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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157800282018-09-18T04:58:41.818-04:00Ben HoodApple guybenhoodhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-32976489924906796062017-09-13T11:03:00.000-04:002017-09-13T11:06:41.563-04:00Apple Watch Series 3
When I bought the first generation of Apple Watch a couple of years ago, I had trouble convincing my wife that I should spend our hard-earned on it. I had trouble convincing her probably because I had trouble convincing myself. When she asked what I could do on it that I couldn't do on my phone, the list was pretty short, and there were so many drawbacks to the form and the capabilities that she just couldn't understand my interest.

The best explanation that I could muster was that I wanted to be a part of this conversation about the next generation of computing. I wanted to be a participant in the early evaluation of wearables, so that I could understand if it was a fad or the future. I've found that I really enjoy my Apple Watch, but not for the reasons that I anticipated, and not for the reasons that Apple guessed when Tim Cook described it in 2014 as:

A precise timepiece, a new intimate way to communicate from your wrist, and a comprehensive health and fitness device.
Only the description of the Apple Watch as a "health and fitness device" has proven to be true. (Just as the phone app is a pretty insignificant part of the iPhone, the "precise timepiece" description is pretty insignificant when describing the Apple Watch.) The second item, "a new intimate way to communicate" has been, up to now, the least accurate proposition about the use of the Apple Watch. Users generally found no utility in the "new intimate" ways to communicate, and they dismissed them.

Apple yesterday released the Apple Watch Series 3, which provides a cellular connection to the watch. This allows Apple to take another swing at revolutionizing communication from the wrist, by setting the Apple Watch free from its tether to the iPhone. It seems clear that this is the functionality that Apple wanted to release from the beginning, but that technology needed to catch up before they could make a cellular capable watch for the masses.

I can't overstate how big this development is for the Watch, and I can't disagree more with Farhad Manjoo in the New York Times:

The cellular version completes a long-term vision for the Watch — to liberate you, in some small way, from Apple's best-selling phone. In a demo, an Apple employee made a live call to the keynote address from a paddle board in the middle of a lake.

This is a slightly risky strategy, of course; Apple doesn't want to kill its golden iPhone goose. But the new cellular watch is unlikely to be a replacement for the phone, just a high-priced complement.

The reason I disagree with Manjoo is because Apple is happy to kill its golden iPhone goose. It happily let the iPhone kill the iPod, is happy for iPads to kill MacBook Pros, is happy for Apple Music to cannibalize song download sales. If the market is going to move on to something new (and it always does, eventually), then Apple will actively hasten the old product's demise, by investing in the new.

And I can't overstate how big this development is because it points the direction for the watch to take over from the phone. Not just the Apple Watch taking over from the iPhone, but the connected watch overtaking the phone as the essential connectivity device. Captain Picard didn't carry around a PADD all the time, but he always had his communicator on his shirt. In this (and in so many things), we can learn a lot from Star Trek.
benhoodhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-75668492717630919762017-09-03T10:59:00.000-04:002017-09-03T10:59:29.826-04:00Apple event September 12, 2017, focused on AR and VR
According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple will hold its (basically) annual iPhone announcement on September 12.

From the rumor mill, they will release three versions of the iPhone: super special (no name, yet), 7S Plus, and 7S.

They are also rumored to release an Apple Watch with a cellular connection, so that it no longer needs the iPhone to stay connected.

It also sounds like they might update the Apple TV hardware to handle 4K video. Though this rumor is popular, I'm not sure it has been connected to the September 12 event. Apple TV isn't important enough to have its own event, though, so unless they want to also have an October event with new Macs or something else, it seems like they will probably release it September 12.

I'm most excited about this event because of Apple's focus on Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Apple's June WWDC keynote is usually a harbinger of the hardware that will be announced in September. Apple can't spring software on developers, so Apple announces and discusses the pre-release software in June, and then come September, they release beautiful hardware to do awesome things with the software (1).

At the June WWDC, Apple heavily focused on AR and VR software. So much so that almost everyone expects some announcement of hardware focused on AR and VR. It seems like this hardware will probably be some type of custom chip to better handle AR and VR without killing the iPhone battery. More exciting, though a lot less likely, would be some new product, like VR goggles or AR glasses, that accelerate Apple's somewhat belated entry into the fields. The supply chain is so extensive, though, that it doesn't seem like there will be any product like this, since we haven't heard any rumors about it.

I'm also interested to see updates on the products that Apple has already announced, but which won't be ready for release at the September event, namely, the HomePod (and to a lesser extent, the iMac Pro). Fingers crossed we get an update that everything is on track. The previously announced release date of December puts customers in a weird place, since Christmas shoppers don't know if they should wait for the HomePod or buy other presents. Ideally for customers (and if Apple wants to sell a boatload for Christmas), Apple will refine the release date to December 1, but my guess is that Apple isn't confident enough to say that (if they were, they'd probably have them out for Black Friday.)

Oh well, only about a week to wait to have at least a few questions answered.

(1) Of course, this isn't a hard and fast rule. From WWDC, it seems like Apple wasn't going to make many updates to the Apple Watch. As a customer who is eagerly awaiting a cell-connected Apple Watch, I was hoping to get at least a hint from WWDC that the watch would be updated, but instead I found out that I could get a Buzz Lightyear watch face. If the rumors are true that Apple will release a cell-capable watch, I'd argue that WWDC didn't betray the surprise at all.

benhoodhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-40945312425646307672017-08-28T02:51:00.000-04:002017-08-28T02:51:47.231-04:00ApplePay really is awesome...since every store (in Poland) accepts it
So, though I am generally an Apple fanboy who would buy Apple-branded ice for my igloo, I was a little skeptical about ApplePay when it was released. There just isn't much friction when I use my credit card at a store, so I wasn't quite sure what problem ApplePay was solving. Add to that the fact some banks weren't supporting it (in 2014), and the fact that most US stores don't support it (even now), and ApplePay was relegated, in my mind, to a back burner somewhere between "Ping" and the iPod HiFi (1).

However, that has all changed since I moved to Poland in late 2016. In Poland, nearly every store supports NFC cards, so my ApplePay is crushing it. All the Polish cards have NFC, so people are waving their cards around like, um, cards, but here are a couple of reasons why ApplePay wins:

I have multiple cards on one device, so I can quickly pay for restaurants with my Chase, and other stuff with my Priceline Visa.

For bigger purchases, everybody with an NFC card has to remember a PIN (and enter it while looking over their shoulders). I just use my thumb on Touch ID, and I'm done.

Because I can pay for stuff with my phone, which is always with me, I don't need to carry my wallet. One less thing to worry about.

So much winning! (Really!)

I know I'm pretty lucky. I bank in the US, and by 2016 pretty much all banks had started supporting ApplePay, and I'm using ApplePay in Poland, where all the terminals have switched over to NFC. (Polish banks, alas, don't support ApplePay, yet.) But, even if it is just luck, it shows me the potential to live in the future as Apple envisioned it. It shows me how things might be back in the US if NFC takes off for transactions.

It also shows me another example of a country that gets to jump past established economies because they didn't have entrenched interests. (Poland, being communist until 1989, had largely a cash economy until the early 2000s, I've been told. So, when payment technology popped up here, it didn't have to compete with earlier technology, but instead had to compete only against cash.) (2)

One final thing: I'll address this in a future post, but being able to use ApplePay everywhere will get even better if your watch has a cell connection, and obviates the need for a phone. Going on a run and want to grab a Powerade from Tesco? Yes, please.

(1) Those are deliberate examples, since Ping can be seen as a precursor to the massive Apple Music business, and the iPod HiFi can be seen as the grandfather to the hopefully massive HomePod business.

(2) On the negative side, I should note that the ubiquity of credit card terminals here is related to early credit card number theft. Waiters always bring the terminal to your table, and never take away the card, because no one trusts anyone to not steal their number. That also pushes the rise of PIN transactions, which haven't really caught on in the US, probably because they solve a problem that most people don't have.

benhoodhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-83908804092734336182017-07-26T04:15:00.000-04:002017-07-26T04:15:52.325-04:00Apple building new US factories, says Trump
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Trump said Apple will build three new plants in the US:

Mr. Trump, in a 45-minute interview with The Wall Street Journal, said Mr. Cook promised him Apple would build "three big plants, beautiful plants." Mr. Trump didn't elaborate on where those plants would be located or when they would be built.
As noted in the article, if this is true, it would be a sea change for Apple. The article suggests that these factories would be Apple owned and operated, not contract manufacturers:

Building three manufacturing plants would be unprecedented for Apple as it only has one plant of its own currently in Cork, Ireland, where it has operated since 1980 and benefits from lower taxes on overseas profits. Apple instead primarily relies on contract manufacturers such as Foxconn, Pegatron Corp., Wistron Corp. and others to make iPhones, iPads and Macs.
Many long time Apple followers will remember that Apple's return to profitability in the late 90s was driven as much by Cook's supply chain efficiency as it was by Job's new products. Cook pruned Apple's excess inventory, shut down their own plants, and developed/expanded the relationships with contract manufacturers. Without Cook's efficiency, Jobs might not have had the resources or the time to Make Apple Great Again™.

If it is true that Apple is building new factories in the U.S., there might be a couple of drivers: 1) the products can be priced with a high enough premium that the additional costs are easily passed along to the customer (Mac Pro, or iPad Pro, or iPhone Pro?); and 2) because building the plants advances Apple's other priorities (overseas profits repatriation, political goodwill with administration). It's just too expensive to build electronics in the US for it to be a great business decision on its own, especially with a competitive market (like the regular iPhone.)

It would also be interesting to see possible locations of the plants, since states have become so willing to provide tax incentives for major manufacturing investments. I'm sure every state development office is salivating now over the thought of an Apple plant in their jurisdiction.
benhoodhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-2807673416354462942017-07-21T05:06:00.001-04:002017-07-21T05:06:47.643-04:00Academic versus industry research
Apple just launched the Machine Learning Journal for Apple researchers to release their work to the broader public. They've published one write-up on improving synthetic images for supervised training of neural nets. This comes after Apple has started allowing researchers to publish academic papers. (The write-up on apple.com seems to be the same submitted academic paper, only written for a wider audience.)

As an Apple fan with a Ph.D. in the sciences, I'm excited for the glimpse into what Apple is pursuing in artificial intelligence and machine learning. However, after a decade working in the software industry, I'm reminded that industry research and academic research are related, but not the same.

Industry is driven to create value for a few different individual stakeholders, including customers and shareholders. Because those groups are fickle, industry needs to continue innovating, or they risk not getting the next paycheck (or investment). The companies that don't worry about customers and shareholders aren't around anymore. But as described in The Innovator's Dilemma, industry is often incremental, and has trouble making huge leaps.

Whereas academics favor knowledge over delivering value. Individual academics choose autonomy and intellectual curiosity over compensation. (Take a look at salaries in academics versus industry, for positions with roughly the same skill sets, for this stark difference.) To go further, I would posit that academic research is successful specifically because it doesn't have such a focused pursuit as industry. Research is often a random walk, and to keep it open allows more unexpected results. However, academic research sucks at delivering actual value to the masses. Putting a paper on arXiv so that 17 people can read it is not changing the world.

What I love is seeing industry work in tandem with academic research. So that we can have the momentous discoveries that only come from the random walk of academic research, with the specific payout to customers that only comes from industry. Maxwell discovers the equations of electromagnetism, and Apple uses them to make sure I can watch cat videos on a train.

Apple, unlike most companies, has the scale to support a fully academic research team. (It could fund the entirety of MIT for ~96 years.) Other companies in the past have also supported academic research teams (IBM and AT&T come to mind, with spectacular results.) So, Apple probably doesn't have to worry so much about this dichotomy between academic and industry research. It seems like everyone will be a little happier, though, if they recognize (and capitalize on) the different motivations of different researchers.
benhoodhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-85777074012960818912017-06-13T04:00:00.002-04:002017-06-13T04:02:57.924-04:00HomePod: Why I'll be buying one in December
The most exciting announcement in last Monday's keynote of WWDC was the introduction of HomePod, Apple's new home speaker with integrated Siri.

For a little while, I've been considering a new voice device, a la Amazon Echo, or Google Home. I do a lot of cooking, so setting timers easily will be great. And checking on the weather. And how traffic is looking on the way into the city. Also, since I have young kids, I want need to interact without using my hands. Voice interaction isn't everything, but for some subset of computing tasks, it is easily the quickest form of input. (See the number of times the crew of the Enterprise says "Computer, ...")

However, I'm a little paranoid about the security and privacy of my personal data, including what is said in my house. That has prevented me from getting a Google Home or an Amazon Echo. The "always listening" aspect of the devices—integral to functionality—is terrifying for privacy.

Google especially has a business model that benefits from leaking personal data, in a way that supports their advertising products. I'm not saying that I won't use any Google products. I love their search and their e-mail and I'm comfortable with the trade-off of privacy versus functionality, in those products, but I don't want to go so far as putting an always-listening Google device in my home.

Amazon is a little better, and has fought the release of an echo recording in an Arkansas murder case, but I don't trust that Amazon will protect my privacy at the expense of their business. (As a short aside, as an Arkansawyer, can't we aim a little higher when it comes to articles about technology in Arkansas? A murder case [or a neo-nazi hacker] shouldn't be the only time I see Arkansas show up on ArsTechnica.)

In contrast to Google and Amazon, Apple has specifically made privacy a centerpiece of their business, even in a way that negatively affects it. They fought very publicly with the FBI so that they wouldn't need to unlock an encrypted iPhone, and internally they safeguard customer data in a way that makes it difficult to use it for internal data analysis. The privacy stance that the company takes internally is probably one of the reasons why Siri hasn't kept pace with other voice assistants.

However, this is the perfect trade-off for me, since I am paranoid about my data, and about what is said in my house.

One small blemish on the HomePod (for me, at least) is the focus on music. I know that music is important to lots of people, and that online services (like Apple Music) are growing significantly for the company, so it makes a lot of sense to make music a centerpiece of the HomePod. However, music is not important to me: I don't care to listen to it. I'm counting on the fact that the HomePod will be good at everything else (including audiobooks.)

Another small thing is the price. I wish Apple would work a little harder to pull the HomePod down under $300. Ideally, it would be around $199 or maybe $249. However, the $349 won't stop me. That is why come December, I'll be ordering a HomePod.
benhoodhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-90768224873438515252015-03-01T13:40:00.000-05:002015-03-01T13:41:30.204-05:00Ridiculous parents don't vaccinate children
(I found this draft post from 2008 in my blogger account, and decided to go ahead and post it because of the recent measles outbreaks.)

I can barely contain my vitriol for parents who don't vaccinate their children despite all scientific evidence that vaccines save lives. I was frankly surprised when parents voluntarily discussed their choice to not vaccinate in a recent article in the New York Times outlining parents who don't vaccinate their children. Such stupid and selfish decisions should be met with derision.
benhoodhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-74190709746844652372015-02-27T20:34:00.000-05:002015-02-27T20:34:46.462-05:00Spock
Today we lost Spock.

Spock was a hero. Maybe to every scientist/engineer, but certainly to me. He represented logic and reason and rationality, in an increasingly irrational world.

A child of the 80s, I never really loved the original series, preferring the refined Picard to the gregarious Kirk. But I loved Spock the most of all characters. His appearance in Unification made me ecstatic, as well as seeing him in the new movies.

Quinto, you've big shoes to fill.
benhoodhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-4057620349979516362008-05-05T22:51:00.003-04:002008-05-06T13:51:45.103-04:00Turkmenistan on the way up?So, articles about Turkmenistan always catch my eye. It is such a fascinating place, what with the previous ruler and all. So, I was really pleased to see an article on Turkmenistan hit the front page of the New York Times. I was especially pleased to see that a friend of mine, Prof. Eric McGlinchey, was interviewed for the article! However, contrary to Eric's suggestion, I think I will pop the cork on the champaign. I am ecstatic that the new ruler has been dismantling the vestiges of the Turkmenbashi, and I hope his more moderate reforms (such as allowing internet access and upping the amount of schooling for children) mark a turning point for this nation.benhoodhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-89021051245448169082008-04-21T07:51:00.005-04:002008-04-21T09:23:02.232-04:00Rising prices pushes people towards genetically modified foodsThere is nothing like cash to help focus the mind.

While in Britain, I saw first hand the public distrust of Frankenfoods, or genetically modified crops. The continent was much more suspicious than Britain about the foods, but there were some outspoken critics (like Prince Charles) in Britain as well. I was doubly mortified when some African countries started to reject genetically modified donations, because they reasonably assumed that what was bad for Europeans is bad for Africans. However, there is no indication that genetically modified foods are harmful, and while Europe is rich enough to reject genetically modified crops, Africa is not, and rejection of the crops yields starvation.

Fast forward to the food crisis of today, and an article in the New York Times shows that with grain prices doubling and tripling, the less expensive genetically modified grains are gaining in popularity, or at least objections to them are declining. I am pleased to see that irrational fears fall away when cash is at stake.

The key word there is irrational. No one has shown popular genetically modified organisms to be harmful, and they can help feed multitudes more. To the people who object because we are "playing god," that ship has sailed. Wheat is the most crossbred organism in existence, not because we've turned our microscopes at it (indeed, it is one of the more difficult crops in a lab), but because we've been manipulating it for the last six thousand years. We've been doing the same with cattle. Ever seen a cow on a hike in the forest? That isn't natural.

I do hope that this allows people to get past their reservations for the "new."benhoodhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-53107265208263120872008-03-24T21:14:00.002-04:002008-03-24T21:23:40.711-04:00Rocking through EasterSo, Courtney and I headed down to Arkansas for the Easter weekend, both to see my family and to attend my nephew's baptism. While we were there, we stayed with my brother, who has a wii and a playstation 3. After a Friday night of playing Guitar Hero, he headed to Sam's on Saturday and bought Rock Band. I learned two things over the weekend: 1) this game is incredibly fun, and 2) I am incredibly talented.

For the uninitiated, Rock Band is an extension of the performance games such as Guitar Hero or Karaoke Revolution, where in a person plays on a play guitar or sings into a microphone and is measured on hitting notes or playing combinations. Rock Band takes it one step further and has a guitar, a microphone and a drum set in one game, and all three are played in concert to complete a popular song.

With the entire family there, it was great fun. Trulie singing, Andrea on guitar, Kin on drums; fantastic. I didn't know many of the songs (I am not much of a music person), but I still had a great time. It seems like the game sort of transcends the normal limitations of video games, and so reaches a much larger audience (much like the wii console). It makes me think that maybe we should buy the game, just for parties and such.

Even if we don't, I'll remember singing Black Hole Sun. I think everyone will remember. Even the neighbors. (If you can't sing well, sing loud.)benhoodhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-71610153889857351852008-03-21T11:30:00.002-04:002008-03-21T11:33:48.343-04:00I love my iPhone.So, I was just working on my computer, writing some e-mails, and a notification came up telling me about a meeting I have in 15 minutes. I naturally reached up to my screen and tapped on the button to dismiss the notification, and was momentarily taken aback when my computer did not respond.

I can't wait for a touch sensitive computer. It will be so much more natural in so many instances.benhoodhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-52937301759382447252008-03-13T20:50:00.004-04:002008-03-13T22:00:25.093-04:00Astronomy away!So, last night a bit after 11 I submitted a 15 page revised paper to the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. It has taken me a while, but this is the research simulating extrasolar planets that I did under Sara Seager for the final chapters of my dissertation. Even though there was only a little bit of work to do, it hung over my head, so now I feel like I have all kinds of free time. Maybe that will mean some more posts.

Actually, I have decided to begin writing some specific astronomy posts at a new blog, called Space The Nation. If you get bored of reading what I think about the presidential candidates, then you can head over there and read what I think about water in extrasolar planet atmospheres. Perhaps soon I will get around to writing the laymen's explanation of my research that Adam Langley asked for so long ago (I haven't forgotten.)benhoodhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-67479135857580703132008-03-04T23:01:00.002-05:002008-03-04T23:14:11.814-05:00Ohio, Texas, Vermont, Oh my!My friends who know me know that I go to bed around 9:30; maybe 10 pm if I am going crazy. I can't remember the last time I saw Dave, though he is the best. However, here I am, at 11 pm, watching the election results.

I had given up on Hillary, but apparently the people of Ohio hadn't. Only half the state has reported, but she is giving Obama a drumming, 15 points ahead. She has won Rhode Island, while Obama took Vermont. They are neck and neck in Texas, though they say Obama might have a lead in the caucuses there.

How exciting! It really is great when a contest is so fluid and dynamic that it isn't predictable. I am thinking back to Sunday, specifically, when the top story of the New York Times were top Democrats basically asking Hillary to step aside, in order to unite the party. It is conceivable that she will be the big winner tonight, and gain significant ground tonight, but more importantly, take the spotlight off Obama.benhoodhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-79336579488838121952008-03-02T21:25:00.008-05:002008-03-04T23:01:09.129-05:00Hillary is going to loseI was wrong. I mentioned earlier that I thought Hillary was going to win the Democratic nomination, and now I am not so sure. Obama supporters are doing a great job keeping the momentum and the spotlight on them. It was a great move today to pull the news coverage towards them by asking Hillary to drop out if she doesn't win some big states on Tuesday. Most people read the headlines to mean that Hillary was basically staying in the same way Huckabee is staying in: without a chance in the world of actually winning. And that means that only two days before the next round of important voting, it looks like Obama has already won.

I don't think Obama should be the democratic nominee. I do like Hillary, but mainly I question giving support to Obama. I question Obama because I think most of the reason he is doing so well is because he is unknown. Though the press has done its perfunctory job of digging into his background, mainly he is a blank slate: one on which people are projecting their own desired candidate traits. Because we don't know how he would react in a specific situation, everyone assumes that he would react with them. He is basically being rewarded because he is an unknown, and I don't think that should be a reason to win.

I should clarify that I don't think that Obama has some skeletons hiding in his closet that are waiting to pop out. In fact I don't think he does, but I don't think he should be ahead simply because Hillary has made bold and public support of certain initiatives such as healthcare for every American.

I remember not so long ago another president promised to reach across the aisle and change politics as usual. He actually even had a pretty good record to show that he would work with the other party (unlike Obama's short record, which basically looks like the Democratic platform, and shows little-to-no work with Republicans.) However, that president has changed his tune, and become one of the most divisive presidents in memory. Oh well.benhoodhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-36418685893985983972008-02-25T08:46:00.003-05:002008-02-25T08:58:35.546-05:00What is "natural"?I was so pleased to read this article on virgin birth in the New York Times. It tells of a single female komodo dragon at the Kansas zoo who just had baby komodos without being in contact with a male komodo for the last decade. The birth is a fantastic occasion which points to the wonderment of nature, but the article uses it as an illustration of how little we know (and assume) about nature.

I am annoyed and frustrated by numerous individuals to justify their beliefs and their morals based on what is "natural." On the left, people are quick to scorn herbicides, pesticides and genetically modified foods because they are "unnatural". On the right I've people decry homosexual marriage, in-vitro fertilization and both therapeutic and whole cloning because it is "unnatural". Specifically in the realm of vegetarianism, I've heard the argument used by both sides: vegans claiming that it isn't "natural" for humans to drink cow milk, and meat-eaters claim that eating meat is healthy and "natural" for humans.

It joys me to find that "natural" is not such an easy concept to triangulate. Nature is better at doing its job than we are to understanding it.benhoodhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-79189942543670807552008-02-19T12:58:00.004-05:002008-02-19T22:05:28.303-05:00HD DVD Dead, shame on SonyIt appears that HD DVD has died. I can't say that I had much skin in this game. Though I have a high definition television, I still enjoy plain old vanilla DVDs, and much of the content I watch is television recorded digitally (and in high definition) through my computer. However, I had a strong preference that no company win the format war (er, skirmish, war is a bit grandiose) that pitted Blu-Ray against HD-DVD, and especially not Sony. I had hoped that Sony had learned, through years of heartbreak, that creating a proprietary format and attempting to ram it down people's throats was not the way to go. They have enough experience, with beta and connect, to know that they should embrace partners and work with other companies. I am not sure that Toshiba was a lot more reasonable in their efforts to "reach across the aisle", but I don't think they have such an asinine history of rejecting partnerships or open technology as Sony. Honestly, I wanted both sides to continue their ridiculous positions until digital downloads could trump both of them, so both companies could lose their investments, and hopefully think twice next time about not working together.

Astute readers might mention that I seem to like Apple, and Apple nearly never works with anyone else. Well, that is right. What can I say?benhoodhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-62191474651569522452008-02-07T21:37:00.002-05:002008-02-23T21:42:55.562-05:00Romney drops out?!I did not see this one coming. I sort if wanted it to happen, since Huckabee is my conservative candidate of choice, but I honestly thought Romney would fight it out for a little longer. Maybe his sons convinced him to save some of the inheritance for them.

I am really interested to see how this might change the dynamic between McCain and Huckabee. It would be really difficult for them to continue to be so chummy now that there are only two. If Huckabee wants to maintain the possibility of a vp spot, he ought to bow out soon. However, he is basically in the best position he has ever been to really take the nomination. Romney and Huckabee combined took about as many delegates as McCain, so conceivably he could be in a good position if all of those were value voters. However, probably too many of them are fiscal conservatives who wouldn't touch Huckabee with a ten-foot pole.

I think what is fascinating is how the two final Republican candidates are so distasteful to certain segments of their party. This is a critical election for the future of the Republican party, especially if they win the general election.benhoodhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-55687687849435350192008-02-05T22:57:00.001-05:002008-02-05T23:06:04.577-05:00Super TuesdayWell, I am heading to bed, but what a fantastic day. To have the excitement somewhat like a general election day, but with so many candidates, is pretty great, I think. It looks like Hillary is taking a slight lead over Obama in number of states won, but the proportional system of Democratic delegates will keep him going well past today.

However, I think the Republican contest, with three active candidates, is of course more dynamic. Support is solidifying around John McCain, but it looks like Huckabee is going to be able to pull out enough state wins to keep going. I can only imagine how this must make Mitt Romney's blood boil. He thinks that had Huckabee been out of the race all Huck's support would flow to him, however, I don't know if I support that theory. I think the reverse is a lot closer to the truth. Were Romney to drop out of the race, I think Huckabee would get a big boost, because of the value voters who would go to Huckabee. I think a lot of Huckabee's evangelical voters would have a problem with Romney's religion.

I can only hope it gets to a brokered convention. Isn't it strange, how now that I am 28, I am excited about watching a decisive convention on television, when only three elections ago I was cursing the political coverage because it prevented my favorite television shows from being on? Wow, I've gotten boring.benhoodhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-84844579050948454012008-02-02T22:44:00.001-05:002008-02-04T07:40:19.777-05:00Why a Democratic scientist is noticing Mike Huckabee (in a good way)I am a scientist, and a Democrat, and in general I respect people who value scientific knowledge. So, it was with great surprise that I recently found myself interested in Mike Huckabee's presidential run. I know that at this point he doesn't have much of a shot of actually receiving the nomination, but I think he will do respectably in some contests come super Tuesday. He will probably win Arkansas, I think, and he at least has a small shot at Georgia and Tennessee, and maybe Oklahoma. I was surprised at my interest because Mike is nearly unapologetic about not believing in evolution. I am pretty sure that we would be on opposite sides of the stem cell research debate and abortion, but I feel like I am still rooting for him, nonetheless.

There are a few reasons why I found myself hoping another man from Hope would be nominated for president:
1) My main reason for defending Mike Huckabee is because I feel like I know what guides him, and can appreciate and anticipate how he will make decisions. He is foremost a Christian, and secondly a Republican. So many of his political leanings are rooted in the Bible, and can be anticipated. The Bible is, I think, a generally good guide to life, so why wouldn't I support a candidate who chooses to follow the Bible in his daily life, both personally and politically?

This is a sharp contrast to Mitt Romney, whom I can not anticipate at all. I have a feeling that Mitt Romney uses not the Bible to guide his hand in his day to day decisions, but instead uses political polling. When he was running for the Senate against Ted Kennedy, he sounded like a Democrat, and when he ran for Massachusetts governor, he sounded like a moderate Republican. Now that he is running for the Republican nomination, he sounds like a conservative Republican. I anticipate, if Mitt receives the nomination, that he will tack hard to the center, and start to reclaim those past liberal credentials, in order to win over Democrats and independents. As a Democrat that ought to make me happy, but it just feels like Mitt is slimy enough to say anything to win any election, and I can't stand that. I'd rather vote for a candidate with whom I disagree, but respect, than someone with whom I agree (somewhat more) but don't respect.

2) Secondly, I have found Mike Huckabee to break with his party enough for me to consider him a good leader. This harkens back to my first point a bit, because when "Republican" gets in the way of "Christian", I know Christian will win. In my state of Arkansas, Huckabee proposed and pushed through the biggest creation of child health care through ARKids. Republicans chide him now for expanding the government, but making sure kids have health insurance was more important, as a Christian, than limiting the growth of government. I don't know if he has spoken on the subject, but I feel pretty sure that Huckabee would have stayed his veto pen when considering the expansion of the children's health insurance program that Bush recently vetoed, even though it would have been paid for with tobacco taxes.

I have also beamed with pride as fiscal conservatives have attacked Huckabee six ways to Sunday. I always thought the fiscal conservatives and evangelicals, whose Christian values should direct them to help people, were strange bedfellows. Huckabee basically kicked the Wall Street types out of the bed. He is much more internally consistent than the other candidates, in my opinion.

2) Finally, I would be joking if I didn't mention that the biggest reason I am interested in Huckabee is because he is from Arkansas. I love my state, and I love seeing people from my state succeed. If I were from somewhere else, I think I'd be deriding Huckabee as ignorant and ill-prepared for the White House. However, as it stands, I am excited for him.

Like I said before, I don't think Huckabee has much of a chance on super Tuesday, but I think he will pick up a few states. At this point, I hope he does well, and I hope McCain considers him in choosing a Vice President. With McCain's paucity of religious credentials, Huckabee might just fill out the ticket to secure a certain victory. Just a couple of days and we will see.benhoodhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-2098061164498166412008-02-02T15:53:00.000-05:002008-02-02T17:40:48.331-05:00Eating meat in the worldSo, I am a little late commenting on this article from the New York Times, Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler, but I'd like to mention it none the less. I want to discuss it because I am a pot-smoking, hippy, vegetarian liberal. Actually, I am not all those things, but I am a vegetarian, so sometimes I get lumped into political movements in which I don't believe.

In general, I really enjoyed this article. The author presents ample evidence about the environmental impact of consuming meat, and for the most part doesn't use the accusatory tone often associated with PETA or their supporters. I am especially pleased that he doesn't start down the path of "animal rights," or cruelty, as it is such a nebulous and contentious notion that it is dismissed (as I think it ought to be) by most people who are generally sympathetic to notion of environmental degradation due to meat production.

I am also very much in favor of two of the solutions he submits, namely reduction of farm subsidies and better food technology. I don't agree with President Bush on many things, but I support very much his attempts (in the past, at least) to curb agricultural subsidies. These subsidies prevent consumers from seeing the true cost of their foods, and because of the massive lobbying groups supporting particular foods (I am talking to you, corn), situations develop where food is used in crazy and inefficient ways simply because the cost is artificially low (corn-based ethanol to reduce greenhouse gases? Ridiculous!) Though I am a democrat, I hope that a republican president has the will to cut these subsidies. Goodness knows the politicians from my state of Arkansas don't have the gumption. Growing food is something that the developing world, including South and Central America, do very well, and we should let them, and bring down trade tariffs to prevent their cheaper foods from being sold in our markets. The argument that in a crisis we need to be able to produce our own food doesn't quite hold water to me. In a crisis, we could stop eating a bit of the meat we eat and basically be flooded with the extra grain. I'm disappointed that Mike Huckabee has taken this stand in the presidential debates.

Secondly, the author mentions advancing food technology as an option, and I am proud that he does:

Longer term, it no longer seems lunacy to believe in the possibility of "meat without feet" — meat produced in vitro, by growing animal cells in a super-rich nutrient environment before being further manipulated into burgers and steaks.

I am proud the author mentioned this because for many of the hippy vegetarians who shop at the farmers market and whole foods, this is an option they find so distasteful as to be repugnant. However, it is a viable option, and we have continually manipulated nature in order to feed the growing population of humans (by domesticating cows, domesticating wheat, breeding chickens, etc.) It would be morally deficient of us to not develop technology that could help feed people because it doesn't sit right with us.

However, speaking specifically about moral decisions in food production and consumption, I am disappointed with the authors final paragraph:

In fact, Americans are already buying more environmentally friendly products, choosing more sustainably produced meat, eggs and dairy. The number of farmers' markets has more than doubled in the last 10 years or so, and it has escaped no one's notice that the organic food market is growing fast. These all represent products that are more expensive but of higher quality.

My problem with this paragraph is that there is an assumption that farmers market and organic food is better for the environment, when there is at least compelling evidence that organic food and farmer's markets are actually worse for the environment. There may be benefits of organic and farmers markets, such as less chemicals for sensitive consumers, but to say it is environmentally better is either nebulous or outright false. To the author's credit, though, he mentions that these specialty and more expensive options for meat hopefully will lead to less consumption, which, considering the epidemic of obesity in our country, would be over all a good thing.benhoodhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-23778916789561699162008-01-29T20:56:00.000-05:002008-01-29T22:43:50.257-05:00Florida makes Rudy cryWow. So it seems like Rudy made the wrong decision. Today Floridians decided that John McCain would be a better nominee for President of the United States, along with Hillary Clinton. I think that will be the way the country also goes.

Rudy is struggling for third place, nearly even with Mike Huckabee. It doesn't seem like his campaign can go much further than tonight. However, how was Rudy to know? He couldn't have made a stronger showing in Iowa, with his liberal tendencies, nor in South Carolina. Michigan was conceivably MItt Romney's to lose, possibly because of the income differences between good ol' Mitt and the multitudes of laid off voters there, but in hindsight, Mitt pulled it out and Rudy did well to not have wasted his resources. However, the one state I don't quite understand is New Hampshire. That is where McCain gathered most of his momentum, and Rudy could have been seen as a local(ish) vote in that state. It was really a poor calculation. It seems obvious to say it now, but I think for the last six years people (republicans) have been asking themselves how things would be different if John McCain had been elected in 2000, and now they get the chance to vote for him. He was Rudy's big opponent, and he was able to grab the momentum in New Hampshire, and he isn't giving it away. He already looks like a national candidate, which was Rudy's only claim to fame.

Now, I think the democratic candidacy is still somewhat up in the air, but I think Hillary will win it. She will take New York, probably California, and Obama will take Illinois and Georgia. They will split some smaller states, but she will look like the winner, and then she is back as the inevitable candidate. I am going to pretend John Edwards isn't in the race, and I am going to say it will be so much more difficult to survive until the convention if their are only two candidates. I can see the republicans getting to a brokered convention, especially with the southern states in the mix and giving Huckabee a possible boost, but with only two viable democratic candidates, it will be easier for that tree to fall one way or the other, and I think it will fall to Hillary.

So, McCain versus Clinton. I am not sure it looks good for the democrats if that is the case.benhoodhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-8486202294242839602008-01-28T20:28:00.000-05:002008-01-29T22:08:18.599-05:00MacBook AirSo, I used to work at the fruit stand, and because of that, some people have asked me what I thought about Apple's last big offering, the MacBook Air. I have to admit that I am pretty underwhelmed. So, Apple has released a lot of products that were panned initially, and then turned out to be hugh hits, like the original iMac (only USB!) and the iPod ($400 for a music player!), but I don't see the MacBook Air making any such significant waves. The reason is that the design (to quote an Apple poster) is evolutionary instead of revolutionary. Like the iMac, the machine could mainly be defined by what it is missing (firewire port, PC card slot, and most significantly, an optical drive), but in terms of the basic offering, it is far less bold a statement than the iMac was at the time. It is a slightly thinner and much lighter portable computer, for basically a 50% cost premium over the MacBook. The only reason I let myself get a little excited about the MacBook Air is because of what it portends, namely future iterations of thinner, lighter MacBooks. I think there is a market for this offering, but I am hesitant to say it is going to be a big market. One could say that mobile executives would buy this (and I am sure they will), but I think the lack of an evdo integrated card (along with Apple's typical ease of use) will limit the uptake.

I think the biggest buyers of the MacBook Air may be the least exciting (to me, anyway) of all market segments, which is at least the situation in my family. Of all my family members, only one called me asking about purchasing the MacBook Air: my Mom. She is a baby boomer with excess income, no interest in firewire ports or the fastest processor, and she puts a premium on making everything she carries with her light, so that she can pick up and visit the grand-babies at a moment's notice. For some reason, I am not sure she will make it onto the next Apple ad, however.benhoodhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-22926233158733737192008-01-27T20:07:00.000-05:002008-01-27T20:50:38.345-05:00Star Trek trailerOK, I've never hidden the fact that I am a dork. As an astronomer and a former captain of a Star Trek fan club, I don't think of myself as the coolest kid in the class. So, I'm not embarrassed to say that a big reason I went to see Cloverfield is because of the trailer at the beginning of it. It is the first showing of the trailer for the new Star Trek film being released Christmas 2008, by producer J.J. Abrams of Lost. The movie has recast all of the characters of the original series (Kirk, Spock, etc.), and though the trailer was limited and enigmatic, I am excited. I am hoping that the new movie will be a bit of a re-imagining, like Battlestar Galactica. Star Trek, though I am a huge fan, has become a little stagnant, and having some time off, with no tv series or movies in active production was probably pretty good for it (Star Trek: Enterprise was canceled in 2005). Here's hoping they have shed some of the baggage of the past and come up with a good movie that more than just trekkies can enjoy.benhoodhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-15780028.post-1356526932520876502007-12-11T09:34:00.000-05:002008-01-27T20:28:14.115-05:00Buying local produce maybe not betterI wrote previously about an article in the Economist that challenges presumptions about FairTrade, organic, and locally produced food. Now there is an article in the New York Times specifically about locally produced food maybe being worse for the environment. I am probably on the more conservative side of this issue. I am of the opinion, for instance, that pesticides, herbicides, and massive transport of food allowed the green revolution and ensured that everyone in the world could be fed, even if geopolitical and infrastructure problems prevent that. However, the best part of this article is that people are thinking critically for themselves, and challenging the assumptions of the status quo (the status quo in this instance being that buying local is better). Even if someone comes to a different conclusion than me, if they have thought through all the ramifications of their actions, I am generally pretty happy.benhoodhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
A new take on an old idea…
In the past year or so, at least three local businesses that we loved and patronized frequently closed: a kids' shoe store, a kids' clothing boutique and worst of all, a bookstore. So when I heard about The 3/50 Project, it really hit home. The idea is pretty simple, and pretty good, I think.
Am I saying that shopping online or national chains is ungodly? Nope, at least I certainly hope not, because otherwise I am in deep trouble with my Zappos addiction. Nevertheless, I think it's an interesting idea, and a new slant on "love your neighbor." What do you think?
2 Comments
Leta said,
I had time for a dinner break between two shows I was seeing, so, remembering this 3/50 post, I decided that as I drove up Route 7, I eat at the first non-chain restaurant that looked appealing. I had a lovely dinner at the Saffron Grille (Middle-Eastern) and will happily go back there again. 🙂

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Add: 2F, Building A1, No. 276, E. Baoshi Rd., Baoan District, Shenzhen
Tel: +86-755-27359623
Mob: +8618516195475
E-mail: email@example.com
Machining requires working with all grades and alloys of aluminum to meet the demands of various specifications, including secondary operations such as anodizing and tumbling. It is imperative that the materials, coatings, and geometry all work in conjunction to ensure successful machining.
One of the most common failures in the machining process is when the material being machined adheres to the cutting edge. Because the accrued material dulls the tool, its cutting ability can become severely degraded. In order to avoid a build up on the edge, careful selection of the tool material and tool coating must be practiced by tool designers.
When machining aluminum at very high speeds, the conventional wisdom of preferring sub-micron grain carbide materials for their hardness and ability to maintain a sharp cutting edge must be reevaluated. Sub-micron grain carbide relies on a high concentration of cobalt to maintain its strength. Unfortunately, cobalt is known to react with aluminum at elevated temperatures, meaning that the aluminum will chemically bond with the tool material. Coarse-grained carbide, on the other hand, offers sufficient hardness so the tool will not dull as quickly.
The second consideration to avoid edge build up is the tool coating. There are many options for the tool coating, and understanding what the best choice is for a particular job is crucial in high-speed machining.
TiN, TiCN, TiAIN, and AlTiN coatings are not good choices for aluminum applications because the coating process has problems with surface roughness and chemical reactivity. The process results in an uneven surface that more easily bonds to aluminum. In addition, the TiAIN coating contains aluminum itself, meaning it will more likely bond with the material being cut.
Tests have revealed that in fact an uncoated carbide tool will offer superior performance to the coatings mentioned above. Other possible coatings, such as diamond and DLC coatings, offer a smooth, chemically inert surface and will extend the life of the tool. Of coarse, while diamond coatings offer the best performance, they also can be quite expensive. In general, DLC coatings offer the best ratio of cost to performance.
When it comes to the design of high-speed aluminum machining tools, the key is to provide the maximum space for chip evacuation. The first required element of the tool geometry is a sharp cutting edge. This will ensure high shearing and surface clearance, resulting in a better surface finish.
Next, a helix angle will lift the chip away from the part more quickly, while increasing the friction and heat generated. This angle is best paired with a tool that features a higher number of flutes, so the chip and part will more quickly be separated. The high speed can lead to increased heat, making it more likely the chips will become attached to the tool. A two-flute design allows for both a low helix angle and sufficient evacuation.
Ultimately, there is no definite answer to which aluminum alloy works best for machining. With so many variables involved, many factors must be considered before selecting an alloy. But, because of aluminum's versatility and adaptability, there are numerous options for getting the job done right. What is most important is that you pair the right tools with the right alloy so that you get the best possible results at the greatest cost value.
1. Are you a factory or trade company?
We are factory and trade company
2. How many staff do you have?
We have 103 workers
3. What is your delivery time?
10-15 days for customized size. 3-5 days for our Stock size.
4. What is your price?
High quality products with reasonable price
5. What is the MOQ?
100 pcs
7 . What payments your company can accept?
T/T, Paypal
8. What is necessary information?
In order to get accurate quotation, the standard, material, outer diameter, wall thickness, quantity, destination port are necessary information
Add: 2F, Building A1, No. 276, E. Baoshi Rd., Baoan District, Shenzhen
Tel: +86-755-27359623
Mob: +8618516195475
E-mail: email@example.com


text:
Recently, I have been playing around with Twitter to get an understanding about how it may help communications at CEDC. I find that Twitter is a great tool to gather tons of information about companies or individuals that personally interest you. However, to reap the informational benefits of Twitter you must choose who you follow wisely or your feed will be filled with some pretty useless things – unless you are into that. I personally don't care if someone just drank a latte.
With my personal account, I follow corporations, non-profits, inspirational leaders, sports teams, and few close latte-drinking friends (just to be nice, not because I care). Twitter is now one of the main ways I stay up to date with news from companies I love because I am able to follow whatever or whomever I chose. Definitely beats watching the news for an hour to discover that the only information valuable to you was covered in approximately 3 minutes.
With that being said, I think that Twitter is a VERY important marketing tool to spread the word about a cause or company! Here is a link to a Twitter Business Guide posted on Scott Monty's Social Media Marketing Blog. Monty (who I follow on Twitter) is the head of social media at Ford Motor Company and a huge inspiration.
Just another tool in the marketing and communications toolbox!


text:
North Dorset Triathlon Club is based in Blandford Forum and all standards are welcome – Novice to Ironman. The club members have valuable experience that they are able to share to help you realise whatever goals you have set yourself.
The club runs training session that are matched to all abilities and has useful links to Open Water Swimming, Cycling and Running clubs in the area.
All members are encouraged to train to their targets, abilities and goals.


text:
PARIS—A prosecutor says preliminary doping-related charges have been filed against ousted Tour de France rider Riccardo Ricco.
The Italian rider tested positive for the banned blood-booster EPO during cycling's showcase race. Antoine Leroy, prosecutor in the French city of Foix, said Friday that preliminary charges had been filed against the cyclist for "use of a poisonous substance."
Leroy said Ricco has been released from custody. He is not allowed to meet anyone from his Saunier-Duval cycling team.
Ricco won two Tour de France stages this year.


text:
Man vs wild
Pattaya Snake Farm presents an amazing snake show and offers you an opportunity to buy natural treatments produced from snake's organs.
At the Snake Farm you have got a splendid opportunity to see an impressive snake show. Come and see amazing stunts performed by Thai trainers! Only at Snake Farm you will see king cobras, pythons and other dangerous snakes. You will learn how cobra's venom is collected. For an extra fee you can try exquisite dishes made from cobra's meat.
The price includes: two-way transfer, admission fee, snake show.
A snake is a symbol of medicine and snake's venom is the main component of treatments used in western medicine. As snake's venom has healing powers, people has used it for certain purposes since ancient times. This is a natural medicine and the only thing a man should do is to find a proper dosage. You can purchase traditional medicines which contain extracts and components from snake's organs.
Sur Tan Wan, biodyne and antioxidant, is made from cobra's gall. This medicine is effective treatment for stomach ulcer, gastrointestinal diseases, cirrhosis, endocrine system troubles. It is also an effective biodyne.
King cobra's fat easily penetrates in tissues, and is easily taken in by mucous membranes of stomach, intestine and skin. The biodyne is an effective treatment for respiratory diseases, asthma, bronchitis, chronicle and seasonal ARI, tuberculosis, tonsillitis. It also cleans lungs from nicotines, resin and other toxins.
Tang Nio Bing is used as an effective treatment for diabetes and as preventive treatment for diabetic heart attacks and thrombosis.
This is an effective treatment and preventive treatment for male's urogenital diseases, rheumatism and rheumatic heart disease. This medicine strengthens the immune system, restores man's sexual function, boosts potency, enchants pleasure, stimulates circulatory system. It's also an active hepatoprotector and antioxidant.
This is an effective treatment and preventive treatment for climacteric syndrome, menstrual irregularities, menstrual pain, insomnia, general tiredness, irritation and excessive sweating, female genital inflammation and chronicle mastopathy.
Hao De Xin is used as an effective treatment and preventive treatment for cerebrovascular diseases and their consequences, cerebral atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases and stenocardia. This medicine improves cardiac muscle tone, stabilizes blood pressure, brings down intracranial and intraocular pressure.
This medicine contains cobra's blood extract which strengthens blood vessels. 4-day treatment stops bleeding, reduces oedema and pain.
It strengthens nervous system, helps to reduce tension, naturally improves sleep. Non-addictive drug.
This is a unique formula with snake oil which makes the skin smooth and velvety. The cream reduces wrinkles, eliminates spots of different origins.
Face lifting cream contains extract from eggs of the reticulated python. The cream renovates epidermis, makes complexion bright and shiny. Face skin becomes elastic.
Snake hair tonic contains extract from snake skin which nourishes hair follicles, stimulates head skin cells renovation, strengthens your hair and increases its mechanical resistance.
The basic component of the massage oil is snake's fat. It can be used for reducing muscular and joint pain, tension and inflammation.
A camera, good humor and some money for extra entertainments.
Great variety of tourist services in Pattaya


text:
Recent Positions
Plant Manager, Atlas Roofing Corporation
Plant Manager, BPB Westroc
Process and Quality Control, BPB Westroc
BACK TO BASICS Plant / Operation management:
- process knowledge / logic
- key productivity indices: yield, uptime
- liability managing: health, safety, environment
- people's personal sense of achievement / responsibility
- assertive, not aggressive
- caring, not meek
- continuous improvement
- systems, not firefighting / damage control
All to the benefit of the bottom line in a sustainable way.
B.of T. Industrial Chemistry & Biochemistry
trained as 6 Sigma Black Belt
ISO9001:2000 Lead Auditor
Recent Positions
Project Coordination / Service Management, TeloIP Communications Inc
Network Specialist / Implementation Analyst, Rogers Communications Inc
Network Engineer(Team Lead), Verizon Communications
Optimized operational service process that improved service delivery by 25%. Led team of six engineers/provisioners to perform and accomplish Network Services previously completed by 13 as company faced Bankruptcy & constant work force reduction. Conceptualized and implemented the strategic building of Carrier Relationships/Service Delivery within the USA market. Coordinated the planning and execution of the 1st data centers in the USA
M.Sc., Information Systems
B.Sc., Computer Science
PMP, ITIL, CCNA (MCITP in Progress)
Recent Positions
Consultant & President, ICTkeynote Inc
Director Professional Services, Huawei Technologies
VP Services & PMO, CIO/IT Strategy, Planning & Collaboration, Alcatel-Lucent
OPERATIONS/BUS STRATEGY +P&L: Cust Srv, Engineering, PMO/PM, Logistics, Installation (Can/US/Global), IT Leadership & Strategy
CIO-IT+BUS DEVELOPMENT:Engaged Fortune 500 execs, telecom carriers & IT vendors driving Business Dev & B2B breakthru sales by applying CIO-IT practices in relationship/influencer marketing
LEADERSHIP:Mentor hitech teams +new ventures & public keynote speaker on tech trends & business benefits
MBA, P. Eng , MASc, BASc
CIO-IT Governance, Strategy, Bus Alignment & Collaboration
Management, Telecom, IT, Engineering Mgt, -Mobile, Wireless, Fixed (trends, benefits etc)


text:
Everyone knows that Brazil has some of the most beautiful women in the world. So, choosing only 25 for this list was a pretty tough job. After many hours of consideration I give you the 25 hottest Brazil girls:
Emanuela de Paula
This stunning lady is the perfect blend of Africa and Europe with an engraved body most appreciated when she wears bikinis. She showed interest in modelling at the age of nine and got her first job as a supermarket model.
At the age of 15, she took modelling seriously and signed her first contract to The Marilyn Agency. In the year 2005, she had her first major season in New York. She is now the model of the famous clothing store Gina Tricot.
Viviane Castro
5'7″ in height, erotic body, seductive look, beautiful face…. Who could deny that Viviane Castro is a complete package? She got her interest in this field from her mom who used to be a model as well.
They both enjoy posing in nearly nude. Viviane knows how to catch a man's interest and keep him turned on. She is enjoying her time in the lime light but that is while it last because she also has plans of settling down and raising her own family in the future.
Rojane Fradique
As the saying goes, black is beautiful. That is what Rojane Fradiwue had proven to every one. She was rasied in poverty but that actually motivated her to aim high and hit the mark.
She joined the national phase of Elite Model Look and won second place in the event.
But that is just a start because right after that, she was chosen to represent Brazil in Singapore. From there on, the black models had a place in the cat walk and they even gave pride to their country, Brazil.
Izabel Goulart
Maria Izabel Goulart Dourado used the screen name Izabel Goulart. Who would have thought that this long legged chick who used to be called "giraffe" by some fools from her school would turn into one of the top models of Brazil?
She was best known to be one of the Angels of Victoria's Secret in the year 2005 up to 2008. But she is still visible in the catwalks of Victoria's Secret in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 even though is not an angel anymore. Goulart also modeled for:
- Express
- Neiman
- Marcus
- Missoni
- Dsquared
- Armani
Camila Rodrigues
Camilia Rodrigues started her career in the soap opera and TV Industry. She will turn 29 this coming August 23 and enjoying her life with her own family. She excels in the soap operas and TV shows as well. She was best remembered in:
- Desejo Proibido (TV Series)
- Amazonia : De Galvez a Chico Mendes (TV mini Series)
- The Knight Didi and the Princess Lili
- Princisca Lili Adulta
- America (TV Series)
Natalia Guimaraes
Make way because next in line is a beauty queen. She started her modeling career at the age of 15 working for Ford Models. Her first achievement was when she won the Top Model of the World International Pageant in the year 2006.
But wait, there's more… She joined and took home the crown when she won the Miss Universe Brazil in the year 2007. She also took part in the TV industry where she was seen in the show called Danca no Gelo. She is currently working as a host of Hoje em Dia.
Fernanda Machado
Beauty is not the only asset of Fernanda Machado. She is into television, film, theater, and has been on the cover of several magazines. A complete package indeed huh?
In the year 2007, she played Joanna in the telenovela Paraiso tropical where she won best Supporting Actress. Fernanda got her big break when she won the Berlin film Festival in 2008 where she played Maria in tropa de Elite.
Andressa Soares
Andressa Soares in real life and used Melancia Mulher as her screen name. Melancia Mulher means "watermelon woman".
She used this screen name probably because she has an ass as big as a watermelon. kidding aside, she was known to be the Brazilian model with the biggest ass.
Really, what else is there to say?
Mariana Felício
Mariana Felicio started her modeling career at the age of 15. Her big break came when she joined the famous reality TV show Big Brother Brazil Season Six in the year 2006. She definitely stood out from the other 12 participants!
Isis Valverde
Isis means goddess of motherhood, magic and fertility in Egyptian Mythology. This Sexy Brazil girl definitely looks like a goddess, goddess of fertility in specific because of her curvacious body.
She was raised in Aiuruoca but left the place to study in Belo Horizonte. As time went by, she realized that she wanted to be a model and actress.
Débora Nascimento
She played the role Martina from the movie Incredible Hulk in the year 2008. She was the woman that who was sexually abused and Bruce was the one who saved her. In 2009, she started working with L' Oreal Paris as one of their endorsers for their marketing campaign.
Fernanda Tavares
Fernanda Tavares was born in Natal Brazil. She started joining local shows at the age of nine and had gained exposure so that by the time she reached the age of 13 , she joined and won the title "Elite Look of the Year".
Because of this, in the following year, some agents invited and motivated her to go to Sao Paulo and establish a modeling career.
She is also a MTV host who enjoys swimming and jogging. She is currently married to a famous Brazilian actor Murilo Rosa and has a five year old son named Lucas.
Beatriz and Branca Feres
Twins? Yes they are. They started having swimming and gymnastics lessons at the age of three. At the age of seven, they were introduced to synchronize swimming. They bagged the gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. After that, a lot of offers came in for photo shoots.
Camila Alves
She went to Los Angeles and stayed with her aunt at the age of 15 . For 4 years, she worked as a house cleaner and waitress to earn money. When she reached 19, she moved to New York and tried her luck as a fashion model.
And she was on the right track because she was able to make a name in the said industry. In the year 2010, she hosted that famous reality show Shear Genius Season 3.
Ildi Silva
Ildi Silva is 71% European, 19% African and 10% Native Indian. Many people say that she has the eyes of a cat. She was from a well to do family and her mother was strict especially on how a woman should dress.
Raica Oliveira
During the early years of her life, she dreamed of being a model. After finishing school, she concentrated on her modelling career. Because of her charm, beauty and the way she carries herself, she had gone far.
She has worked for Dior, Dolce & Gabanna, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and other major sponsors a model could ever dream of working with. Because of this fame, she was considered to be the most searched top model and highest paid model in the year 2001.
Maryeva Oliveira
Maryeva Oliveira lives in Sao Paulo and made a career in posing nude. She does not only excel in modelling – she is also working as a VJ for TOP Mix. She also made a nameon the cover of different Brazillian Journals such as:
- Nova
- Trip
- Special Fitness
- Sexy
- The Brazilian edition of Playboy
Isabeli Fontana
Isabeli's first big break was when she was included in the Victoria's Secret catalog. Big break with controversy actually. She was being questioned because she was just 16 at the time and considered to be under age.
In 2004 she was chosen to be on the September cover of American Vouge and was one of models given the title "Models of the Moment". In 2008, she ranked 11th in the The World's 15 Top-Earning Models released by Forbes, she had earned $3 Million.
Aline Nakashima
Aline Nakashima has mix genes because her mother was a Brazilian and her father was Japanese. She signed a contract with Marily Agency when she was just 17 and the rest was history. She is doing well in modelling underwear and loungerie. She modeled for dozens of top Companies including:
- Kenneth Cole
- Mercedes-benz
- Nordstrom
- Ralp Lauren
- Sephora
- Victoria's Secret
Taís Araújo
Who would have thought that a preterm seven month baby would turn into a model and actress by profession. Her black complexion did not serve as ah hindrance for her success.
In fact, it made history because she was the first black Brazilian who was able to play a lead role in Xica da Silva, a very famous telenovela.
Gisele Bündchen
Considered to be the first in the era of Brazilian Models who reached success in the late 1990's. She had the title "The Return of the sexy model" in the year 1999 and was given another title "The Heroine chic" of their modeling generation.
She was also one of the angels of Victoria's Secret starting year 2000 up to 2006. Way back 2004, she was considered to be the top paid super model in the world and even got the 16th place of the richest woman in the entertainment industry – she was worth $70 Million!
She was rumored to have a relationship with Leonardo de Carpio and ended up with Tom Brady, quarterback of New England Patriots.
Ana Paula Araujo
Ana Paula never dream of being a model, in her younger years she really wanted to be a lawyer thinking that she would be a good judge.
But when she was 14, everything changed when a photographer encouraged her to move to Sao Paulo and start a career in modelling. She analyzed things and finally decided to try it out.
She indeed made the right choice because she was able to create a name in the modelling industry. She also did a couple of elite promotional campaigns but she was best remembered in 2007 when she worked with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
Alessandra Ambrósio
Karen Mulder served as an inspiration of Alessandra Ambrosio. After seeing her as one of the top cover of a magazine, Alessandra told herself that she will also be a model someday.
She had this dream when she was eight. She started making her dream into reality when she was 12, when she enrolled in a modelling class.
When she reached 14 she was chosen to be one of the 20 finalists in an Elite modelling competition. Her first big break was landing the cover of the famous Brazilian magazine, Elle.
She was also one of the angels of Victoria's Secret and walked the catwalk for Dior, Guess, Armani Exchange, Ralph Lauren and a lot more. She had shown her potential in modelling and was appointed to be the very first spokes model of "Pink".
Adriana Lima
Adrian Lima started her career at the age of 15 when she joined the very first competition of Ford's "Supermodel of Brazil".
Raquel Zimmerman
This stunning Brazilian model started her career in Japan and Paris and was later chosen to be on the cover of Vogue Italia.
She has endorsed major sponsors like GAP, DKNY, Chanel, Calvin Klein and many more. Her first major TV commercial was with Gucci when they released a new perfume.
Susana Werner
Susana Werner is a famous Brazilian actress and model. She constantly appears on the cover of the famous Magazines in Brazil and has appeared in several Brazilian movies.
Editor-in chief – An over educated international traveler, he sets ILS' light, positive tone. Charlie constantly pushes to ensure every article is supported by good sources, preferably from peer reviewed journals, government reports, or top-flight newspapers and magazines.


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Croatia-Bosnia border
From 1st July, people of Bosnia will not be able to freely enter Croatia just with their identity cards. When Croatia will be a part of the European Union, they will have to implement their visa regime and this means that thing would not be th same for the people of Bosnia.
Under current European Union visa rules, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina does not need a visa to enter any European Union country if they have a valid biometric passport; but if they does not have it, they have to apply for a visa and rules will be the same from 1st July when going to Croatia, but as per reports the government of the country has applied for a more flexible rules.
Speaking on the government of Croatia's decision to end the deal with Bosnia and Herzegovina on visa less travel, European Union delegation spokesperson stated that such decision was anticipated and in line with Croatia's upcoming accession to the European Union. The European member states will made a decision and Croatia formally approached them on this subject in March. Recently, the states of EU discussed th issue and the Legal Department of the European Union Council will offer its verdict very soon.
Croatia will be the 2nd former Yugoslav nation after Slovenia to be a part of the European Union. In regard of Croatia's accession, Bosnia and Herzegovina will be the most affected Balkan country and even though Bosnia is a potential candidate for European Union, it will be several years before the nation becomes a full European Union member country.


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Zibo Ruxing International Trade Co.,Limited
Add:31-2-1006 Hongtaijiayuan, No.161 Xincun West Road, Zhangdian Zibo Shandong China
Mob/Wechat: +86-13969314203
Sodium P-toluenesulfonate
Molecular weight: 194.18
CAS No.: 657-84-1, EINECS No.: 211-522-5, HS Code: 2904100000
Molecular formula: CH3C6H4SO3Na.
Molecular weight: 194.18.
Other names: p-Toluenesulfonic acid sodium salt; Toluene-4-sulfonic acid sodium salt; 4-Methylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt.
Packing: 25KG woven bag with PE inner bag. Usage: as detergent
Sodium P-toluenesulfonate is used as synergetic detergent conditioner agent, cosolvent, and medication composition intermediate.
Sodium P-toluenesulfonate is usually used as a supporting electrolyte for depositing polypyrrole membranes, also used as solute to study the performance of resin particles.
Sodium P-toluenesulfonate is a type of white powder crystal, it dissolves in water easily.
Sodium P-toluenesulfonate is generally produced by sulfonation of methylbenzene, neutralized by alkali, and get final products after decolorize, concentrate, crystallize and centrifugation.
Appearance: white flakes, generally it is two water crystals.
Solubility: dissolves in water easily (67grams in 20℃, 260grams in 80℃). Soluble in methyl alcohol, while slightly soluble in most of other organic solvents.
LC50: 1700 mg/kg
Main application:
Sodium P-toluenesulfonate is used as slurry material recuperating agent of chemical industry and synergetic detergent, it can be used as cosolventlatent solvent, can increase the water contain when formulated into powder detergents, and also create good effect of liquidity, hand feeling, anti-caking etc. In fertilizer it can be used as crystal additives.
In liquid detergents, Sodium P-toluenesulfonate is used as solubilizer, the viscosity and cloudy point are decreased after its join. When using this chemical, should take attention to the content of the raw material, organic salt and solubility. The content of salts plays great influence to the transparence of the liquid detergents.
In organic synergetic industry, Sodium P-toluenesulfonate is used to produce doxycycline, Persantin, naproxen, and the intermediates used to produce amoxicillin.
Packing in 25kg woven bags with plastic line inside.
Store in a cool, good ventilation and dry place. Transportation as general chemical.
Previous: Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid Sodium Salt
Next: Sodium Xylene Sulfonate
Zibo Ruxing International Trade Co.,Limited
Add:31-2-1006 Hongtaijiayuan, No.161 Xincun West Road, Zhangdian Zibo Shandong China
Mob/Wechat: +86-13969314203


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The Rhetorical Hoodie
The hoodie meme—pictures on the Web of cowled people from Jesus to St. Gaudens' haunting sculpture (shown)—displays the power of the trope. In this case, the hoodie represents a metonymy.
metonymy (meh-TAHN-ih-mee). From the Greek, meaning "name change." One of the two belonging tropes, along with synecdoche. The metonymy takes a quality of something or someone and makes it stand for the whole.
Young Trayvor Martin was wearing a hoodie when he was shot to death by a neighborhood watch volunteer. Geraldo Rivera, the sinisterly mustachioed telecorrespondent, opined that the hoodie was as culpable in the boy's death as the shooter.
And so was launched a whole bunch of solidaritousds pictures showing non-teenagers—from Jesus to the Miami Heat—with hoodies. The metonymy connects traits across widely disparate examples (including, in this case, a member of Congress who got booted off the floor for violating the House's hat rules).
As for the word hoodie itself, it's a synecdoche, which takes a part of something—in this case, the hood, and makes it stand for the whole shebang.
Want more examples of these powerful tropes? Search for them in the box at right.


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Entering the Era of Computer Navigated Joint Replacement
Osteoarthritis Knee pain has emerged as the universal enemy of middle to old aged population in recent decades as every person of age 40 or above is suffering with some degree of knee pain (due to osteoarthritis of knee joint). As we know conservative treatment of osteoarthritis just delays the progression of disease but can't cure it, joint replacement surgery has become the choice of treatment for the permanent relief from the osteoarthritis knee pain.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process or in general terms we can call it an irreversible process of aging which is characterized by a slow process of damage to the joint structure leading to pain and difficulty in performing day to day activities eg. Sitting cross legged, squatting, climbing or descending stairs etc. This rate of progression of degeneration be delayed by various conservative means such as exercises, life style modification, and pain can be temporarily relieved by drug therapy or interaarticular injections.
In order to get a permanent relief from such disabling pain joint replacement is the only mean. During this surgery the damaged articulating surfaces of knee joint is replaced with artificial alloy metal implant of high quality (titanium). In past one decade the field of joint replacement surgery has reached to a new level and with the introduction of computer assisted navigation system, joint replacement surgery has became much simpler and more précised.
Navigation system has an ultra modern software system which along with the help of two optical cameras and three probes creates a three dimensional structure of the patient's knee and analysis it biomechanically, based on this analysis software guides the surgeon about the perfect size and shape of the implant which should be used during the surgery also this software gives a précised idea of varus and flexion deformity of the patient's knee joint which enables surgeon to perform a biomechanically perfect joint replacement which precisely resembles the anatomical alignment of a natural knee joint.
a. Pre replacement analysis of varus and flexion deformity at offending knee
b. Final analysis (post replacement) of varus and flexion deformity of same knee which is as perfect as a young knee joint
As said that navigation technology helps in achieving a biomechanically perfect replacement thus allows a much speedy recovery of the patient. As the alignment of the replaced knee is similar to the normal anatomy, this technique reduces the post operative inflammation (swelling, guarding muscle spasm etc) which allows physiotherapy rehabilitation easier and makes patient pain free and mobile faster.
Here at J.O.H we always believe in innovation driven treatment and in this order we proudfully says that we are the pioneer and the foremost centre of joint replacement not only in region of Bundelkhand but also we are among the best joint replacement unit of Northern India. The date of May 10, 2015 became a proud historic moment for JOH as we became the first hospital in entire region to use navigation technology for a successful total knee replacement also It is a moment of immense pleasure and satisfaction that our pioneer joint replacement surgeon Dr. Gaurav Kumar after completing more than 150 successful joint replacement surgery has became the first joint replacement surgeon of the region to introduce this amazing technology of computer navigation for the benefit of patients. Dr. Gaurav Kumar is a know figure in the field of joint replacement surgery he has received A.O international fellowship in joint replacement surgery from Switzerland also he had received fellowships from Germany and Mumbai.
Dr. Gaurav Kumar explaining about the navigation system
70 year old obese female with K/C/O DM and prolapsed uterus with pain both knee of 2 years duration, unable to walk for 6 months and knee ROM of 20-95*, was operated the help of navigation technology. On post op day 2 she reported her pain 3 on NPRS (minimal pain) on post op day 2 which is incredible, started moving her knee actively and walked independently with walker for about 40 meters in one stretch. On Post op day 3 she had a knee Rom of 05-90 and walked about 50 meters. She was discharged on 5th post op day, at discharge she had a knee range of motion (ROM) of 0-100* and she walked about 75 meters in a single stretch, that is maximum of distance she had walked in last 2 years.
These all parameters indicates that a biomechanically and anatomically perfect joint replacement which is facilitated by the navigation system allows a speedy recovery of patient with a pain and inflammation free post operative hospital stay. It also reduced the patient hospital stay thus reducing his/her expenses.


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An engine oil analysis is a simple test to help determine the condition of a boats engine. It is a relatively inexpensive and convenient tool to help determine the condition of the engine without having a mechanical technician disassemble the engine. Test results can help determine if there are any coolant leaks, excessive wear in metal parts and detect the presence of contaminants such as silicon, sodium and water. The viscosity of the oil is also tested to determine if it is within current parameters. It is commonly used by commercial or heavily used vessels for owners who desire to closely monitor the engines long-term condition. It is also common for recreational vessel owners to establish a base line so that any variances can be quickly detected and remedied. A track record of oil analysis reports is also a good sales tool when it comes time to sell your boat
A small amount of oil is drawn from the engine after the engine has been run up to temperature to insure that the oil and any contaminants are thoroughly mixed. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis and results are usually obtained in five business days.
Any readings outside normal parameters may call for further investigation of may be a reason to walk away from the potential boat purchase.
One of the best times to take an oil sample is at an oil change, which is almost never at the same time as the survey. However, as long as the oil is not freshly changed, the results can still be productive.
C3 Marine Services LLC
(218) 343-6794.
© Copyright 2004-2013 C3 Marine Services LLC®, All Rights Reserved.


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Agent Marieli Santiago-Morales of the Puerto Rico Police Department died Wednesday from serious injuries sustained in a car accident on April 4.
A driver reportedly struck the patrol vehicle of Moralez-Santiago and her partner, Betsy Cruz-Santiago, when he became distracted by texting on his cell phone, according to Telemundo Puerto Rico. The 32-year-old agent was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the vehicle, reports Primera Hora. Cruz-Santiago was wearing a seat belt and, although also seriously injured in the crash, is currently in stable condition.
Morales-Santiago, a 14-year veteran of the Puerto Rico PD, was assigned to the Office of Training and Reform and the Division of Community Relations in Guayama. She is survived by her husband and three children.


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Limon, Colorado Passport Office Information
Residents of Limon in Lincoln County, Colorado have only a single location from which they can get a passport application sealed at. The passport agent in Limon can provide you with passport forms or witness your signature and seal your passport documents (if you don't need your passport application sealed then you do not need to visit an acceptance agent). Besides the 1 location there are 144 other locations in the state of Colorado from which you can get a passport application sealed at. If you are not needing a passport in Limon for a least (3) weeks, you can visit the sole passport acceptance agent listed below the map on this web page. If you need it faster than (3) weeks we have provided the closest regional passport offices to Limon, Colorado and Expedited Passport service options for Limon.
Regional Passport Offices Close to Limon:These are passport issuing facilities. You will need to make an appointment and present proof of upcoming travel but in most cases, you will be able to get passport renewal, new passports, child passports, or a lost passport replacement Same Day or Next Day.
Colorado Passport Agency - 57.1 Miles, El Paso Passport Agency - 477.2 Miles, Dallas Passport Agency - 516.6 Miles, Western Passport Agency - 552.2 Miles, Arkansas Passport Center - 585.4 Miles
Fast Rush Passport Expediting Service in Limon, Colorado3rd Party Passport Expediting in Limon CO: Expedited Passports & Visas are the experts for expediting passports in Limon, if you're in a hurry, this is probably going to be your best option. Passport servces offered for Limon: Expedited Passport Renewal, Expedited New Passports, Fast Passport Name Changes, Expedited Child Passports, Expedited Lost/Stolen Passport Replacement
How to Get a Passport in Limon, ColoradoGetting a passport in Limon CO depends on what type of passport application you are needing. The process in these guides assumes that you are applying at a local Limon Passport Office in which case it will take you 4 to 6 weeks to get a passport in Limon.
Please select the appropriate guide from the list below to get started:
Passport Office in Limon, CO
USPO - Limon
250 F Ave
Limon CO, 80828
The single passport acceptance agent (local passport office) located in Limon is listed below:
- USPO - Limon
250 F Ave
Limon, CO 80828
Passport Service for Cities Near LimonResidents of the following closeby cities looking to get a passport should consider using the passport office(s) located in Limon for document sealing and 3-week passport expediting. Be sure to check other nearby passport offices listed above, as there may be a closer passport office to your city.
Limon Colorado, Bennett Colorado, Elizabeth Colorado, Parker Colorado, Black Forest Colorado, Brush Colorado, Meridian Colorado, Centennial Colorado, Lone Tree Colorado, Aurora Colorado, Monument Colorado, Palmer Lake Colorado, Greenwood Village Colorado, Highlands Ranch Colorado, Hudson Colorado, Glendale Colorado, Yuma Colorado, Englewood Colorado, Fountain Colorado, Arlington Colorado


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LONDON (MarketWatch) -- European shares climbed after an uncertain start on Thursday, with insurers and technology companies leading advancers. Axa CS, +1.09% shares rose 3.5% after chief executive Henri de Castries said he believes the firm has opportunities, while Ericsson ERICB, +0.99% shares advanced 2.7% after it was upgraded to hold by WestLB. Truckmakers Scania se:scva up 9.1% and Man AG MAN, +0.06% up 4.6%, were also performing well amid renewed merger speculation in the sector. Overall, the U.K. FTSE 100 index rose 0.7% to 5,128.67, the German DAX 30 index climbed 1.3% to 6,132.65 and the French CAC-40 index advanced 1.4% to 4,172.13. U.S. stock futures were pointing to a firmer start on Wall Street, with Dow Jones Industrial Average futures up 60 points.
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Inside BMW's Secret Design Lab.
Time visited Designworks to learn how we use design and innovation to solve business problems for our parent company and clients in a multitude of industries.
Cross-Fertilization is highlighted as one of our core principles that keeps our creative team fresh and inspired.
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Kingmore racking is the most professional racking manufacturer and provider in China. We pay a lot of attention to package and delivery. We always considering client's needs. Delivering the industrial rackings according to customer's requirements.
Packaging details:Standard export package.All parts packed by steel belt and covered by plastic film.
shipping time: 3 weeks after receipt of the 30% deposit.
We have many very good experiences on shipping warehouse storage rackings. When our clients received warehosue storage rackings, they were satisfied with those warehouse rackings, so they often place one more oder to us again. These are some package pictures for your referene.


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Seriously... have some class. Some words just aren't appropriate for mixed company. "All things have their season, and in their times all things pass under heaven."No wonder so many people are turned off by so-called "traditionalism".
I'm not defending his use of the racial slur - moreso that he made a mistake, apologized and shouldn't have his name scrubbed from everything. It's his company that he started from the ground up.
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About the Organization
Organization introduction
Otsu city Hama Otsu · Ishiyama area Cultural heritage utilization execution committee
■ Purpose of the Society
The Society creates and preserves the historical climate and scenery by enjoying, thinking and acting with the novel approach of the historic cultural heritage possessed by Otsu City, which has cultivated rich nature and unique history and tradition We measure, and aim to contribute to the making of communities where local residents can live proudly.
■ Information on cultural heritage
In Shiga prefecture, we will send information on the existing cultural heritage in Ishiyama – Hamadotsu district, centering on the temples (Ishiyamaji, Mitsuji) where nature is rich and many historic buildings remain. By walking around the cultural heritage many people will know the scenery of Lake Biwa and the cityscape in the city. In addition, the portal site is multilingual compatible (Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified / Traditional), Korean · French), it responds to tourists from overseas as well as from domestic, it will disseminate the charm of Otsu around the world.
■ Otsu City Hama Otsu / Ishiyama Area Cultural HeritageUtilization Committee
(Executive Officer)
Chairman Washio Yoritaka (President of the Ishiyama Tourism Association, Ohmiyama Ishiyama Temple)
Vice Chairman Yoshiyuki Kawato (Chairman of Hamaotsu Tourism Association, President of Lake Biwa Kisen Kaisha Co., Ltd.)
Accounting Fukuike Hideaki (Chief priest of the head temple)
Secretary Susumu Sugie (Otsu City Board of Education Cultural Property Protection Division Manager)
Ishiyama Tourism Association
Keihan Electric Railway
Seijo University of Art and Design Omi Kagaku Research Institute
Honjozan Sonjo-ji
Ohmiyama Ishiyamaji
Hama-Otsu Tourism Association
Biwako Otsu Tourism Association
Lake Biwa Steamship
(In alphabetical order)
■ Contact information
Otsu City Hama-Otsu / Ishiyama area Cultural Heritage Utilization Committee Secretariat (Tel: 077-522-2238)


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Grooming Services
About Us
Contact Us
At Elite Grooming your beloved friend is our priority
below is a sample of the genuine testimonials we have received from our clients.
Remember, for your convenience a collection and drop-off service is available. We are fully insured to transport dogs.
Elite Dog Grooming offer collection and drop off service covering Hyde, Dukinfield, Stalybridge, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Denton, Newton, Godley, Woodley, Romiley, Marple, Glossop and Stockport.
Bookings by appointment only, please telephone - 0161 536 0311
WOW just WOW! Taken my 10 month old Shih Poo to a few different places trying to find someone she likes and does a great job, they have made her look amazing cant belive how great she looks I will never go anywhere else again. Thank You
Amanda Guiver October 2016
First Time here today for Charlie.... so pleased he now looks his usual gorgeous self. Highly recommended with definitely be returning.
Joanne Pangburn with Charlie Cavalier King Charles September 2016
Thank you so much for grooming my 2 Border Collies they have such soft fur, look stunning and smell devine. Both so happy and content. Thanks again
Claire and Martin March 2016
We bring our Springer Spaniel here and he always comes out looking amazing the staff are fab and friendly.
Nicola Newton with Noddy Springer : January 2016
Were absolutely delighted with Florences hair cut, her skin is very sensitive ans can flare up easily however she returned from Elite all soft and in excellent condition. She is also very nervous and highly strung dog but she seemed to really enjoy her visit and was calm and settled all afternoon; we have had a few bad experiences in the past so are very pleased to find Elite. Thank You
Kathyren Tench with Florece the Mini Schnauzer- August 2015
My Toy Poodle has been going since his first 12 week puppy groom, he is now 6 months old and absolutely loves going. The staff are great with him and the grooms are lovely too, wouldent go anywhere else.
Lucy Robinson with Malcolm the Toy Poodle February 2016
Just picked up my lil lady, she looks amazing and smells divine as always best doggy groomers Ive ever visited so amazing Lady travels back here after moving to Sheffield, wouldent go anywhere else.
Louise Jenkins with Lady Miniture poodle 4th November 2015
My Girls (Scottie and Cairn X) always look good after grooming - Thanks girls
Ann Chappell January 2015
Ollie always looks fab when he has had his pamper session
, he's always been really nervous with previous groomers,but Kristy and Chelsea have changed that-Thank you so much!!
Wendy Barlow with Ollie Shih tzu - December 2014
My dog Polly loves coming here. She always looks and smells amazing. Love showing her off afterwards
Claire Partington with Polly Cavichon
Free Puppy Introductions*
Introduce your puppy to the sights, sounds and smells of a dog grooming salon.
A great way to allow your puppy to get used to Elite Grooming before their first grooming experience.
Latest News
Higher Diploma 2016 update
November 2016
Kristy is making excellent progress with her qualification to be Master of Guilds in Dog Grooming, with only a few people in the country achieving thi ...
Groomer Of The Year 2016
October 2016
Kristy competed with Jasper the English Cocker Spaniel in the Hand Strip class and came 1st in her group.
Premier Groom 2016
28th August 2016
Chelsea competed for the first time with Alfie the Bichon Frise and came 2nd well done Chelsea over the past 3 years working at Elite Grooming you hav ...
January 2015
The new year has started off with a fantastic seminar and workshop with award winning Alison Rogers LCGI , assessing my scissor work with lots of tips ...
Dog Grooming in Gee Cross, Hyde
At Elite Grooming we provide professional dog grooming services in our salon at 25a Compstall Road, Romiley, Stockport. SK6 4BT
We are very pleased to recommend
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