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My News and Reviews
Last week was yet another week during which I wasn't online much, though this time it was because I was on a short family vacation in Ohio to visit my folks. I did however still manage to post my review of the absolutely wonderful children's book Are You an Echo?: The Lost Poetry of Misuzu Kaneko. The book, fully illustrated by Toshikado Hajiri, combines a biographical narrative of Kaneko's work and life written by David Jacobson along with a selection of Kaneko's poems presented in both the original Japanese and in English translation. Are You an Echo? is a beautiful book that adults will be able to appreciate, too; I wasn't previously familiar with Kaneko's poetry and am incredibly glad to have been introduced to it.
Although I was busy with family last week, a few things did catch my eye online: Vertical's Fall 2016 manga licensing survey is now live for those interested in suggesting titles that they'd like to see the company publish in English; The Mystery Writers of Japan have released a very useful website in English which includes great information such as an outline of the group's history and a list of recent English translations of the members' works; As for cool queer comics Kickstarters, there is a newly launched campaign to collect Tab Kimpton's delightful Minority Monsters comics in a single volume along with additional bonus content.
Quick Takes
Fairy Tail, Volume 55 by Hiro Mashima. With all of the recent developments in Fairy Tail it seems like the series might in fact be reaching its final story arcs. Granted, Mashima could just as easily stretch things out for quite a bit longer as he has repeatedly done in the past. Often Fairy Tail feels rather directionless to me, as though the creator is making things up as he goes (which he has admitted to) or isn't sure exactly what he wants to do with the series. That being said, when Mashima actually manages to bring together disparate storylines and plot developments together in a way that makes sense and seems planned from the beginning (even if it actually wasn't) the results can be thrilling. The fifty-fifth volume of Fairy Tail opens with one of the biggest game-changing reveals in the series as Natsu and Zeref face each other down. It's a dramatic encounter and works tremendously well. Sadly, the rest of the volume isn't quite as strong as its opening and many of the other plot twists and backstories feel forced at best. Still, this most recent story arc is probably my favorite out of those that I've so far read. (I started reading Fairy Tail part way through, so there are several arcs that I've missed.) I especially appreciate how it gives the tournament arc, which grew increasingly tedious, a greater purpose in the series as a whole. The action sequences and battles continue to be an exciting part of the manga as well, and there are plenty of those to be found in this volume.
Intense, Volume 1: Night on the Red Road by Kyungha Yi. I've deliberately been keeping a lookout for new print releases from Netcomics, but even if I wasn't Yi's Intense would have caught my attention. The series' cover artwork is stunning and the manhwa's production values and quality is some of the best that I've seen from Netcomics. Intense was originally released in six digital volumes, but the print edition has been collected into four. The interior artwork, though it's not in color, is just as beautiful, striking, and moody as Yi's cover illustrations. The story is likewise very moody and at times can be extremely dark and violent. The series follows Jiwoon, an assassin and bodyguard for a crime syndicate who has been temporarily assigned to a red-light district. There he encounters and is drawn to the mysterious Soohan who works there as a sort of handyman. With their melancholic, slightly detached personalities, it seems as though the two young men likely share a fair amount in common, so much so that the tragic backstory revealed in the flashbacks interspersed throughout the first volume could easily belong to either of them. If nothing else, Intense is certainly well named. The manhwa is heavy and intense both emotionally and psychologically, moreso than many other boys' love stories I've read. I definitely plan on reading the rest of the series and I'm very curious to see how the relationship between Jiwoon and Soohan develops.
Paradise Residence, Volume 3 by Kosuke Fujishima. Admittedly, it has been quite some time since I've read the first two volumes of Paradise Residence, but I really don't remember the characters being especially infatuated with motorbikes and motorcycles which is something that is quite prominent in the third and final volume. Maybe I just completely missed it before and that's why it seemed to suddenly come out of nowhere, but the resulting story is nice. However, it's another sudden development that becomes the dramatic focus of the rest of the volume–due to some unfortunate circumstances, the dorm is scheduled for demolition rather than renovation and the young women living there must do all that they can to save their beloved home. They come up with a rather creative solution to their problem that, while it strains believability, is impressively audacious and clever. Paradise Residence is a series that I enjoyed much more than I thought or expected I would. It doesn't really have a lot of substance or depth to it, but it's a pleasant slice-of-life manga set in an all-girls high school. Though not particularly nuanced, most of the characters are generally likeable. Even with the occasional bit of drama, Paradise Residence tends to be a fairly quiet and low-key series. The artwork is attractive, too, although Fujishima seems fond of drawing characters with one eye closed; I'm not sure if they're supposed to be winking or what.
Spoof on Titan, Volume 1 by Hounori. In general the manga spinoffs of Hajime Isayama's Attack on Titan depend on readers having at least some familiarity with the original series, although to varying degrees. Spoof on Titan perhaps requires a little more than many of the others as the humor relies heavily on knowledge of the characters and their personalities. Unlike Attack on Titan: Junior High, the other Attack on Titan comedy series, Spoof on Titan is firmly set in the world of the original manga. Granted, it's a much more friendly version of that world–the Titans, though mentioned frequently, barely make an appearance and the death, destruction, and violence has been greatly toned down. The gore and darkness of Attack on Titan aren't really to be found in Spoof on Titan. Hounori's illustrations and character redesigns are pretty cute, too. Spoof on Titan is a four-panel comedy manga which is a format that I tend to really like when it's done well, but the comics in Spoof on Titan tended to be fairly hit-or-miss for me. Some of them legitimately made me laugh while I barely cracked a smile at others. Overall, though, I am largely enjoying the series and find it amusing. I'm not sure that I would necessarily want to binge-read Spoof on Titan, but the series can be fun in small doses. The first volume reads like a collection of comedic Attack on Titan bonus manga, which is essentially what it is even if Isayama himself isn't directly working on the series.


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1066: Laundry
Laundry |
Title text: During the second semester, the path is briefly routed through the dishwasher. |
This comic is all about college laundry habits and how as time goes by, you end up just throwing clothes on the floor and then wearing them again.
In the first week, the student undertakes a proper laundry routine. However, due to increasing laziness/workload, by the second week they have abandoned folding their clothes, and by the third week no longer bother hanging them in the closet. By the second month dirty clothes are no longer stored in a laundry hamper and are just dumped on the floor, and by the end of the semester clothes are not washed at all.
The title text seems to indicate that the student has a brainwave, some time later, to wash their clothes in the dishwasher along with the dishes. Presumably as a timesaver. The experiment was brief because dishwashers aren't actually any good at washing clothes[1] as they wouldn't move the clothes about.
- College Laundry Habits
- [Panel labeled "First Week". 5 ovals arranged in a rough circle, with a clockwise path connecting them: "Dresser & Closet", "On Body", "Hamper", "Washer & Dryer", "Folding Area" (and back to the first). The area outside the ovals is labeled "Floor."]
- [Panel labeled "Second Week". The path has been modified so that it does not go through "Folding Area" - only through the other 4 ovals.]
- [Panel labeled "Third Week". The path has been modified so that it does not go through "Dresser & Closet". Only "On Body", "Hamper", and "Washer & Dryer" remain.]
- [Panel labeled "Second Month". The path no longer passes through "Hamper" - only "On Body" and "Washer & Dryer".]
- [Panel labeled "End of Semester". The path no longer goes to "Washer & Dryer", instead just looping back around from "On Body" to "On Body" again after passing through the "Floor."]
I tend to skip straight to the last panel, unless there's a special occasion that necessitates a trip to the washing machine. Davidy22(talk) 07:09, 31 October 2012 (UTC)
Does this comic belong in the flowchart category? I guess it is a flowchart, but it does not seem to have multiple paths, and it does not match the rest of the flowchart comics. Reywas (talk) 22:55, 24 February 2015 (UTC)
I don't really understand the dishwasher in the title text. Explanation please?126.96.36.199 21:58, 1 April 2013 (UTC)
It refers to using the dishwasher as a makeshift washing machine. -- [[User:{{{1}}}|{{{1}}}]] ([[User talk:{{{1}}}|talk]]) (please sign your comments with ~~~~)
I've added "and stress from due assignments". As a college student that have been through 4 years (with some 2,5 still to go), I know how that can change your routine. Although I can't relate to the clothes process per se. My knowledge in English is not 100%, so please correct that phrase if needed be. 184.108.40.206 03:26, 2 February 2014 (UTC)
SO DISAPPOINTED that comic 1066 does not have any references to hastings or vikings 01:07, 8 July 2016 (UTC)
Floordrobe 126.96.36.199 08:48, 16 August 2016 (UTC)martin yarwood
I vote to keep it, but why is the citation needed not in the {{citation needed}} tag?? 220.127.116.11 12:56, 10 November 2021 (UTC)Bumpf

subset: commoncrawl


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Low heat is the secret to tender, succulent barbecued ribs
The best barbecue gets its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness from long, slow cooking over very low heat — and its smoky flavor from burning wood, such as hickory or apple. It's a challenge for backyard grillers like me (and probably you).
"Traditional" Q requires specialized equipment (ideally a smoker) and some fragrant hardwood. Not to mention a live fire, and lots of time. Oh, and with that "live fire" thing, don't even think about leaving the premises. Accidents happen, and it would be a bummer if one happened to you.
Luckily, however, we can produce excellent barbecue without all that muss and fuss. Cooking meat (we're doing ribs today) in a slow oven for several hours achieves a luscious tenderness that rivals the best live-fire barbecue. And using a smoky-flavored barbecue rub (a mix of spices and sugar that you literally rub on the meat to help flavor it) produces ribs with that hint of hardwood. Of course, nothing replaces the flavor of real smoke, but you'll be pretty happy with what you can achieve by using an aromatic rub.
With Memorial Day coming up soon in the US, many of us are thinking of summer grilling and barbecue. These oven-cooked spareribs will fit right into the festivities. They're easy to make, and they pack flavor that will have your guests begging for seconds. Who knew your kitchen was the next great barbecue joint?
We often use the term "barbeque" for anything we cook outdoors on a Weber. But what we're actually doing most of the time is grilling — i.e., cooking meat or fish over relatively high heat. This process is ideal for cooking cuts that are naturally tender. But most barbecue meats (like pork shoulder, spare ribs, and beef brisket) have lots of connective tissues that make them tough. So even if you cook them over high heat until they're "done" (160 degrees F in the case of pork), the meat will still be decidedly chewy.
Barbecuing is very different from grilling. When you barbeque meat, you cook it at low heat (typically 200 to 225 degrees F) for several hours. This slow-cooking process allows the connective tissues and fat to melt away (which typically happens around 190 degrees F), achieving flavor and texture nirvana. In the process, the meat will pick up an enchanting aura from being cooked in a cloud of smoke. But this process takes time – you can't rush it.
Fortunately, you can achieve the same degree of tenderness in your oven. And because you don't have to keep a live fire going at a constant temperature, you can let the barbecue cook largely unattended. The meat will come out tender and flavorful. You'll miss the smoke but, as mentioned up top, a good rub goes a long ways towards remedying that. You can also use liquid smoke — an all-natural hardwood smoke product that's pretty good stuff (for more info about it, see the post on Smoky Salmon and Cream Cheese Dip, where it's discussed in detail). I don't use liquid smoke when I'm cooking ribs, but I sometimes add a teaspoon or two to barbecue sauce.
BTW, charcoal briquettes (the fuel used by most home grillers, and many contestants in barbecue competitions) don't produce any aromatic smoke of their own. They're popular because they provide good heat and burn at a fairly constant rate, making it easy to control the fire. For smoke, most people add chunks of aromatic hardwood (such as hickory) to the briquettes.
Recipe: Oven Slow-Cooked BBQ Spare Ribs
Pork spare ribs have loads of flavor. And because we eat them with our hands, they bring out the inner caveman in all of us. What could be better?
Most supermarkets sell ribs by the slab, typically weighing 3 pounds or so. Many slabs contain parts of the sternum bone and rib tips, which may make the ribs somewhat harder to cut apart when cooked. If you can find "St. Louis" style ribs (sometimes called St. Louis cut ribs), they're worth buying IMO, even though they're usually more expensive. When preparing St. Louis ribs, the butcher cuts away the sternum and rib tips, so you're left with more of the good stuff (and less waste).
The rub for these ribs contains both pimentón (smoked Spanish paprika) and dried chipotle chile powder (made from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers). The naturally smoky flavor of these ingredients helps flavor the ribs. I always rub the ribs the night before, so they'll have more time to pick up flavor.
Over the years, I've sometimes wrapped ribs in aluminum foil for cooking; other times, I've left them unwrapped. Both methods achieve good-flavored, tender ribs. When working on this post, I tried both methods again, and I've finally decided that I prefer wrapping the ribs in aluminum foil, so that's the method I outline in the Procedure. But in the Notes, I discuss the unwrapped method, too.
There are many recipes available for slow cooking foil-wrapped ribs in the oven, but the best explanation of the process I've seen is by Harold McGee in a June 29, 2010 New York Times article. My procedure is adapted from his.
I usually consider a pound of ribs to be one serving (people often eat more of these than you think they will — so buy ribs accordingly). The recipe for the rub yields enough to coat 3 (maybe 4) three-pound slabs. You can store leftover rub in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a month or two.
Preparation time for this recipe is about 20 minutes. Cooking time (mostly unattended) is 5 or 6 hours.
For the rub:
- 1 cup brown sugar (I prefer dark brown but light brown works fine too)
- 3 tablespoons pimentón (smoked Spanish paprika)
- 2 tablespoons dried ground chipotle or ancho chile powder (ancho doesn't have a smoky flavor, but it's milder than chipotle)
- 1½ tablespoons garlic powder
- 1½ tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 rack of spare ribs, preferably St. Louis Cut (or as many as you need)
- barbecue sauce of choice for garnish (technically optional, but mighty tasty)
Steps 1 through 3 should be accomplished several hours before you plan to start cooking the ribs. Ideally, the rub-coated, uncooked ribs should rest in the fridge overnight.
- The night before you want to barbecue the ribs, prepare the rub: Combine all ingredients, and mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Then coat the ribs: Remove the spare ribs from their packaging. Rinse the ribs and pat them dry. Cut off any excess fat. To make the ribs easier to handle, you may want to cut them in half (just slice between two ribs). With your hands, pat the rub onto both sides of the ribs, going heavier on the meaty side. You'll want to use at least ¼ cup of rub, but you can use more if you wish (see Notes).
- Place the ribs in a heavy food-storage bag (I use freezer bags), squeeze out as much air as possible, and fasten the top. Refrigerate overnight.
- Half an hour before you want to begin cooking the ribs, preheat the oven to 225 degrees F and remove the ribs from the refrigerator to warm up.
- Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil (see Notes for an alternative, unwrapped cooking method). Place the ribs on a sheet pan, bone side down (meaty side up), and put them in the preheated oven. Set the timer for 3 hours.
- When the timer goes off, remove the sheet pan with the ribs from the oven. Gently peel back part of the foil, and insert the probe of an instant-read thermometer in the fleshy part of the ribs between a pair of bones (don't touch the bone with the probe; it will read hotter than the meat). If the thermometer reads 170 degrees F, proceed with the next step. Otherwise, cover the ribs and return them to the oven. Check them again in half an hour or so. (You need to use your judgment as to how much extra time to give them. Obviously if the ribs are 165 degrees they'll need much less extra time than if they're 150.)
- Once the ribs reach 170 degrees F, reduce the oven temperature to 180 degrees and set the timer for 2 or 3 hours. (The ribs are "done" at this point, but longer cooking melts away more cartilage, making them more tender.)
- When the timer goes off, remove the ribs from the oven. Turn the oven to the broil setting. Remove the aluminum foil from the ribs (be careful — there will be some juices), apply a thin coating of barbecue sauce, and place the ribs under the broiler until the barbecue sauce just begins to char — perhaps 10 minutes or so. If you really like charred ribs (I sometimes do), you may want to keep the ribs in a bit longer.
- OR skip the broiler part if you wish: When the timer goes off, just proceed to the next step.
- Remove the ribs from the oven, place them on a cutting board, and chop them into individual servings (the meat should almost be falling off the bone at this point, so this will be easy). Serve with barbecue sauce. And loads of napkins — eating ribs is a messy, but thoroughly pleasurable, experience.
- You can use a similar method of oven BBQ to prepare Oven Slow-Cooked BBQ Pulled Pork or Oven Slow-Cooked BBQ Beef Brisket.
- I tend to use a lot of rub — as much as half a cup per slab of ribs. It adds a nice, spicy crust. In fact, the flavor is so good that I often don't bother to coat the ribs with barbeque sauce when cooking (Step 8). Instead, I just pour some barbecue sauce on my plate, and use it as a dipping sauce. And I speak as someone who'll put barbecue sauce on just about anything!
- Cooking ribs in aluminum foil makes them exceptionally tender. The one downside is that the surface of the ribs sometimes becomes a bit soft — which is why I like to run them under the broiler for a few minutes (it tightens up the surface texture, and adds a bit of char, which I often find pleasant).
- If you don't want to encase your ribs in aluminum foil, just cook them unwrapped. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F, and place the ribs on a rack in a sheet pan (or another pan with a raised lip). I normally put the ribs meat side down for an hour or two, then flip them so the meat side is up (bone side down). Cooked this way, the ribs are usually ready to eat in about 5 hours. "Ready" means tender, with a temperature of 190 degrees F or so.
- BTW, even though most of us don't want to heat up the kitchen with the oven during the hot summer months, modern ovens are well enough insulated that very little heat escapes when cooking at a low temperature like 225 F. Even when you have the oven on for 6 hours.
- You need a decent thermometer when cooking ribs (or any barbecue) because you really need to know what your meat is doing temperature-wise. I like the (pricey) Thermapen. The temperature sensor is at the tip of its probe, so you can position it accurately, and it records a reading within 3 seconds. It's also exceptionally accurate — within about one degree. I received one of these as a gift several years ago, and find it indispensable. BTW, I have no connection with the Thermapen people, nor do I gain financially (or in any other way) from mentioning them — I'm just an extremely happy user of their product.
- When barbecuing ribs over fire, many people use a mopping sauce to keep the ribs moist (and to add extra flavor). You don't really need to do this when you prepare them in the oven. However, if you're cooking ribs without aluminum foil and you notice that they're starting to get too dry, then maybe a mopping sauce would be appropriate. Alternatively, halfway through the cooking process, you can loosely drape aluminum foil over the ribs to help prevent them from drying out.
- Barbecue sauce generally does not make a good mopping sauce. Many barbecue sauces contain sugar and/or tomato, which tends to caramelize and char. When I baste ribs with barbecue sauce, I do it right at the end of cooking, and then only for a few minutes. If you leave the sauce on too long, the meat turns black with char (something I sometimes want, I admit — I love the flavor).
Serve with Barbecue Sauce – and Napkins
"Mmmm, super ribs," said Mrs Kitchen Riffs, after several minutes of talk-free chomping. Eating ribs is like that — it requires two hands and lots of gnawing, so not too much conversation takes place early in the meal.
"They're great," I said, wiping barbecue sauce from my chin with a napkin. "Which do you like better — the ribs I cooked in aluminum foil — the ones we had a couple of days ago? Or these, which I cooked without foil?" Yes, I made two batches of ribs over the course of a weekend, just to test!
"I think I like the ones in aluminum foil better," said Mrs K R. "They both have great flavor, but the foil-wrapped ones were a bit more tender. The meat was practically falling off the bone!"
"They both taste wonderful," I agreed. "And it's been way too long since we've had them."
"We need to do some pulled pork too," she said. "Maybe cook it the traditional way — low and slow with real wood smoke? That'd be wonderful."
"I'm planning to," I said, "sometime this summer. I also need to perfect my barbecue sauce. What I made today is good, but it could be better."
"You should get on it," Mrs K R agreed. "This is terrific stuff. Maybe for your next post?"
"Sounds like a plan," I said. I noticed Mrs K R pointing at her chin.
"Oh, thanks," I said. And wiped away more barbecue sauce.
Good thing we stocked up on napkins.
You may also enjoy reading about:
Oven Slow-Cooked BBQ Beef Brisket
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Oven Slow-Cooked BBQ Pulled Pork
Tangy KC-Style Barbecue Sauce
Barbecued Pork Steaks
Grilled Hamburgers
Jalapeño Coleslaw with Pimentón
Garlic Coleslaw
Creamy Cole Slaw
Southern Green Beans with Bacon
German Potato Salad with Bacon
Mustard Potato Salad
French Potato Salad
American (Mayonnaise) Potato Salad
Potato Salad Basics
Baked Beans


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1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I HJ Mulliner
2dr Drophead Coupe
6-cyl. 4887cc/NA hp 2x1bbl
Past sales
Protect your 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I from the unexpected.
Model overview
Model description
Rolls-Royce broke from tradition when it introduced its Silver Cloud in 1955. Instead of building incomplete cars and delivering chassis to custom coachbuilders, the SC (and corporate sibling Bentley S1) was a complete car clothed in a factory-built body. This allowed Rolls to produce the new car in far greater numbers and with a higher margin than previously, and helped set the stage for future development.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud body was a beautifully proportioned, modified razor edge design, and it was a huge hit. The model used a 4,887-cc IOE six-cylinder engine, which dated back to the original Silver Ghost. GM's four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission was standard from 1956, when power steering and air conditioning became optional. The SCs had adjustable shock absorbers that were operated by a lever on the steering column, and the brakes got a second master cylinder in 1956. Chassis and suspension were operated by a total-loss Bijur system, with an oil tank on the firewall.
In 1959, Rolls-Royce introduced the Silver Cloud II, with its new aluminum 6,230-cc V-8 engine, which was about 30% more powerful than the old six-cylinder engine. The SCII was followed by the third evolution of the Silver Cloud (the SCIII), at which point the model was retired in favor of the Silver Shadow.
Today, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud is a fantastically elegant car with charm, luxury, and presence in spades. As always, when looking at a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, buy only the best cars with complete records and a detailed ownership trail. Insist on a pre-purchase inspection by a Rolls-Royce mechanic, and be aware that nearly any repair will be costly. Avoid right-hand drive cars unless their provenance is impeccable, and they were imported early to the U.S. Check carefully for rust and buy nothing that's been in wedding service (in which case it's probably been painted bright white.). In the right hands, these cars will go a half-million miles, but deferred maintenance is a perennial problem.


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TechRadar Verdict
- +
HD 6990M is the fastest mobile GPU
- +
Awesome CPU grunt, too
- -
Cheap looking chassis
- -
Mediocre TN LCD screen
Why you can trust TechRadar
See something familiar? That's right, the Rock Xtreme 685 is yet another re-badged Clevo whitebook. On the downside, that means the styling is about as exciting as a Conservative Party Conference speech delivered by the Under-secretary of Dullness.
For a 15.6-inch notebook, the Xtreme 685 is a big old thing, too, with a hefty power supply. Put the two together and you have a dreary looking lump that's also a pretty unpleasant package in terms of portability.
Appearances, however, are deceptive. This thing shifts. Partly, that's because it's got one of the most powerful processors currently available for a laptop. The Intel Core i7 2820QM is not only clocked a little higher than the quad-core competition with a 2.3GHz nominal clockspeed and 3.4GHz Turbo.
It also packs 8MB of cache memory where the Core i7 2630QM makes do with 6MB. All in, it makes the 2820QM about 15 per cent faster than the 2630QM.
In store Rock has also made an effort regards storage performance in the form of a pair of conventional magnetic 500GB hard drives in RAID 0. We'd rather have a smallish SSD and a large conventional drive, frankly. But as spinning magnetic platters in laptops go, Rock's RAID'ed effort is about as good as it gets.
However, the real weapon in the Xtreme 685's armoury is the AMD Radeon HD 6990M. It's the fastest mobile GPU on the planet.
Just get a load of these stats: 1,120 shaders, 56 texture units, 32 ROPs and a 256-bit memory bus. No wonder the rendering and gaming performance is epic. The HD 6990M tears Dirt 3 a new one, even running in full HD.
But more impressive are the results in World of Conflict. It's a great title for getting an idea of overall gaming performance thanks to heavily loading both the CPU and GPU. Get the balance of components in a laptop wrong and the result can be a system that spits out decent average frame rates in the WiC benchmark but scrapes the barrel in terms of the minimum frame rate.
But not the Xtreme 685. Running at 1,920 x 1,080 and with 4x anti-aliasing enabled, it cranks out an average 51fps and a minimum of 32fps. The latter, critically, is above 30 and that means smooth gaming at all times.
TechRadar Labs
Rendering performance
Cinebench R10: Seconds: Quicker is better
MSI GT780 DX: 51s
Rock Xtreme 685: 46s
Battery life performance
Battery Life: Minutes: Higher is better
Rock Xtreme 685: 108
DX11 gaming performance (1,280x720, 4x AA)
Dirt 3: Frames per second: Higher is better
Rock Xtreme 685: 108
Industry standard 3D performance
3DMark 06: Index score: Higher is better
Rock Xtreme 685: 20,497
DX10 gaming performance (1,280x720, 4x AA)
WiC: Frames per second: Higher is better
Rock Xtreme 685: 74
Tessellation gaming performance (1,280 x 720, 4x AA)
Heaven: Frames per second: Higher is better
Rock Xtreme 685: 40
Of course, all of the above applies to current titles. Scope out the frame rates in the Heaven benchmark and it's clear any future games heavy in tessellation effects aren't exactly going to fly. And like nearly every laptop, upgrading the graphics card is a non-starter.
Finally, a word on the LCD panel. Thanks to the 15.6-inch diagonal and full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution, the image quality is super sharp. However, the panel is of the TN variety and it's never going to match a VA or IPS for colours, viewing angles or contrast.
Follow TechRadar Reviews on Twitter: http://twitter.com/techradarreview
Technology and cars. Increasingly the twain shall meet. Which is handy, because Jeremy (Twitter) is addicted to both. Long-time tech journalist, former editor of iCar magazine and incumbent car guru for T3 magazine, Jeremy reckons in-car technology is about to go thermonuclear. No, not exploding cars. That would be silly. And dangerous. But rather an explosive period of unprecedented innovation. Enjoy the ride.


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Given its massive development deficits and the effects of the global economic crisis, many observers, included me, are calling for increased aid to Africa. Most of these appeals are based on Africa's need for more resources. But there is a different argument.
Aid to Africa is today as productive as it has ever been.
Craig Burnside and David Dollar identified a group of policies (including fiscal stability and low trade barriers) that strengthened the link between foreign aid and per capita income growth. These are the very policies that African governments have been improving over the past decade.
Even after the onset of the global economic crisis, and despite the fears that these
policies may be reversed, African governments have by and large been continuing to pursue prudent economic policies and, in some cases, even accelerating reforms.
In short, the policy environment to make aid productive in Africa has never been better.
To be sure, the Burnside-Dollar paper, like most seminal papers, has come under some criticism, mainly for its neglect of factors other than policy that make aid productive. One of those factors, championed by Hansen and Tarp, and elaborated on by Guillaumont and Chauvet, points out that, independently of the policy environment, aid is productive when countries have suffered a negative shock.
But this is what African countries have suffered in the recent past. So whether it's because the policy environment has continued to improve, or because of adverse external shocks, there is a strong case that aid to Africa should increase because it is productive.


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Looking great entails stripping down to build back up. Hygiene and cleanliness is the stripping down of a layer of yesterday's scented products and the invisible dirt that naturally accumulates, while building back up is the post-cleaning application of skin-softening and hydrating products and makeup. The process repeats every day.
As retailers, you are well aware of the power of providing effective and pampering health and beauty care (HBC) products for everything from natural hair gloss to natural toenail polish. More than ever, specialty healthy-lifestyle product stores have grown way beyond the old "health food" mindset. Consumers get it and they want it. This demand is the driving force for many longstanding HBC brands to continue to launch new lines, as well as for many boutique upstarts that cater to natural consumers at all demographic and psychographic levels.
Today's HBC Market
According to market research data firm Mintel, the natural/organic personal care (NOPC) market tallied $462 million in 2009, experiencing a growth of 10% from 2007 to 2009. The year 2009 was rough for nearly all industries due to the throes of the recession, and this category experienced a 2% decline; yet Mintel's research shows a solid rebound is expected this year. In 2009, the natural/organic facial skincare and soap/bath products declined 5% (sales of $120 million) and 0.9% (sales of $81 million), respectively, while the natural/organic oral care segment increased 1.9% with sales of 60 million. One company taking part in this growth was Nature's Gate, which recently relaunched its toothpaste collection with sulfate-free formulations that contain the company's exclusive blend of seven oral health botanicals.
Mintel's report also asserts that there are very strong opportunities in this market for manufacturers and their retail partners. Specifically, ethnic hair and skin care, and natural/organic HBC products aimed at men.
Meanwhile, Mintel expresses another growing challenge that has blurred what should be distinctive in the specialty marketplace: it attests that through its research, it found personal care companies that are exploiting the natural/organic market (dubbed "greenwashers" or "fauxganic"). Such firms purport to have the natural and organic ideals through packaging, advertising and other marketing techniques, yet their products themselves do not live up to the content. Because of the confusion engendered by these manufacturers, those that are truly organic are undertaking aggressive educational tactics by aligning themselves with organizations offering a "seal of approval" that signifies true organic certification. These organizations include the Natural Products Association (Natural Certification for Personal Care Products and Ingredients), Compact for Safe Cosmetics and the effort by Whole Foods Market with its new Premium Body Care Standards to designate products meeting stringent requirements.
This, then, brings forth questions about what exactly constitutes organic and, of course, natural; and just what does certification mean when there appears to be disparity among requirements. Certifications vary as to the allowable percentage of organic ingredients. European organization Ecocert, for instance, requires that 10% of total ingredients be from organic farming for its Natural and Organic Cosmetic label.
Ecocert points out, however, that 10% is a high percentage, "in the extent that ECOCERT Standard is the only one to take into account ALL the ingredients of the formula in its calculation, including water." Water cannot be certified as organic, but it is a main ingredient in most cosmetic formulas, says the firm.When certifying firms exclude water and salt, Ecocert feels the final organic percentage is inflated; this figure often appears on label for consumers to read. The firm adds that though 10% organic ingredients is the minimum percentage, brands certified by the group have products displaying organic percentages up to 100%.
Such roiling discourse has continued, spurring the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s National Organic Program (NOP) in 2010, requesting action on what it called the widespread and blatantly deceptive labeling practices of leading "organic" personal care brands. OCA noted that while the USDA enforces strict standards for the labeling of organic food, there is no such clear rigidity for the personal care category.
Mintel's research has thus unveiled that presently, many consumers feel that "faux natural" products are perhaps good enough—no doubt in part because they believe simply that if the active ingredients are botanically derived, well, then, the product must be healthier and safer than its conventional counterparts!
Whole Foods Markets took a stand when it stated that after June 2011, it will no longer sell organic HBC products that are not third-party certified organic. Many in the industry support this action, and notably, what it represents. They seem optimistic that Whole Foods may have started a domino effect that will result in clear and standardized distinctions between what may be truly organic and what may simply only contain a smattering of organic ingredients.
Robyn Milewski, CEO, Pure SKN, Detroit, MI, a manufacturer of upscale natural color cosmetics and skin care products that are vegan and gluten free, thinks "it's excellent that Whole Foods is setting this standard. It will help tighten the processes and increase compliance among manufacturers. I am excited for consumers to gain further education and inquire of the reasons. I do not see a negative impact at all."
"Fantastic idea!" enthuses saponifier Larry Plesent, founder of Vermont Soap, Middlebury, VT, whose handmade soap bars are uSDA-certified organic to food standards. "I applaud Whole Foods for taking a leadership role. No doubt, corporate organic will drag this out (enacting real topical organic rules) as long as they can. Dragging out the implementation of organic personal care standards has diluted the Organic Brand. And I believe this is, in fact, the mission many corporate companies are on: to obfuscate what a natural product actually looks like. There is no [standard] definition of 'natural' [personal care]… Only by having a clear definition of what natural and/or organic means can we separate real claims from green-washed claims."
Plesent adds that the abundance of "natural looking seals" reflects consumers' yearning for safe, effective, non-toxic and affordable personal care products.
Badger Balm, Gilsum, NH, decided to certify its products to ensure transparency and trust among consumers according to Rebecca Hamilton, head of product development for the company. Nearly all products bear the uSDA organic seal. When viewing the overall organic HBC product landscape, she, too, sees many companies boldly making organic claims, but without a standardized definition of what exactly that means for personal care products, many consumers remain confused and often misled.
The primary challenge with certifying organic, she states, is the lack of diversity in commercially available certified organic ingredients for personal care products. Therefore, "many personal care companies will struggle to reformulate their products so that they can become USDA certified organic, or they will simply have to stop making organic claims on their packages or even in their companies' names. Despite this challenge, our hope is that many manufacturers will take this opportunity to certify any products that they can and in doing so, help to alleviate customer confusion at the store level. We may begin to see a more limited offering of organic personal care available on the shelves, but people can be assured that what is available will be truly organic. This may by challenging for many companies, but this Whole Foods requirement is just one more important step toward standardizing the meaning of organic for personal care products," says Hamilton.
The Whole Foods mandate, according to Brigitte Rau, founder, Brigit True Organics, Charlottesville, VA, is an "excellent idea in theory, but imposes prohibitive increases in costs of entry into organic products by small companies; many of the finest organic products are produced in relatively small batches by small companies in the united States."
Similarly, Linda Miles L. Ac., D.O.M., vice president of derma e Natural Bodycare, Simi Valley, CA, believes that while the Whole Foods decision "will not make a large impact on the manufacturing side, there will be fewer offerings at the retail level. All of the wonderful niche companies that make the natural industry what it is will likely be driven away by high costs."
Santosh Krinsky, president of Lotus Brands, Inc., Twin Lakes, WI, agrees, noting that there are numerous different ways to certify organic. "If it is all 'product level,' this will probably ensure that the biggest manufacturers own the industry and the smaller ones are shut out, as the costs are very high. If it is 'ingredient level,' getting organic certifications on specific content is not overly burdensome and is a reasonable approach. Of course, all manufacturers should be in compliance with the USDA/NOP organic front panel label requirements if they intend to use front panel organic labeling, and in that case, they should have the certifications needed, so it should not be a real issue."
Assuming the retailer's mandate is indeed strictly implemented, says Tim Schaeffer, Mineral Fusion, Denver, CO, it will primarily affect the manufacturers' management of labels and components. "I do not anticipate it will affect the retailer or the consumer as much as some would believe. Nevertheless, it is ultimately a good thing to bring everyone into the same standards."
MyChelle Dermaceuticals, Louisville, CO, has all its organic ingredients certified through NOP and Ecocert, therefore, says Kristine Carey, vice president of marketing, the company won't have any issue with this change. "That said," she asserts, "it is smart for our ingredients to be challenged with all the products and brands that are entering. We must watch out for our consumers and provide them the detailed info they need. There will be companies that this causes a problem for if they are not currently being certified."
The Certification Situation
Certification, as touched upon, will shake things up, no doubt, and impose a myriad of challenges and potential hardships for niche-oriented HBC manufacturers. Investments, in both finance and time, may make the difference between market success and failure. This mandate raises other issues as well, notably, the potential for many other naturals retailers to follow suit and implement a similar restriction.
Certification, declares Hamilton, is an important piece of maintaining transparency and consistency within organic personal care, and she reminds us that the organic food sector underwent a similar process when the USDA organic standard was first introduced. "Although many companies struggled to meet the rigorous requirements, the end result was a trustworthy and consistent offering of organic food products. The personal care industry is just now undergoing the same growing pains, but the end result will be worth the challenges," she underscores.
Carey concedes that organic certification will be quite challenging for smaller businesses, but states that "the goal is not to bring barriers to entry, but instead to be sure that we are telling consumers the appropriate information and that you have proof that your ingredients are organic."
Schaeffer, whose company offers mineral color cosmetics, believes that depending on the product, the ultimate performance and attributes for the consumer should be the primary goal. For example, he says, while a USDA-certified organic beauty product may be the ultimate in purity, it may tend to impart a characteristic feel, scent or look that may be off-putting, driving consumers more to the natural but- not-organic counterpart. He explains, "Going certified-USDA organic in personal care is different than food; an organic apple still tastes like an apple, maybe even better. But, this is often just not the case in personal care. Sure, certification is a good thing and the expenditure can be reasonable. But if a company can't afford it, it cannot make the organic claim—but, it can still make its product to its own high quality standards."
In essence, Schaeffer's statement offers optimism: does it really matter if the company whose products you sell offer certified organic HBC products if those products are still effective, and even luxurious in their natural (chemical-free) content?
Speaking of natural, for nearly a decade now, mainstream brands in Food, Drug and Mass channels have touted the wholesome appeal of "Natural" and "Organic" in their various beauty and skincare products—in the coordinated effort to appeal to the majority desire of using much less harsh product in hair and on skin. This will only continue and there are several diametrically opposed thoughts to the influence upon the specialty naturals retail environment.
Mass Market: Thunder Stealing?
Mainstream brands, Krinsky says, generally have built-out R&D departments as well as huge marketing budgets and the ability to project products into the marketplace. "To the extent they launch natural and organic products, they have the muscle to succeed with them if done right. If they are merely greenwashing, there will eventually be a backlash," he predicts. "This is clearly a significant trend that will affect particularly smaller niche manufacturers in our industry that simply cannot compete and do not have buying power or research budgets to match."
It is probably an accurate assessment to say, according to our responses, that the natural/organic industry may be
Power of Personal Care Packaging |
divided about this issue: one side sees the glass half empty, another views the vessel as half full. And for some, the liquid in the glass is in the middle because it comes straight down to constitutional authenticity behind the claims.
As an example of the latter, "We are always happy to see a large company that creates truly natural and organic products," comments Hamilton. "These companies certainly raise awareness for natural and organic and drive the innovation of novel natural and organic ingredients. However, many mainstream brands are merely trying to capitalize on a trend, and they do not create truly natural and organic products. Rather, they release conventional synthetic products that have a few natural or organic ingredients and the words 'natural' or 'organic' on their labels. This is misleading to consumers and takes market share away from more authentic companies."
Rau echoes the sentiment: "On the one hand, bringing attention to the product category is helpful, but these large companies simply do not have the ability to create high-quality products at their price points. So, they cut corners and therefore hurt the efficacy of their products, which may turn off the consumer to the whole organic category."
Plesent is unapologetic when he declares that the infiltration by mass "just dilutes the mission. The trouble is, the proliferation of fake natural/fake organic products doesn't help anyone but the get-rich-quick set. Emotionally, I sometimes feel frustration, but getting mad just shortens my lifespan. This is a stage in the cycle. We all have to be grassroots activists to keep the organic brand meaningful in the face of Corporate America-influenced politics."
Miles sees a positive influence by the awareness generated and willingness of trial for crossover. She explains that when mainstream personal care brands market and publicize natural ingredients and their benefits, it helps the naturals market by creating mass appeal to increase crossover. "Because natural consumers educate themselves on scientifically proven natural ingredients, and the amount of ingredients required to make the product effective, we are confident that they will see past mainstream marketing claims and know which products are truly natural and effective," she remarks.
According to Jack Brown, vice president of sales and marketing at Lily of the Desert, Denton, TX, the dividing line remains the typical mass appeal of shortterm gratification versus the longer-term supportive action. He explains that the basic marketing strategy of the mainstream personal care industry—the belief that all products should relay an immediate sense of fulfillment to the consumer— can be seen as a root cause of this failure. He points to claims such as softness, touch, fragrance, aromatherapy, smoothness, healthy, fresh, silky and radiant— which expressly supply a short-term promise to the end-user.
"Although the mainstream personal care companies have continued to improve their ability to fulfill-long term promises—anti-aging, wrinkle-reduction, evening of skin tone—their expertise still lies in immediate gratification via topical application," he says. "The burgeoning concept of 'beauty from within' is a claim that demands a long-term promise for success— a three-to-six-month period for regeneration followed by a maintenance program. And, the expertise of supplement companies lies in their ability to educate the consumer in the long-term promise." And this is where naturals retailers truly distinguish themselves from any other retail environment because interested consumers will purchase both.
In the end, however, the choice of success or failure in retailing natural and organic HBC products is solely that of the individual naturals retailer. Careful selection of brands and product types as well as aggressive and savvy marketing, merchandising and promotions will make the big difference in seeing an increase of loyal HBC shoppers. And remember, women can be your best brand ambassadors: when they have excellent experiences and results with a brand or product, they translate this message and encourage new customers to trial. Why not help them do so and reward them? Permission-based email marketing can galvanize such a campaign and also launch a platform of interactive discussion that can be mined for continual research into brand/product selection, as well as appropriate and fun marketing and merchandising ideas for this category.
Category Trends
Being able to lead in addressing emerging trends before the mainstream is also an attribute of a specialty retailer. The natural/ organic personal care industry has much to offer, which should, by all accounts, lead to an invigorating sales landscape in 2011.
Although anti-aging itself is spiritedly mainstream, Carey observes that the definition of anti-aging and how it is being addressed in the industry is evolving. "For instance, with our recent introduction of Plant Stem Cell technology, and as one of the first natural skin care companies to do so, we are even more effectively able to address the process and onset of aging. By addressing the body's stem cells, which are responsible for the infinite rejuvenation of your skin and the turnover of skin cells, we can help speed up cellular turnover, which slows down with age."
Carey adds pointedly that this leads to another budding trend she sees emerging in our industry in 2011: addressing the degrading effects of photo aging (incurred by accumulated sun exposure). Overexposure to the sun can cause dark spots, droopy skin and leathery texture, and may contribute to wrinkles, sun spots, hyperpigmentation and dryness.
"These trends look to be on the path to continue into 2011, with significant strides in the industry to provide effective skin care options, while also helping to educate the consumer about the various nontoxic options out there," she observes. "As the anti-aging and innovative technologies that support this develop further in the year 2011, we believe more consumers will be seeking out effective skin care options that are nontoxic and natural; so in short, we expect to see a rise in the demand for effective, natural skin care products and "natural beauty" will be a trending keyword throughout the year."
Miles also sees diversification in the anti-aging category because of such strong demand and continued research into the efficacy and benefits of anti-aging ingredients such as antioxidants. Because the media frequently reports about natural anti-aging ingredients and products, the market is rapidly growing amongst consumers of all ages. younger consumers are paying more attention to their skin and are becoming more educated about the effects of sun, pollution and free radical damage; in tandem, anti-aging products are moving in an upward trend because we have a large population over 40 years of age.
Specifically, she points to new exotic ingredients, such as tamanu oil, which received incredible positive exposure on the Dr. Oz Show in March. derma e just launched its Tropical Solutions line blending tamanu oil with green tea, pomegranate, papaya and vitamins A, C and E; and Miles believes that anti-aging consumers are ready and willing to try such newer, more exotic natural anti-aging topicals.
In Hamilton's view, the most significant trend in organic personal care is an increase in the availability of certified organic ingredients including more complicated ingredients such as emulsifiers, preservatives and surfactants. "Innovative ingredient suppliers have been working hard to supply the organic personal care industry with the tools we need to make more elegant complex products. This, in turn, will lead to a wider range of certified organic personal care products such as lotions and facial care in the upcoming year," she predicts.
Glenn Gillis, Ph.D., senior science officer/director of research for Lily of the Desert (maker of Aloe80 Organics personal care products), holds a different view: "The most interesting development in the certified organic segment of the personal care industry has been that which has not been developed," he declares. "The inability of scientific research to create qualified functional ingredients in order to develop better products restricts further market growth. Some improvement has occurred in the past few years, particularly in Europe. But, a certified organic personal care item is sure to fail in the market when it cannot be compared to other (non-certified) products that emphasize function."
Meanwhile, a huge trend that will grow in 2011 involves category niche/sub-segments that continue to gain appeal and volume as they address niche lifestyle concerns as well as how people want to care for their outer health.
For instance, Brigit True Organics offers skin care for specific consumer needs; these include vegan products and all body care products that are gluten free as well as free of peanut and tree nut oils. "We put priority emphasis on educating and supporting our retail network's sales staff to help them understand the ingredients and processes of our products so they can better convey these features and benefits to their customers. It is important to fulfill the consumers who have super-sensitive skin care needs," Rau says.
Krinsky observes that today's younger generation is more clearly concerned about things like "cruelty-free," "vegan," "gluten-free" and "sustainable" in relation to personal care products they want to use and this will only see increases in 2011 and beyond. Lotus Brands is primarily involved with satisfying these concerns; its Beauty Without Cruelty brand, for example, is entirely vegan and cruelty free and most products are also gluten free. Similarly, its imported Logona brand has developed extensive lists of personal care products that are also gluten free, vegan etc. to meet this increasing demand.
Gluten-free definitely gained momentum this year, agrees Kim Wells, personal care manager at NOW Foods, Bloomingdale, IL. In tandem, she sees anti-aging topical products and supplements as a segment that will also draw interest in naturals stores. She states, "In 2011, I think you will see beauty regimens that provide products to help your skin from the inside out."
Another trend seen in infomercials and online is mineral-infused color cosmetics—and this bodes well for perhaps the most underperforming of all natural HBC sub-segments: natural makeup. Schaeffer remains highly excited about the growth in use of natural mineral makeup as more women of all ages enjoy its look and feel. "The launch of skin-nourishing minerals was most significant for us," he relates. "It's easy for naturals retailers to convey to women. Just like our internal health responds positively to mineral supplements, so too does the skin to topical application of minerals. Looking into 2011, we're looking to innovation in sun protection," he adds.
Also, hair products that go beyond cleansing and moisturizing and into the realm of upscale styling products are growing in the naturals specialty arena. For example, Aubrey Organics' NuStyle Organic Styling, both USDA and NOP certified, include two new hairsprays, a detangler and shine booster, and smoothing serum.
Furthermore, a handful of highly popular supplement brands with powerfully positive retail and consumer reputations have entered the topical nourishment arena. This "beauty-from-within" market subset, Brown believes, shows great promise in growth for the simplest of reasons. "Historically, supplement claims are health claims and these claims are directed toward consumers who hold a particular interest in that claim due to personal health issues. Regardless of a consumer's status with respect to health, ethnicity, age or finance: the term 'beauty' is attractive to all," he explains.
One example is NOW Foods, which is considered primarily a supplement company and, according to Wells, the response to the relaunch of its personal care items in new packaging has been "absolutely great."
Other recent entries of supplement makers in the personal care category include the Organique skin and hair care line from Himalaya Herbal Products USA; and the Glimpse skincare line and Juni personal care line from XanGo.
A natural barrier may be the mindset that a company specializing in pills may not be that adept in offering topicals that stand the test of efficacy. Wells asserts that retailers can help those consumers by stating the fact that if you want to keep the outside healthy you must keep the inside healthy. It's a two-part, wholly integrated system. She says, "As a supplement company that has been in the industry a long time, I think we have a great advantage to offer a beauty regimen that benefits the consumer from the inside out. Retailers should remember that consumers are open to new products, especially if they believe in the company and the products it provides. Plus, the personal care category has always been a growing area in sales; women make up the majority of buyers and they are always looking for new, exciting products or alternatives to current products."
Overall, the prevailing feeling is that the personal care product category for the specialty naturals stores will be a "clean" sweep of customer satisfaction and fulfillment—as mainstream continues to emphasize the very concepts of natural and organic, inadvertently driving a continual influx of newly introduced consumers into the naturals retail environment. Further, the Whole Foods mandate will spur more companies big and small to attain organic certification and potentially influence a more rigid and wholesale set of personal care organic standards. The exciting growth of niche segments such as gluten-/nut-free, vegan, cruelty-free, etc., will also draw the niche consumer with special skincare needs that can also easily translate into supplements and foods. WF
Lisa Schofield is a freelance writer based in Freehold, NJ.
Published in WholeFoods Magazine, December 2010


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Years ago, when I started homeschooling, I fretted over how expensive everything was and felt wretched when I could not afford this or that programme. Now that I'm starting over with Peep, I see that I was being completely ridiculous. Ah… hindsight! ;)
There are lots of free Math resources online and some may lack the bells and whistles that we may often look for or be used to. Still, now that I'm in a back-to-basics mode, I see how these are good, solid materials that have stood the test of time.
Here are some Mathy links you might enjoy checking out:
- First Lessons in Arithmetic
- Samuel L. Blumenfeld's Arithmetic Program
- First Lessons in Numbers
- SW Baird's Graded Work in Arithmetic:
- CIMT's Mathematics Enhancement Programme (Reception to Secondary level)
- Comprehensive School Mathematics Program Preservation Project (K to 6)
- Dad's Worksheets
- Khan Academy
- Eureka Math by Great Minds
- Ray's Arithmetic – AN ABSOLUTE GEM!!


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Massage Therapist in McMurray, PA
Washington County, PA
Treat yourself to a full body massage in a soothing environment. At Hand & Stone, you have access to an affordable and worthwhile massage in McMurray, PA. We proudly offer massage therapy designed to diminish tension and leave you feeling physically and mentally elevated. Our licensed massage therapists strive to understand exactly what you need from your massage. Whether you simply want to relax and unwind or you have a specific problem area causing pain, our proficient therapists work to leave you feeling better and more relaxed.
Affordable Massage Treatments
Everyone deserves a little luxury and relaxation. At Hand & Stone, we provide professional massage services at an affordable rate. New clients in particular can take advantage of our introductory offers on one-hour Swedish, classic, or hot stone massages. No matter which one you choose, you can always count on top-quality service for less.
Our customizable spa packages are even more accessible with our membership rewards program. Enroll today, and you can quickly start saving on regular treatments. When you consider the mental and physical health benefits a massage can bring as well as its potential to relieve injuries, working it into your self-care routine is a no-brainer.
From Swedish massage therapy to trigger point massage, we do it all. Learn more about each type of massage we offer and how we can help ease certain areas of discomfort.
Pampering Done Your Way
Hand & Stone has a whole team of licensed, certified, and registered massage therapists and estheticians waiting to soothe away your stress. This team makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk inside. We are happy to adjust the lighting and sound controls in the room for your comfort. Our guests have the freedom to book their appointments far in advance or walk in on a whim for a spontaneous spa day. Either way, the level of service is the same.
Feel free to mix your massage service with our other offerings, such as facials and hair removal, or upgrades like aromatherapy and other enhancements. There are plenty of ways to make your experience more personal or make someone else's spa day more special.
Everyone Feels Better After a Spa Day
Trained massage therapists like ours have a transformative effect on the mind and body. They can ease a pulled muscle, improve circulation and blood flow, and help you relax after a long day. Sometimes all it takes is a little you time to make all of the tensions and pressures of daily life melt away.
Finding a massage near me has never been easier with Hand & Stone. We're open 7 days a week with extended hours, so fitting a session into your schedule is a piece of cake. Contact us for a spa day you won't soon forget.
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Hand & Stone offers a full complement of specialty massages, facials and enhancements. Introductory Offers valid for One-Hour* Swedish Massage, Classic (or Teens/Men's) Facial or Hot Stone Massage services only. Call the spa for specialty service availability.
First Time Visit?
If you've never had a Massage or Facial, you may be wondering what to expect on your first visit to Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. During your visit you'll experience relaxation and comfort, dedicated to your well-being and peace of mind. We want your spa experience to be a memorable one.
Learn More


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February 8, 2013, 7:14 p.m. ET
In Chinese Buildings, a Copycat Craze
Duplicating Versailles, the Chrysler Building or the White House is seen as a mark of skill and superiority
By BIANCA BOSKER
In Beijing, the new Wangjing SOHO complex, a trio of curvy office buildings designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid, is slowly rising in the smog-filled skyline. Meanwhile, 1,000 miles south, a set of two buildings is going up—and the design looks just like Ms. Hadid's, say the backers of the Beijing complex.
The other development company has denied copying the design and coined a slogan about its project. "Never meant to copy," reads a pitch posted on the firm's official microblog. "Only want to surpass."
BONJOUR CHINA | An Eiffel Tower looms over a road in Hebei province.
That motto could be the mantra for China's massive movement in architectural mimicry. To show they are making it big, the Chinese have turned to faking it big.
In recent years, some of the nation's real-estate developers and even government officials have been churning out detailed counterfeits of the West's greatest architectural hits, from Unesco World Heritage sites to Le Corbusier gems to Manhattan skyscrapers.
Paris, Orange County, Interlaken, Amsterdam—all have their doubles in China. In Hangzhou, gondolas glide through the man-made canals of Venice Water Town, which boasts its own Piazza San Marco and Doge's Palace.
Last year, developers in Huizhou unveiled a brick-for-brick replica of the Austrian village of Hallstatt, complete with its cobblestone streets, historic church and even sidewalk cafes. Hallstatt residents were surprised to learn that Chinese planners had studied the village's buildings on location in Austria, according to news reports.
The award for the most copied building goes to the White House, says Yung Ho Chang, a Chinese architect and the former head of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's architecture department. The building serves as the model for everything from seafood restaurants to single-family homes to government offices in Guangzhou, Wuxi, Shanghai, Wenling and Nanjing.
This "duplitecture" is not meant to flatter the West, nor is it a form of "self-colonization." The copies are built as monuments to China's technological prowess, affluence and power. The Chinese have seized on the icons of Western architecture as potent symbols for their own ascension to—and aspiration for—global supremacy.
It is an impulse with deep roots in Chinese architectural tradition, dating back thousands of years. In pre-modern China, emperors demonstrated their dominance by re-creating rival territories within their own: Sprawling imperial parks, which featured flora and fauna assembled from remote lands, buttressed rulers' authority by showing their ability to both create and possess an elaborate facsimile of the known universe.
China's emperors also used copycat buildings to convey their mastery—actual or anticipated—over their adversaries. In the third century B.C., the First Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, commemorated his conquest of six rival kingdoms by ordering that exact replicas of their palaces be built in his capital. Today, the ersatz Eiffel Towers and Chrysler Buildings symbolize China's power to control the world by transplanting Europe and the U.S. into its domain.
Traditional Chinese attitudes toward replication also help to explain the trend. While Americans view imitation with disdain, the Chinese have traditionally taken a more permissive and nuanced view of it. Copying can be valued as a mark of skill and superiority. The director of China's National Copyright Administration has even praised copies as a sign of "cultural creativity."
China's expanding economy, along with the financial woes of the European Union and the U.S., could usher in a new era in which the Forbidden City replaces the White House as the coveted status symbol. Buildings modeled after traditional Chinese architecture are already appearing in some parts of the country, next to Versailles look-alikes.
Chinese people "realize now, 'We have money. We have a lot of money. We're even richer than our Western rivals,'" said Zhou Rong, a professor of architecture at Beijing's Tsinghua University—and this has led to new interest in Chinese styles. Rather than grousing about being copied, the West might instead worry about the day China stops looking to us for models.
—Ms. Bosker is the author of "Original Copies: Architectural Mimicry in Contemporary China," from which this is adapted.A version of this article appeared February 9, 2013, on page C2 in the U.S. edition of The Wall Street Journal, with the headline: In Chinese Buildings, a Copycat Craze.


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You enter college with a major in mind and a plan to get a degree in it. You don't let the fine print surrounding general education classes, major classes and GPA get in your way but you still may hit a snag or two. If this happens, seek out a counselor.
There is a difference between a general education (G.E.) counselor and a major counselor. A G.E. counselor is there to make sure you get your G.E.s done, have enough credits to graduate and have successfully completed all classes. A major counselor, on the other hand, will make sure you take all the classes you need to get your intended degree. Getting a degree and graduating are two very different things balancing on a fine line.
The assistance you get really depends on the counselor so meet with a few and select the one who "gets" you best. If you have a counselor who isn't 100-percent sure of the university's curriculum or graduation/degree requirements, switch as soon as you can; you don't want to be filing your graduation petition only to realize you are missing a requirement! A good counselor will make it mandatory for you to meet with them a few times each semester to make sure you are on track. He or she will also help you with an education plan so that you know what is necessary to graduate. A great counselor will even recommend that you get a second opinion on his or her advice so don't be afraid to do so.
You may have known what you wanted to major in forever but don't let your pride get in the way of accepting some assistance. You'll be better off for it even after you graduate...which you will, thanks to your counselor's expertise!
Radha Jhatakia is a communications major who will be transferring to San Jose State University this fall. She's had some ups and downs in school and many obstacles to face; these challenges – plus support from family, friends and cat – have only made Radha stronger and have given her the experience to help others with the same issues. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, reading, cooking, sewing and designing. A social butterfly, Radha hopes to work in public relations and marketing upon graduation.


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I have sold a property at 6 The Point in Coronado.
In January 2005, this home was featured in the Sunset Curb Appeal Magazine, where the author touted that "the mixed pedigree of this Mediterranean house is celebrated through a variety of show-stopping details, including vivid white trim and hot citrus wall colors." Arguably this home has one of the best views in the Coronado Cays. A rare find with its south facing stunning bay view peering across to the Coronado Cays Yacht Club and beyond.


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(c) Location – The place of arbitration shall be in the New Haven County, Connecticut, United States.
(d) Notice – A party who intends to seek arbitration must first send to the other by email or using the contact function on the Site, a Notice of Dispute ("Notice"). Your notice should include the following information:
The served party shall review the Notice within 30 days. If 30 days passes from the date of receipt without resolution, either party may move forward with arbitration.
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BERLIN – After favorable
support overwhelmed the opposition to a proposed land buy for a future
community center and new police station, the Berlin Mayor and Council voted to
go ahead with the land purchase.
Just three town council
members voted on the purchase ordinance after Council members Troy Purnell and
Paula Lynch recused themselves because of business connections to the sellers.
The town council
recently proposed to buy the 6.5-acre parcel at the corner of Route 113 and Bay
St. as the future site of a community center, police station and potentially a
water tower. Nothing will be built on the land for at least five years, Mayor
Gee Williams said.
Two appraisals of the
land came in at $1,215,000, and $915,000. The town negotiated a purchase price
of $828,530, with interest only to be paid the first five years, about $37,000
a year. The town intends to use slot machine revenue to pay off the property,
which Williams called a conservative and realistic approach.
The public hearing on
the proposed purchase packed the town council meeting room on Monday night with
every seat taken. Williams called for the opposition to speak first.
The land purchase, said
Gerry Mortensen, is ill-advised and inappropriate, especially since viable
alternatives exist. The town is already undertaking several large projects,
such as the wastewater treatment plant expansion, and is running the electric
plant, which continues to be a drain on the town funds.
Mortensen said the town
council's primary responsibility is to reduce spending and taxes.
"There are a number of
other projects in the town limits that have not been completed and need to be
addressed … the streets and the roads in the town of Berlin are horrible," said
Michael Michalik.
He also wondered about
the amount the property was valued at before the town had the property
Sue Beaman also opposed
the land purchase and read two posts from her blog questioning the proposed
purchase. Beaman wrote that the $832,000 price tag is a lot of money for six
acres of undeveloped land. She also wondered why the town suddenly wants a new
police station. A larger police station means more police officers, which means
more cost to the town, Beaman contended. She is also concerned about extra debt
from the purchase and the projects proposed for the site.
Instead of a new
community center, the town should consider rehabilitating the current
multi-purpose building, Beaman said.
The town should have
presented all land purchase options to the public, not just one, she felt.
Georgie Evans said she
agreed with Beaman and does not want her taxes to go up.
Diane Miceli, who owns a
house in Decatur Farm that overlooks the site, expressed concerns over her property
value if those structures are built. People using the community center and
emergency vehicle noise could be a problem, she felt.
Speakers in supports of
the land purchase and planned projects for the site outnumbered the opposition
10 to 5.
Worcester County State's
Attorney, Joel Todd, a Berlin resident, supported the purchase. Todd noted that
he spearheaded the Take Pride in Berlin initiative to reduce crime along Bay
Street and Flower Street, which showed the most calls for police services in a
"I think we've done a
good job of reducing the calls for service in that area," said Todd.
Todd said he felt a
police station in that area would fit in well with efforts to curb crime in
that neighborhood.
"From a public safety
standpoint, I think without question it's better because you're putting a
police station where the problem is," Todd said.
This site is a better
choice for public safety than the other sites considered, he said. The
community center also works to foster more community involvement in the Take
Pride initiative, which is already strong, Todd said.
Bud Church, who
represents Berlin as a County Commissioner, also supported the land purchase,
though he said he was speaking as a private citizen and not an elected
official. Church said he applauded the Mayor and Council for their forward
As a realtor with 39
years experience, Church said that buying property at below market value was a
prudent purchase in the current real estate market. "They don't make any more
real estate," Church said.
The plan to use slots
money is a good one, said Church, since community slots money will only be able
to be used in a limited numbers of ways.
"It can only be applied
to certain projects. This project is probably one of the best qualifying projects
you could find for those funds," he said.
Five years is plenty of
time to accrue slots money. The terms, paying interest only for five years, is
a smart move, Church said.
A police station
actually should increase home values.
"I'd prefer to have a
police station in my neighborhood than a drug dealer in my neighborhood," said
The current Berlin
police station dates back to the 1950s, he noted. "It's time Berlin had a new
police station. It's past time," Church said.
Michael Wiley, chair of the
Berlin Parks Commission, but speaking, he said, as a private citizen, said a
community center would be important to the increase in youth programs the town
is planning.
Sarah Hooper, a Parks
Commission member also speaking as a private citizen, said that the proposed
future community center fits the mission of the parks in Berlin.
The property proposed
for purchase is the former home farm of Hooper's grandfather and grandmother,
who were both civic minded, Hooper said, and who would have approved of the
civic use proposed by the town.
"I feel that we are way
behind where the community center is concerned," Gabriel Purnell said. All
three of the other county towns, and Ocean Pines, have community centers, he
While Berlin has the
multi-purpose building, it is not in good shape, and needs rehabilitation.
A new community center
is the best use of the town's funds, Purnell said. There should be no problems
with crowds making noise at the community center, since the police station will
be built on the same property.
"I think it's a good
combination and a good place to put the two," Purnell said.
If the projects do not
work out, the town can probably sell the land for a profit, he said.
Then Purnell asked east
side supporters of the purchase to stand up. Several audience members stood in
"I think it's the
perfect place for the town to buy for its future," Joe Moore said.
Moore, a lawyer who has
represented Ocean Pines for over 27 years, said that four referendums to build
a new community center in that development have failed and every time the cost
of the facility has gone up.
"I think it's a forward
thinking move," Moore said of the town's proposed land buy.
"I think it's very much
needed in our community," said Beth Gilbert, manager of Decatur Apartments. The
biggest problem the families in her apartment complex have, she said, is
affording activities for their children in other communities.
A community center in
the neighborhood will also bring back a sense of pride to the community,
Gilbert said.
"There is no price you
can put on our children's direction. We want them to become productive
citizens," said Phyllis Purnell. She added that she is proud of the council for
even considering the new community center.
Purnell said that as a
Christian, she opposes slot machine gambling, but since that fight has been
lost, and the money will come to the town, it should be used to benefit the
Patricia Duffendach, a
Parks Commission member speaking as a private citizen, said she was pleased the
town council was considering the future projects.
"We're saying, we want a
community center … we need services for our citizens," Duffendach said.
The community is crying
out for programs local children can get involved in, Duffendach said.
Diana Purnell, part of
an organization that works with local youth, said that the community center is
badly needed on the east side of town. Berlin needs a nice facility like
everywhere else.
"I applaud you for what
you're doing and have done because you've done some great things for the kids
on the east side," said Purnell.
She also noted that a
police station on the east side would be very visible to people coming into the
east side neighborhoods.
The town council
followed the public hearing with a quick motion to purchase the land. The vote
was unanimous.
Councilman Elroy
Brittingham has been campaigning for a community center for 22 years.
"There's no way in the
world I would sit up here tonight and not vote for that ordinance," Brittingham


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Plaque: Hospice at rue d'Accolay - O1
Site: Hospice at rue d'Accolay (39 memorials)
1000, rue d'Accolay
This hospice/home for the elderly has plaques commemorating its benefactors on a number of adjacent buildings on the southwest side of the road. To locate the plaques we have allocated each a column/row I.D. Reading from the left, the first building has 4 columns each with one or two plaques (A1, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1). The second building has 7 columns each with 1 plaque in the top row, and two in the lower row, side by side, (E1, E2, E3,...K1, K2, K3). The third building has 4 columns each with 3 plaques (L1, L2, L3,...O1, O2, O3). The buildings were undergoing a major renovation when we visited and one of the workmen, spotting our interest invited us into the section of the hospice on rue des Ursulines to see the chapel. What interested us much more were two large plaques in the entrance. One of which (on a quick glance) seemed to be to Napoleon and the other gives a longer list of benefactors, up to 1972. Just one example of the many interior plaques which this site cannot hope to cover, at present.
The plaques are all in the same style so we have provided only one photo as a sample - E2.


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Functions, Features, Fabrics – Matching Softshell, Fleece or Winsdshell
Fabric & Construction: Match the layering jacket to your custom outer jacket in color and look for stand-alone identity. No matter what layer a person is wearing, they look the same. Choose from:
– Waterproof-breathable softshell jackets or vests, with membrane laminate, and stretchy outer face-fabric. Options for nylon overlay.
– Waterproof-breathable micro-fleece jackets or vests with optional nylon overlays
– Windshells – made to be wind and/or water-resistant. Call to specify.
Abrasion-resistant overlays optional in heavy wear areas on all. Choose from various fabric weights and linings, depending on uses. We can help you choose fabrics available depending on climate and function.
Functions: Design and accents built to match the outer jacket, but streamlined. Exposed, colored, waterproof zips available. Coordinate your image and continue it from year to year. These supplemental matching or layering jackets are less expensive than the outer jacket, and worn more – so replacement costs are less overall. Re-order additions or replacements in your same style season after season. Jackets are standard with adjustable shock cord at bottom. Ample pocket options including convenient fore-arm pocket, front hand-warmer and/or chest pockets. Ventilation zips under arms with mesh are optional. Name-tag/badge tab attachment options. Your logo / patches embroidered and taped in production with large orders. Reflective options available.
Lining: Available with breathable mesh lining, 210T sleeves for warmth and movement. Also available with no lining, exposing micro-fleece backing (inside). Other lining options available.
Sizes: Available in sizes xs – xxxl depending on style and quantity per color.
Colors: Choose your own color combination to create your own look for group buys. Add piping, reflective options and other features for orders of 50 or more – call for details.
Customize: Color your own panels with smaller orders, customize other features with larger orders. Popular custom options are – choose your own length, nametag configuration, pocket specification, piping or accent options. Call for details. Item shown are as customized by Customer.


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Introducing Baby's very own tablet—the Fisher-Price® Laugh & Learn® Smart Stages™ Tablet!
This tablet includes Smart Stages™ technology, an exciting new way to change the learning content as baby grows! Because every baby develops at their own pace, Smart Stages™ technology gives you the ability to select the stage that's best for your child! There are a variety of developmentally appropriate songs, phrases and sounds within three levels of play.
Baby can press one of 28 "app" buttons to activate sounds and music – and unlock learning about
letters, first words, animals and more. To add even more fun, the tablet screen will light up and twinkle along to the songs and phrases.


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On Whether Women Should Change Their Last Names Upon Marriage
I've spent a good bit of time trying to research who my ancestors were. It can be quite difficult to do so, but at least you can count on people having followed the rule that women changed their last name to their husbands upon marriage. The rule could have been the other way around, with men changing their last names. What matters is that 1) families had the same name, and 2) the rule was predictable.
These days, though, things are not predictable. There are numerous possibilities:
- 1. The woman changes her last name;
- 2. The man changes his last name;
- 3. The man and woman hyphenate, in no particular order;
- 4. The man and woman turn one of the last names into a middle name, in no particular order;
- 5. The man and woman each keep their own name;
- 6. The man and woman create a brand new last name.
Rules 3 and 4 are bad, because any couple who combines last names makes it a virtual certainty that their descendants will follow a different rule when they get married someday. (One can't have a string of 4 or 8 last names, after all.) Rules 3 and 4 therefore fail to be predictable. Rule 5 is fine for the couple themselves, but it creates difficulties as to what the children will be called (again, unpredictability rears its head), and it makes it more difficult for future genealogists to figure out whether these two people had anything to do with each other. Rule 6 at least creates a family with the same last name, but it creates a sharp, unpredictable, and possibly unbridgeable break with all prior generations of both families.


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