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A method for rendering a three-dimensional volume onto a two-dimensional image plane partitions translucent portions of the volume as defined by polygons into layers. The layers are sorted in a front-to-back order. A near color buffer is set to a transparent color, and a near depth buffer is set to a near clip surface. Then, the layers are processed in the sorted order by initializing a far color buffer to a background color, initializing a far depth buffer to a far clip surface, drawing a current layer into the far color and depth buffers, and rendering the volume, from the near clip surface to the far clip surface, into the near color and depth buffers. After all of the layers have been processed the far color buffer is reinitialized to the background color, the far depth buffer is reinitialized to the far clip surface, and the volume, from the near clip surface to the far clip surface, is rendered into the near color and depth buffers.
1. A method for rendering a volume data set onto an image plane, wherein the volume data set includes a plurality of three dimensional voxels, comprising the steps of:
defining a beginning clip surface and an ending clip surface;
processing a portion of the volume data set having a predetermined relationship to the beginning clip surface and the ending clip surface;
generating a next beginning clip surface from a result of the processing and from combining the beginning and ending clip surfaces, and generating a next ending clip surface; and
repeating the processing and generating for the next beginning and ending clip surfaces until a termination condition is reached.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein each clip surface is stored in an associated depth buffer as clip depth values.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising:
interpolating the voxels to produce volume samples, where each volume sample has an associated sample depth value.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the predetermined relationship compares the sample depth values and the clip depth values.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the defining, processing, generating, and repeating steps are performed in a front-to-back order.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the defining, processing, generating, and repeating steps are performed in a back-to-front order.
7. The method of claim 2 wherein each depth buffer is associated with a color buffer to store pixel values.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the color buffer associated with the beginning clip surface is initialized to a transparent color, and the color buffer associated with the ending clip surface is initialized to a background color.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the volume includes a plurality of embedded objects.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein at least one of the plurality of embedded objects is translucent.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein a part of the ending clip surface is defined by surfaces of the plurality of embedded objects.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein each of the plurality of embedded objects is specified by polygons, and wherein the polygons are sorted in a depth order to define the ending clip surface.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the volume includes a plurality of volume objects.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein a part of the ending clip surface is defined by a threshold test of opacity of the plurality of embedded volume objects.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein a part of the ending clip surface is defined by a gradient test of magnitude and direction.
16. A method for rendering a three-dimensional volume onto a two-dimensional image plane, comprising the steps of:
partitioning portions of the volume as defined by polygons into a plurality of layers;
sorting the plurality of layers in a front-to-back order;
initializing a near color buffer to a transparent color;
initializing a near depth buffer to a near clip surface; processing each of the plurality of layers by:
initializing a far color buffer to the transparent color;
initializing a far depth buffer to the front clip surface;
drawing a current layer into the far color and depth buffers;
rendering the volume, from the near clip surface to the far clip surface, into the near color and depth buffers, and after processing each of the plurality of layers;
reinitializing the far color buffer to the background color;
reinitializing the far depth buffer to the far clip surface; and
rendering the volume, from the near clip surface to the far clip surface, into the near color and depth buffers.
17. A system for rendering a volume onto an image plane, comprising:
a first depth buffer storing depth values of a beginning clip surface;
a second depth buffer storing depth values of an ending clip surface;
means for processing a portion of the volume having a predetermined relationship to the beginning clip surface and the ending clip surface;
means for generating a next beginning clip surface from a result of the processing and from combining the beginning and ending clip surfaces, and storing a next ending clip surface in the second depth buffer; and
means for repeating the processing and generating for the next beginning and ending clip surfaces until a termination condition is reached.
This invention relates generally to computer graphics, and more particularly, to rendering the interior structures of objects or models.
The field of rendering three-dimensional (3D) objects or synthetic models can be partitioned into two main areas: polygon rendering and volume rendering. Polygon rendering is only concerned with the surface topology, whereas volume rendering also deals with the internal structure of objects or models.
Polygon Rendering
In processors and processes designed for polygon rendering, the surfaces of the object or model are described in terms of polygons, e.g., triangles and lines. These fundamental geometric components are used to generate constituent "fragments" representing the outer surface. A fragment is defined as all information (data) required to render ("draw") a single image pixel that is on the surface, for example, the x and y coordinates of the pixel, the red, green, and blue color values of the pixel, an alpha value representing opacity, depth values, texture coordinates, and the like. Fragments can be blended into a color (or image) buffer before being rendered as pixels.
Volume Rendering
In processors and processes designed for volume rendering, the basic building block is a 3D voxel. Depending on a viewing or projecting orientation (view frustum), voxels can be interpolated to yield volume samples. The interpolated volume samples can be considered to be equivalent to fragments as defined above. Volume rendering produces a base plane, or 2D array of color values, which can be considered equivalent to the image plane. This correspondence makes it easier to integrate polygon rendering with volume rendering and application programming interfaces of commonly used rendering systems.
One natural problem in 3D rendering, polygon or volume, is dealing with how best to represent the third dimension for purposes of comparing positions of objects, determining occlusion, clip, cropping, etc.
Depth in Polygon Rendering
For example, OpenGL, a commonly used graphic rendering tool, stores a single depth (z) value for each pixel located at a planar (x, y) position in the image buffer. There, each fragment is either blended into the image buffer or discarded, depending on a selectable comparison with the corresponding depth of the fragment, and the depth value associated with the corresponding pixel. Normally, the depth comparison operator is less-than, and a depth buffer is initialized with a predetermined background color and depth values. If the depth of the fragment is less than the corresponding depth, then the sample is blended, otherwise the sample is discarded.
In order to accommodate more complex applications, OpenGL allows the selection of any one of eight relational comparisons. For opaque fragments, the comparison operation causes the result to be the same as if the fragments were sorted before being rendered. For example, a less-than comparison selects fragments with smaller depth values and discards those with larger depth values. This is equivalent to sorting the fragments from back (larger depth) to front (smaller depth) with respect to the point of view.
With OpenGL, there is no good way to render translucent, depth-buffered triangles. Opaque triangles can be rendered in any order, and the blending under the control of the depth information provides a well-known method of removing hidden lines and surfaces from the scene. However for translucent triangles, the resulting value of a pixel in the image buffer depends on the order in which the triangles are presented. Therefore, in OpenGL, a common technique for rendering non-opaque geometries (polygons) is to first render opaque triangles, then to sort translucent triangles, and to last render the triangles in a back-to-front order. If two translucent triangles intersect in such a way that each partially occludes the other, then the triangles must first be partitioned into smaller non-occluding triangles before rendering.
In effect, the OpenGL depth buffer defines a dynamic clip surface. The depth buffer separates fragments that are nearer the image plane from those that are farther, making it possible to selectively discard fragments on this basis. Moreover, the depth buffer is dynamically updated during rendering, thereby "moving" the clip surface so that later fragments are handled differently from earlier fragments.
Another known method for rendering translucent polygons does not require the sorting and subdividing of the triangles. Instead, that method uses multiple rendering passes with two depth buffers. The two depth buffers are used to sort the translucent fragments. However, that method cannot be used with OpenGL, because OpenGL only supports a single depth buffer. Other methods sort triangles from front-to-back instead of back-to-front. A front-to-back order is more efficient because this order allows the equivalent of early ray termination, which involves ignoring objects that are occluded by nearer objects. All of these methods basically try to render a set of (initially) unordered triangles as if all of their fragments were rendered back-to-front or front-to-back at each pixel location.
Depth in Volume Rendering
While rendering a volume, it may be better to render front-to-back, rather than back-to-front. Front-to-back allows one to perform early ray termination. However, the difference between the two orders is simply a matter of efficiency: front-to-back order with Under blending should produce the same result as back-to-front order with Over blending. In many cases, the rendering order can be selected on a basis of personal preference. To be consistent with OpenGL, a depth buffer used during volume rendering should affect volume samples the same way that the OpenGL depth buffer affects fragments. The depth of each volume sample should be compared against the corresponding value in the depth buffer, and the color of the sample must then be either blended or discarded, depending on the result of the comparison. The initial values of the color buffer defines a background color or an image of some other object. The initial values must be blended behind the samples that are not discarded.
Complex Volume Rendering
There are many applications where some objects are represented as volumes and other objects are modelled as polygons. It is desired to depict all objects in the same final image. Moreover, these objects may interpenetrate each other. For example, markers, tools, and other objects modelled as polygons may need to be embedded into an object represented as a volume and must be rendered in correct juxtaposition with respect to the volume for any view direction. In an example medical application, a volume object representing a human heart, and another volume object representing the human lungs and bronchia must be rendered onto the same image so that the heart is in correct juxtaposition with respect to the lungs.
Consider the case where an opaque geometry is to be blended during volume rendering. In back-to-front terms, this can be done by first rendering the opaque geometry, then copying the resulting depth image to a depth buffer and base plane. Next, set the depth comparison to less-than, and render the volume from back-to-front. This sequence of operations discards volume samples that are behind the opaque geometry, in other words, volume samples that have depth values greater than or equal to the depth buffer. The Over operation is used to blend samples that are in front, i.e., samples that have depth values that are less than the depth buffer.
The same effect can be achieved with front-to-back volume rendering. Let ZG be a depth buffer, and let CG be a color buffer separate from the base plane. Proceed as follows: Render the opaque geometry using, for example, OpenGL, and copy the resulting image and depth values to CG and ZG, respectively. Next, initialize the base plane to RGBα=0. Follow this step by rendering the volume. For each sample, compare the z-coordinate of the sample's position to the corresponding value in ZG and discard the sample unless the sample passes the less-than test, unless the sample lies strictly in front of the depth buffer ZG. Blend the non-discarded samples into the base plane using the Under operation. As a final step, blend the contents of CG under the base plane, also using the Under operation. This produces the same effect as rendering back-to-front with Over and with the base plane initialized to the opaque geometry color.
These techniques are not restricted to opaque geometry, they can also support a single layer of translucent geometry as follows. Render the geometry in OpenGL. Copy the resulting RGBα and z-values to CG and ZG, respectively. Clear the base plane to RGBα=0. Render the volume as with opaque geometry, discarding all sample values that fail the less-than test against ZG. Continue until all rays terminate, either by failing the depth test, or by becoming opaque, or by reaching the end of the volume, whichever comes first.
Next, blend the contents of CG using the Under operation and store the result back into the base plane. Then in a second pass, do not clear the base plane. Render the volume with depth test greater-or-equal, i.e., discard samples that are in front of the depth buffer and accept those greater than or equal to it while blending with the Under operation. The result is a "sheet" of translucent geometry through the volume. Finally, blend the background color behind the resulting base plane. This can also be done in a single pass. Simply add another z-value test that means "blend geometry now," along with an additional set of blending stages to carry out the blending operation between two samples without losing any cycles.
However, these techniques have serious limitations. A single depth buffer does not support embedded multi-layer translucent (non-opaque) geometries. Some applications are likely to have opaque geometries, e.g., markers or prosthetics in medical applications. Other applications, such as geological surveys, can include embedded fault planes or other translucent geometry and markers. These translucent objects are likely to overlap, producing multiple layers of geometry to blend into the volume. Moreover, there are many possible mixes of opaque and translucent geometries that need to be handled while combining volume objects and polygon objects in the same scene.
Therefore, it is desired to provide a method and system for rendering volumetric objects and models including complex opaque and translucent internal structures.
Provided is a method and apparatus for rendering a three-dimensional volume onto a two-dimensional image plane in such a way that other objects can be embedded into the volume. In the method according to the invention, two depth buffers are employed to define a near clip surface and a far clip surface. Multiple color buffers are also be employed, one corresponding to each clip surface.
The portion of the volume lying between the two clip surfaces is then rendered, with the color and opacity from each ray being initialized from the near color buffer, and the accumulated color and opacity being blended with the far color buffer.
The two clip surfaces and color buffers are then combined and a new clip surface and a new color buffer are generated from the combined result. The portion of the volume lying between the combined clip surface and the next clip surface is rendered in a manner like the previous portion. These steps are repeated until the entire volume is rendered, with color and opacity being accumulated a portion at a time, and combined with the color and opacities of the various color buffers introduced between the portions.
Each color and depth buffer represents part or all of a surface of an object embedded into the volume. By rendering the volume between the surfaces and blending the color and opacity of each surface, a scene comprising a volume with embedded objects is achieved. Moreover, the surfaces of the embedded objects may be translucent, thereby allowing portions of the volume and other occluded objects to show through those surfaces. By these means, complex opaque and translucent structures can be displayed.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a rendering system using the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process used by the system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 diagrams a volume or model between two depth surfaces;
FIG. 4 flow diagram of a process that renders a portion of a volume between clipping surfaces;
FIG. 5 is a schematic of a double comparator circuit to select or discard volume samples during composition; and
FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process according to the invention.
System Structure
In FIG. 1, we show a general environment that can use our invention. A system 100 renders three-dimensional (3D) objects or models onto a two-dimensional (2D) image plane. The system 100 includes a graphic processor 120 connected to a graphic memory 110 by a memory bus 130. The graphic processor 120 is connected to a computer system (CPU) 140 by a general purpose bus 150. The CPU 140 is connected to input and output devices 160 and 170. Input devices can be sources of graphic data and commands to manipulate the data. Output devices can include a display device.
The graphic memory 110 can be allocated to store various types of graphic data. For example, the memory 110 can include a voxel memory 112 and pixel memory (C) 114 to respectively store voxel data and pixel (color) data. Pixel memory is also known as image buffers or color buffers. It should be noted, that portions of the memory 110 can be allocated for other purposes depending on the particular rendering methodology used. For example, a section memory can be used when a volume is rendered a section at the time.
The CPU 140 is conventional. Graphic data and control commands are presented via the input devices 160, and rendered images are presented to the output devices 170. The input data can represent real objects or models. The input data can be acquired by microscopes, cameras, telescopes, scanners, transducers, and the like, or the input data can be generated synthetically to model, for example, physical systems.
The transformation of input data (voxels) to output data (pixels) is performed by the graphic processor 120 described in greater detail below. It should be understood that the functionality of the processor can also be achieved by software processes, although usually at a significantly slower speed.
Multiple Depth Buffers
In accordance with our invention, a portion of the memory 110 is allocated to multiple depth buffers 116, for example a near (or beginning) depth buffer (Zn) 118 and a far (or ending) depth buffer (Zf) 119. The use and advantages of multiple depth buffers 116 will be describe in greater detail below. We use at least two depth buffers to render a three-dimensional graphic object. In effect, the depth buffers define "clip" surfaces that are used to select portions of the object to render. For front-to-back rendering, the near depth buffer defines a beginning clip surface, and the far depth buffer defines an ending clip surface. It should be understood that additional clip surfaces can be defined by adding more depth buffers.
System Operation
We described the general operation of the graphic processor or processes 120 with reference to FIG. 2. As stated above, the functionality of the graphic processor 120 can also be attained by a software process, although in order to achieve high performance, we prefer a hardware implementation. In fact, as a feature, we implement the graphic processor 120 on a single semiconductor chip using parallel data processing pipelines.
As shown in FIG. 2, a pipelined processor or process 200 proceeds as follows. Voxels 201 are first clipped 205 to remove parts of the volume that lie outside of the field of view or view frustum. The remaining sample values 206 are classified and interpolated, and gradients are estimated 210. The order in which the classification, interpolation, and gradient estimation sub-steps are performed may vary for different applications.
In any case, step 210 assigns the color (RGB) and opacity (α) values 211 to the sample values, along with an estimation of the gradient at each sample point. These resulting RGBα values 211 are then illuminated 220 to introduce highlights and shadows, thereby providing a more realistic image of a 3D object. The illumination step 220 may make use of a reflectance map.
Last, the illuminated samples 221 are composited in step 230. This step may also include an optional additional clip step. Compositing refers to the steps of accumulating and blending of color and opacity values at sample points along rays and of assigning this information to pixels 231 of the 2D image.
Introduction to Multiple Depth Buffers
As shown in FIG. 3, each depth buffer 118 and 119 of FIG. 1 defines a corresponding "clip" surface or shape. The near depth buffer 118 defines a near or beginning clip surface 318, and the far depth buffer 119 defines a far or ending clip surface 319. The object includes opaque portions 310 shown as solids, and translucent portions 320 shown shaded. The near and far clip surfaces define how the volume 300 is to be rendered.
As an advantage, our invention enables the rendering of portions of the object having drastically different characteristics and arbitratry geometric configurations, for example, interpenetrating objects. Portions of the volume can be clipped out so they are excluded from the rendering. In addition, our invention allows us to integrate polygon and volume rendering techniques.
The General Method
FIG. 4 shows the steps of the general volume rendering method according to our invention. Step 410 defines a beginning clip surface and an ending clip surface. A portion of the volume having a predetermined relationship to the beginning clip surface and the ending clip surface is processed in step 420. Step 430 generates a next beginning clip surface by combining the beginning and ending clip surfaces. Step 430 also generates a next ending clip surface. Step 440 repeats the processing and generating for the next beginning and ending clip surfaces until a termination condition is reached.
Double Comparison
FIG. 5 shows the means for determining the relationship between the portion of the volume and the two clip surfaces during the processing of the portion. The means include two relational comparators 510 and 520. The comparators are for comparing the depth of each volume sample stored in the voxel memory 112 against the depth values in depth buffers 118 and 119. If both tests pass (AND 530), render the sample; otherwise, discard it. We can also provide a mode (OR 540) to render the sample if either test passes. The mode (AND/OR) can be selected by multiplexer 550. The predetermined relational operators can be less than, equal to, greater than, or combinations thereof, or render always or render never.
Having multiple depth buffers opens up a number of opportunities to render scenes with combinations of polygon geometry and volume objects that are far more complex than can be achieved with, say, traditional texture-based volume rendering. Moreover, we make it possible to render in real-time. We now describe the method in greater detail for a particular sample application as shown in FIG. 6. Variations for other applications are given below.
Processing Depth Information in Multiple Depth Buffers
Step 610 initializes a near color buffer (Cn) to a transparent color, e.g., transparent black (RGBα=0). Step 620 initializes the near (beginning) depth buffer (Zn) to the near clip surface, i.e., what will be the front plane of the view frustum.
Clip surfaces can be defined in a number of ways. For example, with Open GL, the application may sort the polygons into layers in order to define a clip surface. With other methods, the clip surfaces are defined in the volume. Opacity or gradient thresholds can be used to find surfaces of embedded objects.
Then, for each clip surface (630), perform steps 641-644. The far color buffer (Cf) is initialized to the clip surface. Initialize the far depth buffer (Zf) to the depth of the far clip surface. Render the portion of the volume by selecting only those samples with depth values greater than or equal to the near clip surface and less than the far clip surface. Combine the result (accumulated RGBα values) in the near color and depth buffers, and repeat for the next clip surface.
When a termination condition is reached, for example, the entire volume has been rendered, step 650 writes out the near color buffer to the image. It should be noted that each clip surface need not cover the entire image plane. For each pixel not covered by a clip surface, the corresponding depth values of the far clip surface should be set to values less than that of the near clip surface. By this technique, parts of the volume not covered by a particular clip surface are not selected during rendering.
A number of applications of our general method are now described. For example, our invention with two depth buffers makes it possible to clip a volume against an arbitrary 3D surface. We also make it possible to embed arbitrarily complex translucent geometry into a volume using a multi-pass algorithm. By including the capability to write to multiple depth buffers, e.g., upon the exit from a surface of the volume, it also becomes possible to render multiple interpenetrating volume objects in the same scene. This is useful, for example, when rendering the heart and the lungs as separate objects, but so that they appear in proper juxtaposition with respect to each other.
Clipping to Arbitrary Surfaces
Let Zn and Zf be the two depth buffers 118 and 119, respectively. We can arbitraritly clip to some 3D surface as follows. Render the front facing polygons to Zn, and the back facing polygons to Zf. Then, select the depth mode to render samples that pass both (logical AND) a greater-than test on Zn and a less-than test on Zf. This can be done with the circuit of FIG. 5. As a result, sample points are rendered only if they are between Zn and Zf. Note that each ray can terminate as soon as its z-coordinate reaches Zf.
We can also clip an arbitrary 3D surface out of the interior of the volume 300. Render the front facing polygons to Zn, and the back facing polygons to Zf, as before. Then, select the depth mode to render samples that pass either a less-than test on Zn or a greater-than test on Zf, (logical OR). As a result, sample points are only rendered when they are outside Zf and Zn.
Note, the depth comparison tests can be done at the beginning of the pipeline 200, and at the compositing stage 230. This allow us to skip voxels whose dependent samples will be clipped out by the depth test later in the pipeline 200. Skipping voxels decreases memory accesses.
Embedding Multi-Layered Translucent Geometry
In order to embed arbitrary translucent geometry into a volume, it is first necessary to divide the geometry into layers, such that in each layer there is only one depth value per layer per pixel. The number of layers needed is no more than one plus the worst-case depth complexity of the translucent geometry. Typically, this number is small. The back layer includes the opaque scene background. Later, we will describe methods for generating the layers from arbitrary geometry.
There is a set of depth buffers ZGn, and corresponding image or color buffers RGBαGn. Together, these are called depth images. Let Z1 and Z2 be the two depth buffers, and let C1 and C2 be two color buffers. As we will see, C1 is the base plane. Now, clear C1 to RGB=0, and set Z1 to the front clip surface, either the front clip surface of the view frustum or to a more general clip surface. Now set Z2←ZG0 and set C2←RGBG0. Render the volume from front-to-back to C1, using Under, and discarding samples that are not between Z1 and Z2. This renders the samples that are inside the view frustum and are in front of ZG0. When this rendering is complete, blend C1 with C2 using Under, leaving the result in C2.
Set Z1←Z2 and C1←C2. Then, set Z2←ZG1 and C2←RGBαG1, and render the volume again. This renders the samples that are between ZG0 and ZG1, blending them under the previous samples and the first layer of geometry. Repeat for each geometry layer. This blends each geometry layer in turn into its place in the volume. The final geometry layer is the background, which must be opaque.
This multi-pass process can be implemented such that it is nearly as fast as simply rendering the geometry and rendering the volume. If we use front-to-back rendering with ray termination and space leaping, then we process a minimum number of samples that are in front of the near depth buffer.
Note that this process, like the clipping process above, assumes that each sample is a single point, which is either in front, behind, or coincident with the depth value specified in the depth buffer. It is possible to view each sample as a region, e.g., a "cube of jelly" or some other shape, and treat the depth value as if it bisects the sample region. This can provide a degree of anti-aliasing at the clipping boundaries of the geometry.
Multiple Volume Objects in Same Scene
By adding the capability of writing to multiple depth buffers, we make it possible to render multiple interpenetrating volume objects in the same scene. We make the assumption, however, that no two volume objects have non-transparent values for the same voxel position. That is, volumes may interpenetrate each other only in the other's empty space, although a small amount of overlap will be correctly handled as described below.
We do this with a multi-pass process that does not require sorting the volume objects beforehand.
First, initialize Z1 to the front clip surface, as above, and clear C1 to RGBα=0. Initialize Z2 to the back of all of the volumes and C2 to the background color. Then, render each of the volume objects in some order as follows.
Accept only samples between Z1 and Z2, blend samples along rays using Under, but keep the results in an compositing buffer. Using a gradient or α-threshold test, detect the back surface of each volume along each ray. Wherever a surface is detected at a sample point along a ray, terminate that ray. Test the z-coordinate of that sample against Z2; if it is less than the corresponding depth value in Z2, then replace the depth value in Z2 with the z-coordinate and replace the color value in C2 with the accumulated color for that ray from the compositing buffer. Repeat for the next volume object, until all volume objects have been thus rendered. Finally, blend C1 with C2, leaving the result in C2.
This marks the end of the first pass. The resulting Z2 and C2 reflect the front-most rear-facing surfaces of the combined scene. That is for any ray, its depth value in Z2 is the exit point of that ray from the back of the object nearest to the viewer, and C2 is the accumulated color up to that point. By rendering all of the objects, the parts of each rear surface nearest the viewer are extracted and captured in C2 and Z2.
For the next pass, set set Z1←Z2 and C1←C2. Then, set Z2 to the back of all of the volumes and C2 to the background color. Repeat the steps above for each volume object again. Looking only at the samples behind Z1. This pass extracts the next rear facing surface and captures it in Z2 and C2. It then blends the result with the previous accumulated C1.
Repeat these passes until nothing more is accumulated in C2 and Z2. The combined scene now captures all of the volumes in their appropriate juxtaposition with respect to each other, regardless of rendering order and translucency. For example, this method can be used to render the heart and the lungs as separate objects and have them appear in the right place in the scene, no matter what the view angle. If rendering also includes the ability to resample, then the volume objects do not even have to be registered with each other or have the same voxel spacing.
The above process approximates the correct result even if there is some overlap between non-transparent portions in the two volumes. Along a ray, the process composites together each contiguous non-transparent region within a volume into a single RGBα value at the back surface of the non-transparent region, and then sorts and composites these intermediate values. Therefore, if two volumes have a slight overlap of nontransparent regions, the overlapping voxels will not occlude each other properly, but will both be represented in the final image.
The fields where the present invention can be used are numerous, including medical imaging, structural engineering, geology, astrophysics, weather modeling, and many others. We used specific terms and examples. It is to be understood that various other adaptations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is the object of the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
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Stapleford Granary, Stapleford, Cambridge, is the new home of the ACE Foundation and ACE Cultural Tours. These beautiful 19th century farm buildings are being converted into a study centre for music, the arts and culture. The plan includes two performance/ exhibition areas as well as smaller classrooms, workshops and community spaces. The former Granary, with its excellent acoustics enhanced by the Douglas fir flooring and local gault brick walls, will make a wonderful recital and lecture hall. In addition to its long-established and highly regarded music education activities, ACE is developing a full programme of courses, lectures and events covering art, literature, history, archaeology and natural history, all to be held at Stapleford Granary.
Set in sweeping rural landscape, Stapleford Granary is an inspiring space for a broad range of educational activities for all age groups. The tranquillity of the site, together with its accessibility, make Stapleford Granary ideal for those wishing to escape the hectic rush of the everyday in order to develop and learn. It is a place where anyone with artistic or cultural interests – from beginner to top expert – will feel at home.

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Speaker Series Committee
Mission Statement
The Speaker Series Committee invites experts in the mathematical sciences to give talks targeted to graduate students and upper-level undergraduate students in mathematics and its applications in other disciplines. One aim of the series is to enrich the mathematical community of the University of Oregon by providing a forum for the discussion of mathematics and its practice from a feminist perspective. Another aim is to spark interest in mathematics, particularly among members of groups who are under-represented in higher levels of mathematics. The diversity of the speakers, in biography, pedagogy, and research, will foster a more inclusive idea of mathematical community
Committee Chair
Max Kutler
Graduate Teaching Fellow
2013-2014 Committee Chair: Safia Chettih
Distinguished Speaker Series
The Speaker Series is able to provide support for one speaker per term to give two talks. Collectively, the talks will cover, as much as possible, material which is accessible to graduate students, material accessible to advanced undergraduates, and issues of importance to females in the mathematical sciences.
Spring 2015 Distinguished Speaker
Lan-Hsuan Huang
Why are soap bubbles round? (Abstract)
(accessible to undergraduates)
Thursday, May 7, 2015
3:00 pm
Deady 102
A tour to the Positive Mass Theorem and beyond (Abstract)
Friday, May 8, 2015
4:00 pm
Deady 208
Previous Speakers
The committee has had the pleasure of hosting the following distinguished speakers:
Rachel Pries, Fall 2013 (Abstracts)
Talithia Williams, Winter 2014 (Abstracts)
Julie Bergner, Spring 2014 (Abstracts)
Christine Escher, Fall 2014 (Abstract 1 and Abstract 2)
Ursula Whitcher, Winter 2015 (Poster)


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• Further plunging into the deep crevices of the Marvel Universe, her quest for Cape Crow becomes murkier, as the hit is not what it seems.
• Will Elektra do what she's never done before--and protect the mark?
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This week in rumor land, we wonder if Amazon is feeling the heat from Google's Nexus 7. Also, is Kinect coming to the car? Could BlackBerry out-pixel the iPhone's Retina Display?
The great German airships flew the rich and famous around the world. But when catastrophe struck in Lakehurst, N.J., 35 perished and the era of luxurious travel by dirigible was over.
This was no balloon for a birthday party or a Thanksgiving parade. The Echo II put the bounce in early satellite communications.
Thailand has a less than positive experience with using an airship to counter its southern insurgency.
Don't care to spend $500 for a ride in a zeppelin? This audio slideshow is a much cheaper way to get some of the sights and sounds of the new airship.
We've offered more than 99 pennies in reward money as a challenge to the first person who can make some e-salt that will stop the snail robots from taking over our planet. Of course, running would probably also work as they are snails.
Got a spare thousand clams, an iPod and a penchant for dirigibles? Well then, B&W's Zeppelin was made for you.
With looks this good, who cares what it sounds like?
Air Genie video airship


text:
During normal laboratory hours the interpretation should be available within 20 minutes of specimen receipt. Exceptions may occur if orientation and dissection of a large specimen is necessary, or if multiple specimens are submitted at one time.
Back to Lab Test Directory Index
Professional Information
Accreditations and Certifications
Critical Call List (PDF)
Specimen Collection/Containers
Testing Turnaround
Laboratory Services
Client Services
Cytopathology Services
Laboratory Services
Phlebotomy Services
Lab Test Directory
Search Test Directory
Donations to UW Health are managed by the University of Wisconsin Foundation, a publicly supported charitable organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.


text:
Eagles' Jackson Thinks Team Needs Support
By Sports Talk Florida
News Desk
Follow @ SportsTalkFLA
News Desk
Follow @ SportsTalkFLA
Source: Darin Gantt, NBC Sports Pro Football Talk
Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson thinks the fans can help the team turn things around by being more positive.
"[We need] everybody in the stands really encouraging instead of the opposite," Jackson said, via Rueben Frank of CSNPhilly.com. "Trying to get that energy to be on our side. I feel like it's against us sometimes."
Tags: Philadelphia Eagles


text:
Bladder Cancer Team
See Also: Bladder Cancer
- Lammers, Philip, M.D., M.S.C.I.
Assistant Professor at Meharry Medical College; Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor at Vanderbilt University; Hematologist/Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
- Derleth, Christina L., M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine; Clinical Director, Urologic Oncology; Medical Oncologist
- Morgans, Alicia K., M.D.
Assisstant Professor of Medicine; Medical Oncologist
- Hameed, Omar, M.D.
Associate Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Urologic Surgery; Pathologist
Radiation Oncologist
- Kirschner, Austin, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor; Radiation Oncologist
- Malcolm, Arnold W., M.D., MBA, FACR
Professor of Radiation Oncology; Radiation Oncologist
- Shinohara, Eric, M.D., MSCI
Associate Professor; Medical Director, Department of Radiation Oncology; Radiation Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Urologic Surgeon/Oncologist
- Barocas, Daniel A., M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Urologic Surgery; Urologic Surgeon/Oncologist
- Chang, Sam S., M.D.
Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Urologic Surgery; Urologic Surgeon/Oncologist
- Clark, Peter E., M.D.
Professor of Urologic Surgery; Program Director, Department of Urologic Surgery; Urologic Oncologist
- Penson, David F., M.D., M.P.H.
Chair, Department of Urologic Surgery ; Paul V. Hamilton, MD and Virginia E. Howd Professor of Urologic Oncology; Co-Leader, Cancer Health Outcomes and Control Research Program ; Director, Center for Surgical Quality and Outcomes Research; Urologic Surgeon/Oncologist
- Resnick, Matthew J., M.D.
Assistant Professor of Urologic Surgery; Urologic Surgeon/Oncologist
- Smith, Joseph A., Jr., M.D.
William L. Bray Professor of Urologic Surgery; Urologic Surgeon/Oncologist


text:
Career Center
Take Admission Test(s)
GRE (www.ets.org/gre)
General Test is computerized only
Computer-based TestingCenters – http://etsis4.ets.org/tcenter
Local Computer Testing Site:
- Sylvan Learning Center, 2211 Mack Blvd (off Lehigh Street), Allentown, PA, (610) 791-5320
Subject Tests (paper-based)
Paper-based Testing Centers – http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem
Local Paper Testing Site:
• L.E. Dieruff High School, Allentown, PA
GMAT (www.mba.com/mba) - This test is computerized only
Local Computer Testing Site:
• Sylvan Learning Center, 2211 Mack Blvd (off Lehigh Street), Allentown, PA
(610) 791-5320
• Schedule an appointment online, by phone, or by mail
Phone: 800-GMAT-NOW (800-462-8669) or 800-529-3590 (if using TTY)
LSAT (www.lsac.org)
2007-2008 Test Dates: September 29, 2007; December 1, 2007; February 2, 2008
(there are additional dates available for individuals who observe the Saturday Sabbath)
Booklets are available in the Career Center or from Dr. Alton Slane, Pre-Law Advisor, Ettinger 308. Please consult the booklet, call (215) 968-1001 or visit their website for registration information and testing sites.
MCAT (www.aamc.org/mcat)
Various test sites in PA and in the U.S.
Booklets are available from Lori Provost, Health Professions Advisor, Seegers Union, lower level (through the Career Center.) Please consult the booklet, call MCAT Program Office at (319) 337-1357, or visit their website for more registration information.
MILLER ANALOGIES TEST (www.milleranalogies.com)
Consult website for information on scheduling and testing locations. Testing sites may change.
PRAXIS (www.ets.org/praxis)
Now offered as paper-based and computer-based tests. Consult the website for details
2400 W. Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18104-5586
Ph: (484) 664-3170 Fax: (484) 664-3533
Return to the Career Center homepage.
Last Revised March 25, 2008
Questions and comments? Send e-mail to email@example.com


text:
Four Day Frankfurt to Munich - Romantic Road, Hohenschwangau, Neuschwanstein
4-day tour from Frankfurt to Munich with private hotel accommodation
Enjoy the scenic landscapes along the Romantic Road and the magnificent countryside of Bavaria
- Explore the romantic German cities of Rothenburg, Heidelberg and Munich
- Explore Neuschwanstein Castle built by the fairy-tale King Ludwig
Transport by air-conditioned coach
What You Can Expect
Visit the 'Jewel of the Middle Ages' - Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Rothenburg above the Tauber). A picturesque city, located 425 meters above sea level, on a plateau at the intersection of the Romantic and Castle Roads, this once free imperial city is one of Germany's most frequented towns. The Tauber River flows below the town in a valley 180 feet (55 meters) deep.
Enjoy the sites and the countryside at your own pace. This independent multi-day package is a combination of guaranteed scheduled coach services with additional features like transfers, hotel accommodation and sightseeing tours. Please read the itinerary below for full details.
Day 1: Frankfurt - Heidelberg - Frankfurt (L)
Depart Frankfurt and start your tour with a half-day trip to Heidelberg, the old university town at the banks of the Neckar River, including a visit of the inner courtyard of the castle. Lunch box is provided. After returning to Frankfurt, the rest of the day in free for you to explore on your own.
Overnight: InterCityHotel or similar.
Day 2: Frankfurt - Rothenburg (B)
Depart from Frankfurt for a picturesque drive through the Spessart mountains to Wuerzburg, on the banks of the river Main. Continue on the Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany's well-preserved 'Jewel of the Middle Ages' with its ramparts, city gates, town hall and Jakobskirche (church). The altar was created by the famous wood-carver Tilmann Riemenschneider. Upon arrival in Rothenburg, a taxi will take you to your hotel. In the afternoon or evening please join the city walk with a local guide or the historic Night Watchman in Rothenburg.
Overnight: Hotel Spitzweg or similar.
Day 3: Rothenburg - Hohenschwangau (B)
After breakfast, you will have time to spend at leisure. Around noon, a taxi will meet you at your hotel and take you to the bus stop. Your coach drives along the Romantic Road passing such picturesque places as Dinkelsbuehl, Noerdlingen and Donauwoerth, with high-gabled houses and cobbled-stone streets. Via Augsburg, a metropolis during the Roman times and famous for old trade dynasties during the Middle Ages, you reach Hohenschwangau in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel Muller or similar.
Day 4: Hohenschwangau - Munich (B)
In the morning your tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle will be waiting for you at your hotel's front desk. Visit the famous 'Cinderella Castle', built by King Ludwig II before concluding your tour in Munich at approximately 7pm.
Customer Reviews
August 2013
Very special. Overnight stay in Rothenburg wonderful, especially as all the day trippers have left. Time to walk the town, do the Night Watchman's Tour and walk the wall which surrounds the village. Simply lovely overnight stay in Hohenschwangau and despite huge numbers of people tour of Neuschwanstein Castle extremely well organised and orderly. Very pretty spot. Although there are short stops along the way bus trip from Rothenburg to Hohenschwangau a very long day.
June 2013
My friend and I had a wonderful time on this tour. The stops are lovely and the hotels very clean and comfortable. The time allotted to each place is perfect!


text:
Poll: What is your tolerance for high school football coaches using inappropriate language?
In the wake of the suspension of Jensen Beach High School football coach John Fey, you can vote on the poll to the left.
Can't see the poll? Click here.
Subscribe to TCPalm
Ready to subscribe to TCPalm? Choose between a Premium or Digital subscription below.
Need Help? Call us at 1-877-710-6180.
Monday-Friday: 6am-3pm / Saturday: 6:30am-10:30am / Sunday: 7am-11am


text:
Introducing a Place of Liberating Experiences
A vibrant mixed development connected to Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh MRT station via a 75m direct link bridge, with easy accessibility to major expressways. SqWhere contain a 31-storey SOVO Tower, 35-storey Service Apartment Tower and Retail Offices. Created to be the One Place that fits Different Personalities, each unit is designed to maximises space usability and comes with modern furnishing and large windows to optimise natural sunlight penetration and ventilation.
Meticulous planning in landscape design to offer a series of experiences at the turn of every corner, and in-depth research in building facilities to ensure aesthetic beauty and functional ease. This is where you find the freedom to have your own space, to mingle with your friends and family, and to soar in your career.
We bring you closer
One Place.
Different Personalities.
Welcome to a vibrant development consisting of Retail Offices, SOVOs and Service Apartments, with artistic yet calming landscapes on different levels to provide you a series of life experiences.
Lines that Unite
Direct link bridge to MRT and immediate connections to PLUS / NKVE / LDP / MRR2 / SPRINT / Guthrie Corridor.
Thoughtfully created SOVO space, sized from 549 to 1,044 sq ft to meet a whole range of flexible criteria.
In Perfect Harmony
Secret Passage – beautiful landscape, with pebbled walkway.
Garden Lounge – secluded pavilions among lush greenery to inspire, or for you to spend quality time.
Garden SqWhere - immaculate lawn surrounded by a lap pool, hydrotherapy pool, children's fun pool and play area.
Retail SqWhere – lavish garden setting with sheltered avenues, water features and beautiful sculptures. Shop, dine and entertain with a refreshing difference!


text:
Siri's Bad Behavior, Facebook Camera, And Sir Jony Ive On Our Newest CultCast
Samuel L. Jackson may love Siri, but are every-day users as smitten? Find out what we think on our latest CultCast.
And someone call King Arthur, Jony Ive just got knighted. But is he ready to protect the realm?
All that and our thoughts on Facebook's new Camera app on The CultCast! Subscribe now on iTunes and read on for our show notes.
Our Stories This Week
We'd like to thank Audible for sponsoring this episode of The CultCast – get your free audio book at Audiblepodcast.com/CultCast.
- This Police Chief Sent Out Ten Of His Officers To Find His Son's Stolen iPhone
- Here's the One iPhone prank everyone needs to know about (no link, you'll have to listen!)
- Jony Ive Receives Knighthood At Buckingham Palace After His Most Revealing Interview Yet
- Facebook's New Camera App Is Pretty Much A Bullet In The Head For Instagram
- Apple Now Airing New Siri Ads Featuring Actor John Malkovich, "Joke" And "Life" [Video]
- Faves & Raves – we pitch our favorite gear and apps then vote which wins the glory!


text: c.1300, demeyne (modern spelling by late 15c.), from Anglo-French demesne, demeine, Old French demaine "land held for a lord's own use," from Latin dominicus "belonging to a master," from dominus "lord." Re-spelled by Anglo-French legal scribes under influence of Old French mesnie "household" (and the concept of a demesne as "land attached to a mansion") and their fondness for inserting -s- before -n-. Essentially the same word as domain.


text:
The Book
How to Build a Successful Virtual Assistant Business
By Janice Byer and Elayne Whitfied- Parr
Virtual Assistants are new to the business world. One of the professions made possible by the web, they are a growing segment of resources for the small and solo business owner. This book gives anyone who thinks they want to be a virtual assistant, the opportunity to get the basics down. The section on 'How to Know if you are Cut out to be a VA" is one of the most important sections for anyone to read. This book gives you the good and the bad to think about. One thing they left out is do you like people? Having personally gone through the process of hiring a VA (I have a great one now, if you want her number, contact me) I learned that many of the VA's did not appear to like people, much less want to serve them. I think they should have added that in. They cover what you need, business plans and how specialty industries require specialty services. This is a great section; it really helps a new VA get on track with their different clients.
I am a little surprised that they list a typewriter and a rolodex as things you need. I wonder if anyone under 30 even knows what a rolodex is. There are some tips about working from home and working the VA business part time. It's important to learn balance and how to get it all done. They list organizations you can join and where to get ongoing education. While they do not specifically note a successful business revenue model to use, if you take a cue from this book, there is a lot of money in the education of VA's. After all, you can only work so many hours a day.
This book is a California 8!
For more information visit http://www.howtobuildavirtualasisstantbusiness.com
Visit Dr. Wright at Wright Place TV Show


text:
Trishul has been in development since 1983. First
test firing took place in 1991, and the manufacturer declared test firings
completed by 1998. The armed forces, however, rejected the missile, as not
ready for service. So development continued, until 2003, when the project was
cancelled. But the project, which has cost nearly $200 million so far, had
political friends. Development was allowed to continue, even though neither the
army or the navy wants it. The missile has a range of some nine kilometers, and
has suffered mainly from persistent reliability problems, particularly with its
guidance system.
� 1998 -
2015 StrategyWorld.com. All rights Reserved. StrategyWorld.com, StrategyPage.com, FYEO, For Your Eyes Only and Al Nofi's CIC are all trademarks of StrategyWorld.com Privacy Policy


text:
English Language Institute
The English Language Institute of Post University is staffed by highly qualified instructors who have advanced certification and degrees in teaching English as a Second Language. They have lived or taught in other countries or have learned other languages. The program offers courses designed to support the second language learner in a variety of learning levels and content areas. Our focus is to help students increase their English language proficiency and provide the necessary foundation for academic success in the University.
Students whose native language is not English who apply to the University are given an ESL placement test to determine their level of proficiency in the language. Students placed in the ESL program take ESL courses that range from beginner to advanced level. Students may take up to 12 units of ESL courses for credit towards their degree, and additional courses are offered for students in need of further language training. Students who achieve advanced English language proficiency may begin taking regular courses upon completion of an English exit exam and upon recommendation by the ELI faculty.
Students with a Test on English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 79 on the Internet Based Test (iBT), or alternatively, a 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may enroll in regular courses in the university. Students with lower or no test scores will take the English placement test to determine whether and where they should start courses in the ESL program.*
*PLEASE NOTE: Beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, a TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet Based Test (iBT), or 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) will be required.
The program also offers students the support of the following departments:
The Post University Learning Center provides tutoring services in a wide range of subjects to students who feel they would benefit from some one-on-one assistance. The Learning Center also reinforces classroom instruction and enriches subject content through access to multimedia equipment, including Internet-based educational programs, computer-assisted instruction, and educational instruction via CD-ROM and video programs.
The Post University Writing Center works with students to refine their organization, critical thinking, grammar, structure, and style skills so they can produce quality written and presentation materials. Second language students will benefit from personalized instruction in writing and revising written assignments and assistance in writing research papers.
Students who apply to the University are given an English placement test to determine their level of proficiency in the language. Students placed in the ESL program take ESL courses that range from beginner to advanced level. Students may take up to 12 units of ESL courses for credit towards their degree, and additional courses are offered for students in need of further language training.
|English Orientation
|An introductory English course for new international students. Instruction and activities include basic English (grammar, listening, speaking, reading, writing), an orientation to the facilities and culture of the University, and general academic skills in preparation for future classes. Offered in the summer.
|English Communication Skills
|3 Credits
|A multi-level English course emphasizing all skill groups: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Instruction emphasizes the use of English in academic and social contexts and provides a comprehensive introduction to the language in preparation for further English study.
|English Writing and Resources
|3 Credits
|An intermediate to high-intermediate level English course emphasizing standard written English and designed to prepare students for academic assignments in future University courses. Students improve their language proficiency through grammar and editing exercises, paragraphs, short essays, and research assignments. Students use library, internet, video, and other media sources to research various topics and prepare short and long reports.
|Speech and Comprehension
|3 Credits
|An intermediate to high-intermediate level English course focusing on speech and pronunciation skills in tandem with listening and reading comprehension skills. Stories, articles, tapes, videos, and class observations are used to build vocabulary, reinforce grammar skills, and introduce idioms. Dialogues, tapes, drills, and speeches help students practice north American English pronunciation and intonation patterns.
|American Culture and History
|1.5 Credits
|An introductory course that focuses on the knowledge and skills that students need to become integrated into American society. This information and these skills will include speaking, listening, media literacy, computer-mediated communication, cultural sensitivity, workplace communication, group dynamics, and critical thinking.
|1.5 Credits
|International students qualified for a university scholarship are placed according to interest and abilities in various Post University offices for a 100 hour/semester internship. Students will meet as a class once a week to discuss their experiences, share questions, and journal observations.
|Advanced Writing
|3 Credits
|An advanced level English course emphasizing written English skills. Students learn fine points of grammar, standard academic essay form, and strategies for editing their work independently.
|Advanced Reading
|3 Credits
|An advanced level English course focusing on reading skills. Students read authentic short stories, novels, poetry, and articles to build vocabulary, reinforce grammar skills, and improve overall fluency.
|Discussion Seminar
|3 Credits
|An advanced level English course emphasizing listening and speaking skills. Students work independently and together to prepare debates, speeches, and group discussions on various topics. This course is designed to prepare students for active participation in other academic classes.
|Special Topics
|3 Credits
|An advanced level English course that focuses on a specific content area as determined by both the program director and student interest. Students will be expected to research, discuss, and write extensively in the designated subject area of interest.
Students will be required to meet weekly with an assigned peer tutor to practice skills learned in the classroom. Tutors will assist students one-on-one with homework and projects, practice the students in conversational skills, and provide an additional point of contact for learning about the University community and American culture.
Dr. Ruby Parker
Academic Program Manager, TESOL/ELI
Post University
800 Country Club Road
Waterbury, CT 06723


text:
*No Images of:
Magnolia grandiflora 'Glen St. Mary'
See Related Images
Magnolia grandiflora 'Glen St. Mary'
See Related Images
Magnolia grandiflora
'Glen St. Mary'
General Notes
Utility friendly tree. Branches droop but resist breakage. Has fragrant flower.
A Magnolia grandiflora in Sutter Creek is registered as a California Big Tree. It measures 80 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 180 inches and a crown spread of 72 feet.
List all Magnoliaceae | Magnolia
- Magnolia grandiflora 'Glen St. Mary' - Magnoliaceae
- Habit:
Has Evergreen foliage.
- Shape: Conical or Oval
- Sunset Zones: 4 - 12 and 14 - 24
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 - 9
- Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Water Needs: Wet but Well Drained Soil
- Soil Type: Clay, Loam or Sand
- Soil pH: Acidic to Alkaline
- Salt Spray Tolerance: Moderate
- Height: 25 feet
- Growth Rate: 12 to 24 Inches per Season
- Landscape Use: Specimen, Container, Screen or Street Tree, Espalier
- Leaves: Elliptic Green. No Change in Fall. Evergreen.
- Flowers: Showy, Fragrant, White. Flowers in Spring or Summer. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).
- Fruit: Red or Brown
- Pest & Disease: Susceptible to Scales, Weevil and Borer, Leaf Spot, Leaf Blight, Scab, Mildew, Canker and Verticillium
- Shading Capacity: Rated as Dense to Very Dense in Leaf
- Litter Issue: Fruit and Leaves
- Root Damage Potential: Rated as Low
Cite This Page:
SelecTree. "Magnolia grandiflora Tree Record." 1995-2015. Jun 30, 2015.
< http://selectree.calpoly.edu/treedetail.lasso?rid=848 >
*No warranties or guarantees as to the accuracy of the data and information derived from this web site are expressed or implied. The California Polytechnic State University and the Cal Poly Corporation shall not be responsible for any loss of profit, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of the use of the data and information derived from this web site.


text:
Renting outside of
You may prefer to visit one of our worldwide web sites
Country site
Hobart and Surrounds
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and sits amongst hills, bushland and water. The Derwent river is situated on one side of the city and is a great place to kayak or laze away the day by the shore. Salamanca Square is the place to sample Tasmania's wonderful food and wine or you can soak up the nautical vibe of Hobart's first suburb, Battery Point. Take a drive to the summit of one of Hobart's mountains and explore the glorious views from atop. Mt Nelson is a 10 minute drive from Hobart city or for a more panoramic view, take a 30 minute drive through alpine forest to Mt Wellington. Discover history and learn about life as a mid-19th century prisoner at the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula. Then stay at nearby Woodbridge and walk the sweeping beaches of Tasman National Park.
Budget has Australia's largest fleet of truck and commercial vehicles ranging from Utes, Mini-Buses and Moving Vans you can drive with a car licence, through to Tautliners, Tippers and Prime Movers. With over 240 locations Australia wide you are never far from a pick-up point or friendly service. Budget makes DIY moving easy. Budget's moving vans can be driven on a regular driving licence and also has a wide range of moving accessories available including trolleys, hydraulic lifters, packing blankets, boxes, mattress protectors, packing tape and bubble wrap.
Phone Reservation
1300 362 848


text:
I'll take it, Rick.
You've got it, Tom.
Life is like a dogsled team. If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes.
Nice! If it's anything like my Fujiwara, it's going to be a wicked little knife. I plan on trying it out, the giving it to my friend who loves J-knives, but doesn't own ANY, yet.


text:
Following this year's theme of PUSH, the executive committee has kept this in mind for our general members and the greater campus community.
Black Student Government Conference (Big XII)
- If you haven't already and you are interested in learning more about what it takes to become a leader as well as networking with other black student organization leaders around the country, apply for attending the conference this year. More information and the application is at www.tc.umn.edu/~bsu/resources.html !
Black History Month
- This year's Black History Month will take a new outlook on our history and how the message may be spread throughout campus. There will be a news article on this in the upcoming weeks so make sure to stay updated.
Ebony Ball
- With spring semester rolling around, Black Student Union's most fabled event, Ebony Ball, will be coming later in the semester. Stay tuned for further information on this spectacular event!


text:
Info & Phones News Reviews › Forum
Replying to: Qchat vs. iDEN by motoman117
a few phones that i have seen with Qchat are really nice but, the coverage is not all that good for the PTT..and i like Direct Talk. just a nice thing to have i hope sprint will put it on there phones. but i would stay on Nextel Iden for as long as they have it witch i hope its a long time. but if they dont keep it i would go to Qchat as long as it is just as fast as Iden.
- Re: Qchat vs. iDEN by jrfdsf2
- Re: Qchat vs. iDEN by KennyJ19


text:
Brennan leaves office, stays in state house
Published: Nov 29 2012 07:00:00 PM EST Updated On: Nov 30 2012 07:02:58 PM EST
A local state lawmaker who's charged with beating his wife and driving drunk is staying in politics.
Lehigh and Northampton County State Representative Joseph Brennan has left office, the current state legislature finished up Friday.
Brennan is taking on a new job in the state House Democratic caucus.
Brennan declined to run for reelection after an incident in August.
He punched and choked his wife at his Fountain Hill home and then drove drunk, police said.
He faces a trial on charges of assault and DUI. It's his second DUI charge in two years.
Copyright 2012 WFMZ. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
HSBC "lift" by Grey London
Agency: Grey London
Rating: 5.0
By Sara Kimberley, campaignlive.co.uk, Monday, 13 September 2010 11:25AM
The app is the first Dare has created for Penguin Books since picking up the business earlier this month after a pitch.
The myFry app for iPhone and iPod touch will allow users to explore Fry's autobiography, The Fry Chronicles, by choosing the parts of the book they want to read though an interactive index.
The app will include categorises such as people, subjects, feelings and Fry-isms. Users will also be able to see which sections they've read and store them in their favourites.
Fry said: "The app is wonderful - really striking and original."
Flo Heiss, Dare creative partner, said: "MyFry is a really beautiful development of the classic way of interrogating a book through its index.
"What we've been able to do is take the index one step further, using colour, intelligent design and interactivity to fulfil every reader's natural curiosity and desire to explore."
This article was first published on campaignlive.co.uk
Before commenting please read our rules for commenting on articles.
If you see a comment you find offensive, you can flag it as inappropriate. In the top right-hand corner of an individual comment, you will see 'flag as inappropriate'. Clicking this prompts us to review the comment. For further information see our rules for commenting on articles.
Agency: Grey London
Rating: 5.0


text:
Dorian Q Fuller, Professor of Archaeobotany at UCL and Early Rice Project Manager:
See also Dorian's profile on Academia.edu, Googlescholar, ResearchGate, and his archaeobotanist blog.
Dr. Alison Weisskopf, senior post-doctoral research fellow of the Early Rice Project, with responsibilities for phytolith and diatom research.
Page last modified on 23 jan 13 15:39


text:
Let me set this up for you guys...
1) I have Windows 7 on my main hard drive
2) I have a USB 3.0 32 Gigabyte stick that is FAT32.
3) I do not have GRUB installed on my Windows 7 Hard drive
4) My Bios is set to boot to USB first and then DVD and then Hard drive (This has been validated)
5) I have a computer with 16 Gigabytes of DDR3 - 1600 RAM so I don't really need a Linux scratch disk
6) When I use a Live CD ISO to USB it boots fine, but when I try to add in persistence by formatting and installing the boot on SB1 it works great but it will not boot.
I love virtual machines, but some programs like Music software needs Jack, so I am trying to install Ubuntu Studio like I would on a hard drive but do so on a USB stick and it should boot, but it doesn't it just boots directly into Windows. I know that I have done it the right way, I have had help from someone from IRC and I have used Youtube and it just would not boot. This Linux guru on IRC said it's because I don't have GRUB on my Windows 7 Hard Drive, but I told him that I wanted to make sure first before causing a mess that might make me lose data.
Now, when I try the ISO to USB programs it boots fine, but that has no persistence, so all my changes are lost when I reboot.
Is there a program that will make this very easy and still keep my persistence? Now let me say that I don't want 4 Gigs of persistence, I want as much as my USB stick allows. How can I do this without using GRUB?


text:
Bones Season 8 Spoilers: Dancing, Sequins, and Shirtless Booth!
The time has come for Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) to boldly go where no super stud has gone before. To a beautiful land filled with spandex, feathers and glitter body paint. Yes, that's right — Bones' sixth episode of the season will be inspired by Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, and it promises to be absolutely fabulous.
The much-anticipated episode is called "The Diamond on the Rough," and yes — Booth and Brennan (Emily Deschanel) will most likely be going undercover in order to solve a bedazzled murder. "It allows us a lot of fun with them dancing – or trying to dance," Executive Producer Stephen Nathan teases. "One is a better dancer than the other. We won't say which one."
We really, really, really hope Booth pulls a Nacy Grace and flashes his nipple to the audience. But will he? Stephen teases, ""You know what? That guy is in such good shape, that yes, you gotta get his shirt off every once in a while, if you can."
We're taking that as a yes!
Source: E! Online, Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly
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SHALIMAR — The Shalimar Book Club book meets at 10 a.m. Feb. 12 at the Shalimar Library on 10th Avenue.
The February book is "The Sugar Girls" by Duncan Barrett.
For more details or a list of books for this year, visit the library or call Karen Kitzel at 797-5948.


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Kaffie Middle School administrator to become Carroll High School principal
CORPUS CHRISTI - CCISD officials announced Thursday that Kelly Manlove will become Carroll High School principal next year. Principal Eddie Chachere plans to retire at the end of the year, according to a district news release.
Manlove is the Kaffie Middle School principal.
She also has served as an assistant principal at Driscoll Middle School and Menger Elementary. She previously was an assistant principal at Duncanville High School, according to the release.
In addition, she has served as an athletic academic adviser, head softball coach and health and physical education department head at Duncanville ISD.
She will become the second woman to serve as Carroll principal since the school opened in 1957.
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Grudging Credit to Glenn Greenwald
John on November 24, 2010 at 8:58 am
I'm not a fan of Glenn Greenwald or of Salon, but when you're right, you're right:
Today, The Nation — a magazine which generally offers very good journalism — subjects John Tyner to similar treatment, with such a shoddy, fact-free, and reckless hit piece (by Mark Ames and Yasha Levine) that I'm genuinely surprised its editors published it. Beyond the inherent benefit of correcting the record, this particular article is suffused with all sorts of toxic though common premises that make it worth examining in detail.
Greenwald then proceeds to show, in some detail, that Nation piece really is fact-free and shoddy. It turns out the authors claim to fame is being the first people to claim the Tea Parties were Astroturf. Yes, apparently they still believe that on the basis of a few phone calls and a budget suitable to throw a block party, Freedom Works organized hundreds of Tea Parties involving hundreds of thousands of people nationwide.
This paragraph near the end deserves special commendation for calling out something most liberals seem eager to ignore:
And therein lies the most odious premise in this smear piece: anyone who doesn't quietly, meekly and immediately submit to Government orders and invasions — or anyone who stands up to government power and challenges it — is inherently suspect. Just as the establishment-worshiping, political-power-defending Ruth Marcus taught us today in The Washington Post, objecting to what the Government is doing here is just immature and ungrateful; mature, psychologically healthy people shut up and submit.
Again, I'm not a fan of Greenwald's work (even this piece takes a cheap shot at Michelle Malkin) but I have to offer him some grudging respect on this issue. A lot of his compatriots who were in the business of mercilessly attacking George W. Bush for crimes real and imagined have suddenly become meek little mice in the wake of Obama's inaguration. This is despite the fact that Obama has adopted and indeed enhanced most of Bush's war policies. It shows that what most of the critics really cared about wasn't the policies it was politics. Glenn Greenwald, to his credit, seems to be one of the few liberals who hasn't gone silent in the Age of Obama.
Category: Politics |


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León is named after León, Spain. After independence, the elites of León and Granada struggled over which city would be the capital. León was dominated by the liberals and Granada by the conservatives. The fighting ended when Managua became the capital. After Granada, which is better preserved, León has the best colonial architecture in Nicaragua. It is a university town that stubbornly remains somewhat pro-Sandinista. During the 1979 revolution, the Sandinistas took over León in violent street by street fighting. Somoza then had the city bombed, an unforgivable move considering he was bombing his own people.
The National Guard took León back over, again in street by street fighting, but this time less intense since the Sandinistas melted away. Finally, the Sandinistas took León back over and held it until the Somoza government fell. You can still see bullet marks on some buildings. Also, there is a shell of a church on the road out of town that was destroyed during the bombing. Across the street from this church is the Museo de las Mytos y Leyendas Tradiciones (Museum of Myths and Legends), which prominently displays a statute of a Sandinista guerrilla holding a handmade bomb.
Some sarcastically call it the Museo de las Traiciones (Museum of the Treasons) as a reference to how the Sandinista rank and file has been cheated by Daniel Ortega and the rest of the Sandinista elite. León used to be the hub of cotton growing but that has declined. The economy is relatively depressed. Tourists are typically not a large, visible presence in León, though it is popular among backpackers and as of late, tour groups. (In comparison to Granada, there are fewer tourists) León still is a university town, filled with students. Backpackers, volunteers and other extranjeros usually meld with local students. León has more colonial churches and cathedrals per capita than any other place in Nicaragua. If you are still on the church tour, there are thirteen to check out in town.


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There's a glimpse into the scam that is Minnesota's election laws. Do you know that it is illegal to make your ballot in any such way as to make it identifiable. So like if you write your name in for a Judge or Soil and Dog Catcher race so you can go back and see if your ballot really counted? Yeah, that's illegal. So is posting a picture of your ballot online or on the Facebook. Don't do that!
Well, in the closest Minnesota election in quite some time, we see a good reason why I think ballots should be traceable. I believe there is stuffing of ballot boxes. A few votes here and there, those over votes, ext etc. Well, if there was a way to trace the ballot to the voter, we could prove it. But with our fraudster friendly laws, there is absolutely no way, especially when you have a Chief Election official who refuses to match the number of signatures with the number of actual ballots…. but I digress.
In the election of Rep. Franson (R) and challenger Cunniff (D) you have a slim margin of just 1 vote. Its in recount and litigation phase now and guess what. There was an error on election day and some voters were given the wrong ballots. So now 35 ballots will be drawn out at … (AHEM) "random".
That means people who cast their votes will have their votes erased. They don't get a redo and due to an error, their right to vote was thrown in the garbage.
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota's closest legislative race is headed for court before it reaches a probable recount.
First-term Republican Rep. Mary Franson currently leads Democratic challenger Bob Cunniff by a single vote. But there was a counting error that could alter the margin. Douglas County auditor treasurer Charlene Rosenow says some voters received the wrong ballots on Election Day so 35 ballots are likely to be pulled at random before a pre-recount tally is certified.
Franson has asked a judge to get involved. A hearing on the lawmaker's request was set for Monday afternoon.
Recounts are automatic when the difference between candidates is less than one-half of one percentage point. The manual recount is slated to start on Nov. 28.
Democrats have a 73-61 majority pending a reversal in the Franson-Cunniff race.
How would you like to be one of the people who is going to have their ballot thrown away?
This is why I believe we should not only have our own names or some identification on our ballots, not to mention run offs in Minnesota. Not the Communist instant run off voting, but in a case like this, rather than waste all this time and money recounting and suing, you have another election on the first Tuesday after a Monday in December between Franson & Cunniff.
Whenever anyone doesn't get the 50% +1, you have a run off. Just think if in 2010 what would have happened if the December election (shudder) between Dayton and Emmer head to head with out any distractions or spoilers. Another examples is the 2008 Fanken Coleman race where 10's of millions were spent on the recount and court battles, the process took months and months, imagine if we just had a run off 30 days later.
Just some humble proposals to be thrown out and fall on the deaf and defiant ears of the new ruling class of Minnesota.


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It's official: Backup QB Quinn Gray signs with Texans
By John McClain | March 24, 2008
Photo By Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesFree agent QB Quinn Gray, right, celebrating with Byron Leftwich, has signed with the Texans. Gray, who turns 29 next month, spent five years with the Jaguars and was 2-2 as a starter last season.
As expected, free agent quarterback Quinn Gray signed a one-year contract with the Texans today.
Gray, who played his first five seasons with Jacksonville, signed a one-year deal for the $605,000 minimum and a $40,000 signing bonus.
Gray was 2-2 as a starter last season, including victories over Tampa Bay and Tennessee and losses to New Orleans and the Texans.
Gray arrived in Houston on Sunday and he is spending today at Reliant Stadium, meeting with head coach Gary Kubiak and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
Signing Gray gives the Texans three experienced quarterbacks. Matt Schaub is firmly entrenched as the starter. Sage Rosenfels has proven to be a solid backup. If a team offers a second round pick for Rosenfels, having Gray would make it easier for the Texans to make the trade.
Minnesota offered a third round pick for Rosenfels but the Texans turned it down.


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4. Frank Lampard
Now in the twilight years of his career, Frank Lampard has moved into a slightly more defensive position at Chelsea.
However, with Lampard, goals will arrive for the England international. A brilliant striker of the ball, the 34-year-old is deadly from set-pieces and also possesses fine vision.
Even at his age, he still has great workrate and is most certainly able to pick out a pass.


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Finally got a Photobucket account and want to add an avatar pic
How do i add a pic from photobucket for my avatar
Started by wheaton79chris, Nov 09 2012 07:53 PM
3 replies to this topic
Posted 09 November 2012 - 07:53 PM
Posted 09 November 2012 - 07:58 PM
From a cellphone. Sorry forgot to put that
Posted 09 November 2012 - 09:13 PM
The pic is on your cell phone?,
Posted 10 November 2012 - 01:44 AM
After the site changed, I couldn't get an avatar to take from Photobucket. It has to come from your computer. Your photo also needs to be square. I can't remember the pixel size...


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Monthly Archives: April 2012
Get a hobby!
A few years ago not long after our youngest child was born I was complaining that I was bored. Four kids and bored, I know! Anyway someone told me that I needed to get a hobby. So this got me thinking……what did I want to do? What sort of hobby? I had always been under the impression that I wasn't really interested in anything much. But then I discovered that I hadn't actually spent a lot of time thinking about the things that interested me so how could I know.
I love the movie 'The Bucket List' with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, I'd like to think that I would do all the things that I'd ever wanted to do if I was to find I didn't have long to live. But then I live by the theory that you only have one life so you may aswell live it. Life is an adventure if you want it to be. Anyway, out here in the suburbs with four children doesn't allow for a lot of adventures but it got me thinking about some things that I might like to have a go at.
I started out with little things like joining a tennis club, I was not so good at tennis when I started and honestly I am probably still not so good at it now but I am better. I took up running, again not so good but now I am better at that too. That is what brings me to todays little adventure, swimming. I took swimming lessons when I was about 7 years old, I even placed second in the 8 year old girls freestyle. But puberty and fat thighs in swimming togs when I became older put paid to the hope of having a swimming career so I haven't done a lot of swimming in the last 27 years. Until today! I have challenged myself to compete in a triathlon, not a whole one just a mini one. So naturally to do this I am going to have to swim. Easy! Or so I thought :) 27 years is a long time between swims, and as I found out today too long really. So looks like I am going to have to learn how to swim – again. The big arms and kicking (as my 2 year old would say) is the easy part but I have forgotten how to breathe, so much so that when I got out of the pool everything kind of went a bit wobbly and I forgot how to walk in a straight line. So I have yet another challenge to complete, swimming!
Here are some photos from yet another of my hobby's – photography. Photography has become more of a passion than a hobby. I orginally took up photography at school when I was 17 but due to the fact that I couldn't stick at anything for very long back then I gave it up until now. This is another thing that I wasn't terribly good at when I started but as with anything a bit of practice and I am getting better at it. These photos were taken at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. A beautiful part of the world to visit and to photograph.
Some people have asked me am I on Flickr? I am but have only just joined so in time you will be able to view all of my photos on Flickr!
© Andrea Kruck 2012
Surf's up!
I was lucky enough to have a couple of weeks recently that were devoted almost entirely to my photography. I don't really get a lot of time during the school term to do much. When I first started photography I was always concerned about whether I was doing it right and whether other people liked my photos. Sometimes I know that some of the photos aren't always technically perfect but I have enough confidence now to feel like a photo is good simply because I like it. I hope you like these ones!
©Andrea Kruck 2012
On top of a hill
These photos were taken in Byron Bay, on the NSW north coast of Australia. Byron Bay is the most Eastern Point of Australia. The day that we went up there was miserable, drizzling and blowing a gale. For those that have been to the Byron Bay lighthouse you will know that there is very limited parking here so we had to hike up a fairly big hill to get to the lighthouse. When we got there the SES were there rescuing someone who had gone over the rail to retrieve his hat and had fallen half way down the cliff face. Thankfully he was ok but it was a major operation to rescue him!
As you can see, not a good place to fall!
Lighthouses are always a good tourist drawcard. They are usually (for obvious reasons) situated on top of a scenic lookout, so they make good photo opportunities. I took photos of three different lighthouses during our two week holiday.
© Andrea Kruck 2012
Cloud Nine
Blue is my favourite colour. I love the clouds in these photos they look light and fluffy, how clouds should look. I can imagine what paradise must look like by looking at these. I feel warm just looking at them. Although they are taken on a cool autumn day, it had rained for two days before and for two days after aswell. The photos that I took the day before were bleak and grey but you would never know that by looking at these.
© Andrea Kruck 2012
What love is
The Rocks
I spent a lot of time in the holidays at the beach taking photos of rocks and water. I am working on my long exposure skills at the moment. I always have a picture in my head of how I want my photos to look but when I am shooting or look at them on camera I often feel disappointed that they aren't the same as the picture in my head. Because I shoot in RAW the images always need processing and it is often not until I am processing them that I am happier with them. I was pretty happy with how these look, still improving but I will get there. Let me know what you think?
© Andrea Kruck 2012
Beneath the Rays
This photo was taken at Point Cartwright, Mooloolaba Qld. I really wanted to stay longer and play here but the weather was closing in, it was getting dark and a storm was on it's way. If I had've been prepared I probably would've had a go at going down on the rocks but my husband was having kittens that I stayed as long as I did anyway.
Happy Monday!
Just keep telling ourselves that, we might believe it! In our house we call the Monday blues, Monday-itis. My son Dylan had Monday-itis this morning so I printed out this cute little picture for him to take to school to cheer him up. I don't know if it is really cool for a 9 year old to have a cute picture of a bunny in his bag but I hope it works.
For the adults here is a picture that I took on a recent trip to Marcoola on the Sunshine Coast. My husband and I spent a couple of days up there without the kids, celebrating our wedding anniversary. It was really just an excuse for me to spend some time on my photography because Anthony spent a lot of time sitting waiting for me. This photo was taken on the beach at about 9pm, the tide was coming in and it was a beautiful warm night. I spent a lot of time in the holidays working on my long exposure photography. I really love taking long exposures, it gives the water that silky smooth look.
I'd like to hear peoples opinions on my photos, I suffer from a common artists ailment called lack of confidence. What do you think? Like or not?
© Andrea Kruck 2012
Happy Anniversary!
Today is Anthony and my 11th wedding anniversary, this time 11 years ago I was getting all frocked up to go and get married to my best friend. Our wedding day was a beautiful day that we had planned meticulously. It really was perfect and everything that we wished for.
Eleven years and four children later we have had our ups and downs but we are definitely still very happy and still best friends. When Anthony and I were married we were so excited to be getting married, excited about what the future held for us, who knew that future would hold two little boys and two little girls?
I am a big believer in fate, that everything happens for a reason and I believe that I was meant to get on a plane to Christchurch to meet my soulmate. We were together on tour for 7 days but we knew then that what we had was something special. Anthony was unlike any boy I'd ever met, he was so nice and such a gentleman, opening doors for me and being so caring. He even carried a hanky (and still does!) no boy I'd ever known carried a hanky!
We have been through a lot in our 11 years as husband and wife, the birth of our children and raising them is something that we do completely together as a team. Anthony has always been my rock, being by my side through thick and thin. Supporting me in any venture that I undertake, although I haven't always been easy to live with he has never given up on us. I am grateful to him for all his love.
Happy Anniversay honey :)
I Lub You!
I am constantly kept entertained by my almost three year old, Sienna. She has a great command of English and is very easy to understand. The youngest of four, she has grown up very quickly with the older three to learn from. Being the youngest has been good and bad, she is an extremely independent child, "I DO" is something that I am told constantly. She will very rarely accept help from me to do anything which can be very frustrating for me, especially with things that she really can't do. She is so stubborn and it is often easier to let her try and wait for her to ask for help rather than try to fight her over it.
As the youngest, of course she has perhaps gotten away with a lot more things that her older siblings never would have, that is partly our fault for being slightly more relaxed with the fourth child and partly the other kids, they tend to give her what she wants to shut her up! There is a fairly large gap between her and the others, five and a half years between her and the twins. It took us that long to get over having them before we'd consider anymore! Being as stubborn as she is there is nothing that Sienna thinks she can't do, so if she sees the other kids climbing ladders, riding flying foxes, playing footy, then so can she!
The relationship that Sienna has with her older siblings is a beautiful one, they love their baby sister and boy does she love them! Lately she has been telling everyone "I Lub You" in her little girl voice, it is beautiful. She goes through each member of the family and tells them she loves them, she also asks do we lub her too? Sienna has a special relationship with all of the kids, she is close to each of them in different ways, they dote on her and even though at times she can get a bit nasty with them, they never hold it against her.
The boys are particularly protective of her and look out for her wherever we go, Dylan can often be found pushing her on the swings at the park and making sure that she is safe. If Sienna ever wants anything she always goes straight to Aidan, she knows he will get it for her and she and Savarnah love to sing and dance together. She sure has cemented a place in all of our hearts but I am particularly touched by the special realationship that she has with her older brothers and sister. I hope that it continues through the years as they all get older.


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OMG! Beyonce Is Pregnant
And THAT'S how you upstage Lady Gaga! Well played, Beyonce. According to an MTV tweet, Beyonce announced that she is pregnant while walking the red (actually black) carpet at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards:
@MTV: "OMG Beyonce just made a huge announcement on the #vma carpet! #baby!!!!!"
Beyonce's representative confirmed the happy news to the Huffington Post. The superstar singer, who turns 30 on September 4, has said she always wanted to have a baby by the time she turns the big 3-0. It will be her first child with husband Jay-Z. Congrats, mama!
Source: Entertainment Tonight, Huffington Post


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Real-Time Search: SEO Concern of Online Marketers
The influence of real-time search results is a matter of prime concern among online marketers at the moment. These search results can have a derogatory impact on their company's query ranking in the top half of organic search results. They believe that real-time feeds from Twitter, Facebook and others could push company listings below the fold.
Nectarios Economakis, an expert in this field, has begun to see more search engines experimenting with different ad formats because it's in their best financial interest to have more real estate on the page. He showed concern about Google's move of displacing its sponsored listing to the left as this is turn puts the paid search ads more in the line of sight.
Click here for a detailed read.


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