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Chemical Week Magazine :: Top of the Week
LyondellBasell's U.S. Unit Files for Bankruptcy Protection
2:23 PM MST | January 13, 2009 | REBECCA COONS
LyondellBasell Industries' U.S. operations and one of its European holding companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week, after ongoing negotiations with lenders failed to result in a credit extension agreement. The company says it has arranged for up to $8 billion in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing to fund continuing operations, pending court approval. LyondellBasell posted revenues of $55 billion and Ebitda of $3.9 billion for the 12 months ended September 30, 2008. LyondellBasell was formed in July 2007 by Basell's $20-billion...
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For almost 25 years, Hyundai has been a part of the Australian automotive landscape. Hyundai is the fifth largest automotive group in the world, the fastest growing automotive brand in Australia, and is widely acknowledged as a global leader in design, safety and quality. We pride ourselves on building cars which deliver affordable technology to all Australians.
The Hyundai Range
Hyundai Videos
Hyundai VelosteRaptor first drive video review
Korean brand puts some sizzle into its sportiest Veloster with a pair of racey prototypes.
- Click to play video
- Click to play video
- Click to play video
Latest Hyundai Reviews
Hyundai Elantra Elite new car review
Andrew Maclean
Hyundai Veloster Street quick spin
Limited edition hatch is more about looks than turning up the heat.
Hyundai i30 3-door new car review
South Korean brand bucks the three-door trend with it's feature-packed and sweet-driving i30 hatch.
Latest Hyundai News
Future Cars
Hyundai i30 three-door special edition: Car pool
David McCowen
What affordable family car should I buy?
Mel is trying to pin down the right car for impending family duties.
Hyundai i30 SR quick spin review
Locally-tuned suspension creates a Hyundai that hangs on.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
TMS International Corp. Class A (NYSE:TMS.DL)
The Company provides industrial services to steel mills worldwide.
As of close of business on 2/20/08, this was a 5-star Morningstar stock trading at less than half of its Morningstar fair value.
Relying on Morningstar is a deadly sin. Read their reports, forget their fair values


text:
Apple Killed the Netbook
[From Stephen Trew] But cheap non-brand name Android tablets are replacing netbooks. I had family this year who bought cheap tablets for Christmas. Total junk. Stick to Google, Amazon or Apple. "And we're all better off for the demise of the $400 future of computing. — Netbooks are dead. Good riddance! Just a few years ago, these small, underpowered, ultracheap laptops were considered the future of the computer industry." Read in full.


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Written by:
Leo Larry
I live where
lime trees bloom
before spring has come,
where early unattended fruit
drop from the trees...
I gather some
in a silver metal bowl
and place them on a table.
These green and yellow limes
are round, redolent, with a clean
citrus flavor. I squeeze one,
release its oils, and rub my hands
with wringing motions,
cover my nose to breathe
the fresh, clean scent --
and marvel, once again,
how such simplicity
can cheer me.


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New Mom Nursing Survival Tips
In addition to a couple great Nursing Bras, these are a few items we feel can help every new mother!
1. Anytime Nursing Bra - a must have for comfort at the end of pregnancy. A great flexible first nursing bra.
2. Find a lactation consultant you can easily make an appointment with: International Lactation Consultant Association is a great source click here.
3. A Nursing Pillow (Such as My Breast Friend)
4. Nipple Cream - We love Motherlove as they are the healthiest and their materials don't tend to stain.
5. Washcloths - Keep them handy while nursing to mop up spills.
6. Nursing Pads - LilyPadz are reusable no leak pads, or a variety of other washable or disposable pads.
7. Water bottle - for thirsty nursing mom, you are drinking for 2 remember 64 oz / day!
8. Sleep - Right? Take naps with your baby, sleep is important.
9. Some New Mom Bra Tips listed below:


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Style Spotlight: Zach, co-founder of Stylitics!
Today's featured Style Profile is one of our very own, Stylitics co-founder and office style icon, Zach Davis!
When he's not working to make your Stylitics experience even better, he can usually be found in SoHo searching for the perfect Ted Baker blazer or in the front row at a Bruce Springsteen concert.
He's on a serious British fashion kick right now, with favorite brands like Thomas Pink, Charles Tyrwhitt, and Ted Baker. And if you're looking for a good cocktail recommendation in NYC, he's the guy to ask!
Follow Zach's style profile to keep up with his favorite looks and stylish places! What are your most stylish places heading into fall?
Not pumps, nor flip flops, nor sneakers, nor sandals… you guessed it, last weekend the oxford was on the rise! Taking over a higher percentage of your closet than in prior weeks, oxfords are the perfect dapper duds to take you into the fall season.
So, what are you waiting for? I think it's time we all went brogue…
To all of you who tweeted in the correct answer, we'll notify the winner this evening!
Your Top 10 Summer Wishlist
With Labor Day only two weeks away, it's almost back to school and back to work! And what better time than the present to buy yourself a treat to take you into the fall season? Here are the top 10 items you've added to your wishlists over the summer. Time to stock up? I think yes!
1. Tops, like this fabulous peplum, were among your top 10.
2. Sunnies, especially the popular cateye.
3. Day dresses, like this one by Karen Millen! And guess what, it's on sale!
4. Blazers, especially in prints and bright colors.
5. Boots, like this transitional pair, to take you into the fall season in style.
6. The statement shoulder bag.
7. Shorts in prints and lace.
8. Sandals for the summer. Now on sale!
9. Embellished high heels like these Christian Louboutin gems.
10. Party dresses! With all the fall holidays come all the fall parties. Try this one by Alice + Olivia.
What will you be splurging on this fall? Tell us in the comments!
Last weekend, red was on the rise, from jeans to tops to kicks to sunnies. Is it an ode to romance, or have you just been seeing red lately? A great transitional color, red made a runway appearance at fall shows like Marni, DVF, and McQueen. Will the color of passion continue to trend into the fall season?
From left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
How are you wearing it? Tell us in the comments!
With so much summer style out there, we decided to reward some of the outfits we love by featuring an outfit of the week! This week, we're loving this sassy summer ensemble from blogger Audrey Leighton of Be Frassy. This girl's personal style is so fun and unique; this is definitely one closet we would love to raid! Skirts and tee's have been trending in recent weeks, and we love how she's paired them for a laid back but girly look. Be sure to keep up with her recent looks on her blog!
Style Spotlight: Maria of Moscow
This week's featured style profile is Maria from Moscow! Her sleek, urban style is reflective of her big city roots, but she's not afraid to spring for some color, especially in the middle of a Moscow winter.
She keeps her style casual by pairing street-chic black basics with pops of pastels. Love how she tones down these great leather pieces for summer by adding a hint of color!
Aren't those cut-out Karl sandals to die for? Oh, and they're on sale!
Keep ahead of Maria's urban style and fabulous wishlist by following her Style Profile! How are you wearing color for summer? Tell us in the comments!
Win a personal styling session!
Yes, you heard right! Stylitics is giving away a personal styling session with our fashion director to one lucky member this week!! All you have to do is send your problem piece - a piece you have trouble styling - via your Stylitics closet to firstname.lastname@example.com with the subject line "Style me!", or tweet it @Stylitics! We'll pick a winner on Monday, 7/30, and give styling tips based on the contents of your Stylitics closet. We'll also feature you on our blog next week to spread the style love!
We know you have something that's been sitting on your "least worn" shelf for ages… so send it in and we'll help you wear it!
*Winner will be chosen from eligible entries based on the piece sent in and the number of items in his/her closet.


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BLACKFOOT — With five new starters for the 2013-14 season no one in attendance for the Blackfoot boys basketball teams season opener with Idaho Falls had any idea what to expect.
BLACKFOOT — In Thursday's edition of the Morning News I released my first All-Bingham County team which was for girls soccer.
Today we will dive into the boys all-county team naming the 11 best players in the county accruing to myself.
BLACKFOOT — Since taking over at the Morning News in May I have been thinking of ways that I could bring some things new to you the readers and some things that may be interesting to work on.
One of those ideas was to do some sort of all-area team. At my previous jobs we did one for each high school sport during the school year and naming a player if the year for each.
BLACKFOOT — With a one-point lead and 14.3 seconds left on the clock and the ball out on the sidelines the Blackfoot Lady Broncos were expecting a foul to come from one of the Snake River Panthers.
But unfortunately for Lady Panthers fans the foul never came and Blackfoot won a hard fought rivalry game 44-43 at Blackfoot High School Tuesday night.
POCATELLO — All season long the Shelley Russets have played solid defense, not turned the ball over and most importantly limited penalties.
In Saturday night's 3A state championship game in Holt Arena against Fruitland the Russets continued to play good defense, but the team was flagged for 14 penalties and turned the ball over three times on consecutive possessions spanning two quarters.
But in the end and just like they had done all season the defense kept Fruitland out of the end zone in the fourth quarter and Shelley won their second consecutive state championship with a 17-14 victory.
OGDEN, Utah -- When Idaho State fans considered Saturday's game with Weber State, everything seemed to point to a Bengal victory. The Wildcats had lost 10 games in a row, many by sizeable margins.
ISU, meanwhile, had been competitive in most of its last five games, all losses.
SHELLEY — 3-0.
That is the record the Shelley Russets have against the Fruitland Grizzlies in their last three meeting in the 3A state championship game.
Today in Holt Arena the two teams will meet for the fourth time since 2007 with the Russets looking to make it four straight over the Grizzlies.
POCATELLO — During his playing days at Aberdeen High School Trevor Spence was a big fish in a small pond for the 2A Tigers.
As his senior year wound down Spence did not receive a whole lot of attention from college recruiters, but one school showed interest in the linebacker's talents and that was the school from just a 40 minute drive away, Idaho State.
When Spence set his first foot on campus in the fall of 2009 he had no idea how wild of a ride the next five years would be.
Read the full story in Friday's Morning News
THOMAS — Snake River scored just one basket in the fourth quarter Wednesday night against South Fremont, the good thing for Lady Panthers fans was it was a big one.
FIRTH — If the first game of the season was any indication the Firth Lady Cougars are going to have quite the 2013-14 season.
Kayla Jensen led four Cougars in double figures with a game-high 24 as Firth rolled to a 71-51 season opening win over South Fremont Tuesday night at Firth High School.


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Rangers' 2010 Traverse City Tournament Roster Set
Cris Cohen | Jul 26, 2010 | Comments 2
Today the New York Rangers released their 22-man roster for the 2010 Traverse City Prospects Tournament. Five of the 22 members were selections in this year's NHL entry draft.
The Rangers will be sending:
LW Ryan Bourque, RW Evgeny Grachev, C Roman Horak, LW Colin Martin, RW Chris McKelvie, RW Randy McNaught, C Brendan Shinnimin, C Derek Stepan, RW Christian Thomas, C Ethan Werek, LW Jason Wilson, LW Andrew Yogan, D Lee Baldwin, D Sam Klassen, D Tomas Kundratek, D Dan Maggio, D Brandon Manning, D Dylan McIlrath, D Ryan McDonagh, D Jyri Niemi, G Scott Stajcer and G Cam Talbot.
Along with the Rangers, the Detroit Red Wings, Atlanta Thrashers, Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets and Dallas Stars are scheduled to participate in the tournament. The Rangers open up the tourney on September 11th when they face the Columbus prospects. The Rangers open up their training camp on September 17th.
On July 21st, the NHL tweeted that they will not provide coverage of the tournament on the NHL Network. I understand that there are obvious production costs to cover a tournament, but it's truly a shame. For what is essentially a wasteland of summer programming on the network (truthfully, how many times can you watch the same Boston-Buffalo 2010 playoff game over a 2-½ month span?) it would be some new and fresh programming to whet fans' appetites as a prelude to training camps opening, and give fans of the participating teams a chance to see their prospects in action that they would not normally have a chance to see.
Filed Under: New York Rangers • Prospects
About the Author: Likes: Hockey, the New York Rangers, King Henrik, singing the Rangers goal song, "The Save", the sound skates make against ice, heckling Marty Brodeur. Dislikes: 3-point games, front-office mismanagement, Denis Potvin, overpriced arena beer. Interested? Follow me on Twitter: @CC_927
Comments (2)
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by BDGallof, LightningShout, TB Lightning Feed, RedWings Blog & News, RyanB and others. RyanB said: RT @BDGallof RT @CC_927: Rangers on the way to Traverse City Tourney in September: http://bit.ly/dyRPXM #NYR [...]
I absolutely accept what you have mentioned. Actually, I browsed throughout your additional content articles and I do think you happen to be absolutely correct. Congrats with this site.


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Another very good, albeit slow-moving episode. It is definitely a set up episode, as many of the major characters make rash decisions – mostly out of lust – that they could end up regretting. Nucky puts his trust Sally Wheet, a tough bartender whom he barely knows, after having a one-night-stand with her. Chalky finally breaks down and has his own torrid night of passion with Daughter Maitland, a move that could very well have been planned by Dr, Narcisse for some twisted reason. Though it has nothing to do with sex, Lucky Luciano decides to abruptly back out of the Florida land and tells Meyer to stick it as he's leaving. This is a move that could very well come back to bite either of the characters in the a$$.
Can't wait for the next episode!
The initials were "jTm", which means the owner of the handkerchief should have initals J.M.T. (the major initial in the middle typicaly being the last name. Still don't know who that could be, but for what it's worth…). If it is really J.T.M., then could it be Joe Masseria? We'll find out soon enough.
JTM are Knox's initials for his real name, Knox is just an undercover name.
JTM is a monogram and my $$$ would be none other than James Tolson who was J.Edgar Hoovers right hand man and rumored lover!!!
my reference for this theory is the film J.Edgar starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
actually it was CLYDE Tolson but the show does take liberties w/ historical names such as Nucky JOHNSON was the actual AC king pin not Nucky Thompson …. We shall see.
Loved the red crochet dress Maitland had on. Wish I could find the pattern.
Speakeasy is a blog covering media, entertainment, celebrity and the arts. The publication is produced by Barbara Chai and Jonathan Welsh with contributions from the Wall Street Journal staff and others. Write to us at firstname.lastname@example.com or follow us on Twitter at @WSJSpeakeasy or individually @barbarachai.
Content engaging our readers now, with additional prominence accorded if the story is rapidly gaining attention. Our WSJ algorithm comprises 30% page views, 20% Facebook, 20% Twitter, 20% email shares and 10% comments.


text:
Next, you'll be asked to connect with Twitter. Rest assured, we will never send a tweet from your account
without your permission.
We will send you an email with an invite soon.
RT @WSJ: #ArrestedDevelopment fans rejoice. Netflix will release 14 new episodes of the comedy in May.
See what's Trending Now for @antrod


text:
Sesame Street has always used spoofs of popular culture to draw in and connect with its audience. We use spoofs and celebrity appearances to draw in the adult, because research shows that a child learns best when co-viewing with an adult.Sesame Workshop vice president and executive producer of Digital Media Miles Ludwig • Explaining the quick success of last week's Grover "Old Spice" parody, which has earned millions of views in just a few days. You know what's funny, though? That's exactly what another Sesame Workshop employee said about the Katy Perry thing on Good Morning America not so long ago. It seems to us that when they hit it, they hit it out of the park, but when they miss, something like Katy Perry happens. source (via)
11:24 // 3 years ago


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text:
Ask the Car Insurance Expert
My son hit a deer. Was wondering how insurance companies handle this is. Would we have to pay a deductible to get it fixed?
Your insurance will cover it if you bought comprehensive coverage; that's the kind of coverage that pays for damage from animal collisions. And yes, there is a deductible for comprehensive claims. Check your policy if you can't remember what your deductible is.
[Let Insure.com help you find affordable car insurance now.]
If you did not purchase comprehensive coverage you'll need to pay for the repairs yourself.


text:
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326130833619474872014-09-13T08:29:43.213+02:00[The Tech Goggles]what's new?Alex email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-14162644389608440742013-10-17T17:41:00.001+02:002013-10-18T18:14:35.688+02:00PDFConvertor, an Online Tool for converting Documents from PDF.

I came across this tool which lets you convert PDF documents to Power Point files in ppt. format, should you need for editing or creating interactive slide shows. This is a free tool and is widely used by Students, Professors and public speakers around the world, and it seems that its popularity is growing. The best thing is that you don't need to install anything!

The Link to the converter is this: http://www.pdfconverter.com/pdf-to-powerpoint-online-free/

Below are its main features:

1) It's completely free to use.
2) People can convert as many files as they want, no limits.
3) There is a Document File Size limit of 2 MB (but it may be upgraded in the near future).
4) The Converter makes very smooth and accurate conversions.
5) It is very quick and users usually receive their converted documents in less a minute or two.

The way to use the tool is the following:

1) You upload your PDF document.
2) Type your email address.
3) Click "Start".

The company also provides other PDF converting services. You can browse through their site here:

http://www.pdfconverter.com/

Alex Cutajarhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-61071001703775309312013-10-17T17:12:00.000+02:002013-10-17T17:14:19.643+02:00Top 5 Most Overpriced Tech!

Here's a video I found which makes a lot of sense in my opinion.

A list of overpriced technology, and why!

Alex Cutajarhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-43503460896559419462013-10-17T17:08:00.000+02:002013-10-17T17:08:47.352+02:00The Tech Goggles is Back!

Dear all,

I would like to apologize for not posting last week due to personal problems.

The Tech Goggles will continue today!

Hope you all enjoy reading the articles :)

Alex CutajarAlex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-60268425440583982442013-10-03T23:58:00.001+02:002013-10-03T23:58:14.621+02:00Adobe had been attacked by Hackers

As this link reports, Adobe, the company behind your Flash Player, Photoshop, AutoCad, and so on and so forth, was being hacked earlier today.

The act included illegal access to the company's customer information and code related to its programs. It is believed that the hackers messed up with some of the customer's information, probably making it different for each customer. The data included names, credit/ debit card numbers, and expiration dates. Credit card numbers were in encrypted form and thus there is very little risk one might decrypt them.

Adobe's customers sum up to 2.9 Million.Alex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-84364480613885007142013-10-03T20:02:00.000+02:002013-10-03T20:02:51.358+02:00Messaging Problems With iOS7

There had been problems with messaging with people using iOS7. It seems that sometimes messages are failing to send. This is not due a signal fault, but due to the new software update.

It seems that users have come up with a remedy to "by- pass" this, by restarting their phone. However, sometimes it can get frustrating. The issue is only with iMessage, that is - sending a message to other users who have iPhones too.

Since now feedback with the new iOS7 has been very positive, especially with regards to battery life, except for the fact that it made some users sick, being "too flashy"!Alex Cutajarhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-26619691205444152682013-10-02T00:51:00.002+02:002013-10-02T00:51:54.381+02:00Windows XP to die in Munich

Microsoft is to stop giving support to the still popular version of Windows, Windows XP in April 2014. Windows XP is still popular with old desktop PCs, as it is perhaps the best Windows Version released by Microsoft, being stable and efficient.

After Microsoft end with their support, it is known that Windows XP will probably get infiltrated with spyware and viruses, making this popular operating system a living hell to work with.

This is why Munich has decided to take action on this, to not let its citizens be prone to such hackers and spyware. Munich has decided to start distributing Ubuntu 12.04 CDs to replace Windows XP.

Around 2,000 CDs are being prepared. These are all free to share, copy and distribute. This is not the first time that Munich has done something in favour of Linux.
Alex Cutajarhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-51977168656675486062013-10-01T08:40:00.000+02:002013-10-01T08:40:00.412+02:00Visitors of this Site prefer Android as a Mobile Platform.

73% of the poll's voters voted for Android as their favourite Mobile Platform. A total of 89 Voters participated in the site's first Poll.

Be sure to vote in our new poll. Your Most Favourite Linux Distribution!Alex Cutajarhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-65014907209511571642013-10-01T08:02:00.000+02:002013-10-01T08:02:00.613+02:00Highway Texting Zones - Beneficial?

A note to my fellow Maltese friends: I don't think we're ever getting these..

Large Cities like New York are considering to introduce Texting Zones - Zones designated for anyone to stop to answer or write a text during a long trip. Some may think this idea is pathetic, however one might have to consider the risks of using your phone while driving. Texting is much more dangerous than answering a call on your phone, since your eyes are constantly focusing on one thing - either your phone or the road. Unfortunately, our eyes cannot go both ways (or maybe some can, but not naturally :)). When tenting while driving, you are being blind to the road.

In highways, where cars are driven at high speeds, it is necessary to keep focused on the road so as not to cause hazards or accidents. An accident in a highway could be disastrous to tens of vehicles in the same route.Alex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-46960988763458496372013-10-01T01:39:00.001+02:002013-10-01T01:39:19.249+02:00The Microsoft Realm and How To Tackle It.

As an Example, I'm going to take into consideration our Maltese IT Degree.

The Microsoft Realm in Our Studies.

I am currently reading a course in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Malta. Here in Malta, IT is considered as one of the strongest sectors of the country. Here is one of the reason why 99% of the population in Malta and Europe runs Windows, and maybe MAC, and why IT Students are afraid to use Linux or other Operating Systems.

1. Microsoft Biased Topics

I was taking a peek at our Timetable for next semester. One of the subjects I have listed is about Object Oriented Programming.

I like Object Oriented Programming, I was then eager to check out about the topic. I liked it until I had seen the description.

"Java & C# for .NET Framework Platform"
Why .NET? Why use Microsoft products for learning? How on earth are students supposed to learn programming when they're already closed to Microsoft products? The .NET Framework (pronounced dot net) is a software framework developed by Microsoft that runs primarily on Microsoft Windows.

That serves Microsoft pretty well here in Malta, since we have an ever growing Software and Online Betting industry. Applications in .NET are not runnable on other OSes like Linux.

Luckily enough.. I will be studying a different version which does not include .NET.. *phew*

2. MSDNAA

An online - Microsoft Marketplace for IT Students, giving them the opportunity for free Microsoft products like Windows itself, Office, and Developer tools. Some Applications also come with a price, however greatly reduced for students. Yes, this is another why how Microsoft brainwashes our students to use and get used to (maybe even get hooked) to their stuff.

3. Microsoft Seminars/Conferences

The ICT student association and the IT department are constantly getting Microsoft to produce seminars and conferences, even opportunities like scholarships for us students, which is a good thing (I'm not blaming the ICT association nor the IT department), but this is also another way how Microsoft tries to brainwash everyone to think they are the best company to choose.

4. Usage of Windows

The University Labs use Windows, Every working PC in the premises is running Windows. Where's Linux? Where's MAC?

The whole point is that Microsoft gets ALL THE CREDIT because it works for it. Yes, it is a multi million company and it invests in students. But how on Earth do we want Linux, Open Source and any other kinds of computer platforms to grow if we keep on using Microsoft products. It's like this company is taking control of our knowledge, and not just taking control - but limiting it to where it needs. Where's Linux? NOWHERE.

WHAT TO DO TO TACKLE THIS?

So let's all do one thing. Do you really want Linux, particularly Desktop Linux to grow? If yes you should do something about it. But what can we do?

You're an IT Student?

It may be time you launch a Linux Fan Club or Linux Branch in collaboration with your Student Organisation. Maybe give suggestions to lecturers to start teaching Linux and include it in your academic studies.
You're an IT Lecturer?

Let your students know about Linux. Give examples of Linux in the real world, and show how much more powerful Linux is than other platforms. Show the fun stuff.
You're an IT Technician?

Offer a Pre-Installation of Linux at a cheaper Price. Let the your customers know that as Linux is free, you can save up to a $100 in Licensing!
You're a Company Director?

Try Linux on some of your computers at the Office, just so others can try it out and get used to it.
You're a Normal Employee?

Ask one of your bosses to let you use Linux during work instead of Windows.
You're an average Person?

Use Linux Yourself. Get to know about it. Install it on old computers. Tell your friends about it constantly.
AS THE LINUX COMMUNITY

FOCUS ON ONE DISTRIBUTION

I know that I will probably face a lot of criticism about this, but I've never actually liked the idea of having hundreds of distributions with the same base. Let's face it - a normal user would install One type of operating system once, get used to it and leave it there. So why do we keep creating distributions instead of focusing on one particular Linux OS? It's just not good marketing.

Take Windows or MAC. Yes they do have different versions, say Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Home, but it's WINDOWS 7, and that's it. People may get confused at which Linux distribution to use. Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, CentOS, Fedora,.. etc

BE MORE HELPFUL TO DUMMIES.

People completely new to Linux will find the switch from Windows to Linux harder than we might think, so we might consider launching Linux Groups and Forums for dummies who never actually tried Linux.

MAKE LINUX MORE AVAILABLE TO THE USER.

Promote it on your Social Network, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Make a Linux advert on your website. Promotion is the key.

Any other suggestions? Feel free to comment below :)

Alex Cutajarhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-26681551634729245412013-09-29T21:30:00.001+02:002013-09-29T21:30:39.921+02:00Apple iPhone 5s Review - GSMArena.com

Here's a full review for the Apple iPhone 5s, containing 12 pages of packed information, so that you can now know its key features, advantages and disadvantages, and if it's worth its price. Some key features that were protagonists in this review are the TouchID, a bigger camera sensor and LED Flash, and also the A7 chip.

Click here to read the full review.Alex Cutajarhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-62753591761673252062013-09-29T13:22:00.002+02:002013-09-29T13:22:46.222+02:00More bad news for Black Berry.

Black Berry have suspended their new Android and iOS Black Berry Messenger Apps. The application was initially halted on Saturday when an Unreleased version of BBM for Android was posted online. It seems that this version "Caused issues." Black Berry are still working on these apps for their chance of survival.

Such actions can be critical to BlackBerry. This week we've already heard about Black Berry slashing off its workforce by 40%, meaning 4,500 workers. The company is losing money and thus it needs to take fast, but not stupid actions.Alex Cutajarhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-48410904762803694692013-09-29T13:05:00.003+02:002013-09-29T13:05:44.384+02:00New iOS is making users Sick

It seems that some Apple customers and iOS users seem not happy at all with the new iOS update. The new flashy update makes some users go Light headed, especially when using the phone for a long time. Users have also taken this complaint to Apple message boards and also Twitter.

It seems that the new iOS "makes them dizzy," quoting some of the users complaining. Some of which are complaining especially when using the phone in road trips.

This is not the first time that phones had a too flashy operating system making their users go dizzy from time to time, and Apple seems to have created another one.Alex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-73901406453183321892013-09-28T22:50:00.000+02:002013-09-28T22:50:36.463+02:00Gran Turismo 6 May be Available for PC

Developers Polyphony Digital may have a treat for you. It seems that one of the most popular PlayStation Games, maybe released for PC rather than just PlayStation.

PC Gamers have long awaited a game similar to Gran Turismo, as it offers tracks, a wide range of cars and features other car video games never released. Gran Turismo claims to be "The Real Driving Simulator." Other car video games have so far focused on creating a more interesting career mode, which will leave the gamer hooked to the game.

However, one must not jump into false conclusions. Gran Turismo 6 news talks about a PC version, however there are no big rumours yet. Websites like wikipedia claim that Gran Turismo 6 will only be released on PlayStation 3.

It is understandable why Gran Turismo is only released for PlayStation, since its publishers are Sony, the same brand manufacturing the PlayStation Console itself.

The Game is scheduled to be released during the first days of next December.

Link for the news article: http://www.gran-turismo.com/gb/news/00_1910783.html?t=15th
Link for the wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gran_Turismo_6

Alex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-19361400196617988922013-09-28T10:04:00.000+02:002013-09-28T10:04:01.549+02:00Valve announce their first Steam Controller

It seems that the Steam OS / Steam Box project is getting pretty serious. Valve have announced their first Steam controller, to be used on Steam Box - their announced console, working with a Linux Operating System.

The controller features haptic feedback and two trackpads, pretty much like a "general" controller everyone's used to. As Valve announced, it will give PC gaming a better way to play games rather than a keyboard and a mouse.

Valve have also invited gamers to test this controller.

What I don't know is this: - PC gamers are used to playing using their mouse and keyboard. I like PC gaming over Console gaming because I use a keyboard and a mouse, and because I find it better in some aspects. I only used controllers for specific games which are really annoying to play with a keyboard.

What do you think? Do you prefer controllers or Keyboards and Mice?

Alex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-23481672846278353692013-09-27T23:50:00.000+02:002013-09-28T03:16:36.046+02:00[TUTORlAL] Installing Ubuntu Desktop on a Netbook

Welcome to My First Tutorial for this blog. This tutorial is specifically intended to those who wish to try Ubuntu Linux, maybe on an older PC. I decided to do this on my net book since it has been running reeeeaaaalllly slow with Windows 7, and as Windows 7's requirements are much higher than that of Ubuntu's I thought I'd install Ubuntu on my old net book. So here it goes.

First of all these are the minimum requirements for Ubuntu Linux compared to Windows 7.

Requirements:

Ubuntu 13.04 Raring Ringtail Requirements:

CPU: Pentium 4 / 1Ghz Processor
RAM(Minimal): 64 MB
RAM(Recommended): 512MB
Hard Drive: 5GB
 Windows 7 Requirements:

CPU: Pentium 4 / 1Ghz Processor
RAM(Minimal): 1GB
RAM(Recommended): 2GB
Hard Drive: 16GB
 Let's get on with it. Here's the step by step guide.

What you'll need:

A 2GB (or more) USB Flash Drive

Your Net book or PC (Quite Obvious)

A Backup Drive (For backup purposes)

Rufus Application (Download here)

Creating Your Installation Drive

1. Download Ubuntu

Download the latest ISO file by going to this link: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop

Make sure you choose the appropriate file according to your hardware (64Bit or 32 Bit)

2. Download Rufus

Rufus is a USB Formatting Utility. You need this application in order to set up your bootable USB Flash drive. You can download Rufus from here.

1. Run Rufus in Elevated Mode:

2. Choose your USB Device and Volume Label:

3. Find your downloaded Ubuntu ISO Image:

4. Start Flashing!

You now have a Bootable Flash Drive!

Preparing your System for Ubuntu

1. Backup your files

I admit I hate this step. I am too lazy to go through all my files and folders and back them up into one. Here's where you might need your separate hard drive in order to back your files up. Remember that you are going to format your hard drive so you need to copy any useful data on another disk.

Note: Yes you can install multiple Operating Systems if you'd like, however I wouldn't recommend doing it on a limited Net Book's Hard Drive!

2. Setting Up Boot Device Priority

By default, your Net book or PC might be set to boot from your Hard drive, thus you need to set it to boot up from your USB Flash drive in order to install Ubuntu. First, insert your USB drive and restart the system. Once the Motherboard, or Laptop brand splash screen appears, press the boot device priority key indicated on the screen. You might need to enter BIOS/CMOS setup in order to do that, depending on your hardware. Also, keys may vary according to the hardware being used, however the most common keys are F2, F9, ESC and DEL, so if you're lost try one of those before booting.

Then, all you need is to set the USB Flash drive as First in Boot priority, save changes and restart again. Make sure your USB Flash disk is still inserted.

Installing Ubuntu 13.04

1. Try / Install Ubuntu

After the previous step, the Ubuntu installation should start automatically. You can just try Ubuntu before installing it, in Live Mode, however in Live mode you won't be able to use its full features.

2. Checking Requirments

In this step, Ubuntu Installer checks for your requirements. If you use Wi-Fi like me, then you will be able to choose your network as soon as you click Continue.

3. Installation Type and Encryption

You can either choose to keep Windows on another partition or just reformat the disk over Windows files, just as I did.

If you chose to encrypt your files, Ubuntu Installer will now ask you for a password.

NOTE: Do not Forget this Password!

4. Final Steps

Ubuntu Installer will now ask you for your Location, Keyboard layout, and your details to create your User Account

5. Installation

The Installation will then start copying files to your hard drive.

Once the Installation is complete, you will be asked for a restart. From now on you can remove your USB drive.

6. Voila!

Type in your password and Ubuntu will start booting up!

VOILA ! :)

And now I have an Ubuntu HP- Mini. Optimized for Windows 7, Runs best with Ubuntu. :D

The best part is, I'm posting this using that same Net Book!

I hope this Tutorial was of help to you, and if you have any problems or feedback just comment below. If you enjoyed or liked this post, it would be appreciated if you could share it, or Like the site's Facebook page / Follow on Twitter / G+ or subscribe via RSS or email. Thanks in Advance

Happy Ubuntu-ing!

Alex Cutajarhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-809503234813727492013-09-27T00:20:00.000+02:002013-09-27T00:21:23.884+02:00Bill Gates: CTRL + ALT + DELETE should have been made easier.

Bill Gates says that the triple key feature should have been made easier, such as using a two key shortcut, however the designer insisted on using these three keys.

"We could have had a single button. But the guy who did the IBM keyboard design didn't want to give us our single button"

But would it really be an "emergency" shortcut then? Surely, if the system had to be with one button, it would be easier to hit by mistake, and thus it could be annoying. I think that many users nowadays are much adapted to the CTRL + ALT + DELETE feature and thus they press them without even noticing or looking at the keyboard.

Is it easy for you to use CTRL + ALT + DELETE? Would you prefer a one button shortcut?

Read more at: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/26/tech/innovation/bill-gates-control-alt-delete/Alex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-27937000259421220112013-09-27T00:07:00.001+02:002013-09-27T00:08:28.720+02:00Facebook is letting you Edit Posts

It seems that Facebook will be including a new edit feature for statuses and posts this week, letting users edit after posting. The feature will be available to anyone using Facebook on Android

Some users do not agree with this since your Facebook status is "stamped" as one status on your timeline, thus showing history. It wouldn't be any real history if you could edit your statuses just after. It would be much better if Facebook included a time frame for people to edit posts say 1 hour, so that users won't be able to edit their 'ancient' posts.

However, the majority of users are in favour of this. Auto Correct can ruin your post, while you also have a high chance of a spelling mistake when working with a compact Android keyboard.

Taking from my experience, I can say that it is not the first time that I misspelled something using my Android keyboard, and wished I could edit it after.

Read More here.Alex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-29673606362415738902013-09-26T23:44:00.001+02:002013-09-27T09:42:07.626+02:00Why should you choose Linux Desktop over Windows.

With reference to one of my posts which made quite a hit today.. about the reasons why Linux Desktop is unpopular (Link), here are a few points I would like to make.

The post was about Linux Desktop not the whole Linux industry. I got those points from several articles and personal experience. I work in an IT environment in Malta, a country with no interest whatsoever on Linux. Those are the reasons why people I meet do not install Linux, and some of which I knew for sure they may be contributing factors to the unpopularity of Linux around the World.

May I also state that I know about "Big Businesses" but they only exist in Servers and 'Super Computers' I also know about the Linux Foundation but it is different from companies like Microsoft and Apple, since Linux is not their bread and butter, whereas Windows is to Microsoft. Here is also a link to why this could be the Linux Year, in my opinion. (Link)

Let's go to the Linux Desktop's pros.

Cost

This is quite obvious. Linux is free and open source, and thus you do not need to worry about buying any license to use it. So are its applications and software. Developers might also want to redevelop applications or the OS itself to meet their needs.

Secure

Linux is much less vulnerable than Windows. Generally you don't need to buy or download any virus protection software, because Viruses or malware are MUCH less common in Linux rather than Windows. One might have to consider that Windows holds the major desktop share, thus most of viruses are coded to work on Windows. Apart from that, if some virus is released, there are thousands of developers working to find a solution rather than a limited number of companies, thus the beauty of it being Open Source.

Usage on Older PCs

One might have a working old PC. There are "lite" versions of Linux desktop which work pretty well with old computers, thus putting your computer back to life, whilst not needing to use an ancient OS such as Windows 98 or Windows 2000.

Alternative Programs

One might need specific problems to carry out their tasks. Linux, offers a great variety of alternative Applications which lets the user carry out the tasks which he was doing before on different OSes.

Hardware Support

You must probably think I'm insane talking about Hardware Support when I've written such a post yesterday. Maybe I have not made myself clear enough. This is different. Drivers on Windows are more easy to find or install, whereas on Linux it may have the best hardware compatibility, but it may need some time however to find the proper drivers. However, the new Linux kernel supports the a very wide range of Hardware.

Specific Choices

Linux comes in different distributions, making some distributions 'specific' or specialized to what a user may want. This also gives the user the chance of change both the appearance and the distribution once in a while. Maybe a user is bored of the same old OS, and want a little bit of change.
Alex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-79347790547771570052013-09-26T00:09:00.000+02:002013-09-27T11:35:02.701+02:00How this could be the Linux Year.

High Hopes and Investments

Linux is a Free, and thus there are no businesses pumping cash to promote it. However this year things could be different. IBM claimed that it will be literally pumping a good 1 Billion dollar investment, whilst Intel hold high hopes and positive thinking with regards to Linux and Open Source. Nvidia are also talking constantly about Linux

"Weak" Competitors

Before you jump into conclusions, I am not saying that Microsoft or Apple are weak. I am only saying that the release of Windows 8 was controversial. The majority of users, especially developers disliked Windows 8 up to an extent that they considered reinstalling and moving back to Windows 7. Now what if we had to promote Linux as an alternative, that would make the user switching to a recent OS rather than downgrading to an earlier one.

Tackling Linux's Weak Points

We can all find an alternative software for applications we use on other operating systems, however we can never find an alternative for gaming. Gaming had always been targeted for Windows. I still use Windows for only that reason. However, it seems that Steam OS can change things, being developed by one of the leading Gaming brands. Let's just hope it is not just a re-skinned Ubuntu!

More Hardware Compatibility

Again, with companies like IBM, Intel and Nvidia on its side, Linux will be more compatible to their hardware. These companies used to be "Windows cousins," but it seems that they are now realizing that the future isn't in Windows, but in Open Source.

Android

One might not notice, but there are millions out there who never tried nor heard about Linux, but are constantly using a Linux - Based Operating System everyday without even knowing. If they can play their cards right, Android can be a benefactor to the Linux desktop too.
Alex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-61783690918482396722013-09-25T13:44:00.000+02:002013-09-25T13:44:59.013+02:00Play with Your Pets Remotely - PetCube

PetCube offers a new solution for pet owners who are willing to play with their pet when they are out. This offers a great alternative to when pet owners are out of their homes for a long time, such as on vacation. It allows the user to interact with his/her pets so that pets don't feel lonely when no one is at home. With PetCube, the user is also able to speak with their pets and use laser to play with them.

The project has already raised $32,700 out of a $100,000 goal in less than one day.

The project is undergoing negotiations with hardware manufacturers, and the PetCube team have already claimed that there would be an Android and iOS, which will be free.

The Cube is believed to be launched next May, and will have a sleek silver design, however one can buy optional covers, making them suitable for the pet's needs and likings. The Cube will be sold for about $200.

Gotta tell Mum about this!

Watch the video below.

Visit their official Website: www.petcube.net

<o:p> </o:p>
Alex Cutajarhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-67418318229714885062013-09-25T01:49:00.001+02:002013-09-25T01:53:22.616+02:00What makes Linux Desktop so Unpopular?

Ever questioned yourself why Linux Desktop is not as widely used as other operating systems such as Windows and Mac? Linux is the one of the most powerful Operating Systems in the world, being open source, and much more. Here's a few points why Linux Desktop may have been left on the shelf.

Linux is Free and Open Source

That means, there's no big business behind it, and there are no companies pumping cash in order to promote it. Non - Technical people simply buy a computer which is eye- catching, probably running Microsoft Windows. They don't care what Operating System it is. I mean, for a non- technical person, why should he care if the computer's running Microsoft Windows or Linux? Microsoft, being a cash pump, advertises Windows so that our newly- bought PCs will be pre-installed with Windows. That way, non technical people may never realize that there are alternatives, and if they do, they would find them unfamiliar. Some people see their computer as a normal home appliance. They just care if it works or not.

Lack of Driver Support

Without being popular, it's understandable that Linux systems don't get much attention from hardware manufacturers. Some Hardware drivers are coded only for Windows or Mac, leaving Linux out of the list, particularly when it comes to gaming hardware. That makes any user, particularly a non technical one very upset, as they may not be able to maximize their PC's full capabilities.

With Windows Vista and above, it's too easy for Windows to install your new devices. Some of us have even lost the idea of acquiring drivers for our specific devices. Everything with Windows is "Plug and Play"

A Less User-Friendly Environment

Versions like Ubuntu have somewhat reached a User - Friendly environment, but still not enough to reach what Windows and MAC have achieved.

Less Software Opportunities

If one tries Linux over Windows, one might have to ask whether the software used on his Windows PC run on Linux, and that is a problem. You are able to find alternative applications for Linux, however not the original application. That way, you might have to adapt to tons of new software which you use everyday, and that is frustrating at first. Moreover, some file types may just not work with alternatives, so you maybe unable to access your work done on Windows.

When we talk about buying software for PC or Games for PC, our mind constantly thinks about Windows. No one considers that the term 'Software for PC' does not mean 'Software for all kinds of Operating Systems that might be Operating on your PC' but it's just for Windows and MAC. If you go to buy a video game, you don't expect it to run on a Linux System.

Linux Communities may be helpful, however not to everyone.

There are loads of Linux communities out there which are willing to help everyone, especially new users. However, they might not realize that new users are too "Non- Technical" people coming from Windows. People who adapted on Windows, find it difficult to use the terminal and the CLI interface. It is why they just then give up and keep using Operating Systems like Windows.

But is Linux Desktop that unpopular?

On a PC? Yes it is. Linux only holds about 2% of the desktop Operating Systems share.

BUT.

Some of us use a Linux System without even noticing. On Mobile Devices, Android is practically a Linux OS, holding a market share of about 55%. So now we know that if efforts are doubled on Desktop PC Linux, just like the efforts made to bring up Android, Linux may be able to start competing with other Operating Systems.

What do you think?

Alex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-68713748952708887892013-09-24T19:07:00.000+02:002013-09-24T19:07:00.426+02:00Galaxy S5 to get Aluminum casing?

News about the new Samsung Galaxy S5 claim that its casing will be made of aluminium. This is understandable after the criticism over the Samsung Galaxy S4 having poor plastic casing.

However, thus this mean Samsung are copying Apple's Ideas?

Speaking from my view: I am a proud owner of a Samsung Galaxy S2 myself, and I have not just drop tested it, but even slammed it at times during my anger (Yes, sometimes I have anger problems L). Maybe Samsung can find another alternative - hardened plastic, or maybe phones can be made out of components which are more shock proof (like for example, the bendable screen!)
Alex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-35101966188270993992013-09-24T16:03:00.000+02:002013-09-24T16:03:03.818+02:00iPhones destroyed after a fake Waterproof advert on the Internet.

A fake advert about the new iOS7 led to the destruction of several iPhones. The advert, claimed that the new iOS7 made the device waterproof.

The Poster read:

"Update to iOS7 and become Waterproof!"

"In an emergency, a smart-switch will shut off the phone's power supply and corresponding components to prevent any damage to your iPhone's delicate circuitry,"
 After being shared on several social network sites, this advert made curious people, probably not knowing anything about technology to get fooled and try it out. It is then that such iPhone users had gone mad, wasting an iPhone, probably bought over the weekend during its launch.

Adding a note for future purposes: Software Updating is Never going to make your phone Waterproof or shockproof or any other –proof. It all depends on the hardware and casing it is built.

Alex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-23163736503460841272013-09-24T14:01:00.001+02:002013-09-24T14:01:17.835+02:00Samsung's New Image Sensor Technology

The South Korean Company Samsung has just announced its new Image Sensor, which is expected to be fitted in forthcoming smart phones. The Image Sensor is being called "ISOCELL", which is named after the technology being used. As Samsung claims, the sensor works by ISOlating the light receptor CELLs in the sensor, thus it improves image quality. It is also thinner than current image sensors, and thus suitable for "thin" mobile devices.
Some believe that the new image sensor will be fitted in the new Samsung Galaxy S5. After the iPhone 5s launch, Samsung will be eager to manufacture a powerful competitor to the market. The attention now grows on Samsung as it is working on the new Galaxy Series phone.

Currently we can conclude that the new Samsung Galaxy S5 will probably hold a better image quality.

 More information regarding the ISOCELL technology can be found below in this link: http://hexus.net/business/news/components/60501-samsung-launches-isocell-enhanced-cmos-imaging-sensor/Alex Cutajarhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1532613083361947487.post-5691037401107607022013-09-23T22:55:00.001+02:002013-09-23T22:55:46.510+02:00Steam OS! - The new Linux based Operating System

As we've been working on bringing Steam to the living room, we've come to the conclusion that the environment best suited to delivering value to customers is an operating system built around Steam itself.

Yes you heard right, VALVE's expanding Universe was indeed something involving Linux and Open Source! Valve hopes to bring back PC gaming to life by using a Linux- Based, Open Source Operating System.

"SteamOS combines the rock-solid architecture of Linux with a gaming experience built for the big screen."

We've heard Linux Officials claiming that Linux and Open Source are the future of Gaming, despite their minute usage worldwide.

The code for SteamOS will be made freely available for developers who want to launch their gaming hardware.

Valve's new SteamOS machine is likely to be called Steam-Box

This, in addition to IBM's and Intel's efforts could mean a great boost for the Linux Operating System. Afterall, Intel said that it's the Linux Year!

Who's eager for SteamOS? Visit their website: http://store.steampowered.com/livingroom/SteamOS/Alex Cutajarhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Hippo Pearl
Hippo Pearl
YUIN PK3 Earbuds
" The PK3 is a great, warm earbud. It does vocals especially well because it is very mid-focused. It has impressive bass extension, not especially strong impact; the trebles are smooth and may roll off too soon for clarity and detail nuts. But the mids are what the PK3 are all about. " --kmhaynes
Yuin Pk1 Earphones
" These were my sweetest sounding head-gear yet. It would be brilliant all-rounder if it would not require a portable amp for portable use. This is the first reason i left it, otherwise i almost got an ear infection from those foams.., they get dirty in a few weeks of massive use. I recommend them to clean, i boiled them in water. " --angevoi
Yuin Pk2 Earphones
PK2 earphones are the low impedance version of PK1. Although not as good as PK1, PK2's sound signature is similar to PK1. You don't have to drive PK2 with an expensive head-amp. If you are looking for something with high performance/price ratio, PK2 might be the best choice.
Yuin OK1 Earphones
" Well firstly this is not a true iem. The sound is about as great as one could get from an earbud. In my limited experience and without trying the pk1, I would say these are the finest buds you can buy. With that said, these are not for everyone, this is a niche product within an already niche market. I find driving it with my D12 anaconda makes for a pleasurable sound,..." --Jamesdeandoa
Yuin OK3 Earphones
Technical Details * Impedance:32 ohm(at 1KHz) * Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz * Sensitivity:120 dB (at 1KHz) * Max Input Power: 400 mv
Hippo Shroom
" *This is a review for the EB (Extended Bass) version, not the original* The Shroom EB's use micro drivers that sit inside your ear canal instead of just outside like most IEMs, the drivers are physically smaller and this means that the Shroom has a very small housing. They fit without touching most of your ear and can be worn cable up or down. The barrel is relatively long so it will..." --grahamnp
Yuin OK2 Earphones
" Overall I have been satisfied with these phones. I would not recommend paying full price for them like I did. " --Skoch
Hippo VB
"Audio Quality The bass is pretty awesome. Full rich controlled clear deep bass. Usually bass heavy earphones tends to cover up the mids and highs. This one performed well. Love the tuning bass ports customization which is similar to XePort 5010-8 and MEElectronics SP51. Isolation Surprisingly good overall soundstage coming from such a bass-heavy earphones. Though its..." --unbornchaos
Hippo 10EB
Hippo 10EB


text:
Neptunia V Marches Into Japanese Stores, Gets A Launch TrailerBy Ishaan . August 30, 2012 . 11:30pm
Compile Heart have shared a new launch promo video for Neptunia V, which is available in Japan as of today.
Compile Heart have shared a new launch promo video for Neptunia V, which is available in Japan as of today.
Video game champion Mouri Meijin shocks monsters with lightning eyes before falling on them. Xevious creator Masanobu Endo, much to Noire's surprise, turns into a drill when you summon him.
Neptunia V comes out on August 30 and Summon Division Manager Izawa announced one more moe-ified mascot. CyberConnect2, developer of .hack and the Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm series, will be in Neptunia V.
Marvelous AQL's design is based on the Senran Kagura series. Broccoli looks like she stepped out of Di Gi Charat.
Neptunia V has a new character customization feature called the Blank Disc System. Players combine idea chips and try to burn a "god game."
Neptunia V has tons of costume options. The latest trailer for Compile Heart's RPG series about the video game industry shows witch, maid, priestess, and nurse outfits.
New "moe moe" video shows some of Nepunia V's event scenes.
Following in the footsteps of Falcom, Cave, and Gust Neptunia V introduces a new personified video game publisher – Marvelous-chan.
While IF and Compa are in Neptunia V, both of Neptunia's usual allies are babies. Compile Heart also added PC, a baby version of the PC Engine or Hudson as a new character. So, who is going to help you in battles?
Looks like "Mariyo" is back for Neptunia V and in Lastation there are Toro and King of All Cosmos gag cameos.
Compile Heart shared a new video of Neptunia V's battle system which is based on Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2. One main change is the CPUs can transform into weapons another character can use for a powerful attack. You can also call in other characters for assist attacks and Neptune has an devastating EXE drive attack tied […]
Neptunia V takes place decades before other games in the series, so Neptunia's usual friends Compa and IF won't be much help in battle… because they're babies.
For Neptunia V, Keiji Inafune is a massive battleship, a play on his last name with the second character in his name read as "ship." Video game champ Mouri Meijin is also a summon along with a cartoony robot.
New details about Neptunia V are out from Dengeki PlayStation leaks and the first bit is about Histoire, the fairy that knows all about the world of Gamindustri. She's in Netpunia V in a 1989 form along with Kurorie.
Neptunia V (which actually takes place in the past) adds in a more recent video game icon – the Devil King from Square Enix's Vita launch game Army Corps of Hell. He's called Devil King sama in Netpunia V.
New screenshots of a soccer ball monster and event scenes with the Seven Sages inside.


text:
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
'Smaug' Brings in Box Office Gold Worldwide
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How Valentine's Day Came to Be
It may or may not surprise you to know that the true history of Valentine's Day is contested. There are a few differing legends that have feasible roots in known history. One thing is for sure: One hundred years ago, Valentine's Day looked nothing like it does today.
One popular legend explaining the history of Valentine's Day is that it stems back to an ancient Roman holiday celebrating the goddess Juno, the reigning queen of all the Roman deities, as well as the goddess of marriage and romantic love. The ancient Roman holiday is thought to have been celebrated on February 14th and followed by the Feast of Lupercalia on the very next day, February 15th.
According to the traditions of the Roman holiday, on the 14th, the eve of the feast, each of the young men in town would draw a slip of paper with the name of one of the young girls. The name the young man drew would be the name of the girl he would chaperone throughout the entire day of the Feast of Lupercalia. Sometimes the pairing would last for longer than just one day. The co-mingling of boys and girls on the day of the feast was a big event, as boys and girls were kept very separate in the Roman culture of the time.
Another infamous legend about the history of Valentine's Day is that it is named after the Catholic Saint Valentine who, in the year 269 AD defied the Emperor Claudius when he ruled a cancellation of all engagements, weddings, and marriages in Rome. As a priest, Saint Valentine continued to marry young, eloping lovers against the emperor's decree, and when he was found out, he was beheaded for his trouble. The sappiest part of the legend tells that, while awaiting execution, Saint Valentine fell in love with the jailor's daughter and sent her a farewell note signed "from your Valentine". Pope Gelasius, in 496 AD, declared February 14th to be Valentine's Day in honor of his martyrdom.
Remember Sexy Lingerie is the perfect gift for Valentines day and might even get you further than you expect.


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San Francisco, CAUSA
Hometown: Seattle, WA
January 22, 2013
No answer yet
No introduction yet
Welcome Ni. The hike events are usually co-listed by the Sierra Club.
More events at
Were on Facebook
Join us
Hey there, thanks for joining night runners! Hope to see you out on the trails soon!
Hello Ni, Common Sky LLC is a small NYC based multi-media start up company in search of a qualified developer/development team who can help bring our web application proof of concept into reality. Please contact us if this is something you or a member of your network can assist with. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you. Scott & Frank Common Sky LLC -- The Sky is Common to all of us ph: [masked]
Hi Ni Mu, Welcome to Ladies Who Code! All of the helvetica and grid-y goodness on TPM make me happy. Thanks for making it awesome! I, too, am a newfound Rubyist and have been learning as quickly as I can, so it would be great to share notes. Also, I find your former work fascinating and would love to hear more about it. See you soon!
Hello, you're getting this if you were one of the people who signed up to go to a "suggested" Meetup about Google Plus, that was originally on Google Tech Talks. I set up my own Meetup at: http://www.meetup.com/googleplusnyc/
The venue is Creek and Cave Bar in Long Island City (first 7 stop in Queens) at 7 PM September 1st, 2011. Distributing invites more widely starting tomorrow.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Stephen Tortora-Lee
Hi Ni Mu, welcome to the City Wing Tsun meetup group! Hope to meet you at one of our events, sans gator teeth =D
Well, I tried the 3 hour. But did not get chosen for the lottery. May try again Sunday if I'm not tired. Hope all is well.
Most def. Interested in Sunday. What are your thoughts?
Ni, the Winner of the Race. It's runner up number 2 here. Hope all is well missy.
Hey Ni, interested in joining us Saturday morning? We meet at 7a in the bathhouse parking lot. Hope you can make it!
Meetup members, Log in
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text:
It was time to bake for the firemen again and this week's Food Blogger's Challenge food was Vanilla Extract. Not exactly a food per se but I could certainly make it a star in something I was baking. For this I didn't invent a recipe I turned to a most marvelous cookbook, Pure Vanilla. I must admit that had it been another time of year I might have taken the time to play but given all of the fruits and vegetables staring at me awaiting processing, I needed a recipe I knew would work first time out.
Heirloom Vanilla Sugar Cookies
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg, at room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
2 tsp PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
1/4 cup vanilla sugar (sugar with vanilla bean casings. If you don't have vanilla sugar you can use regular sugar but there will a slightly less strong vanilla flavor to the cookies.)
coarse rainbow sugar or other decorative sugar
Preheat oven to 350°
Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone baking mats.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt.
In a medium bowl whisk together the oil and egg.
In the bowl of your stand mixer cream the butter, sugars and vanilla extract on med-high until fluffy and light in color - about two minutes. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the oil/egg mixture until smooth. Slowly add the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
The dough will be soft.
The recipe says to roll the dough into balls but I used my small scoop. (I also rolled them in the vanilla sugar before I put them on the baking sheet.)
Place on baking sheet 2" apart. (The recipe called for dough balls of 2 TBSP but mine were smaller so I didn't space them that far apart.)
Take a flat bottomed glass, dip it in the vanilla sugar and press the dough balls down.
Sprinkle with decorative sugar. Oooh, pretty!
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the sheets about halfway through. You want to pull them out just as they begin to brown at the edges.
Let them sit on the cookie sheets for 2 minutes before removing them to a cooling rack.
Makes 4 dozen using a small scoop. The recipe indicated 3 dozen with the 2 TBSP balls.
Truly yummy cookies! Crunchy, crumbly with a true vanilla flavor. This cookie is going to be all about the vanilla so be sure to use a quality PURE vanilla extract. They were perfect with a glass of milk.
The firemen loved them. I sent most of them in for the training meeting of course. I HAD to taste test a FEW.
Be sure to check out what other delicious vanilla delights the Food Blogger's have prepared this week and New Ideas for Dinner at Confessions of an Overworked Mom.
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
Baking for the Firemen: Heirloom Vanilla Sugar Cookies - #Recipe
5 comments:
i think i have to make these! my kids will love them! thanks for the recipe!ReplyDelete
I love how you look out for the firemen. :) I think I wish I was a fireman!ReplyDelete
And now I am officially craving a sugar cookie! These making me think of Christmas time!ReplyDelete
The girls and I are going to have to try these.ReplyDelete
those look heavenly! I don't think I have seen little sprinkles like that before. My kids are obsessed with sprinkles!ReplyDelete
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Top style tips from the men at MSN HQ
10 tips for growing the perfect moustache
Movember is upon us, so if you fancy growing a 'tache for charity follow these simple tips from Grooming Guru Lee Kynaston.
No one ever said growing a 'tache is easy. From the first pubescent bum fluff to those comedy coppery bits and rogue grey hairs, we men come in for some terrible stick thanks to our facial fuzz. Yet still we grow it.
Why? Because we can, and women (mostly) can't, that's why.
And with November designated Movember, a month to grow a 'tache in the name of charity, there's never been a better time to cultivate a caterpillar or give a Mo a go. Here are a few tips to get your started...
1. Choose your Mo-ment
When growing 'taches, many men fall at the 'messy' stage - usually a week or so in when the Mo is at its most unsightly.
But like being forced to sit through an episode of EastEnders, it's something that you just have to tolerate, safe in the knowledge that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Using a weekend to get a head start is a good idea, or even better a week's holiday - that way by the time you return, you'll be over the unsightly, itchy stage.
2. Decide and define
Image © PA
Finding a style that suits you will probably take a few attempts so play around with your Mo's length and thickness.
Always shave just outside the line of your moustache - that will leave you room to tidy it up properly with a the edging blade of razor, ensure it's symmetrical (studies have shown that women find men with symmetrical faces more attractive) and, if you're planning anything remotely intricate, use a magnifying shaving mirror so you get pinpoint accuracy.
3. Keep it neat
Talk to women about moustaches and you'll soon discover that it's not Mo's per se that women are scared of, it's unkempt ones. In fact, an unkempt Mo is the facial equivalent of dirty fingernails.
So keep yours nearly trimmed and even in length with a gadget like Remington's MB320C Beard Trimmer (£24.99 on amazon.co.uk) and remove the guard to give the bottom of your 'tache a neat edge, always making sure it's level with the lip line or just above.
4. Moisturise
The skin under facial hair can become especially dry, partly because hair tends to wick moisture away from the skin allowing it to evaporate. The result can be itchy skin and dry 'tache flakes.
This is not a good look so, when moisturising, pay particular attention to the skin under your facial hair, massaging your regular moisturiser in thoroughly with your fingertips.
5. Give it a comb-over
Image © PA
In the same way that your barnet benefits from a brushing, your Mo can too, especially if you're going for an uber-bushy 'walrus', a Tom Selleck or a 1970s-style pornstache.
You'll look pretty silly using a regular comb to tame your 'tache, though, so get yourself a Kent Brushes Moustache Comb (£2.55 from www.kentbrushes.com instead.
Dinky enough to fit in your pocket it's perfect for keeping your 'tache tip top.
6. Keep it clean
Moustaches are magnets for stray bits of food and because of hair's porous nature also have a bad habit of absorbing nasty niffs.
So wash thoroughly with you regular facial wash (you can use a scrub on it too) and always rinse with warm water after eating.
You can keep it soft and silky by slapping a little hair conditioner on it each time you wash your hair.
7. Wax lyrical
In the same way that your barnet benefits from a touch of wax, gel or a fancy matte putty, your Mo will look miles better with a little waxing too.
Moustache wax (yes, such a thing exists) is good for taming, training and holding longer styles and giving definition to the tips. Warm with your fingertips, apply sparingly and just...play and see what happens.
Moustache Wax, £5.95 for 15ml, is available from tayloroldbondst.co.uk
8. Shower before shaving
Image © Rex Features
When shaving around your burgeoning 'tache, use a transparent shave gel or shave oil, which allow you to see where're you're going with the razor, and shave after a shower.
This way, the water and steam will have softened the hairs, making them easier to cut.
9. Dye right
Ever excitedly grown a 'tache only to discover it isn't just as tough as copper wire but the same colour too? As traumatising as it is, GTS (Ginger Tache Syndrome) can affect any man whatever his hair colour.
If you can't live with it, simply dye it to match your natural hair colour with one of Just For Men's Beard and Moustache Colour gels, £7.90 from mankind.co.uk
They're perfect for covering up grey hairs, too.
10. Call in the professionals
If you're attempting something fancy, haven't got a clue about how to style your 'tache or simply decide to keep it as a permanent fixture and want your mo to look magnificent, think about getting some professional help.
Many grooming emporiums and barbers offer a moustache-shaping service which is a good way to create a style you can then maintain yourself.
More Movember features on MSN Him
Movember hall of fame: our A-Z of famous moustaches
What is Movember (and what can I do to help)?
Share this story with friends and family, join MSN Him on Facebook
Be the first to see the latest news, features and what we're up to at MSN Him, follow MSN Him on Twitter
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Consumer expert Clark Howard's column appears here each Thursday in conjunction with Deal Spotter, a new weekly print section in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
As we ramp up the Christmas holiday shopping season, you're likely to get pitches for extended warranties on electronics, appliances and other products. But the latest numbers from the December issue of Consumer Reports say extended warranties are an unnecessary waste of your money.
I'm known to be very outspoken about not liking extended warranties. Whenever I go to a store, I have salespeople who come up to me and tell me that I'm taking food out of their kids' mouths because of the advice I give.
But it's not just me. Consumer Reports finds the failure rate of cameras during the first four years of ownership is four percent. That's 96 percent reliability! Why would you waste your money on an extended warranty when the odds are so overwhelmingly in your favor that your camera will work perfectly for so many years?
With flat-screen TVs, the failure rate is four percent during the first three years of ownership.
Vizio, once the king of off-brands, has a failure rate of three percent. Ditto for Sharp. Samsung, a premium brand, has only a four percent failure rate. Obviously, the failure rate all around is miniscule, whether you're buying name brand or off brand.
Appliances like kitchen ranges and microwave ovens are nearly as reliable, except for ultra-expensive appliances brands. For example, with kitchen ranges, the Hot Point brand has a four percent failure rate during the first five years of ownership. Yet the high-end brand Jenn-Air has a failure rate right at 20 percent!
So clearly, extended warranties are a waste of money. Don't be guilted into buying an extended warranty this holiday season when the numbers show it's not necessary.
Ask Clark Howard a consumer question at ClarkHoward.com. Listen to his radio show live Monday through Friday 1-4 p.m. on AM 750 and now 95.5 FM News/Talk WSB.
November 19th, 2010
9:01 am
Where is Rana???
November 19th, 2010
9:43 am
Dee, I was going to ask that, too. What happened to Rana?
November 19th, 2010
10:23 am
I started noticing a different feel to the blog & something told me to check the authorship. I'm hoping that she is just on vacation. If not, I don't think this blog will remain on my morning read list.
November 19th, 2010
12:15 pm
I agree with Dee. Where is Rana?
November 19th, 2010
12:42 pm
THIS article should be taking for what it is…a article based on 1 individual's ideas. i purchased a flat screen from Brand-Smart. 2yrs no problem, by the 3rd the tv will flicker for 3-5mins before turning on. Because i have a warranty not only did they come to my home to repair the set they replaced it no questions asked after they noticed it was damaged beyond repair. I IMPLORE YOU ALL TO PLEASE USE DISCRETION! MAKE YOUR DECISIONS BASED ON APPLIED KNOWLEDGE, NOT THE "IDEAS" OF OTHERS!
November 19th, 2010
12:51 pm
I agree in general; HOWEVER, I did actually use one warranty I bought on a laptop for my teenage daughter. The laptop "mysteriously" had an accident and the laptop screen started coming apart, with the plastic breaking near the hinge. Well, it was just 1 month until the warranty expired, and I wound up getting the whole screen replaced for free (well, minus the warranty price). So, in general, I agree 100% with Clark, but if you're spending $1000+ on something for a child/teenager, you might want to consider it because they are not as responsible as adults. At the same time, I could go out and get her a new laptop now that is 4 times better than her old one, and probably 25-50% of the price, so you should consider that as well. I can't remember what I paid for the warranty…
November 19th, 2010
1:04 pm
I purchased a camera from Office Depot and they were having a special on the extended warranty so I bought it. He told me that if I dropped the camera broke into a million pieces, all I needed to do would be to bring the pieces back to Office Depot and they would replace it no questions asked.
After less than a year, the charger stopped working. I went to Office Depot for them to make good on the warranty, and they told me that it would not cover the charger. Luckily, I contacted Vivitar, and they agreed to send me a new charger "as a courtesy."
When I bought my GPS, they wanted to charge $30 for an extended warranty on a $100 item. I told them they were nuts.
I'll never buy another extended warranty.
November 19th, 2010
1:05 pm
He told me that if I dropped the camera AND IT broke into a million pieces,
November 19th, 2010
1:56 pm
Don't agree at all. Yes, I have bought more extended warranties than I have needed, but I have not bought a new laptop in 6 years because Best Buy has had to replace three of them due to hardware issues. They always seem to fail in the third year of the warranty. Also, I had an ipod fail after its 1st year. In all circumstances, I was very happy to have the warranty. If you buy a good one, it's one of those things that are better to have than not.
November 19th, 2010
2:00 pm
I hope Rana got fired. She was horrible. I find better deals than her on my own.
November 19th, 2010
2:25 pm
Normally i'd agree with the extended warranty advice, however, I purchased a Roomba vacuum robot and had 'heard' they have a tendency to fail within 1 year, so I purchased a 4 year, replace/repair warranty when I purchased it at Best Buy, sure enough, 9 mos. after purchase our first Roomba, Hazel ceased to function. That 4 year warranty paid for itself! Plus, I paid an additional $15 to restart the clock with the replacement Roomba warranty.
November 19th, 2010
2:27 pm
I generally agree with Clark on Extended Warranties, but I do make some exceptions. I will often buy them on open box or refurbished items I buy. Often the savings I get on the open box item more than covers the cost of the warranty. That and I just don't know where that TV/Computer/Camera/etc. has been.
I also have bought one during the 30 days after purchase because I had a bad feeling about the product. It was a dishwasher, and although it functioned fine, it would occasionally make a weird noise when running. I bought the extended warranty and sure enough, one month after the factory warranty expired the machine went kaput. I got a new one (and a newer model) installed at no cost. That replacement dishwasher has been running fine now for about 12 years.
November 19th, 2010
7:08 pm
Warranty Believer, and others who think they are a good deal. They are not. Virtually every study or "expert" opinion has concluded they do not. There is a reason they are the biggest profit center for a retailer or manufacturer. Do you think your experience change that? That is as lacking in common sense as someone winning the lottery then claiming that the lottery is a good retirement plan. If one goes through life rejecting all warranties, they will have the money to buy the occasional item that fails outside the normal warranty. A story about how you got your moneys worth on one warranty does not change that. It just shows you are not able to look at the whole financial picture.
November 19th, 2010
9:20 pm
I see the financial picture more than you realize, but I personally, like the piece of mind of having a warranty for the same reason I have insurance and AAA. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion, but for me, $129 for a 4 year warranty on a $1,500 laptop makes sense. I have had three laptops fail about 2-2.5 years into the purchase and all three have been replaced with a new one free of charge. I have also had a $400 ipod fail. It too was replaced. I have also had a Dell Desktop fail. Dell provided next day service and repaired the computer. I never had to leave my office. Perhaps, I have worse luck than others, but I like the piece of mind. Now, I am not saying that I buy store warranties all the time. It depends on the item. Further, many people don't know that negotiation is always a possibility with store warranties. Lastly, I have also had good luck with SquareTrade. Their warranties cover drops and spills too (not that I have ever had to use that part) and are often discounted.
November 21st, 2010
8:06 pm
I work for a warranty company, and all I have to say is: Read the terms and conditions before buying (or thouroughly within 24 hours of purchase as most retailers will let you return a warranty within that time without question)– do not rely on what salespeople tell you the warranty covers or does not cover, and make sure the plan they sell you is what they promised to sell you. Register your warranty IMMEDIATELY online or over the phone– over the phone is recommeded because you can ask questions of a live person. Many warranties start after the manufactuerer's warranty, many more start the date of purchase because they have 'blanket" coverage such as protection from power surges, which a manufactuere won't cover BUT– they do not replace the manufacturers coverage, only augment it. So if you buy a desk calculator with an extended warranty and it stops working the first year while under manufacturer's warranty, the manufacturer will be who you will be referred to unless it's plugged into the wall during a power storm. Warranties that cover accidental handling are usually worth it though– we get a lot of claims because someone dropped something or spilled something on their electronic device. They are usually only slightly more than a standard extended warranty and they cover something other than just power surges.
If there is any question about what is covered under your warranty, call the number on the warranty plan brochure or on your sales receipt. It is highly unlikely the store you bought your warranty from actually backs it. Most all of them are done through third party companies like Bankers Warranty Group, Assurant, or National Electronics Warranties, so asking a store employee is fruitless. Be warned that some things that migth be considered "accessories or consumeables" like batteries on laptops, headphones on MP3 players, or the battery charging adapter the guy above mentioned (you could just buy batteries for your camera, after all, so it isn't necessary for the camera to operate) may not be coverd if the Terms and Conditions state that accessories, consumeables, or parts that would reaonably be up to the comsumer to replace are not covered.
Warranty service reps are not out to "screw you" out of anything, but we can only allow to be covered what the terms allow to be. if you call one of us and say "I broke my iPod" and you don't have accidental coverage, don't expect us to cover it– we have to go by what you say, and you can't just change your story. Also, be sure to photcopy and keep a copy of your receipt during the duration of the warranty. Receipts fade over time, but photcopies don't, and some warranty companies require you to send a copy of your receipt. Good luck and happy shopping out there!
November 22nd, 2010
11:14 am
[...] article source Posted in AppliancesTags: Appliances [...]
November 25th, 2010
9:18 pm
I feel like a moron for reading so many of these moronic posts and even for making a post. Three minutes I'll never get back