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Tees Maar Khan is a soon to be released Bollywood movie directed by Farah Khan. Tees Maar Khan stars Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles and Akshaye Khanna in a cameo. Accordingly to various media reports, Tees Maar Khan is an action cum romantic comedy film (Though I personally think it will […]
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Tees Maar Khan – An Upcoming Bollywood Movie Starring Akshay Kumar
By Prateek Modi on November 18, 2010 in Hot Now!, Upcoming Hindi Movies
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - View original article
A steamship (often referred to as a steamer) is an ocean faring seaworthy vessel that is propelled by one or more steam engines that typically drive (turn) propellers or paddlewheels. The first steamships came into practical usage during the early 1800s, however there were isolated cases to the exception that came before. Steamships usually use the prefix designation SS, S.S. or S/S.
Mechanical ship propulsion began with the steamship. The first ships of this type were invented in the late 18th century by William Symington, John Fitch and Robert Fulton.[1] William Symington's ship the Charlotte Dundas, built to tow cargo along the Forth and Clyde Canal to Glasgow starting in 1803, is regarded as the world's "first practical steamboat".
Paddlewheels as the main motive source became standard on these early vessels (see Paddle steamer). It was an effective means of propulsion under ideal conditions but otherwise had serious drawbacks. The paddle-wheel performed best when it operated at a certain depth, however when the depth of the ship changed from added weight it further submerged the paddle wheel causing a substantial decrease in performance.[2]
Within a few decades of the development of the river and canal steamboat, the first steamships began to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The first sea-going steamboat was Richard Wright's first steamboat "Experiment", an ex-French lugger; she steamed from Leeds to Yarmouth on July 1813.[3]
The Margery launched in Dunbarton in 1814 was the first steamboat to be seen on the River Thames in January 1815 much to the amazement of Londoners, and operated a London to Gravesend river service until 1816 when she was bought by the French and became the first steamboat to cross the Channel, reaching Paris and inaugurating a Seine steamboat service under her new name Elise.[4]
The steamboat Rob Roy commenced regular mail and passenger service from Dover to Calais on 15 June 1821, and was so successful that it was soon followed by other steamboats [4]
The first iron steamship to go to sea was the 116 ton Aaron Manby, built in 1821 by Aaron Manby at the Horseley Ironworks, and became the first iron built vessel ever to put to sea when she crossed the Channel in 1822 arriving in Paris on 22 June.[5]
The key innovation that made ocean-going steamers viable was the change from the paddle-wheel to the screw-propeller as the mechanism of propulsion. These steamships quickly became more popular, because the propeller's efficiency was consistent regardless of the depth at which it operated. Being smaller in size and mass and being completely submerged it was also far less prone to damage.
James Watt of Scotland is widely given credit for applying the first screw propeller to an engine at his Birmingham works, an early steam engine, beginning the use of an hydrodynamic screw for propulsion. The first successful steamship[6] to be driven by a screw propeller was the SS Archimedes, built in Britain in 1839 by British engineer Francis Pettit Smith.
The first steamship credited with crossing the Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe was the American ship SS Savannah, though she was actually a hybrid between a steamship and a sailing ship, with the first half of the journey making use of the steam engine. The SS Savannah left the port of Savannah, Georgia, on May 22, 1819, arriving in Liverpool, England, on June 20, 1819; her steam engine having been in use for part of the time on 18 days (estimates vary from 8 to 80 hours).[7] A claimant to the title of the first ship to make the transatlantic trip substantially under steam power is the British-built Dutch-owned Curaçao, a wooden 438 ton vessel built in Dover and powered by two 50 hp engines, which crossed from Hellevoetsluis, near Rotterdam on 26 April 1827 to Paramaribo, Surinam on 24 May, spending 11 days under steam on the way out and more on the return. Another claimant is the Canadian ship SS Royal William in 1833.[8]
The British side-wheel paddle steamer SS Great Western was the first steamship purpose-built for regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic crossings, starting in 1838. In 1836, Isambard Kingdom Brunel and a group of Bristol investors formed the Great Western Steamship Company to build a line of steamships for the Bristol-New York route.[9] The idea of regular scheduled transatlantic service was under discussion by several groups and the rival British and American Steam Navigation Company was established at the same time.[10] Great Western's design sparked controversy from critics that contended that she was too big.[9] The principle that Brunel understood was that the carrying capacity of a ship increases as the cube of its dimensions, whilst the water resistance only increases as the square of its dimensions. This meant that large ships were more fuel efficient, something very important for long voyages across the Atlantic.[11]
Great Western was an iron-strapped, wooden, side-wheel paddle steamer, with four masts to hoist the auxiliary sails. The sails were not just to provide auxiliary propulsion, but also were used in rough seas to keep the ship on an even keel and ensure that both paddle wheels remained in the water, driving the ship in a straight line. The hull was built of oak by traditional methods. She was the largest steamship for one year, until the British and American's British Queen went into service. Built at the shipyard of Patterson & Mercer in Bristol, Great Western was launched on 19 July 1837 and then sailed to London, where she was fitted with two side-lever steam engines from the firm of Maudslay, Sons & Field, producing 750 indicated horsepower between them.[9] The ship proved satisfactory in service and initiated the transatlantic route, acting as a model for all following Atlantic paddle-steamers.
The Cunard Line's RMS Britannia began its first regular passenger and cargo service by a steamship in 1840, sailing from Liverpool to Boston.[12]
In 1847, the revolutionary SS Great Britain, also built by Brunel, became the first iron-hulled screw-driven ship to cross the Atlantic.[13] The SS Great Britain was the first ship to combine these two innovations. After the initial success of its first liner, SS Great Western of 1838, the Great Western Steamship Company assembled the same engineering team that had collaborated so successfully before. This time however, Brunel, whose reputation was at its height, came to assert overall control over design of the ship—a state of affairs that would have far-reaching consequences for the company. Construction was carried out in a specially adapted dry dock in Bristol, England.[14]
Brunel was given a chance to inspect John Laird's 213-foot (65 m) (English) channel packet ship Rainbow—the largest iron-hulled ship then in service— in 1838, and was soon converted to iron-hulled technology. He scrapped his plans to build a wooden ship and persuaded the company directors to build an iron-hulled ship.[15] Iron's advantages included being much cheaper than wood, not being subject to dry rot or woodworm, and its much greater structural strength. The practical limit on the length of a wooden-hulled ship is about 300 feet, after which hogging—the flexing of the hull as waves pass beneath it—become too great. Iron hulls are far less subject to hogging, so that the potential size of an iron-hulled ship is much greater.[16]
In the spring of 1840, Brunel also had the opportunity to inspect the SS Archimedes, the first screw-propelled steamship, completed only a few months before by F. P. Smith's Propeller Steamship Company. Brunel had been looking into methods of improving the performance of Great Britain's paddlewheels, and took an immediate interest in the new technology, and Smith, sensing a prestigious new customer for his own company, agreed to lend Archimedes to Brunel for extended tests.[15] Over several months, Smith and Brunel tested a number of different propellers on Archimedes in order to find the most efficient design, a four-bladed model submitted by Smith.[15] When launched in 1843, Great Britain was by far the largest vessel afloat.
Brunel's last major project, the SS Great Eastern, was built in 1854–57 with the intent of linking Great Britain with India, via the Cape of Good Hope, without any coaling stops. This ship was arguably more revolutionary than it's predecessors. It was one of the first ships to be built with a double hull with watertight compartments and was the first liner to have four funnels. It was the biggest liner throughout the rest of the 19th century with a gross tonnage of almost 20,000 tons and had a passenger-carrying capacity of thousands. The ship was ahead of its time and went through a turbulent history, never being put to its intended use. The first transatlantic steamer built of steel was SS Buenos Ayrean, built by Allan Line Royal Mail Steamers and entering service in 1879.[citation needed]
The first regular steamship service from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States began on February 28, 1849, with the arrival of the SS California in San Francisco Bay. The California left New York Harbor on October 6, 1848, rounded Cape Horn at the tip of South America, and arrived at San Francisco, California, after a four-month and 21-day journey. The first steamship to operate on the Pacific Ocean was the paddle steamer Beaver, launched in 1836 to service Hudson's Bay Company trading posts between Puget Sound Washington and Alaska.[17]
By 1870, a number of inventions, such as the screw propeller, the compound engine,[18] and the triple-expansion engine made trans-oceanic shipping on a large scale economically viable. In 1870, the White Star Line's RMS Oceanic set a new standard for ocean travel by having its first-class cabins amidships, with the added amenity of large portholes, electricity and running water.[19] The size of ocean liners increased from 1880 to meet the needs of immigration to the United States and Australia.
RMS Umbria[20] and her sister ship RMS Etruria were the last two Cunard liners of the period to be fitted with auxiliary sails. Both ships were built by John Elder & Co. of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1884. They were record breakers by the standards of the time, and were the largest liners then in service, plying the Liverpool to New York route.
RMS Titanic was the largest steamship in the world when she sank in 1912; a subsequent major sinking of a steamer was that of the RMS Lusitania, as an act of World War I.
Launched in 1938, RMS Queen Elizabeth was the largest passenger steamship ever built. Launched in 1969, RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) was the last passenger steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean on a scheduled liner voyage before she was converted to diesels in 1986. The last major passenger ship built with steam engines was the Fairsky, launched in 1984[citation needed], later Atlantic Star, reportedly sold to Turkish shipbreakers in 2013.
Most luxury yachts at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries were steam driven (see luxury yacht; also Cox & King yachts). Thomas Assheton Smith was an English aristocrat who forwarded the design of the steam yacht in conjunction with the Scottish marine engineer Robert Napier.[21]
After the demonstration by British engineer Charles Parsons of his steam turbine-driven yacht, Turbinia, in 1897, the use of steam turbines for propulsion quickly spread. The Cunard RMS Mauretania, built in 1906 was one of the first ocean liners to convert to the steam turbine and was soon followed by all subsequent liners.[22]
Most capital ships of the major navies were propelled by steam turbines in both World Wars and nuclear marine propulsion systems aboard warships, submarines, and such vessels as the NS Savannah relied on turbines as well.[citation needed]

subset: commoncrawl


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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)- Attorney General Douglas Gansler is urging Maryland's top court to overturn its decision that arrestees have a right to counsel at initial bail hearings. Gansler argued in papers filed Tuesday with the Court of Appeals that the court was wrong to hold that the due-process provision in Maryland's constitution requires defendants to be provided counsel at this pre-trial stage. The Court of Appeals has scheduled arguments in the case for March 7. Liberty is not directly at stake in an initial hearing, he said, as it is in a bail review hearing before a judge and at trial, when counsel is constitutionally mandated. "An initial appearance conducted in accordance with the existing rules does not affect the fairness of the trial or impair the defendant's ability to defend on the merits," Gansler wrote. "Instead, for most arrestees, the initial appearance principally serves to enhance liberty, by providing an early opportunity for release from custody after an arrest." The high court will hear the state's arguments that a Baltimore judge, citing the high court's ruling, improperly ordered that attorneys be provided for indigent defendants at initial bail hearings. The 4-3 ruling has prompted all three branches of government to examine how the state can comply with a mandate that counsel be provided at initial bail hearings. Maryland Public Defender Paul DeWolfe estimated it could cost at least $28 million annually. "This appeal presents an opportunity for this court to correct a mistake," Gansler wrote. "The court's declaration . of a right to have counsel present at the initial appearance does not advance any of these fundamental constitutional guarantees" of due process, he added.
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HOUSTON, TX — As service workers go, hotel employees — and especially housekeepers — have higher rates of on-the-job injuries, according to a report last year in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine (AJIM), according to the Houston Chronicle.
Housekeepers are prone to repetitive stress injuries from such continual work as changing sheets, washing restroom floors and vacuuming, according to nine researchers who studied three years of government-required accident logs at five union-represented hotels, the article stated.
The research was funded by the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees-Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union (UNITE-HERE), which represents hospitality employees, but the problem also has captured the attention of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the article noted.
While OSHA doesn''t have a specific ergonomic standard — it was repealed by Congress in 2001 before it was scheduled to go into effect — the agency has the "general duty clause" as an enforcement tool. It requires that employers provide a safe and healthy place to work, said Jordan Barab, deputy assistant secretary of labor for OSHA.
Click here to read the complete article.


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Adinkra symbol of Ghana, West Africa reminding us we have the power to transform our character for the better.
This great custom product in melange sky blue from our department Women and T-Shirt category can be printed just for you in the size and style you like. The design Sesa Wo Suban was created by Adiama and uploaded to Spreadshirt for you to have printed on a T-Shirt. Next to a host of other great customized designs, you can find this Sesa Wo Suban design in Spreadshirt's Symbols category. If you are interested in topics like Character or adinkra, then you'll love Sesa Wo Suban designs by Adiama. Spreadshirt also offers a huge selection of custom t-shirts, hoodies and accessories for the category Symbols as well as top change your life clothing. Adiama's designs have already impressed many of our customers, so we are sure that we've got right stuff for you! Spreadshirt is your destination for great designs of all kinds – whether it's Character, adinkra or change your life. We are sure that you will find something nice in our shop, there are many amazing custom Symbols t-shirts, hoodies, or accessories for you to find!Tags: Design ID: 10015693
sunglasses_mustache3 Other Designed by surreal197
love to train Designed by skill11
Wicked strong Designed by 3087565
The Official Save the Ta-tas® Logo Other Designed by SAVETHETATAS
A mustache with a gift ribbon Other Designed by namo
Two owls Other Designed by SumuLee
Sloth Love Hug iPhone 4/4S Case Designed by carlhuber
segelschiff_o_3c Bags Designed by Judith-M83
This heather jersey t-shirt feels and looks like a basic jersey shirt, but has a mélange heathered blend to create a vintage effect. The fabric is made of a pre-shrunk 52% cotton/48% polyester heather blend and has a fabric weight of 5 oz.
still to fill


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DostlukYurdu Sk. No:1/B S.Ahmet, Istanbul, TR 34122
firstname.lastname@example.com+90 212 518 44 02
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: +90 212 518 44 02
Lacation: DostlukYurdu Sk. No:1/B S.Ahmet, Istanbul, TR 34122
At the beginning of 2012, MK IT.CO.. was rebranded as HWT.INTERACTIVE to convey the increased scope of services provided by the agency.By exceeding expectations in every aspect of new media design and branding, HWT.INTERACTIVE is an instrumental part of marketing activities for many global corporations.By attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry, our goal at HWT.INTERACTIVE is to produce original and excellent work to meet your marketing objectives.


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Super-easy but definitely company-worthy. Prepped to recipe except used fresh garlic instead of powdered for the lamb and only made half the sauce, and that was plenty per serving for us. Served with steamed asparagus. Lovely meal.
Currant-Glazed Lamb Chops with Pistachio Couscous
carolfitz Posted: 12/03/11
SuzanneM Posted: 12/23/11
This was outstanding. Quick (although it was closer to 30 minutes) and easy to prepare, the results were outstanding. There were no leftovers even though I doubled the recipe. I will not double the sauce next time, however, as it made so much. The couscous was a delightful accompaniment. I also served steamed green beans and a mixed greens salad with apples and pecans. It was a hit, company-worthy but easy on the cook. Loved it!
BorderCollieMom Posted: 02/15/12
Very easy to prepare and totally delicious. Prepared exactly to recipe, no changes. A perfect meal for company. Instead of pouring the sauce over the chops, I added them to the pan with the glaze and turned them for a good coating. Put chops on a serving dish and the sauce in a small gravy boat next to them. Garnished with a few sprigs of rosemary. Lovely! The amount of sauce was perfect for us. Allowed those who wanted more to pour! Sauce excellent over couscous, too. A keeper recipe. Perfect for entertaining, as it is impressive and easy.
No Longer Registered Posted: 02/15/12
Excellent! Easy enough for a quick weekday dinner, but elegant and tasty enough for a very special occasion. The amount of sauce for us was perfect, as my husband loved it so much he poured it over his couscous. Served it with steamed asparagus and a romaine salad with apples, cuties, and pistachios sprinkled lightly on top. Wowed my family, even my gourmet food loving son. This recipe is a keeper for sure.


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VoIP call generator...
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2014 Election Resources
Ballot initiatives allow voters, rather than the legislature, to enact new laws by a simple majority vote. Initiatives that pass become law without the governor's signature
Your ballot arriving in the mail means you'll soon begin the election ritual of analyzing and deciding on numerous ballot measures. Before you vote, be sure to read our valuable Citizens' Guides to this year's major statewide measures, as well as important ballot propositions in SeaTac, Seattle and Yakima.
Citizens' Guide to Initiative 517. To change Washington's Initiative and Referendum process. This initiative would increase the time period for gathering signatures, require that proposals with enough valid signatures proceed to the ballot, change the penalties for interfering with signature gathering and increase the number of locations, both public and private, where signature gathering can occur.
Read our Citizens' Guide to Initiative 517.
Citizens' Guide to Initiative 522. To require some food "produced using genetic engineering" be labeled. After failing in California in 2012, our state has become the next political battleground in the debate about biotechnology used to enhance food crops, commonly called GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).
Read our Citizens' Guide to Initiative 522.
Citizens' Guide to Yakima's Proposition 1. WPC has long recommended a two-thirds requirement for tax increases and the voters in our state passed the measure by 64 to 36 percent in 2012. However, the Supreme Court overturned the idea. Since then, the City of Spokane and Pierce County have both adopted the supermajority requirement on a local level. This measure is similar, requiring that five of the seven city councilmembers agree to raise taxes in Yakima.
Read our Citizens' Guide to Yakima's Proposition 1.
Citizens' Guide to SeaTac's Proposition 1. To enact mandated worker benefits in SeaTac. This measure would impose a series of labor mandates, including a high minimum wage and mandatory paid sick leave to certain private businesses within SeaTac. However, the unions that drafted the proposition have exempted themselves from its requirements.
Read our Citizens' Guide to SeaTac's Proposition 1.
Seattle's Proposition 1. Reject Forced Political Campaign Contributions. This measure would increase taxes to give public money to certain political campaigns in Seattle.
Read our Policy Note on Seattle's Proposition 1. View Seattle's Proposition 1: A Video Primer
Seattle Charter Amendment 19. To provide for District Elections to City Council Positions. This measure would create neighborhood districts for seven of Seattle's nine council positions and two at-large positions.
Read our Overview of Seattle Charter Amendment 19.
We hope our publications serve as valuable resources to help you understand how this year's ballot will impact you. Please share them with your family and friends as they review their ballots.
WPC's Paul Guppy appears on The Seattle Channel's October 25 episode of "City Inside/Out" to discuss Seattle ballot measure. For a complete schedule of the episode when it airs, please visit http://www.seattlechannel.org/CityInsideOut/tvschedule.asp
Washington Policy Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that educates citizens and lawmakers about public policy issues. The free six-month membership has no obligation.
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Kali Puja is the main event on Diwali. The Pooja is performed at midnight and pushpanjali (flowers) is offered around two o' clock in the morning. Some people observe a fast on this occasion and partake food only after the Puja is over. Many sweets are made on Diwali, but kheer is a must.
Diwali celebrations in Orissa are much like they are elsewhere in the country. All the houses are beautifully decorated with rows and rows of oil lamps and ornate diyas. Children burst crackers and enjoy the fireworks thoroughly. People also find the time to visit their friends and relatives but celebrate the main Pooja in their own houses so that the Goddess Lakshmi might be pleased and visit their house.
Diwali Traditions in Orissa
The on unique ritual that makes Diwali in Orissa different from what it is in other parts of the country is the practice of calling upon the spirits of one's ancestors. Tall bamboo poles are erected in front of the houses. An earthen pot with small windows, called handi, is tied to this pole with the help of a rope. An earthen lamp is placed inside this and the pot is placed on the top of the pole by pulling the rope.
Jute stems are burnt to light up the dark path that the spirits of the ancestors take back to heaven.
In the evening, the members of the household gather together just after dusk. A Rangoli of a sailboat is made on the ground. The boat has seven chambers. Over the drawing of each different chamber several items are kept - cotton, mustard, salt, asparagus root, turmeric and a wild creeper. Over the central chamber are the offerings meant for prasad. Perched over the prasad is a jute stem with a cloth wick tied around the edge. It is lit at the beginning of the Puja. All members of the family hold a bundle of jute stems in their hands. Beside the Rangoli, a mortar and pestle and a plough are also kept and worshiped.
In the olden days, animal sacrifice was performed in front of the goddess. Today, a gourd is cut to symbolically represent the animal sacrifice. After the Puja and offerings, the family celebrates Diwali festival by bursting crackers. When crackers were still a monopoly of the urban areas, folks in the rural areas lit jute sticks called kaunwaria which would burn for hours. Nowadays, crackers being available in every nook and corner, kaunwarias are lit only symbolically. In Orissa too, Diwali remains the festival of lights and sweets. Earthen lamps are lit everywhere and sweets are offered to friends and relatives.


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Before & After: My Wok One Year Later
Before & After
A little over a year ago, Grace Young gave me a brand new carbon steel wok and lessons in how to use it. While in her kitchen I looked appreciatively over her own collection of woks, burnished deep black from years of stir-fries, slick and nonstick and easy to clean. My new wok was alarmingly bright in comparison, and while it quickly took on some color when we initially seasoned it, over the past year it has made considerable improvement. Want to see how it looks now?
A year and change later, here's how my wok looks. It's deep black around the sides, although one side (the one farthest from me when I am cooking with it) still needs some hot bacon love. The bottom, too, is scratched up by the metal fish spatula that I use when stir-frying. I assume that eventually the seasoning layer will get thick enough so that these scratches don't scrape through.
I've become an avid devotee of cooking with the wok. I think that for a household of two, like mine, it's a great way to make quick and healthy meals that put the emphasis on vegetables. In fact, the wok is my favorite way to cook vegetables. I just dump in whatever I have around — romaine lettuce, cubes of eggplant, or baby bok choy — and stir-fry it as Grace taught me with a little soy sauce, cooking wine, and garlic. It's so fast and so delicious.
I'm pretty proud of my teenage wok — it's getting quite the complexion, and it's easier and easier to clean. I was a wok resister for a long time (Who needs one more pan? Isn't it a little pretentious to use a wok when a skillet works just as well?) but call me a convert now; it's one of the most-used pans in my kitchen.
Do you use a wok? Want to start this fall? A carbon steel wok is cheap and easy to find. Here's how to get started:
A Beginner's Guide to Stir-Fry & Wok Cooking with Grace Young
(Images: Faith Durand)
10 Comments
I grew up with wok-cooking; you're doing a pretty good job ;-)
It's a great way of cooking.
Not a week goes by without me preparing fried rice or even my chicken wings after marinating for 8 hours in wok and then broil in oven for crispness.
What's your favorite wok recipe?
I normally cook for two. I own a 12" and a 9.5" flat bottomed woks and use the 9.5" one the most.. A 14" wok, as recommended in one of the linked articles, is far too big even cooking for a family of four!
Forget stainless steel for a wok as it is such a poor heat conductor. In my opinion, non-stick is also to be avoided because you cannot use metal utensils. Get uncoated, plain carbon steel with wood handles and take the time to properly season it.
The Wok Shop is the place to buy - http://www.wokshop.com/products_main.html
I bought a wok at bed bath and beyond and when I put it on my ceramic cooktop something scary happened so I took it off immediately. I don't know if something was melting? I was just really afraid I'd ruin my cooktop in my rental. So it's sitting in my closet. Should probably give to my sister who has a gas range.
@whalermeg: If your BBB wok had a non-stick coating, that might account for the melting. Did it to an Ikea wok on a gas range at a previous apartment.
Growing up in a wok-cooking household, I've had a carbon-steel wok since I moved out. I'm now proud of my year-old cast-iron skillet which has developed a nice sheen of seasoning.
Thank you for showing a well-used pan! Everything can be so pristine looking in the blogosphere, that wok feels like real life.
@anotherjen ha! You're welcome - there's plenty more where that came from in my kitchen. ;)
@Lemongrass&Coriander I love straight up stir-fried greens the most, I think.
I use mine religiously three to four times a week. Best way to season a woke carbon wok is to use it. I have had mine for ten years. Use it wash it, dry it , wipe with a light coat of oil. Fastest way to anything. I have a house of three boys, so trust me it is the best pan in your kitchen.
I wonder if you could avoid those scratches in the seasoning layer by using a wooden spatula, though I do notice that the traditional tool used in woks is metal with a small wooden handle.
A friend of mine gave me a no-stick wok. She had very good intentions, but I really don't know what to use it for other than possibly a large batch of scrambled eggs at very low heat. Any suggestions out there?
I just got a carbon-steel wok for my birthday, just shy of a month ago-- I use it at least twice a week and it's already developing a nice bit of patina. Anything I can cook in there, I will. So excited to get it all lovely and black.
'not-so-deep-frying'--The wider design of the wok helps contain the splatter better than traditional pans. Using 1-2" of oil can work well. I was also impressed by a recipe that has you fry a whole chicken one half at a time in the wok. Since a chicken is 'hollow' in the middle, it cooks through quickly, and yields good results.


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Royston Drenthe made an impressive return from injury in the 1-1 draw with Norwich on Saturday after missing three matches with a foot injury. The Dutchman played a big part in Leon Osman's equaliser and is pushing for a start on Wednesday.
Seamus Coleman missed the stalemate with the Canaries with a thigh injury, whilst Jack Rodwell picked up a hamstring injury in the warm up.
Swansea have a clean bill of health ahead of their first trip to Merseyside in 28 years.
Everton are without a win in three Premier League games but Osman's leveller on Saturday ended their 272 minute wait for a goal.
Only Fulham, Liverpool and the Premier League's top three have conceded fewer goals than the Blues this term.
Swansea kept their second away clean sheet of the season on Saturday when they drew 0-0 with faltering Newcastle at St James's Park.
But the Swans are without a victory in eight away games this term and have conceded 19 goals in the process.
1. Everton have not lost any of their 13 meetings with the Welsh club, winning nine and drawing four.
2. The Club's leading post-war goalscorer Graeme Sharp scored his first goal at Goodison Park against Swansea.
3. The Blues have now fallen behind in 14 of their 18 matches in all competitions this season.
4. Nine of Everton's 16 Premier League goals have come in the final 15 minutes of games.
NEIL TAYLOR (Swansea defender): "Going to Newcastle was always going to be a tough game, but we got a point and we move on to the next game now. Everton are an established Premier League team and we will have to show the same defensive capabilities as we did at Newcastle if we are to get anything."
EVERTON 2-2 SWANSEA (February 26 1983): Everton's last top flight encounter with Swansea came in 1983 when a brace from Andy King helped the Blues to a point at Goodison Park. The Swans were relegated from the old First Division that season.
EVERTON 5-1 SWANSEA (September 6 1930): Having been relegated from the First Division in the previous season, the Blues were looking to bounce back at the first attempt. They started the season with five successive wins including a 5-1 rout of Swansea where the legendary Dixie Dean netted a brace.
The most significant player to have represented both Everton and Swansea is Bob Latchford, who scored 138 goals in 286 starts for the Blues before moving to the principality in 1981.
Others to have played for both clubs include Dai Davies, Terry Phelan and Gary Stanley.
Tickets for Everton's game with Swansea City are on sale now. Call the box office on 0871 663 1878 or click here to secure your seat.


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Why Hire a Business Plan Consultant?Written by Pete Kennedy on Wednesday, September 3, 2008
During the process of growing a business, entrepreneurs, business owners and managers are often faced with the question of whether to bring in an outside business business planning consultant. This can be an especially challenging decision for entrepreneurs, who are by definition independent and self-reliant. However, it's important to recognize that even the most talented businesspeople can benefit from the support and guidance of an experienced consultant (or consulting firm).
What are other reasons why you have hired an outside consultant? What advice would you give regarding the pitfalls and benefits of hiring a consultant?
Beat the Downturn by Raising, Not Lowering, Your PricesWritten by Andrew Bordeaux on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Earlier this month, Walt Disney Co. made an interesting decision regarding their theme park pricing strategy. Faced with slowing sales growth at home in the US, the company decided to raise the price of one-day admission at its largest resort by more than five percent.
While price is an important factor in purchasing decisions, the vast majority of people don't buy based on price alone. They buy based on value. However, a larger percentage of consumers will buy based on price alone, in the absence of any other value indicators. The key is to effectively communicate your value.
When you start to feel the squeeze of a slowing quarter, don't be afraid to go against the initial instinct that many have to drop prices right away. Sometimes, boosting your price can be just the tool you need to get you over the hump and get back to making money.
How to Manage Your Cash FlowWritten by Andrew Bordeaux on Wednesday, August 6, 2008
By now, most entrepreneurs have heard the old saying, "Businesses don't fail -- they just run out of money." While that saying often holds the most salience for fledgling ventures, it can and does apply to most small businesses and growing companies as well. The steps you take to deftly allocate your company's capital today can help ensure that you'll still have that company six months, six years, or six decades down the line.
The New York Times and AllBusiness recently provided a list of tips for the best ways to manage cash flow. Most of the solutions that suggest frugality and thriftiness are somewhat intuitive -- limiting spending, avoiding wastefulness, keeping your inventory at practical levels and, for the austerity-minded, foregoing a salary. The most compelling suggestions on the list, however, are those rooted in strategic planning.
A strategic assessment of your business and some clever maneuvering can put your company in line to truly maximize each dollar. Crafting financial projections that anticipate your expenses and revenues for the next 12 months can help you determine if and when you'll need more capital. The formation of contingency plans that account for the worst case scenarios can prepare you for the unexpected.
One mistake many business owners make is purchasing equipment when it can be leased instead. While a cursory look at leasing vs. buying will reveal that leasing is usually more expensive over time, the leasing process prevents you from needing to shell out large sums of upfront capital, which then frees that capital to be allocated towards other important areas.
Lastly, effective cash flow management entails knowing what areas require patience, and which need to be expedited. When it comes to bringing on new employees, try to wait as long as you can. As permanent hires are a serious commitment of resources, it's recommended that you first strive to increase current employee productivity, investigate independent contractors, or even outsource some of the less essential aspects of your enterprise. On the other hand, when it comes to receiving customer payments, it behooves you to make these exchanges happen as soon as possible. Incentivize or reward early/timely payments, and don't shy away from penalizing late payments.
How to Grow Your Business When the Sky Is FallingWritten by Andrew Bordeaux on Wednesday, July 30, 2008
As individuals and businesses alike struggle to deal with a wayward economy, one of the first things we can do is look outward for tools and techniques to help weather the worst of the storm. Fast Company founder Bill Taylor recently examined three companies that seem impervious to market fluctuations and the economic turmoil faced by their respective competitors, and the lessons we can draw from their successes.
The Real Tendencies that Lead to Growth and SuccessWritten by Andrew Bordeaux on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Imagine you are at a job interview. Right before the interviewer offers you a position he states, "Unfortunately, I cannot tell you the details of our project. You will have the opportunity to make mistakes and struggle, but eventually we may do something that we'll remember the rest of our lives." Would you eagerly jump at this project or would you stand up and walk out?
Is It Possible To Grow Too Fast?Written by Andrew Bordeaux on Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Before the ink has dried on newspapers reporting the impending close of 600 Starbucks locations nationwide, news has surfaced that clothing retailer Steve & Barry's is preparing to file for bankruptcy. For many years, both the coffee giant and the clothing chain have been two of the most-discussed, high-growth companies. So what has gone wrong?
How to Succeed by Doing LessWritten by Andrew Bordeaux on Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Imagine reaching all of the goals you've set out to achieve within the confines of a four-day work week. Sounds pretty nice, doesn't it? Now imagine hiring significantly fewer employees than your competitors and developing products that are dramatically scaled back in comparison to what those same competitors are building down the street….and then watching your venture reach milestone after promising milestone! That's a reality for Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the entrepreneurs behind the company 37Signals.
With an iconoclastic view of what is needed to succeed in the fast-paced, whiz-bang world of web-based product development, 37Signals takes the old mantra "less is more" to a new level. In a recent interview with Bill Taylor, the founders shared their view that "less is less- because more is not better!" Their approach, which focuses on solving only the problem at hand by avoiding superfluous add-ons and unnecessary tweaks has not only resonated with their customers, but has created a large number of 37Signals evangelists.
Jason and David, while they are best known for their project-management software Basecamp and contact-management software Highrise, have also authored a book on the subject of success through simplicity, titled Getting Real. Inside, they tell entrepreneurs to add only the ingredients of the utmost importance when it comes to staffing, operations, and product development. They also passionately implore business owners to resist the urge to scale up, just because the opportunity to do so presents itself.
Though 37Signals is known for its frugality and prowess in the world of programming, there are strategic lessons for businesses of all types here; whether it's scaling back the development of unessential functionality for your Web 2.0 company or modifying the operations at your coffee shop so that you don't need to hire that extra barista. What can you do to simplify your business?
Business Exit Strategy: Preparing to Sell A BusinessWritten by Pete Kennedy on Wednesday, June 11, 2008
As every entrepreneur knows, a great business plan is essential for effectively launching a business. As the business grows, an effective strategic plan is required to successfully reach the business's full potential.
But what about planning your exit strategy?
Far too many business owners do not realize that careful strategic planning to sell your business is just as important as planning to launch and grow your business.
In addition to an independent lifestyle and personal fulfillment, a successful exit is the primary motivator for business ownership and entrepreneurship.
(Not to mention that a successful exit tends to improve one's lifestyle and personal fulfillment...)
Because acquisition is the most common exit for an entrepreneur / business owner, here are some tips to better prepare you to sell your business.
Many business owners wait until the last minute to try and sell their business. They wait until the business is stagnating, or they are exhausted with running the business. In fact, the best time to sell is when business is booming.
If you are in too much of a hurry to sell, you will probably leave a lot of money on the table. Buyers – especially sophisticated larger corporations – will likely sense your urgency and will take advantage of it in the negotiation period.
It's a good idea to begin preparing 2-4 years BEFORE the sale. It's much more expensive and time-consuming to rush and prepare all of the necessary financial and other information in a few months than it is to consistently record and compile records over a period of years. This record-keeping is also important for your business's growth, since it provides more perspective on your company's performance.
Make sure that you have been keeping accurate financial records and that your assets are ready for sale. This includes both tangible assets such as equipment and inventory, as well as intangible assets such as contracts, leases, patents, trademarks, etc. Make sure that everything is assignable to the buyer and be prepared for extensive due diligence.
A buyer's motivations are often different than the typical business owner's. While the entrepreneurial business owner may get excited about innovation and creative strategies, the buyer cares much more about the potential for stable revenue streams and growth potential. Take time to understand your potential buyer's point of view, interests, and motivations.
The buyer wants to buy a business – not you or your job. From the buyer's perspective, it's better if the current owner is not important to the success of the business. Therefore, in planning for the sale of your business, you should begin training your management team to take over critical business functions. If all of the key decisions revolve around you (the owner), then the value of the company will be limited without the owner – and therefore, the business is less attractive to a buyer.
When starting the sales process, you must keep a laser-sharp focus on your business's operations. It's important that you do not get too wrapped up in either the sales process or in the romance of any particular sale offer. As difficult as this is, it's best to act as if any deal can fall through, even if you are in the final negotiation period, because any deal can come unraveled at the last moment. Keep your focus on growing your business until the check has cleared and is in the bank.
In addition, you should do your best to keep the sales process confidential so that you do not endanger relationships with any key clients, employees, or partners whose departure could threaten a transaction or the operations of your business.
If you are a business owner seeking to sell your business, you can benefit from outside advice and assistance. As the old saying goes, "The attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client." The same applies for a business owner selling without an advisor. Your advisor will provide you with guidance regarding valuation, due diligence, and the marketing of your business opportunity. Without a competent advisor, you decrease your chances of selling your business at its maximum price.
If you have invested a lot of time and energy into the search, negotiation, and due diligence phases, you may be reluctant to reject any deal that comes across the table. However, just because you have a deal in front of you, you do not have to take it. If the price is not attractive or if the deal is not right for another reason – and it cannot be mended – you may be wise to walk away and consider the next opportunity.
Sometimes, during the process of preparing their business for sale, business owners will find themselves at the helm of a much more profitable, attractive business. If you have a profitable business, keep in mind that you have other options at your disposable. In addition to selling your business, you can continue to grow organically, raise growth capital, and/or explore strategic partnerships.
It's important to continually evaluate your options throughout all phases of business growth to ensure that you are making the best decisions for the long term.
About Growthink
Founded in 1999, Growthink is a leading middle market investment bank. Our professional investment bankers have assisted clients in raising more than $1 billion in growth financing, as well as advising on mergers and acquisitions transactions.
Need assistance with your business exit strategy?
Looking to sell your business?
Are You CEO Material?Written by Andrew Bordeaux on Wednesday, May 28, 2008
There is an age-old dilemma out there, which all entrepreneurs will come across at some point in their career: To be, or not to be... the CEO, that is the question!
When envisioning the ideal CEO, undoubtedly many images come to mind: A charismatic persuader, a visionary, a multi-tasker, a passionate leader. The real world expectations of a CEO can be so varied and so all-encompassing, that it can be a daunting hat to consider.
Some entrepreneurs tackle this issue with the notion that they are obligated to lead their company from the CEO chair, while others will avoid the title at any cost. These stances are seldom the result of any actual measure of their own abilities, but rather from pre-conceived notions of what is expected of a Chief Executive Officer, and what skills they assume are needed to effectively assume the role.
To add a dose of empirical data to the conversation, venture capitalist Seth Levine has released a rubric that he and his colleagues use when evaluating a CEO. Now that we know what the VCs use when sizing up leaders, it might not be such a bad idea to go through this rubric yourself and see how you'd stack up.
CEO Scorecard
As you can see, the criteria for a great CEO (at least in the eyes of these Venture Capitalists) aren't as elusive as many people think. If you've got these skills, you're in good shape. If not, it might be time to start the CEO hiring process.
Baseball and the Science of Effective Business BuildingWritten by Pete Kennedy on Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Over the last thirty years, baseball statistician Bill James has revolutionized the way that players, managers and fans think about statistics in baseball. By carefully analyzing statistics, James has dispelled numerous myths and has shifted the Boston Red Sox management's decision-making process from one based on intuition and "gut" to a rigorously fact-based approach.
What has been the result? After decades of loss and heartbreak, the Red Sox have won two World Series Championships in the past 5 years.
Bill James' analyses have dispelled many myths and have helped both the Red Sox and much of the industry focus on proven measures of performance. For example, James was a leading force in emphasizing the significance of on-base percentage over a player's batting average. On-base percentage, James argues, is a more significant statistic, since batting average fails to account for bases gained from walks.
Regarding batting strategy, James says that the order of the line-up is inconsequential to overall performance, and that the concept of a "clutch" hitter is nonsense.
On the subject of a player's lifetime performance, James concluded that the "prime" years of a baseball player's career are his mid-late 20s. The Red Sox took James' recommendations into account when deciding against re-signing star player Johnny Damon.
Regarding pitching strategy, James argues that "closers" – pitchers traditionally brought in during the final inning(s) of a game – should instead enter at critical moments when a team's lead is at stake (e.g. perhaps in the 6th inning), rather than waiting longer.
What does all of this have to do with business building and entrepreneurship?
James makes a compelling case that all businesses – not just professional baseball teams – can benefit from careful statistical analysis. Such analysis can dispel unfounded theories, identify significant measures of performance, and illuminate creative, counter-intuitive strategies to bolster a business' competitive advantage.
James' fact-based analytical approach is especially valuable for emerging companies who are competing against larger, more established businesses.
If Bill James were to analyze your industry or your business operations, what myths would he dispel? What performance benchmarks would he stress? What strategies would he recommend?
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Casio EXILIM EX-H10 review
Performance, Image Quality & Value
Casio EXILIM EX-H10 review - Performance
The EX-H10's secret weapon is certainly its battery life. You can expect to take hundreds of shots from a single charge, playback, delete and record movies with little fuss. It's notably good compared to many competitors and the three-stage battery indicator in the bottom left of the LCD's display is straightforward to understand.
In other areas however there are occasional frustrations. When 'Make Up' mode is activated from the quick-access top button - despite its good functionality in the right situation - the processing time of your shots is noticeably increased. Whilst this is a necessary time increase, it's rather easy to forget to turn it off too, potentially leaving you missing that next great shot. Vivid Landscape, next door to the 'Make Up' button, seems to have been awarded a prime spot for an otherwise relatively simple function. It's screaming out for a more complex array of modes and controls beyond the automated settings to really set the H10 apart from the competition.
Casio H10 review - click for full size images
The 24mm wide angle lens is an excellent addition, especially as the 10x optical zoom sees a 240mm telephoto zoom available. Not a huge number of compacts offer a zoom of such substantial proportions in a small compact, so this does set the H10 apart from some of the competition. Instead of lens-based image stabilisation the H10 opts for sensor-shift stabilisation instead, assisting in keeping your images sharper and countering camera shake. It's not ground-breakingly extensive but certainly offers some counter to those shaky hands.
A slight quirk - if not oddity - is the inclusion of Dynamic Photo mode. This allows for animations to be included in your 'dynamic photos'. Think still image with an animated GIF overlay of your choice rather than a movie (not to confuse the two, as 720p movie capture is available in an entirely different mode). For example it's possible to download animations, through from twinkling stars to roaring dinosaurs, using Casio's site http://www.exilim.com/dp/en_intl/download/index.html. It's even possible to 'cut out' subjects from your pictures and apply them into a different image. The rule here is certainly 'fun', though it's not necessarily that straight forward that young kids will pick it up immediately, plus the results are only suitably 'kiddy' - not a seamless process with totally professional appearance.
Casio EXILIM EX-H10 review - Image Quality
Whilst the H10 retains good detail and low-noise image quality at ISO 100-200, this takes a turn into softer, less detailed proceedings at ISO 400-800, with a further quality step-down and significant noise increase at the higher end of ISO 1600-3200.
The latter two aren't particularly useful given the lack of detail, whereby edges are blurred; not ideal for low light photography. In addition slight purple fringing is apparent throughout some images, making the overall image quality the H10's biggest let down - a shame considering how well it otherwise performs and what is on offer. Shoot in good light or with flash though and your images will be perfectly fine, if not equally as good as many other competitors' compacts.
Casio EXILIM EX-H10 review - Value For Money
The 24mm wide angle 10x optical zoom lens is where the Casio H10 provides some value. And yet, in saying that, at £250 it's actually quite expensive when there are some highly-advanced compacts also out there, albeit ones with lesser zoom lenses for the same money. For example, the Casio H10 doesn't have a touchscreen LCD and there are no fully manual options to get more creative as compared to a number of similarly-priced competitors' cameras. The H10 therefore only really gets by at such an asking price given the lens's zoom capability and long battery life - a bit of a shame there are a number of gaps that, if more competitively filled with up-to-the-minute technology would pose a really top product.


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Pinterest: A New Channel for Sales & Marketing?
If a picture's really worth a thousand words, Pinterest has a lot to say, and may skyrocket to the top of the social scene. This online bulletin board – filled with really outstanding photos of everything from cars and kids to technology and architecture – is quickly becoming a top shelf marketing tool for businesses.
The site attracts more than seven million unique visitors a month – with (I have to assume) millions returning (it's addicting).
Shareaholic says Pinterest is driving more traffic to company sites and blogs than YouTube, Linkedin and Google+ combined. In fact, it's so popular – that if you want to join, get in line. It may take months. (Tip: For VIP treatment, find someone you know … a.k.a., me … who has an account, and score an "inside invite" for instant access.)
Not quite sure how to use it to your advantage?
- Pin your recent infographics (linking back to your site for more info on the topic)
- Upload cool images from recent videos – where a single click takes those interested to your site where they can watch it
- Post pics of your products (but – just like with any social channel – strike the right balance between self-promotion and engagement)
Want to give it a shot? Comment here or shoot me an email; I'll do my best to help catapult you to the front of the line.By: Corinne Federici
Twitter: @CorinneFederici
This entry was posted by Corinne Federici on February 17, 2012 at 1:53 pm, and is filed under Digital and Social Media. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0.You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.
Hi Corinne,
We have an intern who has the sweet assignment of making Practically Green's Pinterest world shine and buzz. Please check it out when you have a moment! We are open to any ideas and participation, think it's such a cool new way to drive people into our sprawling database of 450+ efficient & eco-friendly actions. http://pinterest.com/practicallygrn/
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[the urban canvas] :: user journey
background ::
the downside of being creatures of habit is that we need strategies to pull ourselves back into the present moment - to fully experience the beauty and spontaneity of the world around us.
[urban canvas] is a system to bring spontaneous, delight back into people's lives through the revealing invisible layers about their movements through the city landscape. and subsequently create a practice so compelling that people get daily moderate exercise through their urban explorations.
the smallest target behavior ::
to explore the city for 30 min/per day
audience ::
city dwellers.
barriers to performing the target behavior? time, routine, and effort.
naturally occurring behaviors ::
rather than trying to get the user to adopt a brand new behavior (ie start going to the gym daily), i'm going to work with a naturally occurring behavior and hope to amplify it through systematic triggers to prompt the behavior and positive reinforcements to encourage the behavior.
specifically, what are points in the user's journey in which they are already moving through the city? and how can we turn these small exertions of moderate activity into extended forms of exploration and exercise?
user journey ::
[1] movement as responsibility [barrier to ability]
in this scenario, the user is compelled to move through the city to accomplish a task/uphold a responsibility. examples include, showing up to work or school on time, or getting to a personal appointment. in this case the user's behavior is motivated by social pressure and pain (the negative consequence of being late), and ability is affected by routine (such as a routine monday through friday commute) and time (the need to arrive at a destination by a deadline). in this particular user's case a common habit is to wait until the last minute to depart for their destination, thus limiting the amount of time the user can spend on the journey. also, implying that there is no opportunity for amplifying the behavior.
[trigger] :: encourage and enable through suggestion leaving earlier [increasing ability].
[positive reinforcement] :: to enhance the experience of getting from point a to point b, thereby transforming "dutiful movement" into a desirable experience [increasing motivation].
[feedback] :: comes in two forms, mobile/real-time so the user receives reinforcing feedback during the action of moving, and delayed/off-site feedback so the user can view their accomplishments over time and share/compare with social networks [increasing motivation].
[2] movement as leisure [barrier to motivation]
in this scenario, the user has time on their hands and the biggest issue is triggering motivation [as ability is no longer an issue].
[trigger] :: a notification/reminder of progress and comparison to social peers [playing into social motivations]. as well as enabling by suggesting destinations [motivating through reward].
reinforcement and feedback probably won't be too different in this case. the biggest lever to pull is motivating the user when they time on their hand to move/explore the city.
fogg behavioral grid ::
turning a naturally occurring behavior into a compelling habit.
feedback loop ::
two questions ::
what types of reward can spark motivation?
- real-world pleasure
- health benefits
- aesthetic and game incentives
what form does the feedback take?
- mobile/real-time
- delayed/off-site
speculative design and games ::
some brainstorming ideas for the incentive/feedback the user receives during or after their journey. by transforming the dull, mundane into something beautiful can we inspire ourselves to do the behavior not only again but amplified?
one experiment would be to see our daily movements through the city as artistic representations - to literally paint the city with our movements. this could be revealed to the user through the use of special "movement-ray vision" glasses, which allow the user to see traces or paths they've painted on the city through their movements.
i'm not a big fan of games, especially competitive ones i find off-putting. however, undeniably gaming design incentives can be used to motivate users to perform behaviors compellingly.
another idea, is to create a game in which users compete to paint the city with their colors. for example, the structure of the city grid layout can be used as playing board. the affordance of the geometric patterns of modern city design can be used to conduct game play. by lapping around the 4 corners of a city block a user can fill in the block with their colors. not only might this result in a very beautiful collaged view of the city and all the individuals that flow through it, it utilizes social motivations and game mechanics to get users to want to fill in more blocks compared to others in their social network. additionally, what if users could only attain certain colors by reaching certain destinations?
[photo credit: jennifer maravillas]
other ideas have been sonifying movement data, creating wearable objects to publicly display your movement "score". or even an object, perhaps in the form of a rubik cube, that only fills tiles based on movement points.@2 years ago with 1 note
#diy health #rest of you


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New Casio EX-Z330 and Z35 P&S models
Just as we were getting ready to praise Casio for having a compact and concise CES with just four cameras without a lot of overlap, here come two more shiny-silver clones, the new EX-Z330 and EX-Z35. Goodbye praise, hello Clones :)
These are 12mp 1/2.3" cameras, with a 3X optical zoom, and with the usual assortment of P&S consumer-tier features. So far, they have been announced in Europe. For more on these, be sure to check out Photoscala, DC Views, and DigiCamReview.com.


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main index
Pleaserock is an independent music collective operating out of Atlanta, Georgia. Originally established as the band Y-O-U in Indianapolis in 2000 by Nick Niespodziani and Peter Olson, they relocated to ATL in the hopes of actually getting somewhere with their music. Two cheaply-produced CDs (a self-titled debut & the Homestar Runner album) and a few quirky gimmicks later, that dream became a reality of sorts. The most prominent of the collective's quirky gimmicks was their assortment of different identities, something a local music article called "alias rock". At least one core member of Y-O-U plays in nearly all of the alias groups. Amongst the Pleaserock aliases (alii?) are...
Y-O-U noteThe original identity of the group, an experimental rock band that focused on original music. Y-O-U released five records—three and a half new music, one-half a "best of", and one soundtrack collaboration—between 2003 and 2009 before the band was retired, partly because they were having trouble getting bookings in that form, partly to focus on some of the more-successful aliases.Discography:
Yacht Rock RevueA nautical-themed ensemble which plays "smooth" rock covers, with varying degrees of sincerity. By far the most financially-successful alias, it has 2 spinoffs of its own: The more easily-transportable Yacht Rock Schooner, and remix duo Yacht Rock DJs.Discography:
Please PleaseRock MeA cover band which plays nothing but Beatles music, including all four Beatles' solo work.
Constantly Awesome (formerly The Tupperware Party)A cover band which plays almost exclusively private engagements, like weddings, corporate events, what have you.
Nespo JohnnyThe marquee under which Nick Nespodziani makes solo appearances playing Y-O-U songs as well as new material. Has released a live album for free download.
Nigels With AttitudeAn XTC tribute band.
Main Street ExilesA Rolling Stones tribute band.
The Greater VavoomAn original funk-dance band.
Three Dawgh StephensA "sandal rock" trio "led" by "visionary" musician "Dog Stevens." (The band is comprised entirely of fictional characters and is the subject of a series of comedy videos. An MP3 of their "smash hit" "Furry Little Muskrat Woman" is floating around the Internets somewhere.)
Rock FightA series of audience-decided "battles" between tribute sets to two artists.
LimozeenStrong Bad's favorite Hair Metal band.
Uno Dos Tres CatorceBilled as "the biggest U2 tribute band in the world...in terms of raw poundage."
The Ill-EaglesAn Eagles cover band.
Indianapolis JonesA new original-music venture.
John Macentoeshka and the Mosseknuckles noteA Europop quintet which played unannounced sets in public places.
The Flying Wallabies noteNot a band, but a "competitive" jump rope team (and the subject of another series of comedy videos).
OtherSome recent aliases (alii?) feature no Y-O-U members at all: The REMakes (an R.E.M. tribute band), the After Party (a cover band for private events), the Whiskey Gentry (a bluegrass band), and the Atlanta Funk Society (playing funk from the 60s to the 80s).
Core members (aka Y-O-U members) and which other aliases they perform in:
Tropes present in the Pleaserock catalog:


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The purpose of this association is to provide alumni and friends of Yale Athletics information about Yale Crew as well as creating a support network for current student athletes. Through the offering of career networking and job placement, hosting of special events including receptions, alumni/alumnae games, golf outings, and the raising of money to support Yale Athletics, the Yale Crew Association enhances the experience between Yale Athletics and the alumni community.
Coming Soon!
To join the Yale Crew Association or to make a gift please CLICK HERE and follow the instructions below:
Checks should be made payable to Yale University and should include the sport association you wish to have your contribution directed towards. Gifts or pledges can be made by calling (203) 432-1434 or mailing payment to:
Yale Athletic Association
P.O. Box 1844
New Haven, CT 06508-1844
Visit our Alumni Associations Home Page
CLICK HERE to access the Yale Athletics Sport Association Facebook Page!
President: Peter Nordell('88)
Vice President (Heavyweights): Brian Jamieson('91)
Vice President (Lightweights): Patrick Perry('89)
Vice President (Women): Ellen Jones Nordell('88)
Treasurer: James J. Millar('80)
Secretary: George W. Shuster('67)
Until 2011:
William Becklean('58)
Edward S. Burke('82)
Mark Mongelluzo('96)
Until 2012:
Eric Den Besten('97)
H. Richter Elser('81)
Stephen V. Flagg('57)
Eugenia Kiesling('78)
Catharine Manley('92)
Margaret Mathews('79)
Thomas Weil('70)
Until 2013
Donald Bingham('95)
James Elting('61)
Mark Mannion('05)
Jennifer Mogck('86)
Andrew Morley('01)
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|Turtle (Suck it b*tch)
|In your pants cause I'm a freaking NINJA
|Member Since
|Aug 15, 2011
|Votes Received
Hopefully entering Uni this Sept to take Illustration BA (HONS). Currently my most popular book, If Alice were a Boy, I am adapting into a manga and will be rewriting when I have time. I'm on Deviantart! My username's HikariTurtle. If you wanna go look be my guest. Writers I like- @Nagini1 @ZeuZeu @WingsofaDragonfly @BouncingRabbit @Opheliac15768 (she's in college so give her chance to upload yeah?)
Strawberry and Peach (LGBT)A complex relationship between two best friends and a tragedy shared by their past. One trying to find himself through the sexual needs and bodies of others, try... read more
If Alice were a boy (LGBT)Alice just happens to be at a party were there just happens to be a problem waiting to happen. In this tale of Alice in Wonderland, Alice isn't a blonde haired lit... read more
Midnight singing and a Midnight meeting (RaeKitano Challenge)For RaeKitano's The Coming of the End challenge! Dedicated to Opheliac15768 Jay-Jay is alone at midnight singing out her heart, or ... read more
Valentines Bugs (One Shot (RaeKitano Challenge)One Shot! LGBT! It's Valentines day and for Terri Jones and his husband Elliott Jones it's even more special by the fact it is also their 2... read more
Butterfly & Moth (LGBT oneshot)(LGBT story (oneshot)


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John Mallory Land
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John has been a genealogy hobbyist since 1990, and although he grew up in Texas, he considers Columbus, Georgia, "the old homeplace." He is also passionate about theater, particularly playwriting. He currently sits on the Executive Board for the Clapp's Factory Cemetery Preservation League (which he serves as President).
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ira skinner
Harriet E skinner
Hattie married John Elmer Skinner not John Elmer Smith.
Added by
ira skinner
on Sep 14, 2014 2:53 PM
Webster Family
Hi, will send you an email. Trying to wrap my head around the genealogy of the Webster family, I am a descendant of Mary Ellen Welch, m. Samuel Ivy Webster Jr. Thank you for all your hard work on this family here, I can see it.
Added by
on Sep 09, 2014 10:23 AM
Sharman Hopkins
RE: Esau PIKE
Hi John, I was sending a reply and lost it. Not sure if you got it so I'm sending it again. I have Esaw Pike buried in DeKalb County Alabama at Trinity Methodist Church. His headstone gives dob 6/9/1827 dod 8/1/1910. I have where he left his family in Columbus, Ga. and went to Randolph County Alabama. He enlisted in Civil War on July 12, 1861 in Columbus, Ga and was in Co B 37th Ga Regt. You can find this on "Alabama, Texas and Virginia Confederate Pensions 1884 - 1958" The application date is May 15, 1899 in Cherokee County Al. Pension file #2046 gives his age 73, having been born in 1826. I know of only 2 Esaw Pike's in Columbus, The elder Esaw (Esau), who died 1851, and the son Esaw who married Rebecca Thompson. I was in contact with Betty Clifton, who is direct descendant of Esaw Pike (Rebecca's Esaw)thru his 2nd family. She verified that Esaw left his family in Columbus and came to Alabama. He married Nancy S A Lambert in Calhoun County Al on November 21, 1875. They can be found 1900 Spring Hill, Cherokee Co., Al. According to Betty Clifton, one of Rebecca's sons took her to see Esaw in Alabama. Esaw had a head wound from the war and had forgot he had a family in Columbus when he met and married Nancy. He decided to stay with Nancy and so Rebecca came back to Columbus. Could be the head wound made him forget his birthday also, who knows. I did find where my Zion Pike enlisted in war. It was found on fold3.com and he is under the name "Leon" Pike.
Added by
Sharman Hopkins
on Aug 29, 2014 10:39 AM
Christian Pike
That's such a kind offer - I imagine most of the cemeteries in that area have already been canvassed. But if you were to come across more information that would be great!
Added by
on Aug 27, 2014 8:17 PM
RE: Ben & Arline (WALL) GRIFFIN
You are very welcome. It was my pleasure. Vern
Added by
on Aug 12, 2014 2:40 PM
RE: MATTHEWS marriage
Hi John. Well I heard from my distant relatives and they have pretty good info. from family stories and documentation that I feel pretty comfortable linking my GGG to her parents, Ben and Sarah Matthews. Do you still have the original size JPG photos of their headstones and the cemetery? Would you mind sending them to me or re-uploading your photos to Find A Grave in that size? I make videos with pictures and info on them for my family to get them - especially the younger crowd - interested in learning their family history. I haven't been on Find A Grave that long, but just a couple of years ago the maximum size was 500 KB. Now it is up to 8 MB! Getting hotter here in Dallas. Tricia
Added by
on Aug 12, 2014 9:08 AM
Barbara Tynes Claiborne
John Cicero Jones and wife Claudie Carthen
Thank you so much for posting the family, and a beautiful job with the biographies! I have linked daughter Gracie Jones to them. Barbara Tynes Claiborne
Added by
Barbara Tynes Claiborne
on Aug 10, 2014 4:36 PM
RE: MATTHEWS marriage
Hi John, Thank you for sending such a detailed answer. I have as yet seen the research from distant members, but you have given me some sources to check if they haven't. Dallas is still as hot as ever, and the traffic is terrible due to the construction. But I will take these 100+ days in the summer rather than the bitter cold of the winter up north. Again, thanks for the info. Tricia
Added by
on Aug 10, 2014 3:29 PM
Virginia Buras
RE: Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery
Thank you for your reply. A request for combining the two Find A Grave Fellowship cemeteries (white)- Fellowship Cemetery and Fellowship Baptist Cemetery in Upson County, Georgia has been made since they are the same cemetery. It would be nice to have a note on the Find A Grave Fellowship Baptist Church cemetery noting it is black. Maybe in time the error will be corrected as it was for the Friendship cemetery located a short distance from the Fellowship cemeteries.
Added by
Virginia Buras
on Aug 10, 2014 8:08 AM
Margaret Brown Caldwell
Me. Corbett
Thank you for the correction.
Added by
Margaret Brown Caldwell
on Aug 09, 2014 6:56 PM
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A High-Flying Extravaganza At Sea: Royal Caribbean's Centrum Debuts Vertical Theatrics
On Royal Caribbean's Radiance and Vision class ships, the Centrum has been newly transformed into a chic and sophisticated entertainment experience. Dazzling aerial performances, spectacular lights and sounds, tunes and the new retro-vibe R Bar all set the mood as part of the cruise line's revitalization program.
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Private Paradise
On the north coast of Haiti, surrounded by beautiful mountain slopes and exotic foliage, sits Labadee®, Private Paradise. This exclusive destination offers pristine beaches, breathtaking scenery and spectacular water activities.View Destination Information


text: At least 25 people have died in the devastating floods and 80,000 have been evacuated to government shelters in coastal Andhra Pradesh as heavy rains continued to hit the region in the after effect of the Cyclone Nilam. Vishakapatnam, Prakasam, East Godavari and Viziana-garam have received close to 25 cm of rainfall since Saturday. Around 80,000 people had been evacuated to government shelters. Crops spread over 2.5 lakh hectares of farmland were under water and schools remained shut.


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Collections ControllerR 220000 per annum
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This conversation is closed.
U.S. Education Overhaul
I propose a simple, time tested model to 1.) lower the cost of education and 2.) empower students with useful knowledge. Please give any insights you may have.
The following is the process of gaining a marketable education:
student desires - education - learning - marketable skills - employer desires
In the U.S. this process breaks down at each step. Specifically, the main incentive for students to get an education is to have a financially stable future, however most students don't study, learn, or practice what they want to do until they get into the work place. Therefore they're useless until trained by the employer.
So why do we do it? Today's U.S. education system is the product of our industrial age, but market demands have changed. Education is just slow to catch up.
THE SOLUTION: My proposed method is to take students out of high school and inject them directly into the field they want to be in. This will cut out the 4+ year waste of secondary education, save students from debt, and provide them with connections, experience, and skills they will actually be able to use.
Employers have two incentives to do this. 1.) a young student is more malleable and the employer can raise up this student asset however he wants. 2.) it makes economic sense for the employer; Average college tuition is ~$40,000 / year. Times four years, that gives a student roughly $160,000 that he was planning on spending on his undergrad. Plus four years of time. Instead of paying a school to entertain a student, a student could pay a fraction of that money and time to a mentor, while providing benefit to the mentor simultaneously.
Again, the student here gains connections, experience, and skills.
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.
Dec 2 2012: Instead of taking them out of high school, I would try and get back to the original concept of vocational education. There are some school districts, such as Nashville, which have implemented "learning academies." They have brought companies into the education process and they allow students to move around the school system to partake in those that cater to their interests. I don't believe we should eliminate secondary education, but we should modernize the old concept of "vocational education," now called "career readiness." I don't believe that college is a "waste," as you say; rather, it is not affordable to many families and steps should be taken to ensure that every family can afford some type of college education should they choose to purse it.
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.


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Reblog if you want a remake of Delaney for the 5th year Anniversary in April.
In April it'll be 5 years since the girls uploaded their first music video, & their first original song. I think it'd be awesome if they made a remake for it, just to showcase how far they've come in 5 short years. Whether they remake the whole video or just do an accapella, I don't care. I just think we'd all love to see a 2013 version :)
(Source: we-will-make-it-out-alive)
(Source: ayepandaful)
(x) Lauren's attempt at whistling haha.


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Here's another Jelly Bean Android 4.1 based custom ROM for the T-Mobile Galaxy S3, which has already seen a few Jelly Bean ROMs before. This time it's none other than AOKP ROM, a famous custom ROM that includes a pure and fast Android experience with a lot of customization options thrown into the mix to make it one of the most desirable custom ROMs available for Android.
Jelly Bean ROMs for the international Galaxy S3 can be found → here, the AT&T Galaxy S3 → here, or the Sprint Galaxy S3 → here.
Of course, all the Jelly Bean features and improvements are here as well, including a butter smooth interface, overhauled and actionable notifications, smarter keyboard, Google's voice recognition assisted Search as well as information cards based Google Now, and many more improvements and under the hood tweaks, which combined with AOKP give you a great experience.
Keep in mind that the ROM may not be completely bug-free as it is not an official Samsung Jelly Bean ROM, so some things may not work the same as they work normally and Samsung specific features will not be available.
Let's take a look at how AOKP ROM based on Jelly Bean can be installed on the T-Mobile Galaxy S3.
This hack and the guide below are compatible only and only with the T-Mobile Galaxy S3, model number T999. It's not compatible with other US variants or other devices. Check your device's model number in Settings » About phone.
The methods and procedures discussed here are considered risky and you should not attempt anything if you don't know completely what it is. If any damage occurs to your device, we won't be held liable.
How to Install Jelly Bean AOKP ROM on T-Mobile Galaxy S3
- This procedure will wipe all your apps, data and settings (but it will NOT touch your SD cards, so don't worry about those). Backup your Apps and important data — bookmarks, contacts, SMS, APNs (internet settings), etc. This Android backup guide would help you.
NOTE: Don't forget to at least make a backup of your APN settings, which you can restore later if your data connection does not work after installing the ROM. Use the backup guide to find out how.
- Install ClockworkMod recovery on your phone by following the guide → here.
- Download the latest version of the ROM from the development page.
- Download the Google Apps package. This will install apps like Play Store, Gmail, etc. which are not present in the ROM by default.
Download Gapps | Alternate Link | Filename: gapps-jb-20120726-signed.zip
- Copy the downloaded zip files from step 3 and step 4 to the internal SD card. Do not extract them.
- Now, boot into ClockworkMod recovery. To do that, turn off your phone. Then, hold down Volume Up, Home and then the Power buttons together until the screen turns on, then let them go. The phone will boot into ClockworkMod recovery in a few seconds.
In recovery, use the volume buttons to scroll up/down and the home button to select an option.
- Perform a Nandroid Backup of your existing ROM, so that you can always restore it from recovery if something does not work out with this ROM. To perform a backup, select Backup and Restore –> On the next screen, select Backup again. Go back to main recovery menu after backup is complete.
- Select wipe data/factory reset, then select Yes on next screen to confirm. Wait a while till the data wipe is complete.
- Select install zip from sdcard, then select choose zip from sdcard. Scroll to the ROM file on the SD card and select it. Confirm installation by selecting Yes – Install _____.zip on the next screen. The ROM will start installing.
- After ROM installation completes, select choose zip from sdcard again, then select the gapps-jb-20120726-signed.zip file to install the Google apps package.
- After the ROM finishes installing, select go back then select reboot system now to reboot the phone into ParanoidAndroid ROM.
NOTE: To go back to your previous ROM, boot into recovery, select backup and restore then restore your previous ROM by selecting it from the list.
AOKP ROM, based on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is now installed and running on your T-Mobile Galaxy S3. Visit the official development page for more info and to get the latest updates on the ROM. Share your thoughts on the ROM in the comments.
Try out other Jelly Bean ROMs for the T-Mobile Galaxy S3 → here.


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Post with 2 notes
I always had problems with this argument. At the very least, deism would make the most sense, and we should all be agnostic at birth.
Agreed. This argument just seems to be a way of avoiding any actual discussion of theology. Even if you can't prove there's no God, you should still have to prove why atheism is a preferable philosophy.


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Severe weather hits across Massachusetts
- Tornadoes tore through Western and Central Massachusetts Wednesday, killing at least four people, injuring an untold number, and reducing schools, churches, and homes to splinters along its destructive path. (53 photos.)
We're collecting raw video and photos of the damage again with Storify.
Reblogged from boston.tumblr.com


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(BRISBANE COURIER-MAIL) — A NEW sexually explicit novel about a female teacher who seduces a 14-year-old male student is too hot to handle for two Queensland bookshops.
The steamy book, titled "Tampa," is creating controversy for tackling the taboo topic and is tipped by some to follow "Fifty Shades of Grey" as the next global bonkbuster.
Written by American debut novelist Alissa Nutting, "Tampa" follows the story of sociopathic sexual predator Celeste Price, 26, who seduces one of her high-school students.


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Actual rating will vary with options, driving conditions, habits and vehicle condition.
The standard features of the GMC Yukon Hybrid Base include Vortec 6.0L V-8 332hp engine, 4-speed automatic/CVT transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), integrated navigation system, side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st, 2nd and 3rd row overhead airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 18" aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control.
Starting at: $53,570
At Copple Chevrolet GMC, our Lincoln NE area Chevy dealer, our showroom is chock full of the latest Chevrolet and GMC models. Whether you're shopping for a car, truck, or SUV, there's sure to be a fantastic vehicle option for you at our dealership.
Visit our showroom for a first-hand experience of the newest versions of popular Chevy and GMC models, like the Silverado, Impala, Tahoe, Sierra, Acadia, and more.
Our dealership offers an online showroom so that you can research the Chevy or GMC of your dreams from the comfort of your own home. Get all of the information you desire about a Chevy or GMC model at your fingertips! At Copple Chevrolet GMC, we make the car buying process easy by making all of the information you need, readily accessible.
For more information about our inventory of new vehicles, visit our Omaha area GMC dealership or give us a call at (888) 806-2330. Our dealership is proud to offer convenient hours to our customers. Visit us Monday through Thursday from 8am to 7pm, Friday from 8am to 6:30pm, or Saturday from 8am to 5pm.


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UNICEF helps families in Uzbekistan improve child rearing skills
By Nigina Baykabulova
Buka, Uzbekistan, 11 September 2009. - At first glance, Rasulov's family from Dustlik mahalla (community) is an average one. Both old and young generations of the family live under one roof, run one household and share their joys and sorrows.
Yet one thing makes Rasulov's family stand out. The two youngest members of the family, nine and three months old, have been exclusively breastfed from birth. They have also enjoyed the best home care possible, virtually round the clock.
"Our neighbours are amazed by how well my grandchildren are doing. Without formula milk, tea or other foods that we used to give babies during their first months," says Muhabbat Rasulova. "In our youth the approach was different."
Her husband Ilhom, head of the family, was concerned and went to the district hospital to consult doctors. He came back reassured that infants get everything they need from breast milk.
The rest of the family have given more support to the nursing mothers, Feruza (19) and Shoira (21). They are helping them with household chores and making sure they have proper food and rest.
"Caring for the little ones is their main task now," says Muhabbat.
Rasulov's family is one of more than half a million beneficiaries of the Family Education Project that started in Uzbekistan six years ago with UNICEF support. It was initiated by the Uzbek Government to help families tackle problems that affect children's health, growth and development, especially in their early years.
5,000 volunteers have received training on child health and hygiene issues. Among them are mahalla (community) advisors, health workers and preschool teachers. They use every opportunity – family visits, community gatherings or occasional meetings – to share their newly acquired knowledge to help keep mothers and their children healthy.
UNICEF trained volunteers teach parents how to recognize health warning signs in children to facilitate swift treatment. Parents also learn why it is important to use iodised salt when preparing meals. Outreach workers also actively promote exclusive breastfeeding and can now rely on young mothers like Feruza and Shoira to spread the word.
"These are the basics that every family should know to better care for their children," says Feruza. She already completed a two-month course for nurses when she learned about the training taking place in their mahalla (community). "It turned out to be more useful than I expected. It taught me new skills that I needed at that time."
The training also inspired Feruza to spare more time for early learning of her little son. The father, Jamshid (21), works all day long and joins her later in the evening. The couple helps their son discover the world through play and toys. "We are happy to be our child's playmates as we want him to grow up healthy and happy," says Feruza.
Sustaining success
The project has so far reached one sixth of the population, by working with both local administrations and communities. Its interventions show that ordinary people can take charge of their lives once they are empowered. A supportive environment is another contributing factor.
According to a recent independent impact assessment commissioned by UNICEF, behaviour of families in the pilot areas is changing,
Twice as many mothers now exclusively breastfeed their babies. Two thirds of the targeted population know how to prevent HIV transmission, as compared with one third at the start of the project.
Almost all targeted households are now aware that iodine is essential for health and consume iodised salt. More families are now able to spot health problems quickly and seek medical help from professionals.
UNICEF has been behind these successes and will support the scaling up of the project nationwide so that more families can ensure a better start for their children.
Building best child rearing practices in families and communities
[View photo essay]


text:
University for Peace: Peace and Conflict Monitor
This month's issue addresses the tragic unrest currently unfolding in Kenya…(...more)
Peacemakers Trust posts news, reports or announcements of interest to people studying or working in the field of dispute resolution, conflict transformation and peacebuilding. Inclusion of an item on the media watch blog does not imply endorsement or agreement of Peacemakers Trust with views expressed by authors of posted items.
This month's issue addresses the tragic unrest currently unfolding in Kenya…(...more)
TORONTO – In response to the new United Nations report "Children in Armed Conflict", Plan Canada urges the Security Council to do more than simply debate the issue when it meets in New York in a special session on February 12. Urgent action is needed to defuse a ticking time bomb of traumatized and alienated child soldiers, often kidnapped by armed groups and brainwashed to become brutal killers.
"These children face even more hardships when they return home," said Rosemary McCarney, President and CEO Plan Canada. "Not only do they have to live with the stigma of what they've done, but they have to deal with
communities and even family members that are often terrified of them."
The Secretary General's report (published January 30) highlights conflicts in countries such as Uganda, Sudan, Colombia, Sri Lanka and Sierra Leone and others – all countries where Plan works.(...more)
Accompanied by international and Israeli supporters, the villagers of Bil'in, located near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, have conducted their weekly protest against the illegal Israeli wall being built on village land.(...more)
A summary [pdf] of the Chatham House International Law discussion group meeting held on 22 January 2008.(...more)
Negotiating in practice what is non-negotiable in principle: development policy and armed non-state actors:
Development perspectives of engaging with non-state armed actors
Authors: N. Stott
Publisher: Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik / German Development Institute (GDI), 2008
Full text of document (pdf)
Non-State Armed Actors (NSAA) are today the main feature of violent conflicts both within States and at the regional level. Humanitarian organisations have for some time developed strategies to engage armed groups on questions related to the respect for humanitarian principles. Little research, however, has been conducted to ascertain the opportunities for, and challenges of, engaging NSAA from a development perspective.
This paper considers possible entry points for constructive engagement with NSAA from a development perspective.(...more)
The Mediator Magazine, published monthly, delivers news, profiles, columns, and polls dedicated to the art and practice of mediation. Although many of the articles focus on the work of mediators in the U.K., it holds a universal appeal, covering issues of concern to mediators regardless of where in the world they practice…
The Mediator Magazine is a flash-based site, so I'm not able to link directly to the articles cited here. You'll need to visit the site yourself to access these and other articles. It's just too bad this great online resource relies on flash and lacks an RSS feed or an email subscription service so that readers could be notified when new issues are published.(...more)
Abstract: Cluster munitions have been a persistent problem for decades. Although used in only a few dozen armed conflicts over the last 40 years, these weapons have killed or maimed tens of thousands of civilians in war-affected countries… Only now are governments beginning to take concerted action to address the human costs of these weapons.Many States are supporting proposals to prohibit some or all cluster munitions.(...more)
Feb 8 (Reuters) – International mediators cannot afford to fail in Kenya, former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said on Friday.
Annan has been leading efforts to end violence sparked by a disputed election in Kenya. Here is a short chronology of events since the Dec. 27 presidential and parliamentary elections.
Converting native ecosystems for production of biofuel feed stocks is worsening the greenhouse gas emissions they are intended to mitigate, reports a pair of studies published in the journal Science. The studies follow a series of reports that have linked ethanol and biodiesel production to increased carbon dioxide emissions, destruction of biodiverse forest and savanna habitats, and air and water pollution.
Analyzing the lifecycle emissions from biofuels, the first study found that carbon released by converting rainforests, peatlands, savannas, or grasslands often far outweighs the carbon savings from biofuels. Conversion of peatland rainforests for oil palm plantations for example, incurs a "carbon debt" of 423 years in Indonesia and Malaysia, while the carbon emission from clearing Amazon rainforest for soybeans takes 319 years of renewable soy biodiesel before the land can begin to lower greenhouse gas levels and mitigate global warming.(...more)
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