit which will accentuate your hourglass figure and make you feel a million dollars. The sequins and beading form an unusual floral pattern which will highlight your bold personality and individuality on and off the red carpet. Perfect for prom, homecoming, pageants, cruises, award ceremonies and cocktial parties. Available to order in green/multi in sizes petite to plus.
Jovani short homecoming dress 63896
Jovani 63896 is a stunning, velvet, backless short homecoming dress which is covered in sparkly sequins that will make you glisten and shine with every step you take. The sexy, figure hugging fit will show off your curves and highlight your hourglass shape to make you feel a million dollars. Perfect for prom, homecoming, graduation, award ceremonies, cruises and balls. Available to order in emerald in sizes petite to plus. Be red carpet ready with Jovani 63896.


text:
This glass house grew out of a first-date conversation between designer Lilah Horwitz and artist Nick Olson. Less than a year later, the two quit their jobs and embarked on a road trip to collect dozens of windows and then started to build their glass cabin.
Their cabin is a stunning retreat; every window tells a story, every sunset fills the entire space. How amazing and inspiring it is to create a reality of what was once only a dream.
{Film by Half Cut Tea, via This is Colossal}


text:
You are here: Home > Puzzles > Hidden Object >
www 89 com laptop ps3 gba mahjong titans download alien shooter 3 full version free download game nook angry birds for android tablet free download resident evil afterlife pokemon pc gba game files for my boy emulator Project IGI the powder toy hero rising main craft StarCraft xbox 360 emulator dota mp5 gundam down blouse photos pb horse racing y8 opera mini Tetris Battle pokemon heart gold rom gameloft games free download lego harry potter chess titans download
This is one awesome off-road racer that's just plain fun to drive!
Save your beetle buddies from the Black Bug Empire.
3.Agatha Christie: Death on theNile
Seeking clue to a mysterious murder aboard a ship that's cruising the River Nile
Get all five of your fuzzy friends to their dens!
The ultimate way to shake and score! Yahtzee!
The Island: Castaway 2
Travel back in time and learn the prehistory of the Island.
Committed: Mystery at Shady Pines: Premium Edition
Stop the psychotic doctor and escape before it's too late.
Robin Hood
A very original difference game because you are the scenario director.
Weird Park: Broken Tune Collector's Edition
New hidden object game with great fun.
Oddly Enough: Pied Piper
An enchanting hidden object adventure game.
Bookmark Can You See What I See for Mac


text:
Gulf Air, StanChart launch co-branded credit card
Manama, December 3, 2012
Gulf Air, Bahrain's national carrier and Standard Chartered Bank in Bahrain today launched a suite of co-branded credit cards tailored specifically to offer exceptional value to frequent flyers.
The two-in-one card offers customers the convenience of a credit card and the power of a loyalty programme in one, said a statement.
Available in three premium variants –Blue, Silver and Gold – the Standard Chartered Frequent Flyer Credit Cards allow customers to convert their everyday banking transactions, including account deposits, into flight rewards, while enjoying an array of exclusive privileges and world class services from both Gulf Air and Standard Chartered Bank.
The Standard Chartered Frequent Flyer Credit Cards offer an earning rate of between 2 and 6 Falconflyer miles for every BD3 spent, depending on the card variant and destination. Additionally, customers can instantly earn between 1200 to 2400 miles on activation and renewal of the card itself.
A critical strategic partner in this is Visa, the leading global payments technology company – which is used by Standard Chartered Bank in Bahrain to issue all its cards using the Visa platform.
The cards will be available under an attractive introductory offer of up to 12,000 Falconflyer Miles for the first 1,000 customers. – TradeArabia News Service


text:
Closed Loop environmental solutions are engineered with one aim in mind: to divert resources from landfill. There are many places to start on the journey to zero waste.
These resources have a value that we can help you capture. We have developed a number of solutions that can help you recover and minimise the waste of these resources. A full Closed Loop program will help you greatly improve environmental and financial performance.More about our Services
All Closed Loop's packaging is made from 100 per cent recyclable material. It is sturdy, high quality and performs above expectation, for everything from off-the-shelf products to bespoke solutions.Learn More
This is fundamental for identification and prioritisation, program design and program evaluation. Closed Loop conducts audits for organisations across diverse industries, from aviation to hospitality.Learn more
We work closely with each client to understand each venue, event and premises and undertake a detailed site inspection before and after every project.Learn more
This information provides managers with essential decision-making information.Learn more
We partner with KFC in a range of recycling and waste minimisation initiatives and help them lead the way for waste management in the QSR industry in Australia
Closed Loop helps leading airline Qantas to analyse waste and boost recycling in a world first waste audit at Sydney's Mascot Airport.


text:
SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - The American speed skating team have leapt to the defense of their self proclaimed "fastest suit ever made" amid suggestions it is to blame for their lack of medals and could be ditched for the remainder of the Sochi Games.
Twice Olympic champion Shani Davis did not wear the much lauded Under Armour suit, which underwent hours of wind tunnel analysis by aerospace contractors, during training on Friday as he went through preparations for Saturday's 1,500 meters race.
That came after Davis, who had won three of the four World Cup races this season, stuttered to eighth in Wednesday's 1,000m despite being favorite to claim a record third consecutive Olympic title at the distance.
"The suit I wore is a prototype with zero logos on it. Under Armour made it for me," the 31-year-old Chicago native told reporters on Friday after training.
"The Olympic suit and the prototype are pretty much the same thing but with no pinstripe or USA on them. It wasn't my World Cup suit."
The 'Mach 39' suit is being worn by the Americans for the first time in competition but Davis said he was unsure whether the topic of switching to the World Cup suits was up for discussion at a team meeting later on Friday.
Women's 1,000m World Cup leader Heather Richardson and world record holder Brittany Bowe also floundered over the distance in the women's event on Thursday to leave the U.S. still searching for their first medal at the Sochi oval.
In contrast, the Dutch have won 12 medals, four of them gold, from the first six events at the Adler Arena.
Davis, who won silver over 1,500m at the 2006 Turin and 2010 Vancouver Games, was trying to stay positive despite admitting he still held disappointment in his heart over Wednesday's race.
"I'm honestly being as optimistic as I can be, suit or no suit, I'm going to go out there to try and win," he said.
"I'm optimistic, I didn't come all this way to have any doubts now. I'm training hard, I'm focused, I feel good."
American coach Kip Karpenter said that if any member of his team wanted to wear their World Cup suit they should do so.
But he pointed to the fact that Davis, the world record holder, finished 0.73 seconds behind Dutch gold medalist Stefan Groothuis, while Bowe and Richardson were more than one second adrift of women's champion Zhang Hong of China.
"A skater does not lose a second (on the 1,000m) because of a skin suit. Anyone who thinks that doesn't know speed skating," the 2002 Olympic 500m bronze medal winner said.
"In my opinion, the Dutch are just sitting deeper and pushing harder. They are just skating better than us."
American skater Joey Mantia, who finished 15th in the 1,000m and who will also race in the 1,500m with Davis, said the disappointing results had soured the mood in the camp with six events remaining.
"We are all a little down right now," said the former inline skater.
"We could make a list of everything that's wrong, it could be the suits, could be the food, we don't know.
"We've performed well in other competitions. All speed suits feel like crap, they are all tight," he joked.
Editing by Ed Osmond