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This year's International CES was great for Velodyne. We were able to hold many face to face meetings with our worldwide suppliers and distributors. We really do value our relationships and it's nice to be able to solidify our partnerships in this manner rather than the usual Skype call. We also had the opportunity to connect with the press directly at Unveiled and conduct recorded and live-streaming interviews.
During the course of the week, we were able to show off many of our new products. In addition to our vLeve, vBold and vQuiet, we had our vFit on hand. It had literally just come in, and is technically still not available, but our first fitness headphone was well-received. Our new wireless sub, the Wi-Q, was a big hit. We gave it front-and-center status in our suite at the Venetian, and are sending out several units for reviews. We also had many subs in finishes the public has not seen from Velodyne before. We had subwoofers in gold, red and purple metallic. Additionally we had a subwoofer wrapped in leather. CES gives us the ideal opportunity to get feedback from both the press and our customers on potential new products. Velodyne personnel and staff who really know our products inside and out were on hand to answer technical questions regarding our audio equipment. The constant flow of traffic through the suite was exciting and kept us going all week long.
A definite highlight was receiving the Editor's Choice Award from Stereowise Plus. Velodyne President, Marta Hall was on-hand to receive the award personally.
Another highlight was Marta Hall's interview on a webcast for Geekbeat.TV. She so eloquently shared information about our company and our three divisions, as well as our headphones and our artist skins. The exciting part for most was when she announced we would be giving our free headphones to everyone who came to our website to register for our newsletter. It was incredible – the response we received was outstanding. In Velodyne's spirit of giving, it is just another fun way we can share our great products with the public.
Due to some recent announcements by the Ford Motor Co., we had David Oroshnik from our LiDAR division present at the show this year. Our LiDAR car was on display in the Sands Ballroom, where thousands of onlookers each day could see our technology scan the environment in real-time, 3D, on a large flat screen. David held plenty of meetings and press interviews for this division and answered all of the product questions regarding our patented LiDAR technology as well. The questions ranged from basic, "What's that?" to the very complicated. It was quite a busy spot to be as we also had our headphones and skins on display complete with a listening station.
Velodyne is a fun and intrinsically artistic company. We had one of our friends and fans, Marquette King, punter from the Oakland Raiders on hand to take photos, sign autographs and discuss his love of the brand. We also had two talented dancers from SCC Presents reign in the crowd and distribute literature. There was never a dull moment for us in the Ballroom.
We also participated in the Fashionware wearable tech fashion show again this year. This show is "growing up". With it's own room dedicated to the show in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, this year's presentation had a full runway, modern lighting, 2 large screens and a hosted bar and warm appetizers. We had two models in the show, one wearing our vBold bluetooth headphone, and the other wearing our vFree. Both models wore outfits that were featured from other wearable tech companies. This was the perfect environment for us to show our products as fashion and technology are at the core of who we are. It was an honor to participate in this event.
How will we top CES 2014? We now have almost a whole year to prepare for next year's show. We will need every last minute. Until then, Las Vegas. Viva!


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Alvarez & Marsal focuses a team of senior professionals directly on client problems.
This commitment to providing hands-on experienced leadership from the ground up is at the heart of our continued success and growth. And it is the foundation of our ability to attract the best people from around the world to the A&M team.
To view a representative sample of A&M's professionals, use the Search function to the left.
For immediate assistance, contact Alvarez & Marsal Global Marketing.

subset: commoncrawl


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Stress for Banks, as Tests Loom
U.S. banks and the Federal Reserve are battling over a new round of "stress tests" even before the annual exams get going later this fall.
The clash centers on the math regulators are using to produce the results. Bankers want more detail on how the calculations are made, and the Fed thus far has resisted disclosing more than it has already.
A senior Fed supervision official, Timothy Clark, irked some bankers last month when he said at a private conference they wouldn't get additional information about the methodology, according to people who attended the event in Boston. Wells Fargo WFC 0.27 % & Co. Treasurer Paul Ackerman said at the same conference that he still doesn't understand why the Fed's estimates are so different from Wells's. His remarks drew applause from bankers in the audience, said the people who attended.
The annual examinations in their fourth year have become a cornerstone of the revamped regulatory rule book—and a continuing source of tension between the nation's biggest banks and their overseers.
Smaller banks will soon have to grapple with similar requirements. On Tuesday, the three U.S. banking regulators—the Fed, the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.—plan to complete rules requiring smaller banks with more than $10 billion in assets to also run an internal stress test each year. That would widen the pool of test participants beyond the Fed's current requirement of $50 billion in assets, a group comprised of 30 banks.
The stress tests, which started in 2009 as a way to convince investors that the largest banks could survive the financial crisis, now are an annual rite of passage that determines banks' ability to return cash to shareholders.
The financial crisis taught regulators that they need to be able "to look around the corner more often than in the past," said Sabeth Siddique, a director at consulting firm Deloitte & Touche, who was part of the Fed team that ran the inaugural stress test in 2009.
The Fed asks the big banks to submit reams of data and then publishes each bank's potential loan losses and how much capital each institution would need to absorb them. Banks also submit plans of how they would deploy capital, including any plans to raise dividends or buy back stock.
After several institutions failed last year's tests and had their capital plans denied, executives at many of the big banks began challenging the Fed to explain why there were such large gaps between their numbers and the Fed's, according to people close to the banks.
Fed officials say they have worked hard to help bankers better understand the math, convening the Boston symposium and multiple conference calls. But they don't want to hand over their models to the banks, in part because they don't want the banks to game the numbers, officials say.
It isn't clear if smaller banks will have to start running their tests immediately, as regulators have issued guidance indicating that midsize banks will have at least another year until they have to run the tests.
One new frustration for big banks is that the information requested by the Fed is changing. This year the Fed began requiring banks to submit data on a monthly and quarterly basis, in addition to the annual submission. Banks must also submit much more granular information, including dozens of details about individual loans.
Fed officials say the new data gives them the information they need to build their stress-test models and to see banks' risk-taking over time. Banks say the Fed has asked them for too much, too fast. Some bankers, for instance, have complained the Fed now is demanding they include the physical address of properties backing loans on their books, not just the billing address for the borrower. Not all banks, it turns out, have that information readily available.
Daryl Bible, the chief risk officer at BB&T Corp. BBT 0.43 % , a Winston-Salem, N.C.-based bank with $179 billion in assets, challenged the Fed's need for all of the data it is collecting, saying in a Sept. 4 comment letter to the regulator that "the reporting requirements appear to have advanced beyond the linkage of risk to capital and an organization's viability," burdening banks without adding any value to the stress test exercise. BB&T declined further comment.
The Fed has backed off some of its original requests after banks protested. For example, the Fed announced Sept. 28 that it wouldn't require chief financial officers to attest to the accuracy of the data submitted after banks and their trade groups argued that the still-evolving process was too fresh and confusing for any CFO to be able to be sure his bank had gotten it right.
Banks needed more time to build up the systems and controls to report data reliably, the Fed said. But the regulator also warned that it may require CFO sign-off in the future.
Write to Victoria McGrane at firstname.lastname@example.com and Dan Fitzpatrick at firstname.lastname@example.com


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Land O'Lakes uses Oracle's Demantra software to anticipate market demand and increase margins
By Paul Homchick-Oracle on Jan 25, 2012
Every year, twelve billion pounds of milk turn into 12 billion dollars at Land O'Lakes, the 90-year old butter producer from Minnesota. In 2010 Land O'Lakes deployed Oracle Demantra demand management and saw their forecast accuracy rise from 40% to 70%, with big reductions in inventory and improvements in sales. You can read about this transformation in the Oracle Profit Magazine article: "Land O'Lakes uses Oracle's Demantra software to anticipate market demand and increase margins."
Demand planning isn't the only Oracle tool in use at Land O'Lakes, they also use Trade Promotion Management. On February 22, 2012 Jeanine Viani, Director of Supply Chain and Dustin Braun, Manager of Supply Chain Strategy and Applications from Land O' Lakes will discuss Demantra Demand Managment and Trade Promotions Management on a webcast. Use this link to register and attend the presentation.


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Until two years ago, I was a positive thinker, easily forgot petty issues, and was productive. After that I started studying for a masters in Computer Science and started a full time job. This means I started living by myself, paying bills, thinking about my future and relationships, and so on.
My brain is now becoming so weak. There are times I even forget names that I have been told ten times. I've become less productive, can't focus on one task, procrastinate on my tasks and become careless, but I still have the ego and emotion that I can become a productive and better person.
I have identified a list of my problems that are preventing me from becoming a productive person. I want to prioritize them and eliminate them one by one. I tried to get rid of all of them at once but it didn't work, which made me very depressed again. Here is the list:
- I have no patience.
- I have very low self-confidence.
- I have become a negative thinker.
- My social interaction is getting low. I spend most of the time at home, more than I used to.
- I am a very angry person.
- I lose focus on doing tasks or other things.
- I have memory loss and easily forget things.
- I suffer from procrastination (even to post this question).
- I can't make decisions. I wait forever to make a simple decision (even to post this question).
- My relationship is getting worse because of my low self-confidence and negative thinking (well it's a long distance relationship in the first place).
- I want to become an entrepreneur but because of these issues I can't.
- I am a poor planner.
- I am not organized.
- I have so many interests.
These issues are preventing me from becoming the productive and better person that I want to be. I would appreciate any advice.
I am 24 years old and I started using the Pomodoro technique.
Okay, My strengths . Here I go.
One of the qualities I have is to interact with people and help people. But, I expect the same thing and mostly get disappointed.
If I say I will do something, I will get it done in anyways. I achieved somethings so far that my friends, my families and I even never thought I would do.
I like playing sport games, like soccer, basketball and the likes.
Last but not least, I have so many ideas of new business (esp in IT) but I start implementing one of them and think I should do the other one and never finish even one of them. So now I stopped doing that and thinking which idea I should start with. I want to be an entrepreneur.
I am not money oriented, but believe in having good customers and relationships in the future. I already make money 6 times than my 95% of friends do, drive very high tech 2013 car.
But, one thing that is not making me happy is my relationship. The main reason is we both live in different continent, very long distance relationship. I always want to give up, but I couldn't.


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I've seen some kanji whose furigana is actually katakana. For example, see the following manga cover for 桜蘭高校ホスト部. When would a kanji character ever be pronounced as a loan word?
This tends to be a style choice by an author, who uses a kanji for aesthetic/readability purposes for a word which is usually expressed with 外来語 (borrowed words from foreign languages). The author can choose to do this for a few reasons. Often if they are concerned that the 外来語 they're using will not be understood by everyone, they use kanji to express the meaning of the word with the 外来語 as furigana. In this case ホストクラブ is a common word that would be recognised by everyone, so perhaps they did it to shorten the written title?
Note that クラブ is not an actual pronunciation of 部, and would never usually be read as such. Without the furigana to specify pronunciation this would almost certainly be read as ぶ here.


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Give us your tired content, your poor search results, your huddled masses yearning to breath free of what "the establishment" feels is relevant.
We give you the platform, you provide the content, and netizens from all over the world get the information they are looking for from people like you.
People who have been there, done that and bought the tee-shirt!
What do you know?
Share your recommendations, experiences, advice and knowledge with others!
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Moderators: Dposcorp, SpotTheCat
The #1,2,3 HDMI ports have quit working (Samsung 32LD5400 120Hz LED TV). Port #4 is working,(?Separate Circuit?)... I have tried ALL types of plug, unplugged, repositioning, etc.. and nothing works in port#1,2,3. But I can watch TV normally via port #4. What do I need to do, how easy is replacing the #1,2,3 board? etc,etc,... HHeeelllppppp.. Thanks!!!
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2012 High School Summer Internship
Project Description: Data management is fundamental to the proper care and tracking of a museum collection. The Field Museum has over 45,000 specimens in the physical geology/meteorite collections. This internship will focus on the consolidation, maintenance and correction of data. The intern should be able to work very carefully and be detailed oriented; strong computer and database skills are desirable.
Project Leader: James Holstein (Collections Manager)


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This scan shows a cross section of your baby's brain, with the two hemispheres clearly seen. From this point on, your baby's brain measurement from one side to the other, taken just above the ear, is used as a reliable indicator of her growth and development.
Your baby's bladder now fills and empties every 30 minutes; she swallows the amniotic fluid, filters it through her kidneys, and then passes it as urine. The bladder volume is tiny at this stage, and even by 32 weeks it will only be 10 ml, reaching 40 ml by 40 weeks. Your baby produces very dilute urine, having only a limited capacity to reabsorb water in the kidney to concentrate the urine. However, the placenta performs most of the kidney functions until birth.
Your baby's blood system can now make and break down blood clots. The placenta has been able to form clots for some time, reducing the risk of bleeding. A small number of white blood cells are now being produced by your baby but she is still relying on yours to fight infection. Her red blood cells contain hemoglobin that transfers oxygen to all the cells of the body. Before birth she has several forms of hemoglobin that differ from yours. These are more stable at a lower acidity and bind more easily to oxygen. This allows your baby's body to extract the oxygen in your hemoglobin for her own use.
This involves testing the amniotic fluid and is normally done at 16-18 weeks (see Diagnostic Tests) It may be offered:
All the usual risks of pregnancy are increased for women having more than one baby. This is partly because hormone levels are higher when there is more than one baby, and, in your case, it will be hard work for your body to carry and nourish three fetuses.
You can expect to be referred to an obstetrician, who will plan your prenatal care with you. You'll have more frequent checkups and scans to check the health and progress of your babies. Although many of the risks are outside your control, if you go to all your appointments and take care of your health, it is likely that you will have three healthy babies.
With triplets, you will probably need to give birth by cesarean section. The average pregnancy length for triplets is 34 weeks.
For more information about multiple pregnancy and details of local support groups, visit nomotc.org, the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs' website .
Excerpted from Pregnancy Day by Day.
Copyright © 2008 Dorling Kindersley Limited.
Buy this book now!
© 2000-2016 Sandbox Networks, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


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my notebook is HP ProBook 4530s-LH306EA. I have two video cards discrete(AMD Radeon HD 6490M) and integrated.
Today I have installed Ubuntu 12.10, and meet the problem that my computer become very hot (jupiter shows from 75-85 degrees). I have understand that the problem in video card, so I have tried to switch off discrete using https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HybridGraphics But I don't know how to switch it forever, because after computer restarts discrete is switched on.
And I cannot understand why there is so big problem with this video cards? On windows exists program, that knows which of this two video cards to use.
PS I have missed step with backup and start installing, but then occure error: "One or more tools required for installation cannot be found on the system. Install the required tools before installing the fglrx driver. Optionally, run the installer with --force option to install without the tools. Forcing install will disable AMD hardware acceleration and may make your system unstable. Not recommended. See /usr/share/ati/fglrx-install.log for more details"
In log file is written: "Check if system has the tools required for installation. fglrx installation requires that the system have kernel headers. /lib/modules/3.5.0-17-generic/build/include/linux/version.h cannot be found on this system."
PSS I have run with --force option and get: Supported adapter detected. Check if system has the tools required for installation. fglrx installation requires that the system have kernel headers. /lib/modules/3.5.0-17-generic/build/include/linux/version.h cannot be found on this system. fglrx installation is being forced. Installation will proceed without the required tools on the system. Uninstalling any previously installed drivers. Unloading radeon module... ERROR: Module radeon is in use Unloading drm module... ERROR: Module drm is in use by radeon,i915,ttm,drm_kms_helper [Message] Kernel Module : Trying to install a precompiled kernel module. [Message] Kernel Module : Precompiled kernel module version mismatched. [Error] Kernel Module : Kernel module build environment not found - please consult readme. [Reboot] Kernel Module : update-initramfs


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Throwing normal dice, one can get sequences of digits in [0,5]. Which is the best procedure in practice to transform such sequences into bit sequences desired?
Thomas' first procedure produces 2 bits per roll with a probability of $\frac23$, i.e. it produces $\frac43 \doteq 1.333$ bits on the average. This can be improved as he describes, but it gets quite complicated soon.
Producing a single bit per roll by taking the result mod two leads to $1$ bit per roll, which is not much worse. Combining the two simple methods like
is quite simple and produces $1+\frac23 = \frac53 \doteq 1.667$ bits per roll. AFAIK, this is the maximum you can get without aggregating the rolls.
You can apply this idea to two rolls and obtain $5$ bits with probability of $\frac{32}{36}$ and $2$ bits otherwise thus getting
$$2 + (5-2) \cdot \frac{32}{36} = 2 + \frac{3 \cdot 8}9 = 2 + \frac83 = \frac{14}3 = 4\frac23$$
bits for two rolls, i.e., $2\frac13 \doteq 2.333$ bits per roll, which is quite close to the theoretical maximum of $\log_2 6 \doteq 2.585$.
For a simple "implementation without computer", note that you can extract 1 bit directly from each roll and need to process the "rest" only (e.g. you can get the bit via $n \bmod 2$ and the rest via $\lfloor \frac{n-1}3 \rfloor$). This makes even combining 3 or 4 rolls using a small table easy.
The obvious approach is to consider the following bit extraction algorithm:
This will return two uniform bits. The algorithm will always terminate, since the probability of recursion is equal to $\frac{2}{6}$ which is subcritical. A proof of correctness can be found in Dennis' post on this question.
How many dice rolls will the algorithm require? At least one, and arbitrarily many, but on average:
$$1 + \frac{2}{6} + \left ( \frac{2}{6} \right )^2 + \cdots = \sum_{t = 0}^\infty \left ( \frac{2}{6} \right )^t = \frac{3}{2}$$
That is, on average, the algorithm will require one and a half dice rolls. This is, of course, in accordance with information theory, which states that the Shannon entropy of an unbiased dice roll is equal to:
$$\log_2{ \left ( 6 \right )} = \log_2{\left ( 4 \right )} + \log_2{ \left ( \frac{3}{2} \right )}$$
However, this is not optimal. A lot of effort is wasted into compressing this into two uniform bits. Can we do better? Yes. For instance, consider rolling two dice together, drawing a uniform $n$ out of $\mathbb{Z}_{36}$. Then we can apply the same algorithm, but returning five bits instead of four, since $32 < 36$. Similarly, the probability of recursion is also lower at $\frac{4}{36}$ which means we are wasting less time and entropy.
We could also roll three dice, drawing $n$ out of $\mathbb{Z}_{216}$, but this is not optimal, even though we can extract seven bits, the probability of recursion is $\frac{88}{216}$ which is much higher than with even just a single die.
So, clearly, the "trick" is to select an integral number of dice such that $6^k$ is very close to (but greater than) a power of two, to minimize the probability of recursion and maximize our use of entropy. A computer program could be written to find the optimal number of dice to roll according to some efficiency metric, depending on your application's needs (or perhaps a general one exists).
The "intuition" behind this is that you can't use arbitrary amounts of entropy, since the bit is the absolute smallest amount of information possible. Any non-integral amount of entropy remaining must be "left behind" (here we use a recursive procedure to eliminate it, but there are other alternatives*).
However, if you can combine multiple such non-integral amounts of entropy through a non-destructive process (here, throwing multiple dice at the same time) you will naturally get more integral amounts of entropy ($0.5 + 0.5 = 1$) which allows you to make better use, of what you would otherwise have had to throw away.
*The answers to this question also suggest recursion is not an optimal approach in terms of efficiency.
1 way to get 3 bits of entropy from a single die roll is as follows :
So for example I throw the following sequence
Since number and rotations should both be random variables, the distribution is uniform, unbiased and random. The good thing is rotational distinctions between upper lower half, and all four quadrants are almost as easy to distinguish with the naked eye as the numbers themselves. Though on the boundaries there will be some error and bias, introducing a small additional noise into the signal.
Effectively this procedure amounts to the following : roll the die measuring its number and quadrant of rotation, and discard 1 bit of the quadrant information for the numbers {2,3,4 and 5}.
Here is a specialization of this answer that is efficient in term of average entropy loss, and easily implemented.
Let $n$ be the number of faces on the dice ($n=6$ for a common dice). Let $b$ be the minimum value on the dice ($b=1$ on a common dice). Let $m$ be some large integer with $m≥n^2$. No value used will exceed $m$.
The algorithm maintains $r$ uniformly random with $0≤r<s$, and its correctness follows from that.
As $m$ grows, the average proportion of lost entropy vanishes. However, the algorithm will from time to time (including initially) experience a longer period where it accumulates entropy and temporarily outputs at a low rate (or not at all for several consecutive dice throws, for odd $n$).


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Someone was interested in buying my D3000 body (I had upgraded and want to keep the lenses). He had a very old Nikkor-P lens, which seemed to fit onto my camera alright. But the LCD screen said "lens not detected". Then, in checking on this, I read that it could have damaged my D3000. Is that true, and how serious could the damage be?
I've heard of several examples of people using old Nikkor-P lenses without trouble on more modern camera bodies (which of course, isn't the same as proving it is ok). Around the web, here are a couple of place I'd suggest taking a look at.
If you are talking for AI-P lenses, then there is absolutely no risk (see the other's answers giving the compatibility link).
But it looks you are talking more of a pre-AI lense (original F-mount) where the
For better seeing what I am talking about, here are some links:
Here is a very detailed Nikon lens compatibility chart.
I'm going to assume this lens comes into the "Pre-AI" category, in which case it would appear that it will mount on a D3000, but you won't get metering. I see no mention of damage. This official chart backs that up.
Here is a chart from Nikon: D3000 Lens Compatibility . No mention of damage. I believe drewbenn is correct that any damage would be physical damage caused by rear elements of the lens hitting the mirror, as opposed to electrical damage of some sort.
You don't mention putting the camera on manual mode. You probably already did this, but I have to wonder: did you?


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Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Current Strategies, Ongoing Challenges, and Future Treatments in Follicular Lymphoma
Faculty : Steven Horwitz, MD. Associate Attending
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Last Modified: May 3, 2013
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is the most common hematologic malignancy in adults, and the sixth most common cancer diagnosed in the United States each year. Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: 1)Review recent revisions to NHL treatment guidelines, including updated therapy algorithms, 2) Review the complications associated with treating patients with NHL, and 3) Review the most current data about new therapies, treatment strategies, and combination regimens for NHL.


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ESA Update Page
Application Process
ESA will begin to accept 2013-2014 applications on January 1-May 1, 2013. Applications are now available. If you would like to receive any updates, please email us [email protected] with your information.
ESA Agreement Renewal
Dear ESA Parents,
For those currently receiving ESA scholarships, renewal packets will be sent starting July 1, 2013 after the 4th quarter disbursement has been received. 4th Quarter disbursement is due on June 30, 2012 by 3pm.
Thank you,
ESA Staff
Click Here to Receive E-mail Updates
Dear ESA Parents,
If you would like to receive ESA email updates and reminders please submit your information here.
Thank you,
ESA Staff
2013-2014 Fall Enrollment Timeline
Dear Parents,
Please see the ESA 2013-2014 Timeline for the new submission dates and ESA parent meetings. In the coming days more information will be posted on the site giving a more detailed description of what to expect and how to prepare for applying. Please stay posted!
Thank you,
ESA Staff
ESA Debit Card Troubleshooting
There are only two ways the ESA money may be accessed and spent:1) Running the ESA debit card as credit on a credit card machine . 2) Running the ESA debit card through the online payment system Pay Pal.
For tracking and security reasons these restrictions will not be lifted by the department and no other form of payment is permitted. Therefore, it will not be possible to:1) Go to a bank and receive cash from the card. 2) Cut a cashiers check using ESA funds. 3) Reimburse yourself for personal funds used for approved expenditures. 4) Any other form or attempt to remove monies from the card. If you encounter a situation where your debit card has been declined you should ask the following question:
Is what I am attempting to purchase an approved expenditure according to the contract that I signed?
Some of the MCC codes have been allowed due to vendors of approved expenditures sharing offices with other businesses or running multiple businesses from one location.
If you are having difficulty accessing your card for what you believe is an approved expenditure please review the list of Approved MCC Codes.
If you have an approved expense that is being declined, please obtain the merchants MCC code (Merchant Category Classification Code) from the merchant and, if it is not included on the list of currently approved MCC codes please complete an MCC Code Add Request Form and contact The Arizona State Treasurer's Office at [email protected]. Approval of a new MCC code may take up to ten day business days. Please indicate in your e-mail a rush request.
Note: any MCC code that you wish to add to the approved list must be authorized by the Arizona Department of Education.
ADE is not responsible for creating, facilitating or brokering additional payment methods or plans to pay private entities. For troubleshooting please contact PayPal customer support.


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Through September 16th, Jos A Bank is having a Buy One, Get Two Free Sale. Purchase any suit or sportcoat and get two of equal or lesser value for free (mix & match). Plus, get $50 off orders $250 or more with coupon code SAVE50. Shipping starts at $6 for orders under $25; free shipping on $195 or more.
50% off Dress Shirts, Ties and Pants
Deal has expired


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"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars."
-Les Brown
Hope you don't mind me joining. Its so nice a refreshing to see people that are going through the same things that I am. I started the c25k program three weeks ago and I am will run w3d2 tomorrow morning. My goal has always been just to run a 5k which I plan to do in October or November, but the last couple of days I have been frustrated because I thought that my weight would be going down but instead it has gone up a couple of pounds. =( I have not changed my eating (which I know I should) but I figured adding in the exercise would at least would change the scale a few pounds down.
I carry most of my weight around the middle and it feels like that I have just gotten bigger in that area. Also my digestive system has been all over the place its so weird.
Has anyone else had these kind of problems.
I would love to join a yahoo group, its so nice to be able to chat with other people. =)
Kelatdavis, I know what you mean about getting frustrated with your weight. I started dieting on the 27 of June. I had lost, as of 18 July, 12 lbs and was so excited. I know when someone my size starts dieting they can lose a lot of weight during the first few weeks, but I thought if I was still dieting and adding now walking/running I could at least ensure a steady 2.5lb per wk lose. Well, that doesn't look like it will be the case this week. It looks like I may not gain any, but I will not lose any either. I weighed myself this morning and it looks like I haven't lost anything thus far and there is only 2 days till my next weigh-in. It's frustrating, but I've decided that I'm not going to stress it like I usually would. I'm just going to be diligent on tracking my daily food, water, and fitness, hopefully this will help me better understand what is keeping me from losing. I also will be tracking my measurements, hopefully if I'm not losing on the scale it will still show a lose in inches.
Good luck to everyone and keep up the good work.
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars."
-Les Brown
I had a big wieght gain at the beginning of my training. I guess I don't get to treat myself with more food just b/c I'm exercising!
Then I gained 1/2 lb each week for the next 4 weeks, and then I stopped weighing myself. It's been about 3 weeks now - time to get on the scale again. I don't have one at home, so I need to go to the gym.
Muscle gain? Water retention? Whatever it is, it's frustrating.
editing to add that my trainer recommends measuring your health by resting heart rate instead of the scale.
Thanks so much. I am trying to focus on training for the 5k instead of the weight loss right now. I have always had a horrible time following a weight loss plan. SO I am going to just try and find a nutrition program to help train for my race. I think the weight will come off, but just not as fast as I was thinking it would. =)
I'm 5'7" - 233#, age 40, and am on Day 3 of C25K. I found that I wasn't really in good enough shape to do the program as outlined in the article here. I ran just a little (2x1min) the first day, doubled it the second day, and plan to go for what is actually given in the program today. (5min walking + (1min running + 1.5min walking)x6) I don't know if I can do it today, but I don't plan to give up. I'll get there eventually. My body is rebelling, though. I have a pain in my hip from last night's walk/run. It feels all knotted up and I walk with limp. Did I mention it hurts? I think the key for me is going to be to push on through and keep doing this. I have always wanted to become a runner, and things like this have held me back. This time I'm not stopping. Not weighing either. Exercise can make people gain weight temporarily due to water retention and muscle building. What would I change if I gained or lost weight? Nothing. So not weighing.
Anyway, I got alittle off track. Is the hip problem I have common for beginning runners? Does anyone know?
Congrats everyone, seems like we are all getting ourselves out there!!!! Keep up the great work!
Hi Kathy, I haven't had any problems with hip pain after running, past or present, but I checked around and found that some hip discomfort can be common among some beginning runners. The key seems to be whether it is some discomfort, or outright pain, if it's pain I'd check with your doctor. The hip discomfort could be due to inadequate stretching after your run and a warm up/cool down walk. The problem I have been encountering, which has been an issue many times in the past (Basic Training was the worse) has been with my shins, they get sore and while I run I feel a bit of a strain.I've tried different sneakers in the past and still can't seem to figure out what I'm doing. I stretch after my run and warm-up/cool-down for 7mins. I'm going to see my doctor and hopefully she'll be able to tell me what I'm doing wrong or send me to someone who can.
I agree with your weigh-in philosophy, I just can't get my obsessive brain to always agree. I have a huge problem with staying away from the scale on a daily basis. My brain just wants me to check every morning where my weight is at. I decided that I'd try to keep it to 1 weigh-in a week, can't go longer yet or I get obsessed with thinking about it. I also have set 6 week weight loss goals. Hopefully if I remind myself enough that the weight that will truly matter is the 6 wk weigh-in, I can start relaxing about the scale. I also like seeing the inches lost, especially in the mid-section, so even if I don't fully reach my 6 wk weigh-in, I will see results in my measurements.
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars."
-Les Brown
I think a stall in the weight loss is pretty normal. let's face it, exercising 3 times a week isn't actually a whole lot. I didn't have a HR monitor early on, but now that I run 4 miles at a time, I burn about 500 calories. but that's a lot more exercise than the first weeks of C25k. I'd guess, that those early weeks are only burning 100-200 extra calories, which in itself isn't much. Weight loss is more about changes in diet. it doesn't take much to eat away all the calories I burn running. I will add that I saw a big change in my body, even when the numbers don't change. Definitely measure yourself (chest, waist, hips, thigh, arm).
There is also a very active thread/group for 200+ that you all might want to join. It includes those just starting out, and those who've been at this running thing for awhile.
Good luck to you all. If you told me 6 months ago I'd be a runner, and actually feel like a runner, and look forward to my runs (ok, not in the heat), I would never have believed you. Now, when I hit the 3 mile mark, I think, "ONLY one mile to go" when I used to think I could never run a whole mile. C25K works if you stick at it, even if you need to repeat days or weeks.
Kathy....That is a great weigh in philsophy, because your right I wouldn't stop running if the scale went up or down. I think that I will start weighin myself weekly as a break. =)
fenderleigh....Can you direct me/us to the other thread. It would be great to chat with people that have been doing this for awhile. Thanks.
I ran w3d2 this morning. It was rough because I was sick yesterday, but I pushed through it. YEAH ME!
As for pain. My knees have been bothering me while I run. I am hoping to go out and get some new shoes this weekend so fingers crossed that solves the knee pain.
Hi all, I found the group that fenderleigh mentioned. I have only read a few threads, there are many, but they seem to be a very active, thread wise, group. I agree this would probably be useful to us all. Here's is the link http://community.active.com/thread/81129/200-pound-club/0/0
Thanks for the recommendation fenderleigh
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars."
-Les Brown
I started this week as well, but haven't gotten in the full 20 minutes (10 60 second runs). I've done 5 both days surrounded by a 2.5 mile total (walk and the 5 1-minute runs). I've done my own program before and think the C25K is a bit too much too soon, but I'm willing to work it, even if I have to repeat all the weeks. I hope to go at least 15 minutes tomorrow and all 20 next week before going to week 2.
Hello!! I am going to start an 8 week program tomorrow. I played sports through high school and college, but stopped eating right and am n ow 350 pounds and 6'4"... I hope that I can take it as slow as the program tells me to, I tend to always go faster than I am told...I think this thread is great, good to know people are changing their lives!!
Kathy: I noticed something in your post. Are you running every day? If so, you should definitely take a day off between runs especially when starting. I know sometimes it's hard to do, since a day of rest doesn't feel like it's helping with the weight loss/getting in shape, but it really is. If you go full force and run every day (especially while having hip pain/discomfort) you're just going to get burned out or end up with an early injury. On one of your "resting days" if you feel energetic, just go for a walk. You can never take a break from walking
I start week 2 of C25K on Sunday morning. I'm pretty excited (since week 1 was getting pretty stale). Just figured I'd throw this out there, are any of you guys using PodRunner intervals? Podrunner intervals follows C25K and makes the experience so much more enjoyable. http://www.djsteveboy.com/intervals.html
EDIT: I forgot to mention that I'm not weighing myself. You will gain weight at first (or at least maintain your current weight) in most cases. When you're new to exercise (and start exercising) your body requires more fuel. You'll feel more hungry and probably eat more (combined with gaining muscle, water retention, etc...). The key is learning to eat the right things. Once you've built up to being able to burn 500+ calories per workout (and adjusted your diet), you should notice the weight dropping steadily. In the past, I've lost around 5 lbs per week just by adjusting diet and exercising 3-5 times per week. I wish I could just continue following the diet haha.
Watch and follow my journey! It begins, officially, on October 1st, 2010. http://nathanloses.tumblr.com
I'm 45, 5'6", weigh 209 and have three kids 13, 15, 17. I started seriously taking charge of my health in February by using a treadmill and eating correctly. I started out at the weight of 230 so it is working - slowy but working. I am not worried about the time it takes me to get in shape because I just want to do it right and stay with it for life. I have been thinking about starting the c25k plan and I am going to just do it. I'm starting on Sunday.
This is my first post and I hope I can find my way back to this thread - lol.
Hi All,
I thought I'd introduce myself. Seems like most of us are around the same place in our running. I finished W3D3 yesterday. I also figured by exercising I would see some changes in my weight without changing my diet. I figured, one thing at a time. Anyway when my weight didn't change much, I quit weighing myself. I notice I have more energy and that means more to me than the number on the scale. Not going to lie, that number really bothers, me but I'm not letting that be my focus right now. Getting through the C25K is my focus. I'm moving to a new building at work in a couple of months. No cafeteria in the new building. I figure that will help too.
At first I was having terrible pain in the muscle on the outer part of my ankle. It wasn't so bad while doing the run segments, but when I would drop back to walking it was almost bad enough that I thought I would have to stop. I've been making sure to stretch before and after running and I try not to heel strike so much. Those things must be working, plus the muscles in the front of my shin must be getting stronger because I didn't notice it as much while running yesterday.
Keep up the good work everybody!
06/27/2010-1st start C25K
01/01/2012-Starting Weight: 305 lbs.
03/12/2012-Current Weight: 268.6 lbs.
03/16/2012-Restart C25K
Oh... I have 3 kids--15 (swimmer), 13 (cheerleader), 9 (football, soccer). I'm 5'9" and turning 40 in 4 months. I really want to run a 5K to celebrate my birthday.
06/27/2010-1st start C25K
01/01/2012-Starting Weight: 305 lbs.
03/12/2012-Current Weight: 268.6 lbs.
03/16/2012-Restart C25K
ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators.


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12 Pregnancy Superfoods
7 of 14
Beans offer variety in meals and side dishes, from chili and soups to rice dishes and salads. They're full of protein, fiber, iron, folic acid, and complex carbohydrates (the good kind of carbs that provide longer-lasting energy). If you're tired of eating the same sources of lean protein, such as chicken, whip up a meal with black beans, white beans, kidney beans, or garbanzo beans (chickpeas) as the main ingredient. Rinsing canned beans in a strainer can help cut down the sodium content.
Try this recipe for Two-Bean Chili.
Next: Pretzels


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Green Linux
About the Green Linux Workgroup
The Green Linux Initiative is a working group organized by the Linux Foundation to improve power management in Linux. The working group is facilitating collaboration among kernel developers, hardware manufacturers, system vendors, distributions, and end users to understand and address the requirements for more effective power management in Linux. Better power management is a requirement for nearly every Linux environment.
For mobile devices and laptop computers, Green Linux can mean significantly enhanced battery life as well as better performance, such as near instantaneous suspend/resume. For desktops and servers, improved power management can result in significant decreases in operating costs. Better power management in virtualized environments enables more virtual machines to share the same hardware. In many data center environments, power and the heat that it generates is the limiting factor for both processing power and cost. In living room set top boxes, the customer usually wants to limit heat production because of noise from fans or because the device has no fan at all. In all cases, less power consumption is better for the environment.
Example Projects
- The tickless kernel, which enables the processor to sleep between tasks
- Power-aware applications and policies
- Better power management to USB peripherals
- Improved suspend and hibernate reliability
- Fixing bugs in userspace applications that cause unnecessary processor usage
Mailing Lists
- LWN article on OLS power management papers
- Green Linux - Jon Maddog Hall
- OLS July 2008 : Applying Green Computing to clusters and the data center - Andre Kerstens & Steven A. DuChene
- OLS July 2008 : Energy-aware task and interrupt management in Linux - V. Srinivasan, G. Shenoy, D. Sarma, S. Vaddagiri, & V. Pallipadi


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Williams-Sonoma House Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar
Versatile, flavorful and essential in every kitchen, our House Olive Oil and Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegar are the perfect gift. Crafted with care by expert purveyors, they're exceptional for salad dressings, marinades or a dip for crusty bread. Williams-Sonoma House Olive Oil: An excellent unfiltered extra-virgin olive oil made from 100% California-grown late-harvest arbequina olives. The oil has a warm green color and subtle taste - smooth and buttery, with a light peppery finish. Certified by the California Olive Oil Council, it has earned the highest honors nationwide. Williams-Sonoma Balsamic Vinegar of Modena: Crafted in accordance with strict Modenese standards, our balsamic vinegar is made for us by third-generation family producers in Italy. The must of Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes is combined with wine vinegar, then aged in oak casks, resulting in a rich, aromatic vinegar with complex flavor, aroma and color and perfect sweetness. Set includes 25.4 oz. Williams-Sonoma House Olive Oil and 16.9 oz. Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegar. Olive oil made in USA; balsamic vinegar made in Italy.
Customer Reviews for
Williams-Sonoma House Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar
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This is the same problem (or at least the same symptoms) as 46989, but that was marked complete. I've been getting this pretty regularly, maybe 6 times in the last week:
It happens on both close and reopen votes. I looked the most recent time for the error information Jeff mentioned, but couldn't find it. Is this a known/common problem, or is it just me?
I should probably mention since it was provided in the other post: I'm using Firefox 3.6.3 on Linux


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How can I make the height of a div tag auto resize according to the height of the browser?
When I do
height: 100%, it only resizes based on how much text is in there.
Here is the web page and it's the first div, the one with the blue background is the one that I am trying to make the height auto resize:


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It's true, America's premier science magazine has confirmed Edgar Cayce's psychic pronouncement: "The first lesson is cooperation." (Edgar Cayce reading 262-3)
It's taken 81 years but, as Cayce also stated, there is no time but one time, so let's enjoy the support whenever it comes our way.
Scientific American© (July 2012, p. 38): "The mechanisms governing the emergence of cooperation apply to all manner of organisms, from amoebas to zebras (and even, in some cases, to genes and other components of cells). This universality suggests that cooperation has been a driving force in the evolution of life on Earth from the beginning."
Now consider what Edgar Cayce said in a reading in 1931:
Edgar Cayce: "The cooperation in a body … was from the beginning, when the cooperation brought into being those forces as manifest themselves in this material world. They each, then, keeping that creative force within themselves in that direction as makes for the continuity of life, hope, peace, understanding, so may it be built in the lives of themselves first, then in others—as they, in their way, seek to bring a better understanding in this material world." (262-3)
It is continually amazing how well the content of the vast majority of Edgar Cayce's readings eventually matches science's ongoing discoveries. But let's consider the value and influence of cooperation as Scientific American reveals it in their latest issue:
"There is one group in which the effects of cooperation have proved especially profound: humans. Millions of years of evolution transformed a slow, defenseless ape into the most influential creature on the planet, a species capable of inventing a mind-boggling array of technologies that have allowed our kind to plumb the depths of the ocean, explore outer space and broadcast our achievements to the world in an instant. We have accomplished these monumental feats by working together. Indeed, humans are the most cooperative species—supercooperators, if you will." (Scientific American, July 2012 p. 38)
The article is written by Harvard Professor Martin A. Nowark. Professor Nowark states that "people tend to think of evolution as a strictly dog-eat-dog struggle for survival. In fact, cooperation has been a driving force in evolution." He identifies five mechanisms by which cooperation may arise in organisms ranging from bacteria to human beings. These are:
In conclusion, Professor Nowark writes, "What makes humans, in particular, the most helpful of all? As I see it, humans, more than any other creature, offer assistance based on indirect reciprocity or reputation. Why? Because only humans have full-blown language, and, by extension, names for one another—which allows us to share information about everyone from our immediate family members to complete strangers on the other side of the globe. We are obsessed with who does what to whom and why—we have to be, to best position ourselves in the social network around us. The interplay between language and indirect reciprocity leads to rapid cultural evolution, which is central to our adaptability as a species."
Cayce's readings take us to cooperation with the Divine Forces surrounding us:
"For, as there is self, there are the powers and influences without you. Get together! Know that in cooperation with the DIVINE that is CONSTRUCTIVE you may be a blessing in ANY channel that is pointed out to you, that becomes a consciousness, an awareness in you." (317-7)
John Van Auken is an international speaker and author on a variety of topics from mystical spirituality and ancient civilizations to modern life. Popular with A.R.E. audiences throughout the country, he has written many books, including From Karma to Grace: The Power of the Fruits of the Spirit; Edgar Cayce's Tales of Ancient Egypt; and Ancient Egyptian Mysticism. John's extensive knowledge of the Edgar Cayce readings, the Bible ancient Egypt, and other world religions is combined with years of practical application of these truths in his own life. His exciting presentations are packed with useful information combined with insightful and revealing stories. His clear step-by-step techniques give practical tools for ongoing development, self-training, and spiritual enlightenment. He travels extensively, conducting seminars and retreats throughout the U.S. and abroad including A.R.E.'s annual Tour of Egypt.
Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. blog offers opinion pieces from contributors with a wide variety of backgrounds. These opinions are valued and create points of discussion. Opinions expressed in our blog may not necessarily represent the opinion of A.R.E.


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I'm interested in making the switch to Pathfinder from DnD v3.5 as a DM. Aside from buying the books, I'm wondering if people can either a) direct me to good resources/threads (as I'm sure this question has been asked and answered before) or b) offer their opinions on what parts of the Pathfinder mechanics to pay special attention to if I plan to dive in and try to DM a new campaign with no previous experience playing the game. Although it offers the most elegant solution, I don't plan in investing in a "beginner box", but will jump straight to the handbooks ...
Sign up
- Anybody can ask a question
- Anybody can answer
- The best answers are voted up and rise to the top
The single most important thing I can tell you: Be patient, and look everything up. No really, as much as you think you might know what "x" does, look it up. Take nothing at "face value" of what you remember from 3.5e. Particularly when it comes to feats, skills and spells. Though even that may be something of a red herring, because many of the special abilities for classes changed too, along with equipment and magic items. I found the d20pfsrd.com to be a real life saver due to the fact that there were so many minute changes.
Goofdad above mentioned the other thread that points out differences, so I wont belabor that subject here. I can tell you that after I made the switch, and I've never regretted the choice. Despite occasionally borrowing spells out of the 3.5e Spell Compendium.
As stated, spend some time on d20pfsrd.
If it were me, I'd spend some time looking over the classes, as almost all of them have new abilities or things changed. You'll want to know what your PCs are doing when they start using Bloodline abilities or Rage Powers. I'd also spend some time looking at how Combat Manuevers work. This is a considerable change from 3.5 Death and Dying is a little bit different if I recall correctly as well. Take a look at traits, which are new. If your players do a lot of crafting, you'll want to knote that you no longer pay XP to craft magical items Other than that Pathfinder has lots of variant rules, like haunts. They're neat, but something you probably don't need to be concerned with at this point.


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Firewatch is the first game from indie dev supergroup, Campo SantoWritten by: / / 3 Comments
What do you get when you throw together a group of highly talented artists and game developers with the aim of creating something fresh and different?
Well, for one thing you might get a development studio as full to bursting with ability as Campo Santo, but you might also just get a game by the name of Firewatch.
Campo Santo is a veritable independent developer supergroup comprising artist and illustrator Olly Moss, former Telltale developers Jake Rodkin and Sean Vanaman, Nels Anderson from Klei Entertainment, 2K Games veteran Will Armstrong, Double Fine stalwart Jane Ng, as well as musician Chris Remo, all of whom have been working in secret for months (and even longer) on Firewatch, a game the team describes as a singleplayer, first-person exploration mystery set in the wilderness of Wyoming in the US.
In Firewatch, you play as a fellow by the name of Henry who has escaped the hustle and bustle of everyday life to become a fire lookout in the forests of Wyoming. It's up to Henry to spot smoke from his lookout point high on a mountain top in order to act as an early warning indicator for the possibility of fire in the wilderness below during an "especially hot and dry summer."
Your only contact with the civilised world is Delilah, your supervisor on the job, who is always available to speak to over a small handheld radio:
"But when something strange draws you out of your lookout tower and into the world," Campo Santo writes, "you'll explore a wild and unknown environment, facing questions and making interpersonal choices that can build or destroy the only meaningful relationship you have."
You can keep up with the development of Firewatch at the Campo Santo blog, but we'll definitely be keeping a close eye on the game as we find out more.
What do you think of the premise of Firewatch so far?
Tags: camposanto, firewatch, markoftheninja, ollymoss, thewalkingdead


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You are here:
29 November 2007
GAVI Alliance announces dramatic funding boost for Hib vaccine
Vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) forms part of a US$ 400 million commitment to bring new and under-used vaccines to 34 million poor children.
28 November 2007
First year results - IFFIm provides US$ 1 billion to prevent disease
Nearly US$ 1 billion is being injected into life-saving vaccines and health services in developing countries as a result of the bond issuance by the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm) one year ago this month – the first such bond issuance with its proceeds provided to countries as grants for a specific development purpose.
24 September 2007
Mary Robinson and Madeleine Albright host fellow world leaders and financial luminaries at event to support the GAVI Alliance
International dignitaries in New York convene to recognise progress of global immunisation in combating death toll among poorest children.
05 September 2007
Statement of support for International Health Partnership
Joint international health partners' statement on behalf of the GAVI Alliance, Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), UNICEF, United Nations Population Fund, World Bank and the World Health Organization.
28 June 2007
Hib vaccine - critical in Asia's effort to reduce child deaths
New study shows Hib vaccine protects children from significant burden of life-threatening pneumonia and meningitis.
31 May 2007
Bond investors speed up access to life saving vaccines
Backed by six European nations, US$1 billion inaugural bond launch responds to yellow fever threat.
21 May 2007
Cutting-edge science at Amsterdam meeting on infectious diseases
Headlines from Fifth European Congress on Tropical Medicine and International Health.
16 May 2007
Global health partners mobilize to counter yellow fever
$58 million GAVI contribution to prevent highly contagious disease in 12 West African nations.
15 May 2007
Poorest nations commit funds for life-saving vaccines
Developing country governments join GAVI Alliance in "co-financing" scheme to immunise poor children.
03 May 2007
WHO and UNICEF urge donors and member states to fund and expand use of vaccine vial monitors to ensure effective immunization
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF announce today a new joint policy statement on the role of vaccine vial monitors (VVMs) in improving access to immunization, on the 10-year anniversary of introduction of VVMs in immunization programmes.
03 April 2007
Increasing immunization rates and new vaccine offer hope for Ethiopian children
A significant step forward to protect children against Hib pneumonia and meningitis.
26 February 2007
Worldwide drive against Measles receives financial "Shot in the Arm"
The United Nations Foundation (UN Foundation) announced today that it has received a US$ 139 million contribution from the GAVI Alliance to support the worldwide effort by the Measles Initiative to reduce measles deaths by 90 percent by 2010.
09 February 2007
Five nations and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation launch Advance Market Commitment for vaccines
US $1.5-billion pilot programme expected to save 5.4 million lives, protecting children from pneumonia, meningitis.
03 February 2007
Sweden makes long-term commitment to save lives of the world's poorest children
US$ 42 million (SEK 300 million) donation to the GAVI Alliance to support immunisation and improve health systems.
26 January 2007
Immunisation rates hit record high in poor countries
New data from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that the GAVI Alliance, a groundbreaking global initiative to increase access to children's vaccines, has brought immunisation rates to record highs in poor countries.
Ethics hotline
Concerned about the misuse of Gavi resources? Report it now.
© Gavi 2016
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Mount Diablo Interpretive Association
Appalachian Mountain Club
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I've looked and can't seem to find any tutorials on using the NN4 with the Nadir adapter. I'm using a Canon 5K Mark III with the 16-35 lens for interior virtual tours.
I have been excluding the zenith and nadir shots, just shooting -30 and +30 (12 total shots) which works fine.
Curious how easy using the Nadir adapter is and if it's worth the extra work?


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Wednesday, March 14, 2012
A View of the Trees
In January, I shared my collage picture of palm trees. These are the actual palm trees I see from our window. We are enjoying the view of them in the calm and warm breeze.
3 comments:
- Michelle said...
I just read 10 Little Rubber Ducks to my daughter's pre-school class and they all loved it. Thank you for your wonderful books!!
- March 14, 2012 at 2:02 PM
- Mrs. C said...
Just started my third grade art students on a spring picture. They had to create their own painted papers for the birds,butterflies,etc... showed them the photos of your studio and how you paint tissue paper from your web site. They were amazed that you could paint the tissue paper without it ripping! Also showed them a clip of you painting a large mural piece. My students loved that you were painting with a broom! I told them it's just like a really big brush! They were so excited to start after seeing your work! Thank you for all your books and beautiful illustrations! My children grew up with them and my daughter (13 yrs old ) still has The Very Quiet Cricket and all her other Eric Carle stories on her bookshelf and still reads them!
- March 14, 2012 at 6:11 PM
- Jara said...
I am so excited to start an Eric Carle author's study with my 1st graders this next week. Do you have any ideas of where I can go to get some fabulous resources? I will definitely show them this blog, and we will read a ton of your books. I just didn't know if you knew of anything else interesting I should be sure that they not miss:)
I just watched the speech you gave at Harvard - loved all you said about your first school - the light, the fat paintbrushes, the large paper, and growing up exploring with your dad, under rocks, bark, etc. Great Job!!!
Thanks for all you do - super inspirational!!!
- March 18, 2012 at 5:09 PM


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Hot Cheerleaders: Super Mega Expanded NBA playoffs edition
Is it just us, or do the cheerleaders raise their game in the NBA playoffs? Either way, we win. Follow on Twitter: @redeyesportschi. Want more? Discuss this article and others on RedEye sports' Facebook page. RedEye
This photo gallery is featured in these articles:


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How can I implement a GTD system in Google Tasks in combination with GMail and GCal?
Google Tasks is a relatively basic system compared to other task management systems, so you're not going to get all the features (tags, locations, priorities, etc.) of other systems (like Remember The Milk). But it will definitely work, as it supports lists and moving tasks between lists.
First, set up several lists according to GTD (inbox, next actions, someday/maybe, waiting, etc.). You might want to set up separate "Next Actions" lists per context, since Google Tasks doesn't support tags. Next, collect into your Tasks inbox and your Gmail inbox. Finally, process out of those two inboxes into your lists system (the goal should be to keep an empty Gmail inbox and an empty Tasks inbox). Any actionable emails can be turned into tasks using Shift+t. Any day/time-specific actions can be put in Google Calendar (which fits the GTD recommendation of having both time-specific entries as well as "all day" entries). The tickler file can be implemented using reminders on the calendar.
The problem I've got with using GTasks for GTD is you can't organize by both project and context (among other issues). Personally I don't think you can develop an effective GTD implementation using GTasks.
If you just need the basics, I'd set up your lists by context. Use calendar for ticklers and appointments and mail for collection. But, as @jrdioko points out, you'll need multiple lists for someday and next-actions.
I think it's a round peg in a square hole.


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I've asked a question, and an answer that does not address the question at all seems to be getting up voted. I don't understand why it keeps getting voted up.
I voted it down and put a comment in that pointed out it didn't address the question.
I've edited the question making the specific question more clear.
Other answers that directly address the question (all the other ones) are ranked lower then the "bad" answer. (This tells me that others understood the question and that it wasn't me)
Shouldn't the person asking the question be able to do something about this? I mean if the top ranked answer has nothing to do with the question, what the heck is the recourse?
The problem is there's not one answer to the question. I asked for "links" and the top ranked answer has not one link. I'm not really frustrated. I just don't like that others who may use the question for its answers will find the waste of time to read at the top. (every cycle, every bit)


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expert advice MORE
Loud Music and Hearing Loss
Q: My 16-year-old son goes to concerts a few times a year and, when he comes home, he has a hard time hearing. After an hour or so, he can hear fine, but I want to know if this is a sign that he is losing his hearing. Should I be concerned, and what signs of hearing loss should I look for?
A: Your son's difficulty hearing after a loud concert is normal. Loud noises (music, in his case) can cause dull and muffled hearing, buzzing, or ringing in the ears. This usually disappears after a few hours. It's believed that your ears stop hearing in the same way as a response to the loud noise, but then "bounce back" after the noise is removed. It's unlikely that your son will develop hearing problems from occasionally attending a concert where the sound level is very high. Hearing loss is thought to occur when someone experiences loud noises repeatedly because the ears may lose the ability to "bounce back."
Sound levels are measured in decibels and based on a scale of 0 (low) to 140 (high). Sixty decibels (dB), which is about the level of normal conversation, is considered a safe level of sound. The National Communication Disorder Institute reports that 85 decibels and above can cause damage to the inner ear and may result in hearing loss. Concerts fall around 105-110 dB, as do lawnmowers and bulldozers, but it is believed that the risk of hearing loss is low since the length of time your ears are exposed to these levels is relatively short. The risk is greater among people who are regularly exposed to these high levels and do not wear protective ear coverings.
If you are concerned about your son's hearing, the best thing to do is have him get a hearing test to check for any hearing damage. It is not easy for a person to detect mild hearing loss because there are usually no obvious signs; only when hearing loss becomes more severe is it noticeable. Signs of severe hearing loss may include distorted or muffled sounds that are particularly obvious in social situations. Unfortunately, these signs seem to be present only after permanent hearing loss has occurred.
Attending concerts a few times each year is unlikely to cause permanent hearing loss, but everyone should avoid repeated, frequent exposure to loud sounds.
Hank Bernstein
Children's Hospital
More on: Expert Advice
Henry Bernstein, M.D., is currently the associate chief of the Division of General Pediatrics and director of Primary Care at Children's Hospital, Boston. He also has an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School.


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How to create an index to filter a specific range? AFAIK it's impossible to create directly but I think it's possible simulate this feature.
Example: I wanna create an index for NAME column just to lines with STATUS = 'ACTIVE'
How to create an index to filter a specific range? AFAIK it's impossible to create directly but I think it's possible simulate this feature.
Example: I wanna create an index for NAME column just to lines with STATUS = 'ACTIVE'
MySQL currently doesn't support conditional indexes.
To achive what you are asking (not that you should do it ;) ) you can start creating an auxiliary table:
Then you add three triggers in the main table:
That way, the auxiliary table will contain exactly the IDs corresponding to the main table rows that contain the string "ACTIVE", being updated by the triggers.
To use that on a
If the main table already contains data, or in case you make some external operation that changes data in an unusual way (E.G.: outside MySQL), you can fix the auxiliary table with this:
About the performance, probably you'll have slower inserts, updates and deletes. This can make some sense only if you really deal with few cases where the condition desired is positive. Even that way, probably only testing you can see if the space saved really justifies this aproach (and if you are really saving any space at all).
If I understand the question correctly, I think what would accomplish what you're trying to do is to create an index on both columns, NAME and STATUS. That would efficiently allow you to query where NAME='SMITH' and STATUS='ACTIVE'
You cannot do conditional indexing, but for your example, you can add a multi-column index on (
Even though it will index all the data in those columns, it will still help you find the names you are looking for with the status "active".
You could do this by splitting the data between two tables, using views to union the two tables when all the data is needed, and indexing only one of the tables on that column - but I think this would cause performance problems for queries that need to run over the whole table unless the query planner is more clever than I give it credit for. Essentially you would be manually partitioning the table (and appying the index to only one of the partitions).
Unfortunately the built-in table partitioning feature will not help you in your quest as you can not apply an index to a single partition.
You could maintain an extra column with an index and only have a value in that column when the condition you want the index to be based upon is true, but this is likely to be labour intensive and of limited (or negative) value in terms of query efficiency and space saving.


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Fairbridge Inn Express Stockbridge
Stockbridge, GA 30281
This hotel features a conference room that accommodates up to 30 persons, continental breakfast and an indoor pool. Located just minutes from Atlanta Motor Speedway, Tanger Outlet Center and other county attractions.
Info & Amenities
Hours of Operation
Sunday: All Day
Monday: All Day
Tuesday: All Day
Wednesday: All Day
Thursday: All Day
Friday: All Day
Saturday: All Day
Average Nightly Rate
Facility Amenities
Complimentary Breakfast, Complimentary Newspaper, Complimentary Parking, Exercise Room/Fitness Center, Free Local Calls, Free Parking, Golf Nearby, Indoor Pool, Meeting Space Available, Parking on Site, Restaurant Nearby
General Information
Handicapped Accessible
Internet Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi
Near Interstate Highway
675, 75
Room Amenities
Hair Dryer, Smoking Rooms, Whirlpool
Room Information
Number of Rooms (Total): 56
Meeting Rooms
Name Dimensions Ceiling Ht Sq. Feet Banquet Cap. Theater Cap. Classroom Cap. U-Shaped Cap. Exhibit Cap. Conference Cap. Reception Cap. Quality Inn - Meeting Room - - - - 30 - - - - -


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3 fl. oz.
Provides balanced hydration while controlling excess oil. Formulated with personalized botanicals for your skin type and contains an antioxidant-rich botanical complex.
Botanical Effects® Skin Care Four-Piece Set – Formula 3 (Oily Skin)
All prices are suggested retail.
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Bye bye unbalanced skin. Hello healthy holistic happiness!
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Taking care of your skin should be tailored to you and your budget. Botanical Effects® Hydrate for oily skin absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling balanced. The moisturizing hydrator is part of the Botanical Effects® Skin Care Collection – a simple regimen infused with the goodness of botanicals that are personalized to your skin type to bring out skin's healthy radiance. Botanical Effects® Skin Care even has a sensitive side – those with sensitive skin also can share in the beauty of its botanical benefits. Plus, Botanical Effects® Skin Care has an antioxidant-rich complex featuring Silymarin (milk thistle) and Luo Han Guo (known as the "longevity" fruit) to help defend against environmental damage and help promote healthy skin. Botanical Effects® Skin Care is hypoallergenic and free of fragrance and synthetic dyes. And the packaging is gentle on the environment.
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The exclusive complex in Botanical Effects® Mask for oily skin includes two nourishing botanicals that benefit all skin types. Silymarin, also known as milk thistle, is a powerful antioxidant that helps defend against environmental damage while helping to calm and soothe skin. Luo Han Guo, also called the "longevity" fruit, is known to contain potent antioxidants and also is believed to help promote healthy skin.


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I would like to completely disable UDP packets from exiting or entering my computer(Ubuntu 11.04), how would I go about doing this? What are the downsides to disabling UDP packets? The reason for doing this is to prevent my real IP from being broadcasted.
and killing the processes that have open UDP sockets (all the processes listed),IF YOU'RE SURE YOU DON'T NEED THEM! I'm almost sure that you need them.
This being said, I must confess that, in my 45 year career as a sysadmin on Unix and Linux with the last 20 years in security, I've NEVER encountered a situation where turning off UDP was a good idea. It seems like you're trying to secure your system by randomly turning things off, without understanding what you're doing, or how security works. Please don't.


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DURANT, OK - Thousands of students around Texoma are already back in the classroom, but students in Durant ISD head back on Monday and this year high school students will start class at a brand new state of the art facility.
With this new multi-million dollar facility, Durant students will get top of the line technology that's usually only found in a college classroom.
School officials say this new building will not only improve students' learning, it will give them a head start on life after high school.
"This is the thing you wait for your entire life and it's just here and it hasn't sunk in yet," said Morgan Podany.
Morgan Podany started school in Durant ISD 11 years ago, and in less than one week she will become part of the first graduating class at the new Durant high school.
"It's really exciting because everyone wants to see it, I'm in cheerleading and that's why I'm excited for the new building because I think it will promote school spirit," said Podany.
Morgan's mom is a counselor at the school and says the new building is not only good for students, but for the community as a whole.
"This is great for Durant, the technology we have here is above and beyond any of the schools around us," said Kim Podany.
Durant superintendent, Dr Jason Simeroth says the new facility was designed for 21st century learning. So instead of backpacks, students will get their own laptop with electronic textbooks and digital drop boxes for homework assignments. This will allow them to interact with teachers from home and provide more access for parents.
"We wanted it to be a coffee house professional type atmosphere so that kids enjoy being here, a lot of kids drop out because they don't enjoy being at school," said Dr. Simeroth.
Students will also have access to a state of the art media center, auditorium and common area. Crews are clearing the way for new a football, baseball and softball field which drivers will see right off 75.
"This is the billboard for Durant and I think that's what the community wanted when they decided to build this place, they wanted something that was beautiful and something that would last and stand for what the community believes in," said Dr. Simeroth.


text: 5 Heart Numbers Everyone Should Know By John D Day MD February 21, 2013 People do not realize how important their health is until they lose it. The key is to first get educated and then to take action. As a cardiologist at the Intermountain Heart Institute, I see many patients who don't realize they can control certain factors of heart disease. At least 75% of heart conditions are totally preventable! Here are five numbers that everyone should know and work to maintain the recommended goals. Read More


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I'm sure that everyone here, is here because they lead a busy life and want to efficiently pick up tips on making the most of their time.
At some point, when a person in authority over you asks you to do something, you will reach the point where you can not accept any more tasks and start to feel that you don't have enough time even to manage your tasks.
If you say yes, then you will have to either not do something else important or cut down on your sleep and holidays - I'm assuming here that you are already working away your freetime doing overtime.
How do you judge this and how do you deal with it?


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Freshly Shorn Pete Wentz Declares the "Death of the Emo Swoosh"
Courtesy Pete Wentz
First he ditched the guyliner, and now Pete Wentz is saying good-bye to his famous raven boy bangs! The rocker took to his Twitter to show off a new buzz cut, tweeting "jay-z had the death of autotune. this is the death of the emo swoosh". Without the signature locks in his eye, we almost didn't recognize him! What's next, baggy jeans? Tell us: What do you think of Pete Wentz's buzz cut? Do you love it or hate it?


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Samsung Galaxy Note 6: Rumors, features and release dates
Is Samsung eating up Apple�s market share?
[APK Download] Google Play Store 5.10.30 update is rolling-out with Apps listing rating and New UI
[ETA Dates] Official List of Confirmed Samsung devices to get Android 6.0 Marshmallow Updates
The Xiaomi Mi Max is going to have a 6.44-inch display
[Screenshots] Take a look at Samsung's New TouchWiz UI for S6 edge+ and Note5
[Video] First look at HTC's Android 6.0 Marshmallow Sense 7.0 User Interface
Google Android 6.0 Marshmallow Full Change-log and Features, All you need to know
Our Mission is Keeping you updated with Latest Android News and Updates as it Happens!
© 2015 YouMobile Inc. All rights reserved


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I saw "Heizölrückstoßabdämpfung" as an example of a word that is almost a pangramm without repetitition, but is it a real German word?
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It's a "real" word, in the sense that it doesn't contain any orthographical mistakes, but I seriously doubt that you'll find the word in technical literature.
My guess is that the word was composed for amusement's sake: getting the longest German isogram.
This word is made up only to be the longest "known" German isogram. So it is a phantasy term meaning really nothing. It doesn't make any sense, so I would not agree with the other answers stating that it is a "real" word.
It's certainly a word that can be formed and understood in German. If it's actually used I couldn't say, as it seems very technical. I can at least imagine a "heating oil backlash suppressor" to exist though, even if I don't know what it is.
Fun fact about german: You can combine almost any noun with any other and still have a valid noun, at least from a grammatical point of view. That doesn't always mean that the word itself makes sense or even represent an actual "thing" in the real world.
So to answer the question: Yes, it is. In this case, the word even describes something that actually exists.
Words like this are often referred to as "snake words" (Schlangewörter), because you can go on and add more nouns to it without making it "wrong".
Example: "Heizölrückstoßabdämpfungstechnikerkabinenschlüsseldekorationsbeauftragtenmobil" - Still a valid german word.
If a 'heating oil backlash suppressor' existed, it would be a real noun. If it does not exist, it is not real, but still valid.
It is a constructed noun with no orthographical mistakes, and it is constructed according to the rules of german grammar and syntax. Because you can construct new nouns in german by putting two existing nouns (even constructed nouns) together, german vocabulary is at the same time finite and unbounded. :-)
As indicated by markus, this is an example of compound word, a Kompositum. It is perfectly legal in German to create these from as many words as you like; the last word of the compound defines the main meaning, and the word or compound before that acts as refinement, not that different from english:
Whether the word still makes sense is another matter, of course. In theory, you could build an infinitely long word (and thus, if you do count compounds as "real words", German has infinite words).
So it depends on your definition whether Heizölrückstoßabdämpfung is a real word. Apparently, such an apparatus does not exist, but the meaning is clear, as Isotopp points out.
You could just invent such a thing, and you'll have invented a very real word as well :)
Once I've asked a heating contractor and he told me that he had never heard of this word before. So I guess it's just a clever combination of single words.
I'm amazed that nobody has mentioned the term 'zusammengesetzte Nomen'. That's what we're talking about here. You can create them in almost any language but the german language makes it easier than other languages and uses quite many of them naturally.


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I recently maxed out my class with the specialist kill streak in MW3. When I got 2 kills after my last perk, I got a "specialist bonus". Afterwards, I appeared to have sleight of hand(which wasn't one of my specialist perks). So what exactly does the specifialist bonus do? I've done this before but never noticed a real change and figured it was just for points. I didn't noticed I unlocked more perks
The specialist bonus is given when you achieve an 8 kill streak with the Specialist package (or 7 kill streak if you have Hardline).
It gives you all perks that you have unlocked (even if you have not chosen them as part of your package, and excepting Overkill), and all weapon proficiencies (except Impact, Breath, Damage, and Attachments). Check out the COD wiki for details.
What commando said except it gives you the perks you have unlocked. e.g. if you got pro on everything you would get the pro effects, if you got pro on nothing you get no pro effects.
Also, you get bonus xp for each kill once you've earned the bonus, till you die Getting the specialist bonus also gives credit towards the "OMA" challenge. As additional trivia, the specialist bonus icon resembles the "One Man Army" perk icon from MW2.
The above true except that you unlock all perks full stop regardless of whether you have unlocked for example if you use specialist at lvl 20 you will achieve scavenger when you get the bonus even though you have yet to unlock it.


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Marine stationed in Afghanistan happy to hear from class
James M. Chicano, Wolcott
My son is a U.S. Marine currently deployed at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan. I wait for phone calls to hear his voice, but one call was different.
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I just bought Mount & Blade off steam yesterday. On the overland map (with all the cities etc.) I see parties with speeds much higher than mine (like the 'steppe bandits' going at 7.1), is there a character attribute that's linked to this? If not, how do I increase my parties speed?
There are 4 ways that I remember off the top of my head, but I haven't played for a while, so I won't be much more help.
Also, Control + Space speeds up in-game time on the world map, whether moving or stationary.
Don't know when this was implemented (works as of Warband 1.134), but I wish I'd had this functionality years ago.


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The 7 Most Horrifying Museums on Earth
#3. The Vent Haven Ventriloquist Museum
Location: Fort Mitchell, Kentucky
Everyone is scared of ventriloquist dummies. Like clowns, they're the result of a serious miscalculation about the desirable elements of children's entertainment. Most people wouldn't want to be alone in a room with one. Go to the Vent Haven Museum in Kentucky, though, and you can be alone in a room with 750 of them.
"You're in our house..."
The collection was started by a guy named, no joke, William Shakespeare Berger - an amateur ventriloquist and wealthy tycoon, who wound up blowing his vast fortune acquiring over 500 of these monsters up until the day he died. Whether Berger was controlling the dummies or vice-versa is a matter for debate.
The family portrait.
One of the museum's notable acquisitions is the collection of famed ventriloquist William Wood, who was once billed as "the world's greatest ventriloquist" until he died in a freak boating accident in the Gulf of Mexico. (Yeah, "accident.") Four of his six dummies are on display at the museum, while the other two were lost at sea, no doubt while dragging William Wood to the bottom of the ocean by each pant leg.
The Vent Haven Ventriloquist Museum has gone on to become the largest collection of ventriloquist dummies in the world, and all it required was a wealthy tycoon named William Shakespeare to tragically outlive his wife, his son, his grandson and thus find himself without any living heirs. Yes, we must specify living heirs.
#2. The Icelandic Phallological Museum
Location: Husavik, Iceland
Ah, penis.
Gentlemen, how many of you are so proud of your genitalia that you honestly think it belongs in a museum? Well, just take a trip to the frozen north and check out the Icelandic Phallological Museum: the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to cock.
The brainchild of former history teacher and self-proclaimed "phallologist" Sigurdur Hjartarson...
...the Icelandic Phallological Museum includes the penises of more than 100 mammals. In addition to these exhibits, its curator has branched out to other terrifying acquisitions. For example, these lamps are made out of balls.
The museum's extensive art collection includes penile paintings, lamps, phones and plenty of other trinkets suitable for any bachelorette party. It also boasts penile specimens from various mythical characters such as elves, trolls and monsters. For example, have you ever wondered what Elmo's dick looks like? Well, guess what?
So has Sigurdur Hjartarson.
However, any male with a fully fictional flagstaff that enters the Icelandic Phallological Museum should be warned that its sadistic curator has gone to lengths comparable only to horror movies to expand his vast collection. For example, whenever some unfortunate whale gets beached on any of Iceland's 3,000 miles of coastline, you bet your balls (so to speak) that Sigurdur Hjartarson will be there with his axe to obtain the monster's you-know-what.
#1. The Mutter Museum
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The College of Physicians of Philadelphia's Mutter Museum is without question the single most terrifying episode of Ripley's Believe It or Not! in history.
Hey, look. A sliced-off face.
Started in 1858 thanks to a donation from Dr. Thomas Dent Mutter, the museum's collection of medical oddities began as an early version of Rotten.com. If you wanted to see the world's biggest pimple or witness the biggest shit ever taken back in the day (for medical purposes, of course) all you needed to do was ask Dr. Mutter, then die a little inside.
The Mutter Museum is the current home of the Hyrtl Skull Collection: a wall of skulls with the oftentimes disturbing, sometimes hilarious descriptions as to how its owner died.
One of them reads "Idiot" for cause of death. Seriously.
This place also features a woman whom Philadelphians affectionately refer to as the Soap Lady...
...a nine-foot-long human colon that once contained over 40 pounds of shit...
...some inside-out babies...
Wait, what the?
...a unicorn...
Or at the very least a unicorn's dong growing out of someone's face.
...this thing...
...and finally, a whole bunch of creepy pictures of various horrible, disfiguring diseases...
...and other deformities:
More pressing question: Who will save us?
For more unbridled horror, check out The 6 Most Terrifying Items People Actually Collect and 6 Creepy Urban Legends That Happen to be True.
And stop by Linkstorm (Updated Today!) to cleanse your eyes of the horror you just witnessed.
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