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There's been lots of change in the PHP community over the past few years. PHP now has namespaces. More PHP developers are using an IDE. More PHP developers are pulling inspiration from the Java, C#/.NET, and Ruby communities. And even more PHP developers are embracing the object-oriented and, ironically, the functional nature (closures) of PHP. All these changes make for interesting code. What has also happened is that better and more readable code is being produced by this ever growing PHP community. It's been a long time since "PHP application" meant a series of transaction scripts as a mix of SQL, CSS, JS, with some PHP sprinkled in, and a couple of few classes for good measure. Of course, that still exists, but you no longer need to go to the ends of the earth to find non-spaghetti code that is understandable within a few minutes.
For the most part, all of these changes are good changes. The number of good/senior/expert level PHP developers is ever increasing and there are more and more "enterprise grade" frameworks and libraries that are being produced. That said, with all of these new changes, the one area which is still fairly inconsistent from project to project is the naming conventions that are employed inside PHP 5.3 project that utilize namespaces. This article will attempt to describe what an API is, how names and object-oriented features affect an API, and how various decisions affect the consumers of a particular API is.
What Is An API?
Before we jump into naming, it's important to have a common understanding of the actual problem area. When we talk about names, we are really talking about the API. An API is a particular set of rules and specifications that a developer can follow to access and make use of the services and resources provided by another particular software program, component or library. Put another way, it is an interface between various software pieces and facilitates their interaction, similar to the way the user interface facilitates interaction between humans and computers.
For PHP 4 / procedural based libraries, the API is defined by the functions that are declared for usage in that library. It is further described by the global names and global state that the library utilizes to do its job. Typically, API's based on purely function based libraries are far simpler to understand.
Object-oriented API's are a bit more complex. When you build an object-oriented library or component, you are typically designing two API's at the same time, whether or not you know it. This is the nature of object-oriented languages when you employ the use of abstract classes and interfaces in your design.
The first API, the more common of the two, I call the Consumption API. This is the API that answers the question: "how do people consume this thing." The answer to this question is generally situated around the great majority of use cases that were identified by the author of the software component/library. In PHP, consumption might look like this:
$foo = new SomeCompany\FooComponent\FooComponent($options);
$foo->setAdapter(new SomeCompany\FooComponent\Adapter\SomeAdapter($adapterOptions));
$interestingResult = $foo->doSomethingInteresting();
As you can see, no declarative code was required to fulfill the most common use case that was identified as a need for this component's existence. The above API is defined by the totality of all the public (concrete) classes, their public properties and public methods. By examining these elements, a good API design should allow a developer to deduce how the component works without examining any documentation. When that is possible, the API has become the documentation as well as the "story" behind how the component/library is to be used.
Not all use cases are accounted for in generic components and generic libraries. As developers, we attempt to create generic libraries and components that will solve the majority of problems of the majority of the community. We cannot envision all use cases or even edge cases behind a particular component. That said though doesn't means that the outlying use cases are unimportant or should be unaccounted for. These use cases are handled by the secondary API: the "Extension API".
The Extension API answers the question: "since this component does 90% of what I want, how can I extend it to fulfill the last few of my needs." Clearly, it makes sense to leverage tools that do most of what you need especially if they can be extended in ways that are outside of the out-of-the-box feature-set. Object-oriented/class based code is particularly well suited to extension through the principle of overriding polymorphism.
The primary tool behind overriding polymorphism is method overriding. For this to be possible, base types, or the types that are shipped with the component/library you are extending, will be overridden to fulfill this new behavior that is your specialized use case. Consider the following code example:
namespace MyCompany\FooComponent\Adapter; // My Component
use SomeCompany\FooComponent\Adapter\SomeAdapter; // Consumed Component
// extend the provided Component with my special use case
class MyAdapter extends SomeAdapter
protected function _someWorkToBeDone()
// do something special that fulfills our use case
return parent::_someWorkToBeDone(); // protected method on parent class
As you can see here, we've extended the functionality of the base adapter from the shipped component/library with our own functionality. This is possible since the base adapter tucked away the business logic we needed to alter inside a protected method. This is what allows us to rely on overriding polymorphism to extend code to suit more specific needs. This "Extension API" can therefore be defined by the totality of all protected members of a class: methods and properties that can be utilized in child classes. These protected methods are not all that important or even useful in the documented and de-facto use cases of a component, but become extremely important when extending.
API Philosophy
It's hard to quantify importance of any one aspect of a codebase's API over another without first talking about the general philosophy. In the land of a 1000 frameworks and libraries, being well written and poorly written divides the great majority of them. Of what is left of the (generally regarded) well written ones, philosophy divides the rest.
There exist two common philosophical "goals" that most libraries/components generally subscribe to that, depending on your perspective, might be contradictory. For arguments sake, let's assume that each is as important as the other. The first: "easy to use". A component's like-ability by developers is greatly determined by how easy something is to use, if it's intuitive, if it's fulfills the majority of one's needs. The other: "easy to extend". The majority of the time, a component is written for some well known use cases. Generally, that will suite the majority of the needs of any one developer, but there are always some unknown use cases. A components ability to be able to deliver a mostly working solution while allowing the developer to extend it for the unknown is what determined how easy it is to extend said component.
More often than not, ease of use and extensibility live at two ends of the spectrum. Things that are easy to use are generally hard to extend, and things that are simple to extend are generally harder to use. This is the case because to accommodate one usually comes at the expense of the other.
Getting back to philosophy and this example at hand, both ease of use and extensibility are both equally important. The goal, in terms of API design, is to be able to accommodate each equally and strike a balance between the two so that each goal is represented in the API.
Basic Tips And Tricks For Better APIs
The tips and tricks for building better component API's could get fairly long, so this article will attempt to cover some of the more "basic" ideas.
Adopt A Common Namespace & Class Naming Scheme
While it is true that the PHP platform has no built-in packaging, or file based import mechanism… the PHP autoloader with the help of some common conventions can get you 99% of the way there. Large projects like Zend Framework, Symfony, PHPUnit, and PEAR have all settled on a pretty simple and common naming scheme based on the PEAR naming standards. By utilizing this naming scheme, your code will be instantly familiar to developers who already have knowledge of this scheme in other projects. The benefit here is that developers will know exactly where to find classes inside the filesystem.
namespace MyCompany\MyComponent;
class Foo {
// will be found relative to the include_path, or some path
// managed by an autoloader at
// MyCompany/MyComponent/Foo.php, pretty simple eh?
Avoid Doing Too Much In the Constructor
There's lots of places on the web that discuss this, so I'll link to them here and not go into too much detail. I've seen it called a "unified constructor", but that's not what we are talking about here, or at least, that is not the goal. The goal is to allow the consumer to give as much or as little information about the identity of the object at instantiation time. The common signature that I like for this is the following:
class Foo
public function __construct($options = null)
if (is_array($options)) {
} elseif (is_string($options)) {
Generally, the call to setOptions() will in turn call various setters if they exist. What is important is that at construction/instantiation time a consumer is not required to fulfill all of the classes requirements. Why is this important? It reverses order in which dependencies are required to be interacted with. Lets examine this in code:
// Example 1
// assuming: class Foo { __construct(A $a, B $b, C $c) {} }
$a = new A($aOption1, $aOption2);
$b = new B();
$c = new C($cOption, $a);
$foo = new Foo($a, $b, $c); // and finally
// Example 2
// assuming: class Foo { __construct($options = null) {} }
$foo = new Foo(array(
'a' => ($a = new A($aOption1, $aOption2)),
'b' => new B(),
'c' => new C($cOption, $a)
// Example 3
// or better:
$foo = new Foo();
$a = new A($aOption1, $aOption2);
->setB(new B())
->setC(new C($cOption, $a));
The difference is that in Example 1, even though our target use case is handled by class Foo, we are forced to interact with the dependencies first. Conversely, examples 2 and 3 show that our target object Foo is created up front, and dependencies are handled after instantiation. If code clarity is a goal, reading the code top down in example 2 and 3 makes more sense than in example 1 since the API has allowed the developer to code his use case in a top-down or story-like code block. Why do I like this pattern of usage? Simple: it highlights PHP's loose nature and flexibility in it's use case… but mostly because it's more readable.
Avoid final And private
This one speaks to extensibility. Unless you are attempting to restrict a user from utilizing some kind of use case, there is little gain in marking members as final or private. Sooner or later, someone somewhere will need to override a method you've implemented for some obscure use case. A better approach is to provide them with a codebase that will meet most of their needs and can be extended to fulfill the rest if they are outside the original scope. That way, they are not forced to patch your codebase.
This is by far not an exhaustive list. As more of the larger projects move to using namespaces, closures and the other PHP 5.3 features, we'll start to see a few more best-practices emerge as they relate to API design. In the mean time, this overview will serve as a springboard for a few discussions on API design moving forward with ZF2 and PHP 5.3 component development that is currently on-going.
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If anybody asked me what would be my favorite gift books to give I would have to answer with this list. Why? Because these books represent fun, exploration, discovery and a hands-on experience that not only provides fulfilling fun for the user -- but a pass-along pleasure for others. Get creative. Participate in the experience.
The 12 Days of Christmas Anniversary Edition: A Pop-up Celebration
by Robert Sabuda
A true holiday classic literally comes to life in this stunning pop-up edition of a seasonal favorite. With a partridge popping, snow scattering, and lords a-leaping off the page, this lavish book is a gift for readers of all ages. For this special anniversary edition legendary paper engineer Robert Sabuda encloses his own gifts to the reader: extra pages with a pop-up Christmas tree with real lights aglow, and a beautiful pop-up ornament of two turtledoves. The ornament is packaged with the book and is perfect for adding a celebratory touch to your tree. This beautiful anniversary package is one to treasure!
The 12 Days of Christmas Anniversary Edition: A Pop-up Celebration
Author: by Robert Sabuda - Regular price: $26.95 - our discounted price: $17.79
USA - cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts
Pop-Up Cards: and Other Greetings that Slide, Dangle & Move
by with Sandi Genovese
Pop-up cards, with their wonderful interactive, dimensional nature, are all the rage these days. And now crafters can duplicate the amazing techniques at home! Renowned artist Sandi Genovese shows you how with 25 wonderful projects that make cards pop.A birthday greeting becomes even happier with a multi-tiered chocolate cake design, topped with candles. The accordion-folded "Hand in Hand" card displays a variety of hand shapes that seem to applaud enthusiastically when it's opened and closed. And an elaborate celebratory Christmas card showcases a three-dimensional tree bedecked with hanging ornaments.
Pop-Up Cards: and Other Greetings that Slide, Dangle & Move
Author: with Sandi Genovese - Regular price: $24.95 - our discounted price: $16.47
USA - cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts
3D Pop Up Greeting Cards
by Keiko Nakazawa
Flowers. . .gardens. . . seasonal motifs such as snowflakes and angels. . . traditional Japanese designs like Kabuki masks and geisha. . . animals. . . scenes. . .all these and many others become delightful greeting cards that are even more special because they're hand-made. Here are easy-to-follow directions-as well as cut-out templates-for creating 60 different, intricate-looking designs. Twenty-four color illustrations of the finished projects are followed by step-by-step instructions and diagrams.Whether it's to say, "Merry Christmas," "Happy Spring," "Just thinking of you," or "Get well soon," readers will find inspiration and hours of enjoyment in this beautiful and practical book
3D Pop Up Greeting Cards
Author: by Keiko Nakazawa - Regular price: $18.00 - our discounted price: $12.24
Published by: ; Paperback; USA - cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts
Cards that Pop Up, Flip & Slide
by Michael Jacobs
This creative guide will teach readers how to craft one-of-a-kind cards with moving parts such as pop-ups, sliders, and flaps. Using step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow templates, readers will learn how to:
* Put together clever and dynamic interactive cards using simple tools that are easy to find in craft stores
* Use a variety of papers, from handmade and printed to recycled, for unique graphic looks
* Create their own envelopes for a stunning total package
Readers will also discover how to jazz up any project using inks, collage, colored pencils, and more.
Cards that Pop Up, Flip & Slide
Author: by Michael Jacobs - Regular price: $19.99 - our discounted price: $13.59
Published by: ; Paperback; USA - cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts
Pop-Up Cards: 19 Spectacular 3D Greeting Cards
by Jo F. Mathieson
Pop-Up Cards contains a lively collection of easy-to-make and entertaining novelty pop-up cards. Whether you want to say, "Happy Birthday," "Merry Christmas," "Get Well Soon," or "Congrats" to a friend or loved one, there's sure to be a fun way to express yourself in this book. A highly practical instruction book, the various construction methods for the cards are ingenious yet uncomplicated, and there are clear, concise instructions that allow anyone in your family to construct them quickly and easily
Pop-Up Cards: 19 Spectacular 3D Greeting Cards
Author: by Jo F. Mathieson - Regular price: $19.95 - our discounted price: $13.57
Published by: ; Paperback; USA - cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts
Vintage Pop-Up Cards: Making Your Own Timeless Treasures
by Taylor Hagerty
Holiday cards, sweetheart cards, humorous cards: they're all "popping up" in this charming vintage collection. Warmly colored, and richly adorned with lace, beads, satin, and feathers, there's nothing like them in the stores! These elaborate pre-1923 classics are not only beautiful in and of themselves; when disassembled, they also form the basis for 25 brand-new projects. After learning in detail exactly how these dimensional treasures are put together -- the tools and techniques, the basics of construction, and the most authentic embellishments -- you're armed with the inspiration to create your own. Each project includes a photo of the card in its original form, images of every element in the card to photocopy or cut out, and instructions for rebuilding and redecorating your masterpiece
Vintage Pop-Up Cards: Making Your Own Timeless Treasures
Author: by Taylor Hagerty - Regular price: $19.95 - our discounted price: $15.96
Published by: ; Hardcover; USA - cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts
The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Over 100 Original Paper Projects
by Paul Jackson
Pop-ups are three-dimensional cut-and-folded paper constructions that are widely used for children's books and greeting cards. They have a magical appeal as they mysteriously fold and unfold. Expanding on pop-up material covered in his earlier The Encyclopedia of Origami & Papercraft (LJ 3/1/92), Jackson offers an instructional guide leading the craftsperson through an introductory section of basics to sections covering techniques and original design. The step-by-step projects are exercises in technique only, with complex constructions shown as examples. Like the author's previous books, this one is notable for its clear instructions and bright, colorful illustrations. For users of all ages; highly recommended for public libraries.
The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Over 100 Original Paper Projects
Author: by Paul Jackson - Regular price: $25.00 - our discounted price: $16.50
Published by: ; Paperback; USA - cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts
Elements Of Pop Up: A Pop Up Book For Aspiring Paper Engineers
by David A. Carter, James Diaz
Believe it or not, the first known pop-up element in a book appeared in an astrological manuscript in 1306. During the ensuing centuries, movable mechanics were used in more and more books--but only for adults. In the 1700s a British bookseller came up with the idea of illustrating well-known children's stories with movable flaps of paper. The rest, as they say, is history. Now aspiring paper mechanics (creative engineer-artists who create dimensional and movable books, otherwise known as pop-ups) can learn the how-tos and wherefores of this marvelous craft. From tip-ons to dummies to glue knock-outs, all the intricacies of pop-up production are outlined and explained
Elements Of Pop Up: A Pop Up Book For Aspiring Paper Engineers
Author: by David A. Carter, James Diaz - Regular price: $37.99 - our discounted price: $25.07
USA - cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts
... continues on the next page!

subset: commoncrawl


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May 1, 2012
2012 All-Big West Conference Women's Tennis Honors
Cal State Fullerton junior Tiffany Mai was named to the All-Big West Conference Second Team in singles while teaming up with sophomore Morgan McIntosh for a spot on the Honorable Mention squad in doubles as the league announced its postseason honor roll on Tuesday afternoon.
The 2011-12 season marked the third consecutive year that Mai has been honored for her singles success after earning honorable mention nods in each of her first two years. Mai competed at the No. 1 position in 20 of the team's 21 matches, posting a 12-15 overall record and an 11-10 mark in dual match play. She led the team with three wins in Big West play and, at one point this season, won six consecutive matches from Feb. 12 to March 7.
Mai's 12 wins overall were second on the team (McIntosh, 17) while her 11 dual match wins were tied with McIntosh for tops on the team.
The duo combined for a 10-15 overall mark in doubles play, including an 8-12 mark in dual match competition -- all at the No. 1 spot in the lineup. The pairing won three of their final five contests and finished second on the team in overall doubles wins and dual match wins. It is McIntosh's first career all-conference honor.
Cal State Fullerton finished 8-13 overall on the season and 1-7 in Big West play, posting the most victories since the Titans finished 13-11 overall following the 2003-04 campaign. Fullerton won its conference tournament opener over UC Riverside before falling to eventual tournament champion Long Beach State on day two of competition.


text:
Societe Generale Chief Executive Frederic Oudea's bonus rose 75 percent last year to 1.2 million euros ($1.56 million), even as France's No. 2 bank moved to cut costs and sell assets.
The disclosure follows a rise in pay for Jean-Laurent Bonnafe, the head of larger rival BNP Paribas , whose bonus rose more than 40 percent to 1.68 million euros in 2012 - his first full year as CEO of France's biggest listed bank.
Continue Reading Below
It is the latest sign that executive pay at top European banks is on the rise, despite lingering anger from investors and politicians over taxpayer-funded bailouts during the financial crisis.
BNP's net income rose 8.3 percent in 2012 to 6.55 billion euros, while SocGen's fell by two-thirds after it booked losses on operations in Russia and from selling assets.
Both SocGen and BNP have begun fresh cost-cutting plans as the weak euro zone economy threatens retail profits at home and tougher regulations squeeze corporate and investment banking.
French bankers' total pay packages are a pale shadow of the numbers seen abroad at banks such as Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank , however.
BNP's Bonnafe was awarded 2.87 million euros in total pay for 2012 while SocGen's Oudea was awarded 2.2 million, up around one-third year-on-year in both cases.
Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank's co-CEOs each earned 4.9 million euros for 2012, while Credit Suisse CEO Brady Dougan was awarded 7.77 million Swiss francs ($8.12 million).
($1 = 0.7709 euros)
($1 = 0.9573 Swiss francs)
(Reporting by Lionel Laurent; Editing by Helen Massy-Beresford)


text:
In the movie Year of the Dog, the lead character Peggy, played by the incredible Molly Shannon, turns into an animal rights activist- and a vegan- after the unexpected death of her beloved dog. Peggy, a lonely woman, is used to pleasing her colleagues with treats like donuts every morning. But when the treats become vegan, no one wants them anymore. In fact, they turn away before even tasting them when they hear the V word.As a vegan, I often run into such skepticism from people I've just met, who believe I must surely live on salads alone. As for sweets, there are not many out there who believe it is possible to cook amazing sweets without eggs and dairy products.
Here's a news flash. I was an omnivore just a few years back, as were most vegans at some point in their lives, and we do know what your food tastes like. And not many of us would dream of settling for food that's sub-delicious. In fact, this belief that vegans, somehow, sacrifice taste for their beliefs or health and settle for barely-edible food is not just an annoying one but also one that smacks of ignorance.
Ergo, Sweet Vegan! I wanted not only to create a great resource for anyone (including myself!) looking to make great desserts and snacks that do not rely on animal products, but I also hoped to get some very amazing cooks out there thinking about the fact that products like milk, butter, cream, ghee and eggs (and yes, honey too) are not really indispensible in sweet-making as we often believe them to be.
Still, while cooking everyday vegan food, especially Indian, is not in itself a tough job, conjuring up a vegan sweet does take creativity and quite a bit of experimentation. Baked goods rely on the chemistry of eggs and on products like butter and cream for taste, while Indian sweets depend heavily and often exclusively on dairy products. To stray from these time-tested traditions can be difficult, not to mention a little scary. Will my bread rise? Will my cookie be as chewy or crumbly? Will my kheer taste as rich? These are legitimate worries, and not easy to overcome.
But with your amazing entries, you talented cooks proved that the only limitation to delicious veganism is imagination. There is every kind of sweet in this collection, from delicious burfis to traditional goodies like adhirasam to puddings and breads and even a beautiful maple cake.
Today, on World Vegan Day, I salute all of you amazing cooks, and hope your recipes provide food for inspiration to every foodie out there. Here, without further ado, are the gorgeous recipes sent in by you.
Coconutty goodness: Thengai Paal Kesari from Amma's Special
A feast for the eyes: Aparna's Spiced Pear Galette
Creamy dreaminess: Bex's Butterscotch Pudding
An Indian classic: Cham's Boondi Ladoo
Fruity and fun: Divya's Spiced Mango Bread
Wholesome and inspiring: Divya's Healthy Laddus
Colorfully fragrant: DK's Lavender Strawberry Sorbet
A time-tested favorite: Jayasree's Athirasam
A tantalizing medley of jaggery, bananas and coconut milk: Jayasree's Pazha Pradhaman
Just carrots, sugar and a whole lot of deliciousness: Kamalika's Carrot Halwa
A sweet blend of lentils and coconut: Kamalika's Soiyam
Eye candy: Vegan Stawberry Milkshake from Kitchen Flavors
Unusual and gorgeous: Madhuram's Oats and Coconut Milk Pudding
A traditional treasure: Madhuram's Rice Flour Puttu
Sparkling morsels: Mansi's Thumbprint Cookies
A delicacy from India's west coast: Meera's KhaparPoli
A mouthful of nutrition: Pallavi's Whole Wheat Vegan Banana Nut Bread
A twist on flavors: Priya's Vegan Ragi Cookies
Gorgeous yet guilt-free: Priya's Eggless Maple Cake
Easy and Tasty, for sure! Priya's Vegan Choco Almond Shake
A musical-sounding delight: Radhika's Naanu Maanu
Sinlessly delicious: Rajee's Moong Dal Kheer
Yummy and handy: Ramki's 10 Easy Indian Chikkis (Brittles)
A tall glass of bliss: Tilslørte Bondepiker / Veiled Peasant Girls from Seitan Is My Motor
A riot of traditional flavors: Shreya's Unni Appam
Delicious festival eats: Sia's Banana Appams
Four-ingredient wonder: Puttu from Simple Indian Food
Easy and fun: Sunshinemom's No Cook Ooey Gooey Vegan Chocolate Pudding
A nutty find: Supriya's Almond, Walnut and Cashew Burfis
Simply delicious: Ujwal's Rava Payasam
A tasty marriage of coconut and tofu: Uma's Coconut Pudding
And here are my own contributions:
Vegan donuts
Tarte Tatin
Banana Pecan Cookies
If you sent me an entry and do not see it here, please, please let me know asap. If it is not included, it is not intentional; blame it instead on my inexperience with hosting an event and rest assured I'll add it.
(C) All recipes and photographs copyright of Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes.


text:
Hi Ted,
I have a file that I have been converting for sometime now with no problems and now I receive the message "BLOCK TOO LARGE FOR TEXT REGISTER, TRY CLIPBOARD" .
There are 12 files converted using the same code before this file and they all convert with no problem.
This is my code. EBCDIC-4 is already loaded in Reg 100 by this line used on the first file "Call_File(100,"C:\Vedit\EBCDIC-4")".
FILE_COPY("C:\XXXX-Lay-Files\F12.LAY","C:\Vedit\EBCDIC.LAY",OK) // Copy my layout file to EBCDIC.LAY.
FILE_OPEN("C:\Quarter-End\MEMF12") // Open the EBCDIC file.
CALL(100) // Call EBCDIC-4 from Reg 100 and run
FILE_CLOSE() // Close the file.
The file is only a small file containg 14,524 lines, 159764 Chars.
My Vedit is Ver 6.22.1E and system is Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit with 4gig memory running Intel i5 CPU.
I'm sure I have had this message before and posted on the old board but that seems to be closed now.
Any suggestion welcome.


text:
Atmospheric Sciences & Global Change
Research Highlights
August 2010
In Search of Haze
Researching the Effects Aerosol Particles have on the Earth's Climate
Results: A team of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) scientists led an intensive month-long field study to research the effects of carbonaceous aerosols, often seen as haze, on climate. The Carbonaceous Aerosols and Radiative Effects Study–or CARES–field campaign examined the evolution and radiative effects of aerosol particles emitted from various sources such as exhaust fumes, wildfires and agricultural burning sources. PNNL's leadership included Dr. Rahul Zaveri as lead scientist, Dr. Beat Schmid handling the aircraft operations, and Dr. Will Shaw running the ground site operations. The research team is now evaluating data gained from the study to improve climate modeling, as part of PNNL's "measurements to models" integrated approach to climate research.
Why it matters: Data generated by CARES will help create a better understanding of how urban and natural atmospheric particles impact climate. Aerosols can seed clouds, resulting in more precipitation. They can also absorb sunlight, and warm the atmosphere. CARES data will help scientists model the effects of aerosols and particles for improved future research and enhanced computer models of global climate change.
Methods: Near Sacramento, California, researchers took daily ground measurements, flew airplanes with sophisticated sensing equipment, and released weather balloons to sample trace gases and aerosols emitted from the city at various altitudes. The well-defined and regular weather conditions of the region made it the ideal location to better understand how aerosol size, composition, and properties evolve with time and as atmospheric conditions disperse aerosols regionally and at various elevations.
According to Zaveri, CARES was designed to help answer questions generated in a 2006 study that measured aerosol and particle disbursement over Mexico City. "Each new field study leads to new questions," he said. "CARES was specifically designed to develop data that will help us understand aerosol evolution in the air and the effect of black carbon particles emitted from vehicle exhaust and biomass burning on the ground."
Zaveri shared his experiences during the field campaign through a blog called "Rahul CARES."
Rahul Zaveri, lead scientist for CARES, stands next to PNNL's G-1 Aircraft. The aircraft is equipped with a new ultra-high sensitivity aerosol spectrometer, which measures atmospheric aerosol particles.
What's next: Future field studies will help researchers better understand the effects of carbonaceous aerosols and their radiative effect in different geographic regions and in different climatic conditions.
Acknowledgments: This research is funded by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Offices of Science and Biological & Environmental Research, and by the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a national scientific user facility located at PNNL.
Research Team: The lead scientist and principal investigator is Dr. Rahul Zaveri of PNNL. The research team included scientists and resources from:
- Aerodyne Research, Inc.
- American River College
- Brechtel Manufacturing
- Brookhaven National Laboratory
- DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Aerial Facility
- DOE ARM Climate Research Facility
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Montana State University
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
- Portland State University
- University of California-Davis
- University of California-San Diego
- University of Colorado
- University of Nevada-Reno
- Washington State University
Reference: Zaveri R. May 2010. "CARES: Carbonaceous Aerosol and Radiative Effects Study Science Plan." May 2010. Available online.


text:
The city of Columbus is reviewing a proposal that could help foster a better working relationship between the local food truck and restaurant industries.
The city of Columbus is reviewing a proposal that could help foster a better working relationship between the local food truck and restaurant industries.
The Central Ohio Food Truck Association and Central Ohio Restaurant Association have drafted a covenant that would allow mobile vendors to operate in the rights of way of brick-and-mortar establishments, providing certain provisions are met.
For example, food trucks looking to operate in a congested area with multiple retail brick-and-mortar businesses, including restaurants, would enter into a good-neighbor agreement with 80 percent of such neighboring businesses within a 125-foot radius. For food trucks selling "like kind" products, such as sushi in front of a sushi restaurant, approval of 100 percent of neighborhood businesses in that area would be required.
The two sides sent the agreement to the city for guidance, said Amanda Ford, assistant director of public safety. A meeting has been set for Monday, Oct. 7, with Councilwoman Michelle Mills.
"There were some good suggestions in there," Ford said. "We just have to figure out how to move forward."
Brian Reed, owner of Mojo TaGo and president of the food-truck association, said although discussions are in the early stages, the proposal is a good launching point.
"We haven't necessarily figured out all the details," Reed said. "We're off to a good start. I think it's a positive thing."
The city's hands are somewhat tied, Ford said, because good-neighbor agreements aren't binding, so Columbus City Council must formally adopt any amendments. And some things, such as the good-neighborhood agreements, can't be codified.
She said some provisions, such as food trucks providing their own trash receptacles and cleaning up any trash within a 100-foot radius, just make good business sense.
Yet, it appears purveyors and the city will reach an impasse over parking. The pilot program insists that food trucks park in their own customized spaces -- 16 in all -- and not take up two or more parking meters, which is illegal.
Food-truck owners believe they should be able to use up to two spaces for four hours at a time, purchased in blocks of three to six months.
"The hardest part is finding locations where we can accommodate vehicles that size," Ford said. "I think that's the hardest thing to sell to the public: 'You can't do this but food trucks can do this.' "


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By ,
Published December 16, 2016
Tim Tebow has found his match it seems and he is not wasting anytime in introducing his Hollywood babe to the parents.
In Touch magazine is reporting that the Jets quarterback took Brazilian actress Camilla Belle to meet his family.
The entertainment publication adds that Tebow's folks gave him their approval.
"His mom, Pam, likes that Camilla comes from a strict Catholic family, and loves that she does so much work with a children's charity," says a source close with Tebow's parents.
"Pam thinks Camilla could be the girl Tim has been waiting for!"
Back in October, the NFL player stepped out in public with his new girlfriend. The
two were spotted in Jacksonville, Fla. in a group outing with friends.
Witnesses said the duo was cozy and affectionate, holding hands and caressing each other throughout the night.
Tebow is known for his strong Christian beliefs.
Having trademarked his signature move, a kneeling prayer known as "tebowing," the footballer has also been open about his desire to stay pure before marriage.
Belle was most recently linked to Joe Jonas, who too spoke openly about his faith while wearing a purity ring.
While Belle is less outspoken about her faith, the Latina was raised in a strict Catholic household.
Aside from Belle, Tebow has been linked to a bevy of A-list celebrities including Taylor Swift and Olympian Lindsey Vonn.
Tebow and his new squeeze are reportedly supposedly saving each other for marriage.
"Tim is looking for a woman so he can have a proper engagement and church wedding, and he's told friends that Camilla fits the bill," a source told the National Enquirer.
"Tim calls her 'the woman of his dreams," the source continued. "He's anxious to make Camilla part of his close-knit family."
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I think bleecker is way overrated
my fav from the bonds I have tried is Riverside Drive
smells special
I recently received New Haarlem by Bond no 9 as a gift. At first, I was blown away by its initial top notes; the beautiful smokiness combined with the sweetness. But after a few wearings, I am finding it is just too much of a gourmand to me and very hard to wear in most settings. So I don't think I will keep it. I also tested Brooklyn which also has a beautiful smoky opening and a generally pleasant drydown. But I'm not sure if it should be my first Bond acquistion. This has brought me to Basenotes and it hasn't received much praise as compared to Bleecker St. which some senior members have made powerful proclamations of. I did spray it once on my wrist, but I had also sprayed other Bonds the last time I was at their counter so it didn't leave much of an impression on me. I know I will have to try both side by side, but I would love general feedback on both these scents. Although I was overwhelmed with New Haarlem's syrupiness, I generally tend to gravitate towards stronger scents. So I'm wondering which of these two , Brooklyn and Bleecker, have more sillage and longevity power. I also own and love Creed's Original Vetiver, so I"m wondering how does Bleecker really compare and relate to it. Thank you.
I think bleecker is way overrated
my fav from the bonds I have tried is Riverside Drive
smells special
Off-Site Decants =) (updated 04/24/2017)
Bleecker STREET!!!!!!!
Haven't tried Brooklyn though. Bleecker has average to above average sillage and surreal longevity. Try it by itself, then make a decision.
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Obsessions of the Moment- Kristiansand EDC, Green Irish Tweed, Zizan
Granted, we've known each other for some time. It don't take a whole day to recognize sunshine. ~ Common Sense
Brooklyn sucks, i could name 5 better ones.
With Bleecker included in the 5
Your perceptions of the scent are on target. And you are correct that most people here perceive New Haarlem as the better scent. I would agree with that. But now you have to be honest with yourself about what you like and don't like.
I like New Haarlem's scent, but it's a bit strong for me, and seems to drift away from what I like as it develops. Among similarly strong scents, I find that I have to really like the full development of the scent, or I will be disappointed. Overall, and particularly among coffee gourmand scents, I liked Thierry Mugler Pure Coffee much better, from top to bottom, so I bought that, and am very happy.
Brooklyn is a bit weak for me. Sillage? Negatory. It took me a while for my nose to "zero in" on the scent, to where I could even smell it on my skin after more than a couple of hours. But now that I can, I find it pleasant, and with sufficient staying power. Admittedly, I have to spray it on rather heavily. It's light - almost like a cologne. I do like SOME light fragrances, as long as I can refresh them periodically during the day. And I really like the woody grapefruit scent of Brooklyn. It is simply very pleasing to me, and fits a nice spot in my wardrobe. It's sort of like my cologne version of Terre d'Hermes, of which I'm a HUGE fan. So THAT is what I bottled on.
I would not buy Brooklyn until you've tested it at least once, preferably more. Especially if you're looking for sillage and longevity.
And I'll agree - Riverside Drive is awesome. And strong, too. Could be a winner for you.
There is no beauty / That cannot be more abused / To beauty's effect.
/ blog:// https://cologniac.com / raging for the machines
So is the consensus that Bleecker is a stronger and fuller than Brooklyn?
I own one and have smelled the other. Bleeker wins for me!
Is the juice worth the squeeze?
How would Riverside compare to the two mentioned Bonds?
I'm sniffing them right now. I've gotta say, Bleecker Street is damn nice. A little more distinctive and noticeable, like Riverside Drive. Has some very prominent strong citrus and slightly spicy notes. But I'm not sure I'd like smelling it all day and all night, whereas I know for a fact that I can wear Brooklyn 24/3 and not get sick of it, because it's just such a laid back scent.
There is no beauty / That cannot be more abused / To beauty's effect.
/ blog:// https://cologniac.com / raging for the machines
Riverside is described by Luca Turin as "leaf zilla". It's a green scent that's like cicadas in a tree playing so loud they turn into mad organ music. People love it, too. But I'll be honest - I cannot wear it more than one day in a row, and then I'm burned on it for a month or so. It's powerful and good. Excellent sillage. I bought it after the first sniff on a recommendation by acceptfacts. Every time I wear it I fall in love with it again.
So, stronger than both Bleecker and Brooklyn. Better sillage and longevity than either, IMO. Gets compliments noooo problem. But it's almost too much of a good thing, if that makes any sense.
There is no beauty / That cannot be more abused / To beauty's effect.
/ blog:// https://cologniac.com / raging for the machines


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Kaitlyn Beaver of the Central Connecticut women's swimming and diving team was honored with her first NEC Diver of the Week award in her tenure as a Blue Devil, the conference announced Tuesday. The sophomore led Central at the Bucknell Invitational this past weekend.
Beaver led the Blue Devils from both diving boards this past weekend at the Bucknell Invitational. The sophomore competed in the preliminary rounds in both events, scoring a 174.95 in the 1-meter (23rd of 31) and a 188.25 in the 3-meter for 15th place out of 25 divers.
In her first season at CCSU, Beaver has posted season-best scores of 214.80 from the 1-meter board and tallied 217.40 points from 3-meters.
Beaver's NEC Diver of the Week honor marks the fifth week this season that a Blue Devil diver has come away with the award.
The Hamden, CT native will be back in action, along with the rest of the CCSU squad, when the Blue Devils travel to the Orange Bowl Classic in Key Largo, FL on Jan. 3.


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JOHN UNITAS was slow but cool, gritty yet unpredictable. He played with an unsentimental grace. One day he was a semi-pro on Western Pennsylvania's oil-soggy fields, and seemingly the next he was at Memorial Stadium, taking the Colts and football and the idea of the quarterback to new and unimagined places.
He didn't invent the forward pass, and he didn't invent the NFL, but neither was the same after he had done with them. Johnny Unitas, in the blue and white of Baltimore, did invent the quarterback-as-star. An ordinary guy among men, he came to pro football knowing what real life was about. That doesn't happen anymore.
A golden arm like his doesn't happen anymore, either.
He was 25 when he led the Colts into the Polo Grounds in New York for the 1958 championship game against the Giants. So much has been made of that game -- and maybe it wasn't really the greatest game ever played -- but it took place at a prosperous moment when the country was ready for something more physical and martial than baseball, when a new magazine called Sports Illustrated was looking to make a name for itself, and when New York, the arena, was at a pinnacle of cultural power. Johnny U took his team to a 23-17 win in overtime. All the pieces came together, and the NFL as we know it stepped out onto the nation's center stage that day. What anyone remembered afterward was the steely aplomb of the quarterback from Baltimore.
If there's anything unfortunate about that game, it's that it might have obscured just how good he always was. For instance: He threw touchdown passes in 47 straight games. No one else has ever come close.
For all his brilliance, Baltimore fans could always relate to him, in a way that's now impossible. He helped turn football into a spectacle, but John Unitas, who died yesterday at the age of 69, hailed from an earlier, more human era of the game. We mourn the Colts, we mourn Memorial Stadium, and now we mourn the finest football player who ever stepped out onto its field.


text: Middleware is something that goes in between, hence the name middleware. In the case of HPC, I would call ROCKS or Platform OCS middleware. These software packages go in between the administrator and the actual cluster software/OS configuration to make things easier to configure. They are in the middle of the administrator, and the actual software that does the real work (SGE, MPI, the operating system), so they are therefore properly termed middleware. This discussion has been about unnecessary services that have nothing to do with cluster operations. Sendmail/postix, printing daemons, etc., have nothing to do with clustering, so they are not middleware, since they are not in the middle of anything. They are just on the side. Prentice Ellis Wilson wrote: > I guess I don't quite understand why you disagree Prentice. With the > exception that middleware doesn't strive to be a classification per se, > just a solution, it still consists of a "style of computing where you > sacrifice absolute high performance because of issues relating to any > combination of convenience, laziness, or lack of knowledge." > > This assumes my understanding of middleware is correct in that it is a > package or entire system that simplifies things by being somewhat > blackboxed and ready to go. Anything canned like tuna is bound to > contain too much salt. > > Ellis > > Prentice Bisbal wrote: >> Vincent Diepeveen wrote: >>> I'd argue we might know this already as middleware. >> That makes absolutely no sense. >>> Best regards from a hotel in Beijing, >>> Vincent >>> >>> On Sep 23, 2008, at 10:32 PM, Jon Forrest wrote: >>> >>>> Given the recent discussion of whether running >>>> multiple services and other such things affects >>>> the running of a cluster, I'd like to propose >>>> a new classification of computing. >>>> >>>> I call this Pretty High Performance Computing (PHPC). >>>> This is a style of computing where you sacrifice >>>> absolute high performance because of issues relating >>>> to any combination of convenience, laziness, or lack >>>> of knowledge. >>>> >>>> I know I've been guilty of all three but the funny >>>> thing is that science seems to get done anyway. >>>> There's no doubt computations would get done a little faster >>>> if I or the scientists spent more time worrying >>>> about microsecond latency, parallel barriers, >>>> or XML overhead but reality always gets in the way. >>>> In the future I hope to sin less often but it's a >>>> growing experience. Reading this, and other, email >>>> lists sometimes helps. >>>> >>>> Cordially, >>>> >>>> -- Jon Forrest >>>> Research Computing Support >>>> College of Chemistry >>>> 173 Tan Hall >>>> University of California Berkeley >>>> Berkeley, CA >>>> 94720-1460 >>>> 510-643-1032 >>>> jlforrest at berkeley.edu >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Beowulf mailing list, Beowulf at beowulf.org >>>> To change your subscription (digest mode or unsubscribe) visit >>>> http://www.beowulf.org/mailman/listinfo/beowulf >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Beowulf mailing list, Beowulf at beowulf.org >>> To change your subscription (digest mode or unsubscribe) visit >>> http://www.beowulf.org/mailman/listinfo/beowulf >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Beowulf mailing list, Beowulf at beowulf.org >> To change your subscription (digest mode or unsubscribe) visit >> http://www.beowulf.org/mailman/listinfo/beowulf >> >> > > > > > > > > > -- Prentice Bisbal Linux Software Support Specialist/System Administrator School of Natural Sciences Institute for Advanced Study Princeton, NJ


text:
If protecting the environment — globally as well as inside your home — is important to you, then you should know how laminate flooring sustainability could enhance both.
Swiss Krono USA uses fresh pine harvested through ecologically sound forest thinning operations, which creates less impact on the environment and means that you get the look of exotic hardwoods without harming any real exotic or endangered wood species. The manufacturing process is so efficient and results in such little waste that we end up using almost every part of the tree in the construction of our planks.
Laminate flooring sustainability advantages don't end at the manufacturing plant. It carries right over into your home, beginning with the installation of your new floor. Our tongue-and-groove locking system installs easily without the need for glue or nails. This simple installation process means fewer power tools are needed, which results in less energy use. After installation is complete, scraps can be disposed of with the rest of your household garbage.
Ours is also a much healthier floor to live with for years to come. Our Designer Floor Planks require little maintenance. Regular dusting and occasional damp mopping with a 3:1 water and vinegar solution will keep your floor looking like new with no need for harsh cleansers. Unlike hardwoods, our laminate floors will never need to be refinished — a process which introduces toxic levels of dust and noxious chemicals to your home.
Laminate flooring focused on indoor air quality
You're not the only one concerned about indoor air quality. We are, too. In fact, we use absolutely no harmful substances — halogen, chloride, PVC, PCB, or dioxin — in the construction of our product. In addition, the decorative paper layer used for Swiss Krono laminate is printed with water-based, low volatile organic compound (VOC) inks, which are safer for people and the environment. All of these efforts on our part help contribute to a more natural and healthy atmosphere in your home.
If you don't believe us, just ask the Resilient Floor Covering Institute, which recently awarded Swiss Krono with its prestigious FloorScore® Indoor Air Quality Certification. In order to receive this, we had to meet some of the world's most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low emissions of VOCs. This distinction proves how committed Swiss Krono is to providing homeowners with products that are healthier for their homes and for the world.
If you're ready to buy laminate wood flooring, click here to visit our online Factory Outlet. You can buy overstocked laminate wood floors directly from the manufacturer and have it shipped to your home. You'll save up to 30% on laminate floor planks, plus you'll get free samples, free delivery, and free returns. And some come with a lifetime warranty, the best laminate flooring warranty you can get.


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deli is a valid word in this word list. For a definition, see the external dictionary links below.
The word "deli" uses 4 letters: D E I L.
Direct anagrams of deli:
deil diel idle lied
Words formed by adding one letter before or after deli (in bold), or to deil in any order:
a - ailed ideal b - bield d - idled e - edile elide f - felid field filed flied g - gelid glide k - liked m - limed n - lined o - oiled oldie p - piled plied r - idler riled s - deils delis idles isled sidle slide t - tilde tiled v - devil lived w - wield wiled y - yield
Shorter words found within deli:
de del die ed el eld id led lei li lid lie
List shorter words within deli, sorted by length
Words formed from any letters in deli, plus an optional blank or existing letter
Try a search for deli in these online resources (some words may not be found):
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Only hotels in Prince George are listed below. Find discounted hotel accommodations in or close to Prince George, VA for your upcoming personal or group trip. We provide the best Prince George, Virginia motel and hotel rooms. Browse the Prince George area hotels to find the perfect lodging! Please use the provided map of the Prince George hotels. Group booking? Search Prince George Group Hotel Discounts
The Prince George center point is about 5 miles northeast of Poplar Springs Hospital and 6 miles east of Old Blandford Church.
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(Reuters) - Speed played a role in the one-car crash that killed "The Fast and the Furious" actor Paul Walker in Southern California on Saturday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.
Walker, 40, was a passenger in the red 2005 Porsche Carrera GT that crashed into a utility pole and burst into flames in the city of Santa Clarita on Saturday afternoon.
"Speed was a factor in the solo vehicle collision," the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.
Deputy Mark Pope said the accident was under investigation and he did not know how fast the car was going.
The Los Angeles Times identified the driver as Roger Rodas, 38, a friend of Walker's who owned Always Evolving, an auto dealership and racing services company.
The sheriff's department would not confirm that. The company could not be reached for comment on Sunday.
In a message on its Facebook page, the company posted a message that said, "Thank you all for your condolences and prayers while we mourn the loss of our loved ones."
The blond-haired, blue-eyed Walker was in five of the six "The Fast and the Furious" films about illegal street racing and heists. A seventh installment was in development, according to Universal, the studio behind the franchise.
Walker played law enforcement official Brian O'Conner in the movie series.
Reporting by Jane Sutton; Editing by Eric Walsh


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HIV NEG UB2: Does Serosorting Protect You?
Spring/Summer 2012
Safer sex is a gay, grass-roots invention. In fact, just about every behavioral technique used in the U.S. to stop or slow the spread of HIV was invented and first practiced by gay men. These techniques were considered risky by the public health establishment when they were first promoted. It was only later, as their effectiveness was gradually revealed, that public health authorities accepted them and turned them into public health policy. Now, a recent trend in HIV prevention among gay men, called serosorting, is getting a lot of attention.
But how effective is serosorting? Serosorting is the practice of selecting partners according to whether they are HIV positive or HIV negative, having sex only with someone of the same HIV status, or always using condoms only with people of a different HIV status. It implies having unprotected anal intercourse when both partners are already HIV positive, or when both are HIV negative.
Other behavioral strategies that aim to prevent HIV infection without using condoms fall within the larger category of "seroadaptation". These include "strategic positioning", in which the insertive (top) and receptive (bottom) sexual roles are chosen according to HIV status, relative risk, or viral load, with the uninfected partner typically taking the insertive role. Another seroadaptive behavior is the use of viral load as a basis for decision-making. When a person with HIV has an undetectable viral load, some gay men feel it is safe to have sex with an uninfected partner without using condoms, especially if the man with HIV is the bottom. But while an undetectable viral load lowers the risk of HIV transmission, it does not eliminate it.
When Negative Isn't Negative
There are real issues with risk-reduction practices that try to do away with condoms. To be effective, they need to be used carefully, intelligently, consistently, and with awareness of the larger context. Serosorting is certainly safer for HIV-positive men than it is for HIV-negative men. First, while people with HIV can be superinfected with a different strain of HIV, experts are divided on how common this is and its consequences. Second, men who have tested positive know their HIV status -- someone who says he has HIV is probably not lying. Finally, sex between HIV-positive men cannot transmit HIV to uninfected men -- a lesser impact on public health.
For HIV-negative men, however, strategic positioning, partner serosorting, and unprotected receptive anal sex with an HIV-positive partner who has an undetectable viral load are all subject to misuse. In 2008, 63% of sexually active HIV-positive men in U.S. urban areas between the ages of 18 and 29 were unaware they had HIV, according to the latest figures from the CDC's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance report. This is quite worrying, because a person who has been recently infected is extremely infectious. In fact, approximately half of new sexually acquired HIV infections in the U.S. are transmitted by the 21% of HIV-positive people who are unaware of their HIV status. This means that having unprotected sex with a guy who says, even believes, that he is uninfected may be very risky for someone who is HIV negative.
One study that ran from 2001 to 2007 observed serosorting trends among HIV-positive and negative gay men who received services from a clinic in Seattle, Washington. The study showed that the practice of serosorting increased over the six years, especially among HIV-positive gay men. Of those men who became HIV positive over the course of the study, 32% were gay men who practiced serosorting. Perhaps those men had taken other, greater risks in their sexual practices. Still, those findings suggest that serosorting does not eliminate the risk of contracting HIV. The level of protection that comes from serosorting is uncertain. But what is certain is that there are many ways serosorting by HIV-negative men can fail to provide protection from HIV.
Recent studies have shown that HIV treatment can substantially lower the rate of transmission from a positive but treated partner to a negative partner, especially when the positive partner has an undetectable viral load. But this belief may have particularly dangerous results for gay men. First, new research suggests that only 19% of HIV-positive people in the U.S. actually have an undetectable viral load. The CDC has a more optimistic estimate of 28%, based on more recent data and a different method of calculation, but it still seems reasonable to assume that only about a quarter of all Americans currently living with HIV have their viral load down to an undetectable level. Second, viral load fluctuates significantly, even in people who succeed in getting it down to undetectable levels. Third, even if the virus cannot be detected in your blood, it may be present in your semen (which is not tested).
A recent study of 101 HIV-positive men who have sex with men found this to be true. The Fenway Institute in Boston discovered that roughly a quarter of the men with undetectable HIV in their blood had detectable HIV in their semen. The study also showed, however, that men with undetectable viral loads in their blood had significantly lower viral loads in their semen compared to men with detectable HIV in their blood. How exactly that translates to infectiousness remains to be seen. The study did not look at whether those with low-but-detectable levels of HIV in their semen were more likely to transmit the virus than those whose semen had undetectable viral loads. Researchers are also concerned that the HIV present in semen when a person's viral load is undetectable in the blood could be resistant to a particular HIV medication, in which case exposure to that semen could lead to the spread of a treatment-resistant virus.
The most striking evidence for an undetectable viral load reducing HIV infection comes from a recent study of serodiscordant heterosexual couples (one partner HIV positive and the other HIV negative). It showed a 96% reduction in HIV transmission when the HIV-positive partner started HIV treatment early. It may be assumed, however, that much if not all of the sex that occurred among the heterosexual couples was vaginal sex. Unfortunately, the risk of HIV transmission through anal sex is much higher than through vaginal sex. So gay men should not throw out their condoms because of the results of this study. More research is needed to understand if an undetectable viral load in the blood reduces HIV transmission in people who practice anal sex.
There are also other unwelcome consequences of trying to move beyond condom use while still trying to avoid HIV. The technique of partner sorting rather than condom use leads some gay men to practice racial sorting, because the prevalence of HIV is known to be higher among black men and Latinos than among white men. Sorting partners by age is another misguided attempt to stay HIV negative without using condoms. These techniques only serve to continue misinformation about contracting HIV, while promoting racist and ageist behavior.
Although there is much to be concerned about regarding serosorting, we should also remember that the riskreduction practices that are currently approved as safe were not considered safe when they were first invented. What is now called safer sex (using condoms) is a case in point. Nowadays, safer sex is routinely contrasted with risk-taking, barebacking, and other supposedly irresponsible forms of unprotected sex. The terms "safe" and "unsafe" sex are pitted against each other as polar opposites. But the use of condoms for anal sex is not now, nor has it ever been, absolutely safe. Condoms can break, especially if misused. People have to know how to put them on properly, use a water-based lubricant, store them properly, and not use them past their expiration date.
More From This Resource Center
Undetectable Viral Load and HIV Prevention: What Do Gay and Bi Men Need to Know?
Do HIV-Negative Gay Men Need Condoms if They're on PrEP? Here's What I Tell My Patients
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text:
"We're getting plenty of volunteers and planning is going great and we're raffling off tickets for a Fiat," said Claudette Berwin, who is spearheading planning and promotion for this year's Concours.
This year, Berwin said, one of the event's main goals is to extend its reach out into the downtown Village involving more local merchants.
"La Jolla will benefit by local businesses doing more business obviously on that weekend," said LJVMA chairman Phil Coller.
The Concours d'Elegance annually showcases a wide array of vintage vehicles, including horseless carriages, Italian and British marques, Woodies, 1950s classics, American sports cars (with a salute in 2013 to GM on its 100th anniversary) and the automobiles of Carroll Shelby.
This year, the event will tip its hat to some of the world's finest classics: Rolls Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, Cadillac and Duesenberg. The exhibition includes classic motorcycles as well.
For more information about the event, call (858) 454-0555, email firstname.lastname@example.com or visit lajollaconcours.com.
LJVMA executive director Sheila Fortune said ad sales for TVs at the new visitor center at 1162 Prospect St. are "going nicely."
But Fortune warned advertising space is at a premium and may not last long.
"If you haven't been to the visitors center yet you should go, it's quite impressive," said Coller, adding the center is rapidly becoming a community hub, as a well as a draw for tourists.
"We want the visitors center to be the place people always come to first," he said. "What we're trying to do is drive traffic. Once they're here, they can buy tickets to attractions like SeaWorld, as well as get information about all the stuff they can do in La Jolla."
For more information, visit www.lajollabythesea.com, call (858) 454-5718 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
In other action:
– La Jolla merchants are being warned that the city's code compliance department has issued a warning that it will soon be monitoring sidewalks in the Village for tent signs, menu boards and other signage not permitted in the public right-of-way. Warning notices are given and fines for violations up to $1,000 may then be issued.
– Associate publisher Mike Smith gave a presentation on Locale Magazine, which just expanded from Orange County into San Diego. "We're a quarterly, seasonal publication with five sections on what you can eat, drink, shop and do in the region and our first issue was in December," Smith said noting the publication has a "massive website" that he said drew 31,000 visitor hits last month. "We try to be a resource guide for everyone," Smith added. For more information, visit www.localemagazine.com.
LJVMA's next meeting will be Wednesday, April 10 at 8:30 a.m. at Cuvier Club, 7776 Eads Ave.


text:
|About: Room air alveolar-arterial gradient (A-a gradient)
|Calculating the A-a gradient can help the clinician determine the severity of pulmonary shunting. This can be useful in following the progression of a disease, and also may be a more subtle assessment of pulmonary disease than the oxygen saturation or the partial pressure of oxygen. This value is used in other tools, such as the Apache II score. A simplified formula can be used for patients on room air.
|Go to the tool


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Video Game Industry To Make Beaucoup Bucks By 2016
Research conducted by investment bank Digi-Capital claims that the industry is set to be worth $83 billion by the year 2016. We'd like to see a coin block that could hold that much moolah.
According to Develop Online, Digi-Capital's research says that online and mobile games, "could have a revenue share of $48 billion in 2016, 55% of the entire game industry." They say a lot of what could drive sales would be free-to-play games, or games based on a freemium model. There was also a section that covered mergers and acquisitions, which totaled $4 billion this year.
It also looked like massively multiplayer online role-playing games made up a majority of the mergers and acquisitions, at 38% for all transactions while the mobile market made up 27%, social gaming made up 18%, middleware and gamification at 13%, and the console companies at 4%.
Investments took a hit because of social gaming, which caused a 94% decline compared to 2011's numbers. And Kickstarter helped make the industry $49 million throughout the year with its crowdfunding efforts.
The full report can be found here, if you'd like to see the details for yourself.


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Discover the best time, attractions, and cuisine in the city
Bangkok has a acceptability for its abundant temples. Its affluent history and religious ability bolt the eyes of humans about the world.
This commodity helps planning your aboriginal Bangkok trip.
When to Go
Bangkok situates in the southeast of Asia – abutting amphibian cloudburst altitude zone, featuring abstinent weather. It is hot and wet through the year, with the boilerplate temperature 82?/28?. Its acclimate can be about disconnected into three types: hot division (March-June), backing division (July-October) and air-conditioned division (November-February).
Tropical Acclimate and What to Pack
Cool Division (November- February): Those months are the coolest seasons in Bangkok on which the boilerplate temperature does not beat 26 ?. Several long-sleeved T-shirts are enough.
Hot Division (March-June): Bangkok's hot division is hot and moist. T-shirts and shorts are enough. Yield a hat and a brace of sunglasses to anticipate able sunlight, and sun chrism is recommended to assure you from the able sunlight.
Rainy Division (July-October): Backing division in Bangkok is clammy and sultry. You may be encountered with accidental droops in a day so ablaze rain accoutrement and awning is necessary. It is recommended to adapt another shoes and clothing.
The Best Time to Visit: November-April
This aeon is the a lot of adequate time for your visiting aback again the acclimate is air-conditioned and the southern island is open. Loi Krathong Festival (December 15th in Thai lunar calendar, about in November 15th) is aswell a absorbing day on which the Bangkok will become a admirable abode abounding of ablaze on the Chao Phraya River.
What to See in Bangkok
Bangkok assets its acceptability for its religious atmosphere and abiding history. Along with the river, it spots a amount of actual buildings. The city-limits is a reside altar abundance breadth a lot of of the day-tripper attractions are affiliated with temples. The a lot of acclaimed attractions in Bangkok are the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kae and Wat Pho.
The Grand Palace
The Grand Alcazar is a circuitous of aristocratic barrio at the affection of Bangkok. It has been the official association of the Kings of Siam and continued been the archetypal loyal citizen of Thailand aback then. Aback to Chao Phraya River, the alcazar covers an breadth of over 260,000 aboveboard meters with coffer surrounded. Within the coffer is the adumbrative Siam architectonics and a allotment of which the a lot of acclaimed are four palaces with characteristic characters. Preserved, and majestic considerable, it expresses a august of age-old aristocratic account to tourists.
The Wat Phra Kaew
Located in the northeast allotment of the Grand Palace, the Wat Phra Kaew is one of the a lot of arresting archetype of Thai temples. Inside the Hindu altar of the god, there is the dark-green Emerald Buddha which is a religio-political attribute and the careful angel of Thailand. In the Thai history and legend, emerald Buddha brings abundance and accord to breadth it resides. Every summer, winter and backing seasons, the King performs a appropriate ritual to absolve the country-changing the blind about the status.
Wandering about the palace, tourists accept a acceptable adventitious to acknowledge the admirable coffer painting. All the pictures' capacity are from acceptable Indian abstract Ramayana. Apart from that, the baroque actualization and blatant adornment of the barrio are aswell acutely impressive.
The Wat Pho
As the a lot of age-old temple in Thailand, The Wat Pho neighbors to the Grand Palace, and at the aforementioned time, it aswell affluence the better collapsed Buddha. With the accomplished breadth of 46 meters and the bottom breadth of 5 meters, the collapsed Buddha avowal the better collapsed Buddha about the world, all accoutrement with gold and its basement is busy with 108 advantageous patterns. The temple assets such a top reputation, domestically and externally, not abandoned for the acclaim of better collapsed Buddha but aswell for its majority of statuses and stupas. It is fabricated up of 99 stupas of which 71 are beat 7 meters and 394 Buddhist abstracts in about 80.000 aboveboard meters.
Distance from Bangkok city-limits center: the three aloft are at the Grand Alcazar District, actual abutting to the city-limits center. It is a acceptable abstraction to buy a map of Bangkok in a bounded bookstore as a adviser if you wish to biking the city-limits with no guide.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun lays on the west coffer of the Pian, in the abutting ambit of the Grand Palace. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, generally embodied as the radiations of the ascent sun, so it is aswell alleged the Temple of Dawn. It has existed aback at atomic 17th aeon and it is the better Mahayana stupa in Thailand. You can calmly yield a river baiter from one ancillary to the added for abandoned 3 baht.
The Amphawa Amphibian Market
Almost every day-tripper has a appointment to a amphibian bazaar in apperception on his aboriginal cruise to Bangkok. Actually, there are added than 5 amphibian markets in Bangkok a allotment of which the Amphawa Amphibian Bazaar is the a lot of attractive. A annex of the Mae Klong River floats through the bazaar and abounding little board abode neatly lined up abandoned the canal, affairs souvenirs and a lot of absorbing candy and sweets. It opens at 15 p.m.-20 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday so you can access about 16 p.m. so you would not absence the amazing little temple beyond the river, and at the aforementioned time accept an aboriginal seafood cafeteria on the river banks and get a little continued appendage baiter cruise.
Erawan Shrine
The Erawan Altar appearance four active and four pairs of accoutrements appear altered sides. Housed in the city-limits centermost of Bangkok, it is a acclaimed bronze of Hindu god: conception Lord Brahma. Whenever you arrive, you will consistently accommodated a abundant army of believers there. Added adorable affair is the achievement by citizen Thai ball troupes which are generally operated in festivals by worshippers in acknowledgment for their wishes advancing true.
Cover shoulders, legs and abdomen if visiting temples in Thailand abnormally in the Grand Palace, contrarily you may be rejected. It is simple to hire a sari abreast the Grand Palace.
Obey Customs:
1. If alms prayers to Buddha kneel down with anxiety pointing abroad from Buddha.
2. At any time, pointing Buddha with your bottom is prohibited.
3. Remove shoes if entering any of temples.
Dining in Bangkok
Thai cuisine is one of the a lot of accepted cuisines about the world. Although it has been mutually afflicted and accumulated the claim of over the advance of abounding countries, it appearance the use of beginning herbs and spices and its sweet-and-sour flavor. The aggregate of varies aroma gives tourists a absurd and aflame taste. And the aforementioned with added Asian cuisines, rice is the basic atom of Thai cuisine.
Tom Yum Kung:
Tom Yum is a archetypal Thai soup, usually adapted with shrimp. It is characterised by its audible hot and acerb flavours, with ambrosial spices and herbs abundantly acclimated in the broth.
Thai Blooming Back-scratch Seafood:
Thai Blooming Back-scratch Seafood is a based on attic milk and beginning blooming chillies. The back-scratch is not necessarily sweeter than added Thai curries but, although the acidity varies, it tends to be added acid than the milder.
Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai, archetypal Thai dish, mainly cover attic milk, dill weed, lemongrass, Thai chili peppers, craven and angle sauce. The capital actual could be assorted according to bounded flavor, such as seafood, mushrooms, pork and tofu.
Things to do in Bangkok
The abstruse history of Bangkok breeding the alien and different acceptable ability actuality which is rarely begin in added allotment of the world. By experiencing bounded acceptable activities, tourists can accept a added ability of this city. The UME Biking website offers acceptable tips on your preference.
Thai Bang Boxing
Thai bang battle is a acceptable art of aegis of the Thais. It originated in Thailand and has a history of over 5 hundred years ago. It can strengthen the body, apperception and heart, as able-bodied as appearance backbone and persistence. During this action sport, competitors are acceptable to use their fists, legs, knees and elbows to beating down their adversary.
Apart from animal strength, Battle is aswell a analysis of address and skill; appropriately it attracts the absorption of abounding people, home and aboard. With its advanced advance throughout the world, it is admired that Thai battle is acceptable for women and kids as able-bodied aback it toughens them up from circadian convenance and airy learning.
Thai Massage
Thai acceptable beating can be traced aback to hundreds years ago if Buddhist monasteries fabricated it as a anatomy of bactericide bloom affliction for monks. Currently, a accepted forms of beating combines acupressure, assisted yoga postures and ayurveda with oil and lotion.
The almsman wears apart and adequate accouterment and usually on a bedlam mat or close mattress on the floor. During the accomplished practice, giver performs able aberration admixture with authentic oil. With physique compressed, pulled, continued and rocked, receiver will feel active and adequate that had never been afterwards 45-min service.


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Editor's Note: Tech Triangulation and Linux
Shades of BrazilIn this week's .comment, Dennis Powell recounts a Linux/cable modem nightmare that I will not even attempt to top. It's a good read, full of the sort of pathos we're all familiar with when it comes to making our beloved Linux machines get along with a world that isn't quite convinced of our legitimacy (or market share). Reading his account, though, took me back to my own broadband tribulations:
I like to collect Linux misinformation. Like the coworker who once told me Linux was an older version of UNIX that crashes if you try to use it to look at graphics, or as a web server.
Tech triangulation is a simple procedure. You just figure out what you want to know, call the support line three times (making sure you get a different technician each time) and ask your questions. If you're lucky, they all agree with each other. If not, go with the majority unless two of them are clearly dim bulbs and the third is a compulsive "Linux mentioner" who's looking for his crack at moving off the help desk by antagonizing random customers with comments like "It's supposed to work that way, but I don't know... I run, uhhh, Linux."
With DSL, the big concern is the protocol your machine uses to talk to the provider. In many cases, the DSL modem just plugs into the wall, you plug your NIC into the modem, and you're golden. Well, as golden as it gets. In other cases, ISP's are going with PPP Over Ethernet (pppoe), in which case it isn't quite as straightforward a proposition: your machine has to negotiate a PPP connection via an ethernet interface using CHAP or PAP for authentication. My ISP uses both at random.
Thanks to the folks at Roaring Penguin, pppoe is fairly well supported under Linux. People with RPM-based distros can download the binary, install it, run a configuration script, and off they go. Others will find compiling from source simple enough, and the RPM is distro agnostic enough that it's a good candidate for alien. Roaring Penguin even provides rudimentary firewalling scripts that are strict enough to keep you safe for a while until you figure out what you're doing.
So I called the tech people at the ISP three times, and found myself thinking of Terry Gilliam's Brazil. The tech support people were the duct maintainers at Central Services, I was Sam, and there were no renegade plumbers coming down on rappelling lines anytime soon.
The first call ended quickly: "If you attempt to run Linux with this, it won't work. You'll forfeit your deposit, too. And your hair will fall out."
The second was a little better: "You can run Linux with our service, but if the installer sees Linux on your machine, he'll leave. You'll forfeit your deposit. Your hair won't fall out, but I can't guarantee that. I wasn't here. I didn't say this."
The third was best: "We have Linux talking to the service in our lab... it works great. You can download a pppoe client for your machine, but you'll have to look it up on Google. The installers don't mind dual-boot machines, but have it booted into Windows in case you get a belligerent one. Oh... I wasn't here. I didn't say this."
So, armed with the knowledge that it could at least work, I placed my order (with a clerk who made me affirm that I had no intention whatsoever of attempting to use the service with anything other than Windows 95 or 98), and waited for the installation.
The day the installer arrived, I was in high spirits. I'd had the box of DSL goodies the ISP had sent out for a week, already installed the NIC that came with it, and had the DSL modem unpacked and ready. At the time, I had a small Windows partition I'd booted into to keep the installer from walking out on me.
Over the course of the two-hour installation, I learned a lot from the installer while I tried to pump him for information about how the service worked once a connection had been negotiated.
Linux, it turns out, is "DHCP based, which is incompatible with TCP." Furthermore, Linux "doesn't have the power to handle the fastest connections." Oh, he allowed, it might cope with a 384k connection, but the 1.5 meg service I'd ordered would slaughter it.
"Funny," I said, "I write about Linux and I was never aware of this limitation."
"Oh, yeah," he replied, "Linux is like that. Of course, it's been about ten years since I used it, but it can't be any better. It's just sorta built like that. You wouldn't be able to surf the web with it anyhow... it can't handle graphics. That's why I'm Microsoft certified now... I'm one of a special group that got to beta test Windows 98 for free!"
"Oh... so, I guess I can't boot into Linux to use the service?"
"Naw. I could make it work for you, but it ain't worth your time. I install it for kids at the university sometimes, but I have no idea what they think they're gonna use it for. It'll just crash when they try to surf the web."
"No browser anyhow, right?"
The software provided to connect under Windows was truly ugly, by the way. A clunky "control panel" that dominated a healthy chunk of the display and seemed to barf and require a reset of the DSL modem the first three times. Furthermore, because the customer might be disturbed at the thought there was something besides a fast dial-up at work, it used on-screen information that implied it was actually dialing a phone.
"There ya go... Lemme show ya!" the installer exclaimed when it was done installing.
He had me point the browser at a download site where I was told to download a Quake demo. It wasn't so fast the first time, but he wasn't going to leave until he'd demonstrated just how fast the connection was. I could have told him to leave, but that would mean that he couldn't complete the special checklist, which would mean if he screwed up the installation I wouldn't get my deposit back and I'd have to pay service charges to fix it. I was in his thrall. I tried to see where on the list it said "Download Quake," but he wouldn't let me look long enough.
Three attempts later, he was happy. I had a Quake demo plus two partial Quake copies to keep me company. Then he installed a graphical traceroute tool to show me how fast the pingtimes were. It locked the box up hard three times, so we sat staring at the computer while it ran checkdisk each time, him refusing to leave until I could see the graphical traceroutes for myself. I breathed a silent prayer of thanks the fourth time, when it worked. It reported Slashdot as being somewhere off the coast of South America... but it worked. I told him Slashdot was run by Brazilians, so he felt comfortable leaving.
After he left, I sat down to the machine, booted into Linux, quietly fdisked the Windows partition and my three Quake downloads into oblivion, and fired up the pppoe client.
Worked out of the box.
I still have all my hair.
Want to discuss this article with other members of the Linux community? Then head over to the Linux Today discussion of this article.


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BootSkin Pro was part of the Object Desktop 2009 release. It finally allows users of Windows Vista to create and change the boot screen image with a high-resolution image. Whether you either want to change your boot screen, or create your own to share with others, the process is simple.
BootSkin Pro allows you to both create and change bootskins, while BootSkin allows you only to change the boot screen.
To change the boot screen simply open BootSkin, and scroll through the installed skins. Once you find one you want to use, just click "Apply This BootSkin". That's it, pretty simple indeed. You can get more BootSkin downloads at the BootSkin gallery on WinCustomize.com. Click "Add New BootSkin", browse to the downloaded file, and it will install.
If you ever need to get back to the default skin, just apply the Windows Default BootSkin.
Creating a BootSkin for your own use, or to share with others, is just as simple. Start off by selecting the "Create a BootSkin" tab at the top of the BootSkin window.
The requirements are:
When ready, type in the title of the boot skin, enter the other information such as your e-mail, and then browse for the image you want to convert for use. BootSkin Pro will upload the image, convert it into the BootSkin format, and place it into your bootskins folder. You can now apply the bootskin or upload to sites such as WinCustomize.com.
Right now, BootSkin Pro is available to Object Desktop subscribers. A stand-alone download will be available soon. You can get more information at www.stardock.com/products/bootskin/.
When will it be available to download for free or purchase seprately from the object desktop package?
The WinXP version will not be updated. It has not been updated for many years and still remains unsupported at this time.
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The technology to create the new bootskin format is propriatary and cannot be redistributed via the software. So BSp uploads the inmage to the SD servers, converts it to the correct format and sends it back. A rather ingenious solution I think.
Bootskins are art. There is no functionality that makes them good or bad. Good art cannot be defined. What you like may not work for anyone else.
Bootskin Pro v. 1.00.037 gets installed ok but doesn't work on my Vista Home Premium. When I try to apply a different skin from the default, I get an error message....?
Do you think somebody could help?
Thanks, George
I would suggest sending an e-mail to email@example.com, or posting a thread in the support area.
Hmmm, now that sounds like a nice update to look at. You made DeskScape available for XP, a new BootSkin program would be nice. You can at least think about it.
[e digicons]:-"[/e] [e digicons]:S[/e]
"A stand-alone download will be available soon."
*waits anxiously*
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
Sign in or Create Account
Return to the WinCustomize homepage.
Use Stardock's Bootskins XP to change your XP startup screen easily without hacking
your system!
CursorFX is a utility which allows you to have much more flexibility in the cursors
you use to interact with Windows. CursorFX users can create and use cursors that
look and feel far superior to anything you've ever seen before! Best of all, it's
really easy to create your own super-charged cursors!
DesktopX is a program that lets users build their own desktops. It does this by
giving users access to desktop objects. These objects can come in all sizes and
shapes. They can have scripts attached to them, they can be combined together to
form mini applications or turned into an entire desktop.
Stardock DeskScapes is a program that allows users to have animated wallpaper on
their Windows 8, Windows 7, XP or Vista desktop. It supports playing video as animated wallpaper,
dynamically generated content as animated wallpaper, and more.
IconPackager is a program that allows users to change nearly all of their Windows
icons at once by applying "packages" of icons. A package of icons contains
icons to replace most of the common icons on your Windows PC.
Icons for applications and folders.
LogonStudio is a free program that allows users to change their Windows 7, Vista
and XP logon screens. It comes with several logon screens to choose from, along
with thousands that are available online.
ObjectDock™ is a program that enables users to organize their shortcuts, programs
and running tasks into an attractive and fun animated Dock. By allowing users to
have more control over how they organize their desktop, users can take control of
their desktop icons and shortcuts to have them be available when where and how they
need them.
Rainmeter allows you to display customizable skins on your desktop, from hardware usage meters to fully functional audio visualizers.
You are only limited by your imagination and creativity.
Rainmeter is open source software distributed free of charge under the terms of the GNU GPL v2 license.
Show off your favorite desktop configuration by uploading a screenshot of your desktop!
SoundPackager brings customization of your auditory experience to Object Desktop!
Users can now choose from "sound packages" to enhance their Windows desktop
experience. Over 30 different system sounds are supported; unique new Stardock Design
sound packages are included with the package.
Microsoft Windows® 8 is shipped without the "Start" menu. Stardock heard the cries from Windows 8
users. We put the "Start" menu back in Windows 8. We accurately recreated the most used desktop
feature billions of users depend on every day and packed it with additional functionality.
Theme Manager is a program that changes the look and feel of the entire Windows
environment. It works by talking to existing desktop enhancement programs and then
applying a MyColors or Suite file. In short, Theme Manager is a front-end to other
desktop enhancement programs to simplify the user experience.
The finest collection of desktop backgrounds on the Internet!
Winamp is a one of the best media players for Windows, macOS and Android, originally developed by Justin Frankel and Dmitry Boldyrev by their company Nullsoft, then acquired by Radionomy in 2014.
WindowBlinds changes the look and feel of your Windows desktop by applying visual
styles to your entire Windows environment. When a visual style is applied, they
change nearly every elements of the Windows GUI such as title bars, push buttons,
the Start bar, menu and more.
Winstep Extreme is a powerful suite of applications that merge incredible usability and performance with breathtaking eye candy. Add your own Menus, Docks, Tabbed Docks, Taskbar and Widgets with this Windows User Interface Replacement!
View a list of all of the different galleries available in WinCustomize, which you
can then browse individually.
Explore all available galleries on WinCustomize.
This option is only available for subscribers of WinCustomize. If you are a subscriber
it will allow you to select which categories you would like to see in this menu
from a list of all galleries available on the site. This information will be stored
on your account for all your future visits.


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Glendower: I can call spirits from the vasty deep.
Hotspur: Why, so can I, or so can any man; But will they come when you do call for them?
--William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 1, Act 3
It's easy to talk to the dead. It requires no special abilities. Anyone can do it; it takes precisely as much skill as talking to a plant or a cat. No, the real trick is getting meaningful answers back. There are many people who claim to have this power, including John Edwards (of the short-lived TV show "Crossing Over"); James Van Praagh, Alison DuBois (the basis for the NBC series " Medium," who falsely claimed to have solved crimes for police and the Texas Rangers); and Montel Williams regular Sylvia Browne. These psychic mediums have either refused to be tested under controlled scientific conditions or failed when they were (but that's a subject for another column). Many lesser-known psychics believe they have this ability, as do thousands of ordinary, sane Americans.
The vast majority of "information" from the Other Side consists of reassuring messages from deceased family members, such as "Grandma is happy now," or "Your mother is watching over you." These banal messages are relatively harmless, but oddly the dead seem to convey little if any useful, accurate or previously unknown information. Why haven't psychic mediums contacted the spirit of Albert Einstein and made giant advances in physics with his genius? Why haven't they contacted the ghost of Natalee Holloway (if she's dead) and determined the circumstances of her disappearance?
Before its recent demise, Stuff magazine had a regular column called "Beyond the Grave: Interviews with Dead Celebrities." It's not clear how tongue-in-cheek the readers took it, but the psychic is certainly serious about it. She is "world-renowned medium Victoria Bullis" (her website insists that she's "internationally known"; rarely do psychics tout themselves as "locally known").
Apparently some celebrity interviews are easier to arrange after the subjects have died, perhaps because their schedules quickly clear up. In the April 2006 issue, Bullis supposedly contacted slain rap icon Tupac Shakur. The first question among about a dozen asked by the magazine (through Bullis) was how he is doing now that he's dead, and Shakur's fans will be relieved to know that "he's doing well."
Instead of providing any useful, interesting or verifiable information from "the Other Side," Shakur's spirit--as spirits often do--stuck with vague information. Not that the interviewer didn't try: When asked, "Do you know who killed you?" (Shakur's murder remains unsolved) Bullis--er, Shakur--demurred with, "Of course! When you pass to the next life you see the whole thing. That's a question I'm not going to answer. That could be dangerous." For as often as stories are told of restless spirits seeking revenge for their murders, you'd think they would take the opportunity when contacted by mediums to avenge their deaths by giving damning information or directing police to incriminating evidence. Shakur's spirit seems to prefer that his murder remain unsolved. Bullis also states that Shakur and Abraham Lincoln "hang out" together in the afterlife; apparently the Great Emancipator and the rapper/convicted sex offender have much in common.
Bullis later "interviewed" Anna Nicole Smith, who reported that she and Marilyn Monroe shared 18 previous lives together. When Bullis asked about the overhyped controversy over the paternity of Smith's daughter Dannielynn, Smith was clear and unequivocal: "Please tell everyone it's Howard K. Stern." At that time, as Bullis was surely aware, Stern was listed as the infant's father on the birth certificate. But shortly after the interview was published, DNA tests proved that in fact Smith's former boyfriend Larry Birkhead is the father.
For those who believe people can talk to the dead, this development presents an interesting problem, because the ghost/spirit said something that wasn't true. There are several possible explanations: 1) Smith did not know who the father of her child was, and therefore the dead don't have any better information than the living; 2) Smith lied to Bullis, and therefore spirits lie and any information supposedly from The Great Beyond is suspect (including that Grandma is happy); or 3) "World-renowned psychic" Victoria Bullis is either a self-deluded fraud or a liar and cannot communicate with the dead as she claims. This is only one of countless verifiably inaccurate "messages" from the dead, and whichever explanation is true, it only undermines the credibility of those who do hear voices from beyond the grave.