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This protocol is intended for physiological activation of human T cells, e.g. CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, polyclonal T cells, or antigen specific T cells
Downstream Applications
The activated T cells can be analyzed shortly after activation (for transfection/ transduction or to study e.g. TCR signaling, proteomics or gene expression). T cells can be left in culture to differentiate into T helper cell subsets (ref 1,2,3), T cell proliferation or expansion of polyclonal/ Ag-specific T cells (ref 4,5).
Additional materials required
- Buffer: Phosphate buffered saline (e.g., Invitrogen Gibco Cat. No. 10010-023) with 0.1% bovine serum albumin and 2 mM EDTA, pH 7.4 (PBS w/0.1% BSA).
- Magnet (DynaMag™): See Magnets for Molecular and Cell Separation Applications for magnet recommendations.
- Culture medium: Advanced RPMI Medium 1640 (Invitrogen Gibco Cat. No. 12633-012) with 2 mM L-Glutamin, 10% FCS/FBS and 100 U/ml penicillin/streptomycin can be used. Alternatively CTS™ OpTmizer™ T Cell Expansion SFM (Invitrogen Gibco Cat. No. A1048501) with 100 U/ml penicillin/streptomycin, or an equivalent culture medium.
- Heat inactivated Fetal Calf Serum (FCS).
- Recombinant human IL-2.
- Flat bottom tissue culture plates or tissue culture flasks of suitable size.
- Humidified CO2 incubator.
Critical notes
- Resuspend the Dynabeads™ in the vial carefully before use, i.e. vortex for >30 sec., or tilt and rotate for 5 minutes.
- This product should not be used with Dynal™ MPC™-1.
- Never use less than the recommended volume of Dynabeads™.
- Carefully follow the recommended pipetting volumes.
- Avoid air bubbles during pipetting.
- Prior to flow cytometric analysis, Dynabeads™ and bead-bound cells should be removed. Upon activation and for 2–3 days thereafter, some cells will bind strongly to the beads. Resuspend the bead/cell suspension thoroughly by pipetting to increase cell recovery, separate on a magnet (after transfer to a suitable tube) and collect supernatant containing the T cells. The bead-bound cell fraction can be cultured overnight and the above process repeated to further increase T cell recovery. When using cells for proteomics or gene expression studies, lyse the cells prior to bead removal.
This product allows for easy physiological activation of human T cells, without the need for preparing antigen-presenting cells (APCs) or antigen.
- See Pan Mouse IgG - Depletion or Positive Isolation of Cells from Different Species for recommended Dynabeads™ products for positive or negative isolation of all human T cells, or specific T cell subsets. Follow the procedure described in the respective package insert.
- Prepare cell culture medium.
Dynabeads™ Washing Procedure
Dynabeads™ should be washed before use.
- Resuspend the Dynabeads™ Human T-Activator CD3/CD28 in the vial.
- Transfer the desired volume of Dynabeads™ to a tube.
- Add an equal volume of Buffer, or at least 1 ml, and mix (vortex for 5 seconds, or keep on a roller for at least 5 min).
- Place the tube on a magnet for 1 min and discard the supernatant.
- Remove the tube from the magnet and resuspend the washed Dynabeads™ in the same volume of Culture Medium as the initial volume of Dynabeads™ taken from the vial (step 2).
Activation of Human T Cells
- Start with 8 x 104 purified T cells in 100–200 μl medium in a 96-well tissue culture plate.
- Add 2 μl Dynabeads™ Human T-Activator CD3/CD28 to obtain a bead-to-cell ratio of 1:1 (see table 1).
- Incubate in a humidified CO2 incubator at 37°C, according to your specific experimental requirements.
- Harvest the activated T cells and use directly for further analysis.
- For flow cytometry applications, remove the beads prior to staining. Place the tube on a magnet for 1–2 minutes to separate the beads from the solution. Transfer the supernatant containing the cells to a new tube.
Expansion of Human T Cells
- Start with 1–1.5 x 106 purified T cells/ml in culture medium in a suitable tissue culture plate or tissue culture flask.
- Add Dynabeads™ Human T-Activator CD3/CD28 at a bead-to-cell ratio of 1:1 (see table 1).
- Add 30 U/ml rIL-2.
- Incubate in a humidified CO2 incubator at 37°C, according to your specific experimental requirements.
- Examine cultures daily, noting cell size and shape. Cell shrinking and reduced proliferation rate is typically observed in exhausted cell cultures.
- Count the cells at least twice weekly after thorough re-suspension.
- When the cell density exceeds 2.5 x 106 cells/ml or when the medium turns yellow, split cultures back to a density of 0.5–1 x 106 cells/ml in culture medium containing 30 U/ml rIL-2.
Cell cultures showing signs of exhaustion (typically at day 7-10 of expansion) can be re-stimulated several times by adding fresh Dynabeads™ Human T-Activator CD3/CD28 and rIL-2. The CD8+ T cells remain cytotoxic after repeated re-stimulations. Re-stimulation is typically necessary when cell shrinking and a reduced rate of proliferation is observed. Guidelines for re-stimulation are provided in Table 2, although we recommend optimization for your particular application. Do not use an excess volume of Dynabeads™ Human T-Activator CD3/CD28, as excess Dynabeads™ per cell may inhibit expansion. Prior to re-stimulation, remove the used Dynabeads™ by transferring the cells to a suitable tube. Place the tube on a magnet for 1-2 minutes until the Dynabeads™ have moved to the side of the tube. Transfer the supernatant containing the cells to a new tube.
Continue as described below.
- Count the cells and resuspend to a density of 1 x 106 cells/ml in culture medium with 30 U/ml rIL-2 in a suitable culture plate or tissue culture flask.
- Add Dynabeads™ Human T-Activator CD3/CD28 at a bead-to-cell ratio of 1:1.
- Add 30 U/ml rIL-2.
- Incubate in a humidified CO2 incubator at 37°C for the length of your specific experiment.
- Examine cultures daily, noting cell size and shape. Cell shrinking and reduced proliferation rate is typically observed in exhausted cell cultures.
- Count the cells at least twice weekly after thorough re-suspension.
- When the cell density exceeds 2.5 x 106 cells/ml or when the medium turns yellow, split cultures back to a density of 0.5-1 x 106 cells/ml in culture.
Table 1: Volume recommendations for bead-to-cell ratio = 1:1 medium with 30 U/ml rIL-2.
|8 x 104 T cells
|1 x 106 T Cells
|50 x 106 T Cells
|Type of culture plate/flask
|Per well in 96-well tissue culture plate
|Per well in 24-well tissue culture plate
|175 cm2 tissue culture flask
|Dynabeads™ Human T-Activator CD3/CD28
|2 μl
|25 μl
|1250 μl
|30 U/ml
|30 U/ml
|30 U/ml
|Seeding Volume (medium)
|100-200 μl
|1-2 ml
|50-100 ml
Table 2: Re-stimulation guidelines for anti-CD3/CD28–expanded cultures
|Cell type
|First re-stimulation*
|Subsequent re-stimulations*
|CD4+ (polyclonal)
|8-10 days
|8-11 day intervals
|CD8+ (polyclonal)
|7-9 days
|7-10 day intervals
|T Cells
|7-9 days
|10-12 day intervals
* Establish optimal times for your particular cells. Please note that these are only generic guidelines
Manufactured by Invitrogen Dynal® AS. Invitrogen Dynal® AS complies with the Quality System Standards ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 13485:2003. The latest revision of the package insert/ instruction for use is available on our website. For further technical information please visit our contact page.
Description of Materials
Dynabeads® Human T-Activator CD3/CD28 are uniform 4.5 μm, superparamagnetic polymer beads coated with an optimized mixture of monoclonal antibodies against the CD3 and CD28 cell surface molecules of human T cells. The CD3 antibody is specific for the epsilon chain of human CD3, which is considered to be a subunit of the TCR complex. The CD28 antibody is specific for the human CD28 co-stimulatory molecule, which is the receptor for CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2). Both antibodies are mouse anti-human IgGs coupled to the same bead, mimicking in vivo stimulation by APCs. Both the bead size and the covalent antibody coupling technology are critical parameters to allow the simultaneous presentation of optimal stimulatory signals to the T cells in culture, thus allowing their full activation and expansion.
Related Dynabeads products
A comprehensive range of Dynabeads® for isolation of T cells and T cell subsets are available. Please visit the page Pan Mouse IgG - Depletion or Positive Isolation of Cells from Different Species.
Storage and Stability
Store opened vials at 2-8°C and keep sterile. Do not freeze the product. Keep Dynabeads® in liquid suspension during storage and all handling steps, as drying will result in reduced performance. Resuspend the beads well before use. This product is stable until the expiration date stated on the label when stored unopened at 2-8°C.
Warnings & Limitations
This product is for research use only. Not intended for any animal or human therapeutic or diagnostic use unless otherwise stated. Follow appropriate laboratory guidelines. Certificate of Analysis/Compliance is available upon request. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is available at .
- Volpe E et al. (2008) A critical function for transfoming growth factor-β, interleukin 23 and proinflammatory cytokines in driving and modulating human Th-17 responses. Nat. Immunol. 9(6):650-657.
- De Fanis U et al. (2007) GATA3 upregulation associated with surface expression of CD294/CRTH2 : a unique feature of human Th cells. Blood 109(10):4343-4350.
- Schade AE et al. (2008) Dasatinib, a small-molecule protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibits T-cell activation and proliferation. Blood 111(3):1366-1377.
- Trickett A et al. (2003) T cell stimulation and expansion using anti-CD3/CD28 beads. J Imm Methods 275:251-255.
- Ward FJ et al. (2008) Clonal regulatory T cells specific for a red blood cell autoantigen in human autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Blood 111(2):680-687.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.


text:
POW Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Chrome Wings – Graphic Tee
100% Cotton Silk Screen POW MIA Graphic Tee Shirt
Erazor Bits (of Barnegat, NJ) has been making custom silk screen graphics since 1993. We specialize in Military, Firefighter, EMS, and novelty T-shirts and Glassware.
- 100% Cotton - Comfortable, breathable, and lightweight fabric designed for everyday use.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Inspired by "Scrap Basket" from designer Sandy Klop of American Jane
Quiltmaker: Laura Boehnke
7/8 yard gold batik (blocks, setting square, setting and corner triangles)
1 yard total assorted medium and dark batiks in green, purple, red, blue, yellow, brown, and orange (blocks, inner border)
1/4 yard dark brown batik (blocks)
1-7/8 yards dark green batik (inner and outer borders, binding)
3-1/8 yards backing fabric
55" square batting
Finished quilt: 48-1/4" square
Finished block: 10" square
Quantities are for 44/45"-wide, 100% cotton fabrics.
Measurements include 1/4" seam allowances. Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated. {C}


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If you've been wondering about different ways to use your delicious homemade cream cheese, here's a great recipe to pair with it.
This recipe is easy, sweet, and good for you! It tastes delicious and is versatile. Use this spread for breakfast, a snack, or to serve alongside a cheese plate at your next party. Apricot butter was born to be served alongside cheese—at least in my opinion. Ok, it's not the only way to go, but it's a good place to begin. (It also tastes good with roasted pork or lamb.)
{ 5 comments }


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Can You Guess The Disney Movie From A Screen Shot of the Closing Scene?
OJ Simpson Attorneys: 5 Facts You Should Know Laura Wasser: Meet Hollywood's Best Divorce Attorney 15 of the Best Luxury Drug Treatment Centers on Earth The 6 Most Common Celebrity Plastic Surgery Procedures Was Lebron James' 2016 NBA Finals Performance the Best of All Time? Khloe Kardashian Is Done With Lamar Odom: Will He Survive Without Drug Rehab?


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So what's the big deal about the geometry kernel anyway? Why do we even care about what kernel is under the covers of our favorite CAD tool? Should we care about it? Do you know how the geometry kernel can impact your ability to be effective in the design of your products? Strangely, the answer to these questions depends on many factors.
I know I am going to over simplify this, but here it goes anyway. In its purest form the CAD kernel is a geometry engine. It takes instructions, processes the instructions, and delivers results. The results are typically in the form of geometry. Every geometry kernel on the market can be unique in many different ways.
- The instructions or "functions" that the kernel will accept are very specific to the kernel. Also each function has a specific set of operatives or parameters that go with it. These of course have to be presented to the kernel in the appropriate format. There are no standards for kernel functions/instructions.
- Kernels can also define geometry in many different forms. Some kernels understand analytic geometry, some understand B-Splines, some understand NURBS, and so on. Some might understand all of the previous and know how to merge the different definitions. There are no standards as to how kernels mix and match these definitions.
- Geometry kernels can also work at different geometry resolutions (accuracy). Some kernels are more stable at very low resolution, while others work more effective at a higher resolution. Most kernels provide adjustable geometry resolution and the CAD system typically controls this, either through a setting or automatically. There is no standard geometry resolution for CAD geometry.
- Geometry kernels can also calculate the geometric results differently. Perhaps the easiest way to see this is with the corner "Round" or "Blend" function. Every kernel out there will calculate the vertex region differently - and it is very visible. There are no standards as to how a kernel calculates this type of geometry. Here are some examples from some of the more popular CAD tools on the market. Pay close attention to the differences in topology in these examples. Also note in these examples how the planar faces are effected differently. I can usually tell which CAD system was used to create a 3D model just by looking at the rounded corners. There are no standards for these types of calculations.
Those are some of the big differences. There are many more, especially in the area of freeform surface definition.
So, again, what does all this kernel stuff mean to the product development process?
When we are working with CAD we are typically creating two layers of information. The TOP layer is the feature definition including any import or non-ordered geometry, sketches, parameters and other modeling functions. This is the history tree, or some may call it the "design intent". On the BOTTOM layer is the resulting geometry. (Of course with direct modeling all you have is the bottom layer.) When moving CAD data from one kernel to another, both layers need to be considered.
Let's consider the TOP layer first; it is actually the most complex. (And for you direct modeling people you don't need to be concerned with this layer. You can skip to the BOTTOM layer covered below). A parametric history-based CAD system is basically recording every function it sends to the kernel into the history tree. These kernel functions and their parameters are bundled into the "parametric feature" definition. For example; a sketch with an extrusion distance creates a primitive. Constraints control the size and position of the new primitive. Then a Boolean function is added to specify whether the primitive will be added or removed from the parent geometry. The Boolean function with the primitive and related parameters are passed to the kernel and the resulting geometry is processed and revealed. This kernel function is processed every time this "feature" is regenerated or reprocessed. The kernel function along with its required parameters is very specific to the kernel as discussed above. It is highly likely that another kernel will not understand this very specific function, and even if it did the geometrical results could be very different.
Moving this TOP layer from one kernel to another kernel is very much like taking a FORTRAN program and trying to compile it with a C compiler. It won't work. The functions and related parameters are just not compatible. As such these functions that are recorded in the history tree have to be translated to work on a different kernel. The CAD industry has made several attempts to make translators that will translate this TOP layer from one kernel to another - but we have had very limited success. By the way, this is also one of the reasons for slow progress on geometry kernels - we are too locked into this TOP layer. If we make too many changes to the kernel we may impact upward compatibility with previous version "history trees", i.e. "kernel functions". There have been many examples of this problem over the history of CAD.
Moving the TOP layer from kernel to kernel may provide the highest risk to product development. This translation has to work perfect otherwise history/design intent can be lost. By the way, if you do get a complete and robust translation of this TOP layer from one kernel format to another, you don't need to be concerned with the BOTTOM layer. The geometry will be recreated for you when the translated TOP layer is processed by the receiving kernel.
Now let's consider the BOTTOM layer, i.e. the geometry (and for you parametric modeling users that were able to get an accurate translation of the TOP layer, you can skip this section - unless your TOP layer has a lot of import or non-ordered geometry features in it). As I mentioned earlier, geometry kernels can create geometry in a variety of different forms and at a variety of different resolutions (accuracy). Although we have industry exchange standards for geometry (IGES, STEP), as mentioned above we don't have standards for geometry accuracy or definition. Translation of geometry from one kernel to another is not flawless. You most likely have experienced this imperfection if you have ever translated geometry through the STEP or IGES formats.
If you have experienced errors or gaps in translated geometry it could be a result of, for example, translating an analytic surface to a NURBS surface, or vice-versa. Or it could be a geometry accuracy problem. In some cases the translation issues may be related to the IGES or STEP processors within the CAD tool, but it's also possible that the issues are due to big differences in the sending and receiving geometry kernels. We all likely know how poor geometry translations can impact the product development process. When moving CAD geometry from one kernel to another, you can expect some of this. Fortunately most modern CAD systems have tools to quickly resolve these geometry imperfections - don't they?
So how might a kernel change impact your product development process? Well, it depends. Will you be transferring the TOP layer or the BOTTOM layer with the kernel change? I hope you can begin to see the pro's and con's of each.Here are few final questions to ponder:
- What do you think happens if you use one geometry kernel for concept design, and another for detail design? Can you "round trip" without loosing data or degenerating the model?
- How robust is your TOP layer? Do you maintain strict modeling standards?
- What geometry accuracy does your geometry kernel run at? Does it make high quality geometry that other kernels can consume without error?
- Are your drawings associated to the TOP layer or the BOTTOM layer?
- How is "model-based" impacted when multiple geometry kernels are used in the product development process?
- What downstream functions are driven by the TOP layer versus the BOTTOM layer?


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Alien Files (A-Files)
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) signed an agreement on June 3, 2009, to make the Alien Files a permanent series of records, transferred to NARA custody 100 years after the immigrant's year of birth.
As of September 2019, the National Archives at Kansas City received the following holdings:
- More than 900,000 A-Files for individuals who were born 1918 and prior.
As of September 2019, the National Archives at San Francisco received the following holdings:
- 200,000 A-Files for individuals who were born 1915 and prior, largely from the INS-Honolulu and INS-Guam District Offices
A-Files at the National Archives at San Francisco were formerly maintained by the San Francisco, Honolulu, Reno, and Guam District Offices of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. However, researchers seeking individuals who may have lived in these areas should check both the National Archives at San Francisco and Kansas City records for A-Files.
What's an A-File?
The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) began issuing each alien an Alien Registration number in 1940, and on April 1, 1944, began using this number to create individual case files, called Alien Files or A-Files.
A-Files contain all records of any active case of an alien not yet naturalized as they passed through the United States immigration and inspection process. An A-File might also be created without any action taken by the alien, for example if INS initiated a law enforcement action against or involving the alien.
In a few instances there are files on aliens who registered between 1940 and 1944. These files document aliens who received an Alien Registration number and form prior to 1944, and had an A-File created due to the re-opening of the case after 1944. Files from other series, such as Visa Files, were withdrawn and placed in the A-Files when cases were reopened in instances such as the filing of applications to replace a document, obtain a border crossing card, or petition for an immigrant relative.
What is the research value of A-Files?
A-Files are a rich source of biographical information in that they contain relatively modern immigration documents, all in one file. Since the early 20th century the United States collected increasing amounts of information from immigrants and A-Files from mid-century hold a wealth of data, including visas, photographs, applications, affidavits, correspondence, and more.
Links to Resources at NARA about Aliens
- National Archives Order Form for Copies of Alien Case Files (A-Files)
- A-Files at the National Archives at Kansas City
- Brief Overview of the World War II Enemy Alien Control Program
- Application by Alien for Relief from Military Service (DDS Form 301), and Alien's Personal History & Statement (DDS Form 304) for Illinois
- Alien Personal History and Statements, Iowa 1942-1946
- Alien's Personal History and Statement (DSS Form 304), 1942-1945, for Michigan
- Alien Personal History and Statements, Minnesota 1942-1946
- Alien Personal History and Statements, Missouri 1942-1946
- Alien Personal History and Statements, Nebraska 1942-1946
- Alien Personal History and Statements North Dakota, 1942-1946
- Search Selected Alien Documents in the National Archives Catalog
- Alien Applications for Permission to Depart, 1919-1920, U.S. District Court, District of Kansas
- Search the Japanese-American Internee Data File, 1942-1946 in the Access to Archival Databases (AAD)
- Among the Record Groups with Enemy Alien and Alien-related records are:
- Record Group 60, Department of Justice
- Record Group 85, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
- Record Group 210, War Relocation Authority (WRA)
- Record Group 338, U.S. Army Operational, Tactical, and Support Organizations (World War II and Thereafter)
- Record Group 389, Office of the Provost Marshal General
See Also:
Chinese Immigration
Immigration Records
Naturalization Records


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"I want to be the best of all time," James told The Associated Press. "It's that simple."
James, who has long been expected to challenge Michael Jordan and other NBA greats for the title of greatest player of all time, now has his elusive first NBA title to help him toward his goal. He told the AP that while he wondered before whether winning a championship would change his perspective of trying to be the best, the big win has "not really" altered his focus.
"I haven't had much time to really just think about what actually happened," he said. "At the end of the day, there's still going to be people that say, well, he's not going to be able to win two. He's not going to be able to do it again."
James has quite the supporting cast with him in Miami, and the Heat have reloaded to back up their title run, adding Ray Allen to a roster that already includes Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh as well as a handful of capable role players.
Now all that's left is for the nine-year veteran and multiple MVP award-winner to keep collecting the rings — and, he hopes, the high praise that comes with it.


text:
Form Hoops in Parisian Blue
- handmade, rounded hoops in parisian blue acetate from machete
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If you would prefer to pick up your online order in our showroom at 5008 Underwood Avenue in Omaha, please leave a note at checkout and we will refund the shipping cost to you.
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All orders under $100 ship for $6 within the United States. Orders over $100 ship free. Most orders will arrive between 5-10 business days. We ship on weekdays. We cannot be responsible for the security of packages once they are shipped, so please specify a secure shipping location.
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Yea, all the deep fry, oily and heaty. Nowadays with all not so good environment, we have to be very careful on our food and stay healthy....
But I've been wanting to eat this for quite some time already....hee hee! So i just give it a try larr...Will drink lots of water after that...:)
Yup! First time making this kuih again...alot of first timer ha....;p There are alot of old-time favourite that i wanted to try, so will go one by one every week larr....haha!
Don't they look nice?!....:) I'll call it "Chien Tui" in cantonese....then i just translated it to English with..."Sesame Seed Balls" ...:) Ha ha!
Found this recipe in 2 different books, so i just mix and match with these 2 recipes.....creative ha? Luckily it didn't burst while frying...hahaha!
Here's the ingredients...
200g Glutinious rice flour
40g Tang flour
1/2 tsp Baking powder
60g Castor sugar
2 tbsps Cooking oil (i used peanut cooking oil)
150ml Water (might not need that much)
For filling:
1) Ready made red bean paste
2) Groundnuts (toasted and grind) + some castor sugar to taste + some cooking oil. Mix all together until it can forms into a small balls, so that it'll be easier to wrap into the dough later.
For coating : Some white sesame seeds
~ Mix ingredients (A) together, then make a well in the centre, add in ingredient (B) except water.
~ Keep mixing with one hand and the other pour the water slowly from ingredient (B) until it forms a dough. Rest the dough in a bowl covered with cling wrap for 30 minutes.
** The dough should be alittle soft, not too dry...so that it will not crack when wrapping and frying.
~ Scale the dough into 20g each or any size you desire.
~ Flatten the dough balls and wrap in the fillings. Coat with sesame seeds, press slightly so that the sesame stick properly to the dough.
** May stain dough with a little water if it doesn't stick with the sesame seeds properly.
~ Deep fry for about 5-8 minutes or until golden brown at medium heat.
** Note that if the balls are smaller, it might not need that much time of frying.
~ Remove onto absorbent papers and cool.
For the red bean paste, i just simply spoons into the dough, cause its sticky enough and not so messy when compare to groundnuts.
I didn't stain the balls with water here. Guess my dough is soft enough to stick the sesame after all.
Drop a little red colour to different shape the balls with red beans and groundnuts.
Hmm....all done! Those with groundnuts are more on demand than the red beans...heehee! Luckily i've made enough with groundnuts here..:) Really delicious, crispy outside, sticky and soft inside...yum yum!
More traditional kueh coming up soon....stay tune!!


text:
|View Poll Results: Accel World - Episode 23 Rating
|Perfect 10
|9 out of 10 : Excellent
|8 out of 10 : Very Good
|7 out of 10 : Good
|6 out of 10 : Average
|5 out of 10 : Below Average
|4 out of 10 : Poor
|3 out of 10 : Bad
|2 out of 10 : Very Bad
|1 out of 10 : Painful
|Voters: 61. You may not vote on this poll
|Thread Tools
|2012-09-15, 07:09
|Link #41
Ashigara's master
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: A disclosed area off coast Ryuku Islands
Age: 27
|2012-09-15, 07:12
|Link #42
Pleased to Meet You
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Philippines
|2012-09-15, 10:32
|Link #44
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Portugal
Great episode.
Even after changing the location so many time, Noumi had anticipated that they'd choose Umesato for the duel and prepared an ambush...what a nasty guy.
Black Vice...yet another troublesome opponent.
Taku shows the results of his IS training, pretty awesome
But dispite his efforts, Noumi takes the upper hand by taking Chiyu hostage...and the torturing of Chiyu was painful too :/
So yeah...Taku has really low luck...
I guess most of it was used in his past life as Hoshino Kazuma (voice actor joke )
So...next ep, Black Lotus vs Black Vice and Silver Crow vs Dusk Taker.
|2012-09-15, 10:33
|Link #45
Megane girl fan
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Diagonally parked in a parallel universe.
Age: 51
Good episode, although I nearly facepalmed when Silver Crow just charged at Dusk Taker without any thought.
I too, and deeply suspicious of Chiyuri and her motives. She still hasn't properly explained why she is helping doucheface Noumi. However, since Dusk Taker physically assaulted Lime Bell, perhaps she really will betray him. Also, I'm in agreement with others that she may have notified KYH about what was going on.
I deeply enjoyed Cyan Blade's smackdown of Dusk Taker. However, he made the error of letting Dusk Taker talk, and talk, and talk. Personally I would have stabbed him right in the throat mid-sentence.
And what an entrance by both Black Vise and Black Lotus.
Endless "Believe" Soul
|2012-09-15, 11:19
|Link #46
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Horray for plot! Wait, what, the season is almost over? With all those plot threads still up in the air? With the fascinating Accel World Research group just entering the picture?
Second Season please! Accel World Research Group and the Chrome Disaster issue (rather obviously hinted) seems like two huge elephants in the room that the Second Cour has only touched and skimmed the Surface of.
|2012-09-15, 12:40
|Link #47
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
|2012-09-15, 12:43
|Link #48
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
man Taku, are you always gonna be the jobber every major fight or regular fight this whole series?
Who cares if he took Chiyu hostage jeez. She isn't part of the Sudden Death Battle, if she loses, she just respawn later. So just cut them both down if you have to, it be faster than torture.
Cyan Pile has like 1 HP behind Nomi....how about you just turn around and step on him and finish him off....or let the other guy just smash him.
I'm actually kind of disappointed that Kurohime showed up. I thought the whole point of this arc was to show that they were strong enough to not have to rely on the leader for everything and that they were reliable enough to take care of their own things. But no, she shows up at the end anyway proving that Haru and Taku are useless without her.
I predicted a few episodes ago that Chiyu probably has a special move to reverse Nomi's steal ability since she was going as far as to play the 'im betraying my friends (but I'm actually not)' plot device. Hopefully she do something.
I did laugh as Nomi was poking holes into Chiyu's body. XFD. What a helpless girl.
|2012-09-15, 13:15
|Link #49
Join Date: Oct 2006
Haru deserves to lose this fight just by showing off his sheer incompetence at the start...After all this time, all the crazy things he's seen opponents do in the Accelerated World and especially with Dusk he charges straight at him just because he isn't showing off the wings? Ugh file that one under too stupid to live...
Oh well in the end Lotus to save the day I suppose.
|2012-09-15, 13:58
|Link #52
...lost in nothingness...
Join Date: Dec 2005
...was this match suppose to be a 2 vs 1?
...either it was that Black Vice or Chiyu...it was meant to be a 2 vs 2 unless i was missing something...but Haru and Taku's reaction made it look like it was a 2 vs 1...
...anyways...besides that...seriously there is no justice for Taku...training all this time for that Cyan Blade...and he still doesnt get to end the fight? ...like come on now...give the guy some credit...dont toss him to the side like that...
...as much as i want to see Noumi lose...to be honest i dont really like how it is going about...
...i wouldve prefered Haru/Taku as a team to win...dont really need KYH...
...and by the look of it...its turning into a 3 vs 2 vs PMS Chiyu...
...anyways looking forward to the ending...
|2012-09-15, 14:01
|Link #54
U mad?
Join Date: Apr 2012
Last episode it was mentioned how both positive and negative emotions can fuel the IS, with Haru declaring to rely on hope/broship/etc, so unless some really tragic/dramatic/etc happens, we won't get to see the armour.
While we got the whole 'Not Burst Linker = No Nakama', basically it was them wanting to fight Noumi 2v1.
If I was Noumi, after nearly dying the day before, I wouldn't take both of them on at the same time, unless I have some insurance. Even having a healer wouldn't do it, two damage dealer with IS against a (rookie?) healer? No way.
Despite constantly changing the location, they were surprisingly naive to think they'd get to fight him 2v1.
|2012-09-15, 14:02
|Link #55
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Safe from the BETA
Age: 31
Great episode, terrible arc.
Most uninspiring and boring antagonist I've seen in recent years, it's funny how the production is trying to distract the viewers from this by making him look as nasty as possible with those facial expressions.
Even Guilty Crown did far better job portraying bad guys being bad.
Now, Noumi? I don't even care if he gets what he deserves.
|2012-09-15, 16:51
|Link #56
阿賀野型3番艦、矢矧 Lv173
Graphic Designer
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Belgium, Brussels
Age: 33
I wish AW wouldn't resort too much on "taking your sweet time for the finishing blow, then got bursted in the end because of that" plot device.
Really, I didn't really mind that Taku overwhelmed Noumi this way and let a sentence or two, but I expected him to just finish him off while saying so, instead of pulling a death flag like that. It was sort of a terrible way to shoehorn Noumi's "drama", which was ironically "realistic" enough than just being "urr I R evil" or "ENVY MAX".
Also, Lime bell as an hostage is just silly: not only she isn't part of the death match, but even if she loses BB, I doubt Chiyu had that much longing feelings for it than the rest of them. Of course, it is another way to stay together even on the other side, but her safety in that context wasn't exactly important, to put it bluntly. Sure, Chiyu went through lot of pain, but leaving Noumi like this would absolutely not guarantee her safety.
Just like HandofFate, I'm also disappointed that Kuroyukihime showed up, since again, both Haru and Taku again need her help to go through this. It just cheapens all the development thrown for the past few episodes, rendering them moot.
|2012-09-15, 17:28
|Link #57
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Age: 27
8/10 for this one.
Greatly enjoyed getting to see Cyan Sword, as well as the awesomeness that is Big Damn Hero Black Lotus.
...still want Noumi crushed, but I can sympathize with him...like maybe a miniscule grain of sand amount. XP
|2012-09-15, 17:43
|Link #58
Bittersweet Distractor
Join Date: Nov 2007
Age: 27
First of all, all the steps Haru and Taku took to get to this point has not changed. Haru even because he's such a good guy, much to the chagrin of others, offered Noumi a clean fight mano a mano. Noumi found some way to cheat because clearly Haru and Taku still don't know everything there is to know about AW. Sure no problem, the fight became unfair.
Noumi called in his boss, so KYH showing up evens the playing field. She's here to take care of the third party (Who I might add seems out of Taku/Haru's league right now in abilities), and she's still letting Haru fight his own battle against Dusk Taker. If Haru loses, he loses brain burst. Nothing's changed. He still has to prove his self worth.
I'd see your point if KYH beat everybody up, but she's not interfering in the actual conflict between Noumi and Haru/Taku/Chiyu. Nothing has been cheapened here.
|2012-09-15, 18:42
|Link #59
阿賀野型3番艦、矢矧 Lv173
Graphic Designer
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Belgium, Brussels
Age: 33
I definitely made a careless choice by using "moot" here, however I stand my point with their development leading not really farther than before. It feels incredibly silly to me to have characters having a development and in the midst of concluding with the "fruit" of their labor, the plot has to hijack with a situation that could be prevented easely.
The situation presented could have been handled by both Taku and Haru if it wasn't for the lame moral lesson which lead to a unlikely turnabout. Certainly Taku and Haru managed to go ahead with their trauma and personal conflict, leading to a proper conclusion with Chiyu sooner or later. The problem is that it just becomes hindered, not by the enemy trickery, but by their own naivete (pretty much how Haru decided to use his special attack instead of pounding Dusk Taker to death).
The development isn't cancelled, the progress is still there. The problem is that the reversal of the situation is a just step back in the purpose of the development (as in, being able to stand on their own). So instead of bypassing this naivete or making up for the mistake, we need the intervention of KYH, which doesn't ring that well to me. And frankly, the intervention of Black Vise actually make the confrontation "fair", since it would be a 2 on 2, with both Haru and Vise unvailable for battle. So it becomes a 3 VS 2 (even if Taku is "KO", he still has a SP gauge full, which is not to be ignored). Of course, I have no problem for them to confront it with a 2 VS 1 mindset, since there is no need for mercy or sense of "fairness" required for the likes of Noumi.
|2012-09-15, 18:54
|Link #60
...lost in nothingness...
Join Date: Dec 2005
...if this match was just Haru/Taku vs Noumi...i dont really see how this is considered a "Burst Linker's " battle...
...going by previous eps where Haru said that Noumi is just using the system as a means to the end...arent they just doing the same double teaming him to a duel?
...besides random Chiyu being Chiyu...Black Vice's appearance at least made it a more "ideal" duel...
...like what was Noumi's level? ...i thought they were all more or less the at the same level...so its not like it was Haru/Taku vs a king or epic boss battle...its just some punk kid...
...with KYH appearing it just makes things less epic ironically...sure now its Haru vs Noumi...but what about Taku? ...he wasnt considered part of the duel or something? ...his somewhat of a loss doesnt count? ...poor guy...he trained that Cyan Blade and the match itself doesnt recognise him as part of it...
...basically what i see is a 2 vs 2 where one side cheated by using a hostage...and the other side bringing in an extra fighter...
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Tuesday Feb. 16th was our little Lukey's 2nd birthday. We actually ended up celebrating it the Sunday before so our families could be there. It was a pretty fun day. I made Luke a Cars cake, (not super fancy) but he loved it. His favorite part was licking the frosting off Lightening McQueen, and his Cars hat.
It was so great to have everyone come visit and have cake. The boys birthdays are really for me I think. I get way more excited about it than they do.
Well, Luke is definately 2! He is quite the kid. His new thing is to climb into the smallest places that he can fit, and then call me to get him out. Here's a couple of the places I've had to rescue him from.
Luke has been such a joy in our home. He has been saying the funniest things. One of my favorites is when he does something naughty then looks at me and says,"I did it!!" He's so enthusiastic that I can't get mad. My other favorite is when he says, "I like it!" I'm just glad that there are a few thingsd he actuaaly likes. Sure we have our fighting, ripping and breaking, but we wouldn't change a thing about it. He's the sweetest little boy on his good days and the cutest little boy on his bad ones, and we love him on the good and bad ones. Happy 2nd Birthday Luke!


text:
Hi Richard
Just a reminder, I set up a vendor area for you, and when you have time, It would be nice for you to post a welcome message there or something. Some pictures or video would be great too if you get some time.
I realize the traffic is very small at this point, but I am confident that it will slowly grow until it reaches a flashpoint and then it will become big.
I am considering ordering a bunch of T-shirts and put logos for Rcaviation and it's advertisers on them and award posters who have posted a certain number of posts would get a free T-shirt. Just an idea, but the board is here to stay and will eventually get an audience.
Registered User


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I've said it many times before on this blog and I'll say it once more: chicken thighs rock. All over Asia (and Europe, for that matter), this is considered a prime cut that has all sorts of uses, from stir-frying to deep-frying to braising. But for some reason most of America still treats it with suspicion.
Instead we revere chicken breast (not as flavorful IMHO), with is often double or triple the price of chicken thighs in grocery stores and contain only marginally less fat and fewer calories than thighs. But to each his own. The low demand just means that even at my relatively expensive neighborhood butcher shop, chicken thighs are always available and plenty affordable.
Today I had an urge to stir-fry dark meat chicken for lunch and decided to update this spicy cashew chicken recipe from last summer. Enjoy!
If you're a regular reader of the blog, you may have already tried to recreate some of your favorite takeout dishes from Chinese restaurants. Kung pao chicken and General Tso's chicken have been two of the most popular recipes on Appetite for China for the past few years. And recently I've added new favorites, such as Orange Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry, Shrimp Lo Mein, and Almond Chicken.
Cashew chicken is, of course, another favorite takeout dish. And once you try making it at home, I guarantee you'll find it better-tasting and even quicker than picking up the phone and ordering takeout. Marinating and cooking the chicken takes just 15 to 20 minutes, faster than delivery.Read More


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Shanghai Beer Garden
34 N. Palm St.
My first visit to the Shanghai Beer Garden was a couple of days after the "soft opening" back in late January. At that point I felt the food showed potential in flavorings, design and uniqueness in the burgeoning Asian fusion food cuisine. I noticed the canvas awnings in the glorious patio had been spray-painted a dark color that almost hid the "Tutti's" sign underneath. A small detail, perhaps, but I began looking at a lot of the small details of this new eating establishment, both décor and food preparationwise.
I began a quest to enjoy this restaurant; it is not inexpensive, and I know how hard it is to be clever, creative and serve a clientele with a discerning and sophisticated palate. I've now been back about six times (lunches and dinners), and hopefully what follows are my clearest and most honest reflections on what Chef Ming Ye (a gourmet chef from Shangdong, China, for the last 17 years) is now bringing to Ventura County.
To begin with a very positive remembrance of several dishes: the various bao (bun) are all worth sampling. The bread bun has a familiar light, fluffy and airy rice-flour chewy-ness, but rather than being kind of stuffed dinner roll-like, the filling is placed on the top of the flattened oval dough, which is then folded over so that the filling is half visible, sort of like a bread-y, doughy street taco. A unique twist that not only works in its presentation, but the various fillings all try to outdo each other. The smoked chicken was cooked in tea leaves, making the flavor earthy, smoky and bitter sweet. The five spice beef shank is similar in presentation but redolent of the unique mixture of cinnamon, cloves, anise, pepper and fennel.
Another familiar (yet individually designed) first course is the Chinese potstickers (steamed upon request) which are crispy underneath and at the same time chewy and filled with meat (usually pork), chopped vegetables with a sweet chili ginger dipping sauce. I was disappointed in the spareribs: a sauce of ginger, garlic, lemon, five-spice and hoisin was unique, but I found the ribs more bony than meaty, and they didn't live up to expectation. It was the same with the Japanese shisito peppers, grilled and tossed in olive oil, a great idea that just didn't quite work for my palate.
The hot and sour soup was a clever mixture of three types of mushrooms, and the bite of white pepper perfectly complemented the rice vinegar gentle sourness. The flavor was right on target, I just wish the soup had been hotter from the pot, rather than sitting around lukewarmish. I would have sent it back but I had been waiting 35 minutes (without any visit from any server, or the host, or the busboy) and was famished. This, incidentally, was not the first time that sort of delay happened, and this occurred on a day when there were only three other customers eating in the restaurant. To be fair, there have been staff changes since then, but I have heard similar tales from other recent diners.
The Singapore street noodles are a terrific gluten-free option. Thin rice noodles wok-fried in a light curry/turmeric garlic sauce and topped with scallions seem to go best with the addition of shrimp. My vegetarian companion at lunch that day opted for the spicy, crispy tofu, which was diced and breaded with the five-spices mixture and then shallow-fried. He asked for it to be prepared extra hot, and there were lots of little red peppers throughout but, while interesting, this was not a particularly memorable nor scary-spicy entrée.
As this is a beer garden I should briefly mention the on-site brewed beers: brewmeister Brandon is constantly updating and fine tuning his already well-fashioned recipes; many of my beer aficionado friends prefer the SBG IPA to nearly all others in the county. The official grand opening is now past; many of the earlier challenges have been overcome, and I will continue to return to the Shanghai Beer Garden, hoping it can live up to its potential.


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Item Code: VC49677G
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For more information about this product, please use our online contact form, call Eastern Farm Machinery at (519) 763-2400, or contact one of our dealers.


text:
The Code is his passion. Steven Stack, of Waxhaw, N.C., lives, breathes and sleeps the NEC through his full-time job as an electrical inspector and his role as webmaster of ContractorCafe.com.
"I just live for it," Stack said. "It turned into something I really love doing. I could grasp the concepts in the NEC easily and it almost became second nature to me."
Stack worked as a residential electrical contractor for three years and then became certified as an electrical inspector. After working during the day as an inspector for Union County, N.C., Stack spent his evenings designing his Web site. In mid-January 2000, Stack launched ContractorCafe.com as a resource for both licensed and unlicensed electricians.
"I have it set up where everyone can benefit from it — licensed or not," Stack said. "I see no reason why just because someone doesn't have their license they can't study the courses. It's all about learning and bettering the industry. I only charge if I generate a certificate and a letter of completion to get you credit through your state. I make it available to anyone."
The son of a computer analyst, Stack said he quickly learned how to launch an educational Web site for electrical professionals.
"My father started me in on computers way before the Internet ever was a dream," he said. "I started up the Web site to try to offer some continuing education for people in my state, North Carolina, and wound up branching off into Alaska, Washington and Oregon. I am currently working on getting some other states soon."
Twenty-seven states require electricians to get continuing education unit (CEU) credits for license renewal, said Amanda Mullins of Mike Holt Enterprises Inc., Taramarac, Fla. Not all 27 states, however, recognize the online courses.
"Some state laws are not set up to where they can offer it online, but they can do a correspondence," he said. "Sending a piece of paper in the mail works but they can't necessarily download it off the Internet for some apparent reason. There are others that will let you do it online if you're out of state, but not if you're in state."
Many electricians have jumped at the opportunity to earn CEU credits through the Internet, he said.
"It's good for it to be available because it's hard for people to go and sit in a classroom for eight hours or sixteen hours for two or three weekends," Stack said. "They can do it in the comfort of their own home and at their own time. It's been very popular. We've been doing well with it."
ContractorCafe.com has been particularly popular with Alaska journeyman electricians and administrators, who can earn CEU credits without the hassle of traveling across the state for training.
"The way Alaska is laid out, it is hard for people in the rural areas to travel long distances," he said.
Contractors can also brush up on the NEC by ordering books at ContractorCafe.com. Stack partnered with Mike Holt, president of Mike Holt Enterprises Inc., to offer an extensive selection of NEC-related books, which can be purchased online using a credit card. After receiving an order, Stack forwards it to Holt Enterprises Inc., which takes care of the shipping and handling.
The online bookstore helps Stack reach out to unlicensed electricians, who often have questions on where to find resources on the NEC.
"I wanted to cover the full spectrum," Stack said. "I got tons of requests from people who weren't licensed. They would ask me, 'How can I do this or learn that?' Every time they would write me, I would forward the e-mails to Mike Holt. One day he called me and said, 'Why don't you just put this stuff up on your site and we'll take care of it from there?' It's worked out really well."
Some electricians order books online while others keep updated on the Code through Stack's e-mail newsletter, "Code Informant." The newsletter started out as a Code question of the day, but later evolved into a weekly subscription-based e-mail newsletter with Code questions, famous quotes and photos.
Stack estimates that about 300 people now visit ContractorCafe.com every day to learn about the NEC.
"Hopefully, people are getting on and searching for a way to get their license, buy books or ask questions," he said. "The way things are now with the hectic lifestyles and the busy schedules and the T-ball games, I feel like the more people that are aware of it, there will be more people using it."
Stack plans on continuing to build the continuing education part of the site by adding more states and offering more options as far as downloading the courses.
"I want to make learning the NEC as easy, fun and accessible as possible," Stack said.
Stack spends 20 to 25 hours per week maintaining his Web site. Although it is a lot of work, Stack said maintaining ContractorCafe.com is a labor of love.
"People eat it up," he said. "They can't get enough of the NEC when they're trying to learn and get their license. It becomes a passion for a lot of people."
Attention readers: You can learn more about online continuing education by calling Stack at (866) 463-2101, sending him an e-mail at [email protected] or writing to P.O. Box 1138, Waxhaw, N.C. 28173.


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Zwilling J.A. Henckels is one of the premier kitchen knife manufacturers in the world and a couple times a year they do a seasonal sale of some very popular items. For the final quarter of 2012, their 7 piece block set in the TWIN Professional "S" Series is on sale for 1/3 the MSRP – a deal that cannot be overlooked. The TWIN Professional "S" knives are among the top recommended lines for both home cooks and professionals and will definitely last decades if cared for properly. Slice up things in your kitchen and make cooking way more fun with an awesome set of kitchen knives from Henckels. Available at www.knifecenter.com.
More about the TWIN Professional "S" Series: Continue Reading


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How To Succeed Stagehand Dies Backstage, Ending Performance
Any news story about a fatality on the Great White Way should instantly bring to mind everyone's favorite web slinger, but while Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark has maimed many, it has yet to actually kill anyone. (And let's hope it stays that way.) But it's another musical — the far less death-defying revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying — that had to contend with the sad loss of a crew member on Wednesday night, just minutes before the curtain went up on its 100th performance.
The Times has learned that one of the crew, a 29-year-old man, was found unconscious and in cardiac arrest in a theater bathroom. He was pronounced dead on arrival when he got to St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital. A drug overdose is suspected.
All of this transpired with the audience still in their seats, waiting for some high-kicking Harry Potter magic. After several delay announcements, stars Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette appeared on stage and addressed the crowd.
Audience members said they could tell by Mr. Radcliffe's and Mr. Larroquette's tone that something grave had happened.
"They said they debated it for a long time, and that there was a tragedy and they didn't feel comfortable performing," said one audience member.
Broadway and drugs. Who knew?


text:
A recent survey of senior insurance executives has confirmed what most in the industry have realized: distribution is transforming at an accelerating pace, with digital playing an ever-increasing role in every facet of the function.
Carriers' business and operating models are being disrupted by a multitude of forces. To gain a clear understanding of their responses to this disruption, Accenture conducted the Distribution and Agency Management Survey in the latter part of 2015. The study polled more than 400 senior executives at large and medium-sized life, P&C (both personal lines and small commercial) and multiline carriers in 20 countries. All are responsible for or involved in their companies' distribution function.
The survey found that four out of five carriers either have implemented a wholly digital sales process in which human interaction plays a role only when customers require advice – or they plan to in the future. Allied to this are the findings that:
P&C personal lines insurers estimate 21 percent of all current sales are concluded digitally from end to end, and they expect this to rise to 31 percent in three years' time.
The equivalent data for commercial lines is 14 percent of sales today, rising to 24 percent.
Life insurers estimate the share is 20 percent today, increasing to 26 percent in three years.
Digital is creating a plethora of opportunities for growth, the most potent example being the Internet of things – 45 percent of insurance executives view the IoT's connected devices as a strong driver of revenue growth in the next three years. The number of IoT-related products and services launched or piloted by insurers in 2015 increased between two- and four-fold, depending on the line of business. Forty-three percent of auto insurers have either launched or are piloting new initiatives that take advantage of the IoT.
The results of the survey indicate that there are six areas that are key to digital transformation, each of which requires carriers to make critical decisions about the future of their distribution model. They are:
Channel digitization
Insight-driven customer experiences
The changing role of the agent
The future of aggregators
The role of ecosystems
The Internet of Things
By proactively addressing these areas, insurers can position themselves as disruptors rather than trying to defend their current positions and their legacy business and distribution models. To do so, we believe there are a number of actions they should consider:
Commit to their chosen business and distribution models, moving beyond a succession of pilots
Proactively define their position in new ecosystems, cooperation models and partnerships
Move from indemnification to real-time protection
Make innovation and customer-centricity the cornerstones of their distribution strategies
Strive for simplicity of access, transactions and offerings
Focus agents on advice, value-add and deeper customer relationships
The decisions insurers make today will determine not only the kind of customer experiences they will provide to remain competitive, but in fact the kind of businesses they will be in the years to come.
Take a look at the infographic.


text:
Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski addressed the conditions following the one-year, $850,000 renovation project at the courts, located near the corner of 79th Street and Juniper Boulevard North.
Regarding the new shade cover and playing surface, she assured that the Parks Department would look into the impact of rainwater and erosion on the integrity of the courts.
"We're going to take a look at it tomorrow to see what the impact is just under the shade structure compared to anywhere else in the center where the raindrops would land anyway," she said.
After meeting with a representative of the bocce players at Juniper Valley Park, Lewandowski said she is also looking into a fix for the high step, which is a safety issue for some senior players, on the new court, as well as the uneven clay along the side running boards.
"We have a team from our capital group looking at it with them now," she said, noting however that at "bocce courts across the city, the players often do the maintenance."
The park has seen nearly $3 million in renovations since 2010, including a recent renovation of the handball courts and the construction of a wetland-themed playground.
"This represents the third big investment," Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley said.
The councilwoman added that she is also looking forward to a planned $2.5 million renovation of the park's track facility.
"This is just the latest in an ongoing commitment to revitalize recreational facilities at Juniper Valley and parks throughout our Council district," Crowley said. "I'm thrilled these courts have opened just in time for summer for New Yorkers of all ages to enjoy."


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This is my first question here, so please tell me if the question is too trivial for this location. I have read FAQ and I didn't find the rule against easy questions :)
I should construct a system of linear equation similar to this one:
$$\begin{align}x+2y & = 4 \\ 5x-y & = \frac15\end{align}$$
It is suggested that similarity should be in relation between coefficients. All that I see is that if we put it in form $y=ax+b$, it is true that $ab=-1$.
Any hints?


text:
Jan 04, 2011 | ISBN 9780807001288
"No one knows more about reproductive rights in the United States than Carole Joffe. This indispensable book . . . is both harrowing and galvanizing."—Michelle Goldberg, author of The Means of Reproduction
"Terrific—clear, terse, and full of things you need to know."—Katha Pollitt, author of Virginity or Death!
"Riveting. Joffe's insights into popular culture, alongside her analysis of the recent barrage of ballot initiatives, are spot on in explaining the growth of negative attitudes about abortion."—Eleanor J. Bader, Feminist Review
"Instructive and memorable."—Emily Bazelon, Slate
1 The Stigma of Abortion
2 "You Need a Community with You": Becoming an Abortion Provider
3 The Clinics: Ground Zero in the Abortion Wars
4 Regulating Abortion
5 Hospital-Based Abortions: Chaos, Cruelty, and Some Accommodation
6 Abortion Patients and the "Two Americas" of Reproductive Health
7 "Every Woman Is Different": What Good Abortion Care Looks Like
8 What Kind of America Do We Want?
Afterword: "Abortion Is a Perfectly Proper Noun"
Postscript The Legacy of George Tiller


text:
Amy Chu and the Reader
Amy Chu 8:30 a.m., Sept. 15
Allegations made in a September 2010 lawsuit against luxury car dealer Marc Chase — at the center of criminal charges that have enveloped city hall and district attorney Bonnie Dumanis — seem sure to fuel the spreading fire of San Diego's latest political corruption scandal.
The accusations were made by Jacqueline Peterson, whose court complaint says she was Chase's live-in girlfriend and fiancée in a violent and abuse-plagued relationship with the auto merchant that lasted from 1988 through 2009.
Chase runs Symbolic Motors, a magnet for Chargers players and others with sufficient cash to drop on high-priced cars, from Bugattis to Ferraris to Rolls Royces.
Peterson's complaint says that she and Chase had one child together, born in 1993, identified by pseudonym "Jane" to protect her privacy. According to the document, their relationship allegedly began in the late 1980s.
"In 1988, after Chase had pursued Peterson for many months, they ultimately became involved in a romantic relationship," according to the complaint.
A year later, the lawsuit says, the couple moved into a house in La Costa with Peterson's three children from two prior relationships.
In 1992, Chase impregnated Peterson. Although Chase was dead-set against having a child, and demanded that Peterson have an abortion, once their daughter "Jane'" was born, he showed up at the hospital demanding that the baby take his last name.
Immediately after Jane was born, Chase moved mother and children into a house conveniently located across from his own in La Costa. Chase paid the rent and all bills and gave her spending money in the form of cash.
During this time, Chase's own home across the street from Peterson and the children was used to shoot pornographic films. While he continued to own that house, he treated Peterson's residence as his home.
The complaint goes on to allege that "Chase was violent towards Peterson regularly…. On one occasion, Chase choked Peterson until she lost consciousness, then dragged her out of their home by her hair."
Despite these tensions, the parties' intimate relationship continued. They also took many lavish and exotic vacations together as a family.
In 1996 Peterson confronted Chase after she learned about his relationships with other women. Thereafter, by mutual agreement to open their relationship, Peterson became involved with another man. In a short time, Chase became very jealous.
On one occasion, Chase upset and disoriented Peterson by moving them into his new home in La Jolla — literally overnight. Without her consent or knowledge, he had ordered all of her belongings and furnishings to be packed up and relocated to his home in La Jolla.
He solicited the help of the children to convince their mother to accept his marriage proposal. Chase threw a lavish engagement party at Symbolic Motor Car Company, and then Chase and his family flew to Bangkok for a lengthy vacation.
At one point, Peterson's complaint says, "With Chase's direction, and at his expense, Peterson moved into L'Auberge, where she lived for approximately another four years.
"During this time, Chase continued to pay the rent and pay all her bills. Chase gave her expensive and exotic cars to drive, including a Ferrari, a Porsche, and a Mercedes Benz."
But their happiness did not last, according to the document.
In June of 2000, Chase called Peterson late at night demanding that she come to Chase's house in Solana Beach. As she arrived, she recognized the cars of her adult children in the drive, amongst others.
Upon entering, she learned that Chase had thrown a wild party, where he had dispensed ecstacy and alcohol liberally to the attendees that included her young adult children. The party goers were passed out all about the house.
Chase, in contrast, was very much awake, in an agitated state, and appeared to be under the influence of some drug.
When Chase caught sight of Peterson, he rushed at her, ripped her clothes off, and raped and sodomized her.
When she resisted, he became raging and violent, and literally picked Peterson up and threw her against the bed platform and bathroom counter several times.
Peterson drove home and then sought medical help, the complaint says. "Peterson did not tell the medical personnel what had happened to cause her injuries because she was terrified of Chase."
The allegation also claims:
In 2001, Jane was at home at Chase's La Jolla house. As she normally had full run of the house, she went into her father's room and found him having sex with her half-sister, Peterson's then-adult daughter, for whom Chase was, the only father figure she knew.
Chase yelled at Jane to get out of the room, and continued with the statement, "She's not my biological daughter."
Chase has a fetish for oral sex. He would regularly push Peterson onto her knees and forced her to orally copulate him. This was humiliating, and given Peterson's hip injury, it became increasingly painful over the years.
The relationship finally ended for good, the complaint says, after one of Peterson's trips to get money from Chase.
On another visit Symbolic by Peterson, Chase was hosting a number of San Diego Charger football players, endeavoring to sell them the dealership's high-end cars.
Peterson walked in looking ill and coughing. As she went down a walkway, Chase grabbed her by the back of her neck. He pushed her violently into the women's restroom and against a wall; Peterson fell to the floor.
Chase screamed at her, "Don't talk to my clients!"
Shortly after this incident, Chase evicted her from the home he had been renting for her. Within months, Chase stopped all financial support and cancelled her health insurance.
Chase's attorney filed a document with the court in December 2010 asserting that Peterson's complaint contained "irrelevant, improper, and scurrilous material."
Court records show the case was dismissed by the parties in May 2012 without trial. Chase and Peterson could not immediately be reached for comment.
As first reported here in October 2012, South Beach Acquisitions of La Jolla, an entity associated with Chase, made a $120,000 donation to "San Diegans in Support of Bob Filner for Mayor - 2012" in September 2012.
Published reports have said that the South Beach transaction was part of a money-laundering operation involving ex–San Diego cop Ernesto Encinas, Ravneet Singh, identified as a political consultant from Washington, D.C., and lobbyist Marco Polo Cortes, all of whom have been charged in a case brought by federal prosecutors.
José Susumo Azano, a Mexican national, has been identified in published accounts as the alleged ultimate source of the funds.
District Attorney Dumanis, whose mayoral hopes were backed by an independent expenditure committee that received $100,000, got a total of $9000 in mayoral contributions from Chase and other employees of Symbolic, city records show.
Gosh, it's not just Mitt Romney living in the La Jolla neighborhood of Symbolic Motors, there's "Wolf of Wall Street" goings-on too.
As for all this salacious detail, don't semi-smart people usually restrict public access to such court records? Pretty steamy stuff here, Readerwriter.
I have to say I expect more from the Reader and reporter Matt Potter. I have long been a fan of the Reader but this article is ridiculous. It is nothing more than regurgitating the "allegations" in a lawsuit. The Reader has a responsibility to report truth and separate it from innuendo. No interviews with anyone involved and no fact checking other than hiding behind "suit claims". I know the two principal people written about in the article and Mr. Potter may have wanted to interview Jacquie, if he could make it through the interview. Mr. Potter may have wanted to find out who the other children father(s) are. What ties to wealth do they have?
This is like asking someone if they have ever been caught beating their spouse. Whatever way it is answered it appears there is guilt. This case was settled out of court. What if none of the allegations are true? In the United States, you are innocent until PROVEN guilty. Obviously, this does not matter to the Reader. They are happy to be the judge, jury and executioner in their kangaroo trial by press.
Shame on you.
I do think we need to know as much as we can about all the characters in this drama. And sometimes it's not going to be pretty. Not sure what the previous commenter is saying about people (Jaquie? other people's fathers?) and different children of Chase? Not sure what he's talking about but he seems to be injecting some personal connections he has? I would say people are interested in the connections of the people in the federal case of which Mr. Chase is apparently a significant part. At this point motives and who's who is still up in the air.
Certainly we are all shocked, shocked. And "what if none of the allegations are true?" Um, well, maybe Mr. Potter WILL interview Jacquie -- if she allows it -- and I'll be right there, reading every scandalous word.
This was a transcript of a lawsuit on the public record that was not suppressed by either Jacquie or her abusive lover -- pretty stupid, if you ask me. But then, these people clearly were never intelligent or discreet: they were into maximizing personal gain --including by funneling money illegally into prominent political campaigns.
Not sure what this has to do with money being illegally funneled into a bunch of local campaigns, except to show that we truly have become New Jersey/Las Vegas West.
Fun and interesting. Irrelevant, and embarrassing. Most of all terribly sad, and probably avoidable, had not so many Republicans held the reins in San Diego for so many years. It was just a matter of time, with the greed and corruption crowd in power, before this city would be overrun by these types of characters.
Miss Bob Filner yet?
I am appalled at this Journalist and the Editor of The San Diego Reader! I have personally known Marc Chase for over 16 years and have done several business transactions with him at Symbolic Motors. I know Marc to be an extremely honest hard working individual. As far as the Palimony suit filed by Jacque, aka : "Train Wreck" in and around the Del Mar neighborhood. She is referred to what we say in the medical community as a prescription drug liability. Sensationalism is the ugliest part of the courtroom in what I label the; "SUE-S-A". Marc is an outstanding single father to his daughter you refer to as Jane. She is a lovely well adjusted young woman given the absent Mother figure so important in a young girls upbringing. Marc is innocent of these allegations and his good standing in this community stands strong!
privately renamed THE SAN DIEGO BLEEDER!!!
Thomas DeSoto is right on the mark-It was Bernie and all of contacts that made the business. The article did not mention that Jacquies daughter that Mark was doing was actually his brother Bernie's daughter--NOW THAT IS SICK.
Thomas Desota was right on about older brother Bernie being the brains of the operation. He exited and left the county at the right time. Marc was a big prick who deserves his punishment- Let's hope he does not get probation.
I also know Marc Chase personally and have done business with him. He is one of the most generous and kind people that I know. I am proud to be his friend. He is totally being set up.


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LOS ANGELES, June 29 (UPI) -- Opponents of same-sex marriage in California went back to the U.S. Supreme Court Saturday to try to stop an appellate ruling opening the way for gays to marry.
The Proposition 8 Legal Defense Fund said in a release issued in Sacramento it had filed an emergency petition with the nation's highest court requesting it stop what it called the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal's premature move to require same-sex marriage licenses in California weeks before the Supreme Court's decision even goes into effect.
The petition was submitted Saturday to Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, who decides such motions pertaining to the 9th Circuit.
The Prop 8 supporters contend the 9th Circuit jumped the gun, noting the Supreme Court had directed the stay against same-[sex marriages "shall continue until final disposition," which they maintain is at least 25 days the court after announced its opinion in the case.
"Today's petition asks the Supreme Court to find that the 9th Circuit had no jurisdiction to order same-sex marriages on Friday, since the case had not yet come back down from the nation's highest court," the group said.
"Suspiciously, the 9th Circuit's announcement late Friday ordering same-sex marriages came as a surprise, without any warning or notice to Proposition 8's official proponents.
"However, the same-sex couple plaintiffs in the case, their media teams, San Francisco City Hall, LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the California attorney general all happened to be in position to perform same-sex marriages just minutes after the 9th Circuit's 'unexpected' announcement."
"People on both sides of this debate should at least agree that the courts must follow their own rules," Andy Pugno, general counsel for the ProtectMarriage.com Coalition, the official proponents of Proposition 8, said. "This kind of lawlessness just further weakens the public's confidence in the legitimacy of our legal system. We hope the Supreme Court will step in and restore some order here."
Plaintiffs in the landmark case challenging Prop 8 were the first gay couple to marry in Los Angeles after the Supreme Court ruling. Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo were married Friday at the Los Angeles County registrar's office in Norwalk, in a ceremony officiated by Villaraigosa, the Los Angeles Times reported.
"I've done a few of these over the years. Never have I been so joyful," Villaraigosa said. "How happy we are for you. Thanks to you, ceremonies like this will be celebrated with joy throughout California. Today, your wait is finally over. You're just as in love today as you were when you met 12 years ago."
Other gay couples in California rushed to county offices to receive marriage licenses after the Supreme Court Wednesday let stand 9th Circuit Judge Vaughn Walker's 2010 ruling overturning Proposition 8.
The 2008 proposition amended the California Constitution to ban same-sex marriage.
After the 9th Court issued its order, California Gov. Jerry Brown notified officials throughout the state to begin issuing marriage licenses for same-sex couples.


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No word of progress as BART talks continue
(07-04) 00:13 PDT Oakland -- Ten hours of talks between BART and its striking unions ended late Wednesday night with no hint of an agreement, leaving Bay Area travelers out on the roads and not on the trains for a fourth straight day.
Both sides will be coming back for more discussions on the Fourth of July holiday, with negotiations scheduled for 11 a.m. in Oakland. But when Wednesday's talks ended shortly after 11 p.m., there was no suggestion of the glimmer of optimism shown after Tuesday's bargaining session.
Union negotiator Josie Mooney, who on Tuesday was upbeat about the progress that had been made, declined to characterize the state of the negotiations Wednesday night, saying only that "we're working very hard with the (state) mediators."
BART management engaged in their own bit of finger-pointing in a news release announcing that no trains would run on Thursday's holiday.
"We are sorry that the actions of (the Amalgamated Transit Union) and (the Service Employees International Union) have caused such a tremendous disruption to the people of the Bay Area," the notice said.
Away from the negotiating table, increasingly weary commuters demanded a quick end to the walkout.
"I am very cranky. I can't keep doing this," said Kameika Moore, as she waited for a bus in downtown Oakland. "I'll have to quit my job. I'm beyond irritated. I just want my old routine back. I just want BART back."
Des Patten, co-president of Service Employees International Union, Local 1021, had said Tuesday that he hoped to see improved communication between the unions and BART management, especially after squabbles between the two groups led to a breakdown in talks Sunday, just hours before workers walked out on strike.
Patten's union, which represents mechanics, maintenance workers and professional staff, along with Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 1555, which represents train operators and station agents, said negotiations were progressing.
But talk doesn't always mean action.
Work to be done
The key issues still seem to be pay and health care and pension costs.
The transit agency, whose annual budget is $1.5 billion, has been adamant that it needs to be judicious with its expenses, and that rising health care and pension costs were a concern.
BART wants employees to contribute to their pension and pick up more health care costs. Currently, BART employees pay a flat $92 a month regardless of how many people are covered by the plan.
BART also is trying to save for the anticipated $15 billion in system improvements that will be made over the next 20 to 25 years.
The union argues its employees deserve a pay raise.
The agency is seeing record ridership that averages about 400,000 passengers on weekdays. The unions contend that employees' efforts have helped the agency reach those numbers while maintaining high on-time performance.
Plus, unions argue, as BART faced a budget deficit of $310 million four years ago, workers agreed to a wage freeze and concessions that trimmed labor costs by $100 million.
Frustrated riders
Commuters, who have had to alter their schedules and practice patience, were split on who was to blame, but they were unanimous in wanting transit service to resume.
Bryant Wolcomb, 46, said the strike had added 1 1/2 hours to his commute from Walnut Creek to San Francisco.
"Give the workers what they deserve," he said. "Obviously a lot of Bay Area commerce depends on them showing up and doing their jobs. I'd say the market values them greatly."
Annette Lemone of Oakland said she hadn't been to her new job since Monday, when her employer told her not to show up until the strike was over.
But Lemone said she had to get to work on Friday, after Thursday's holiday.
"I am really, really frustrated," she said while scouting the casual carpools in Oakland. "It is just egregious, they (the unions) are being greedy. This whole thing has made me very cynical. They're fighting over health care? I don't even have health care."
Chronicle staff writers Carolyn Jones and Justin Berton contributed to this report.
BART service
If an agreement is reached, it won't mean an instant resumption of train service, said Rick Rice, a BART spokesman. It likely would take 12 to 18 hours before workers could be called back and the trains checked for safety after being powered down during the strike.
John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: email@example.com


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Anais McConnell woke suddenly at 4:30 a.m. Sunday and realized her husband, Nathan, wasn't in bed beside her.
He, his father and two brothers had left the family's rented vacation home in Redington Beach to catch a late showing of "Predators" in nearby St. Petersburg and should have returned hours ago.
The other men weren't home either. Anais woke her mother-in-law, sister-in-law and brother-in-law's girlfriend.
"Hours passed and we sat on the couch waiting for them to walk through the door," Anais said Tuesday.
Maybe their car had been stolen from the movie theater parking lot and their cell phones were inside. Maybe they were walking back to the rented house and got lost.
Then the early-morning television news flashed images of a deadly car crash in St. Petersburg. Four people were dead. The car was black. No, the women thought.
That can't be our men.
At about 7 a.m., St. Petersburg police officers came to the family's vacation home and delivered the news: The McConnell men — Elroy "Roy" McConnell Jr., 51, and sons Elroy "Roy" McConnell III, 28, Nathan, 24, and Kelly, 19 — were dead, killed by a suspected drunken driver, 20-year-old Demetrius Jordan of St. Petersburg.
Suddenly, the women were widows.
On vacation
The McConnell clan had gathered for a peaceful five-day vacation at the beach. It was the first time they'd all been together since Kelly's University High School graduation in 2009.
The men left for their planned guys' night at the movies after spending a day of "beach fun and family time," family members said Tuesday in a wrenching public appearance at the family home in east Orange County.
They were so looking forward to the vacation that Anais and Nathan were waiting for it to celebrate their fourth anniversary, which was two weeks ago.
"We didn't do anything special, because we knew we had this special family trip planned to celebrate our anniversary, Kelly's birthday and to see our newborn nephew," Anais said, referring to Roy III's son.
On Tuesday, the wives, girlfriend and mothers gathered to talk about the men they loved so much.
Roy Jr.'s wife, Amy Voelker, who was Kelly's mother and helped raise the older boys, said Tuesday that the family is struggling now with inconsolable sadness.
"My husband has a strong faith and part of that was forgiveness," she said. "I hope that we can all get there someday. It would be tragic if we let that young man's decision affect us in a negative way."
'My best friend'
Roy III and his wife, Sandie, fell in love while attending Louisiana College, a private Christian school where Roy played on the football team. They married after three years of dating and lived in New Orleans with their only child, Elroy McConnell IV, who was born in March.
"We thought we had the rest of our lives to spend together," Sandie said. "He was the beat of my heart and the light of my day, the air that I breathe. He wasn't just my husband, but also my best friend. "
The couple planned to move back to Florida soon to be closer to his family, which he desperately missed.
Nathan and Anais were high-school sweethearts, married after dating for four years and lived in the Orlando area. Nathan had just graduated from a trade school to become an electrician and was studying to get his journeyman license.
"He was a loving husband, a father and friend. He was fun and had a big heart," she said. "He was a hard worker who provided for his family and friends."
Since the accident Sunday, their 2-year-old daughter, Kayla, has been asking for her "Daddy."
When Kelly McConnell was 8 years old he discovered his parents tithed at the church and decided that he would do so as well. Every two weeks, he donated $2 from his $8 allowance to the church.
The baby of the family, Kelly, who was studying accounting at the University of Miami, celebrated his 19th birthday just two days before he died.
"Nineteen years is a brief amount of time, but somehow Kelly seemed to fill it up to overflowing," cousin Rebecca Watson said.
He and his longtime girlfriend, Celine Parietti, planned a future together and decided that when they graduated from college and got jobs, they would donate 10 percent of their incomes to a charity.
"He has his whole future planned. It's still not real to me," Celine said Tuesday. "I keep thinking he's going to come home from Miami."
Bond of grief
The women whose love for the McConnell men brought them together now share an unbreakable bond of grief and loss.
On Tuesday, they gathered, with extended family and friends, to try to convey what the men meant to them and how their loss would resonate.
During the gathering, Lisa Raybern, Roy Jr.'s first wife and the mother of Roy III and Nathan, let out a loud sob that conveyed the heartbreak of a mother who has lost her children.
"All these men were wonderful, beautiful people," Raybern said while holding her only grandson.
The women stood in solidarity, clutching framed vacation photographs taken just hours before the men died.
Sandie held tightly to the only complete family portrait that exists. She made her husband pose for the photo just before he left for the movie Saturday night.
Bianca Prieto can be reached at email@example.com or 407-420-5620.
St. Pete crash: 'We sat on the couch waiting for them to walk through the door'
Anais McConnell woke suddenly at 4:30 a.m. Sunday and realized her husband, Nathan, wasn't in bed beside her.


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...has landed. And here it be, in all its doodlesomeness:
The idea was conceived when I realised how boring white paper was, and how changing something as minimal as the colour or texture of your paper can inform your drawings and make them look much snazzier. The item, as always, can be purchased from my Etsy Shop for a mere $4.00 which works out at about £2.50 English. Go there for more pics and info!
Sunday, 12 September 2010
The Crumpet Time Ghostly Gramophone Doodle Book
...has landed. And here it be, in all its doodlesomeness:
Posted by Crumpet Time Comics at 05:50 0 comments
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