text: Fringe benefits tax exempt benefits This information forms Chapter 20 of Fringe benefits tax - a guide for employers. 20.1 What is an exempt benefit? A number of benefits are exempt from fringe benefits tax (FBT). Although these are popularly called 'exempt fringe benefits', they are referred to in the FBT legislation as 'exempt benefits' – in fact, by definition, an exempt benefit can't be a fringe benefit. Exempt benefits are not only exempt from FBT, they are also (with one exception) exempt from income tax in the hands of the employee to whom they are provided. The exception relates to car expense payments, which is explained in section 20.2. 20.2 Transport exemptions Cars There are circumstances in which private use of a car may be exempt from FBT. An employee's private use of a taxi, panel van or a utility designed to carry less than one tonne, or any other road vehicle designed to carry a load of less than one tonne (that is, one not designed principally to carry passengers) is exempt if their private use of such a vehicle is limited to: travel between home and work travel that is incidental to travel in the course of performing employment-related duties non-work-related use that is minor, infrequent and irregular – for example, occasional use of the vehicle to remove domestic rubbish. Example: Exempt use An electrical company employee takes the company van (carrying capacity of less than one tonne) home each night because there is no security at the company premises. The only non-work-related use during the FBT year was a trip to pick up some furniture and take it to the employee's home – this use of the van would be exempt from FBT. If the use of the vehicle exceeds the limits set out above, it is a car fringe benefit. All the private use of the vehicle, including the travel between home and work, is taken into account in determining the business percentage under the operating cost method. If no logbook records are maintained, the statutory formula method must be used to value the car fringe benefit. Where the vehicle is not a car as defined in section 7.1 of Car fringe benefits, a residual benefit will arise (refer to section 18.6 of Residual fringe benefits). Example: Non-exempt use A council employee takes a utility (carrying capacity of less than one tonne) home each night and on the weekends. Although the utility is clearly marked as a council vehicle, the employee uses it for shopping and other private purposes during the week and often for country trips on the weekends. This use of the utility would not be exempt from FBT and would be treated as a car fringe benefit. Assuming there are no logbook records, the taxable value of the utility would be calculated using the statutory formula method. End of example Dual cab vehicles Dual cab vehicles are variants of conventional goods vehicles, with additional seating positions behind the driver and front passenger seats. They share a common chassis, to which the single or dual passenger cab and alternative tray sections may be fitted. Dual cabs qualify for the work-related use exemption only if they are either: designed to carry a load of one tonne or more, or more than eight passengers, or while having a designed load capacity of less than one tonne, are not designed for the principal purpose of carrying passengers. A dual cab that has a designed load-carrying capacity of less than one tonne may qualify for the work-related use exemption only if the vehicle is not designed for the principal purpose of carrying passengers. To determine whether the majority of the designed load capacity is attributable to passenger-carrying capacity, multiply the designed seating capacity (including the driver's) by 68kg, which is the figure used for applying the Australian Design Rules. If the resulting total passenger weight exceeds the remaining 'load' capacity, the vehicle is treated as being designed for the principal purpose of carrying passengers and so is ineligible for the work-related use exemption. Example A dual cab vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 1,950kg, a basic kerb weight of 1,400kg, and a designed seating capacity of five would be considered a vehicle designed principally for carrying passengers. This is because the majority of the total load capacity (340kg (5 × 68kg) of a total of 550kg) would be absorbed by its designed passenger carrying capacity. End of example Unregistered vehicles If a car is unregistered for the full FBT year and used principally for business purposes, any private use is exempt from FBT. A car that may be lawfully driven on a public road is regarded as being registered. See also: Car fringe benefits – for an explanation of the types of motor vehicles that are cars, refer to section 7.1. Personal services entities A car benefit is an exempt benefit in relation to an FBT year if the person providing the benefit can't deduct an amount under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) for providing the benefit because of section 86-60 of that Act. Section 86-60 of the ITAA 1997 limits the extent to which a personal services entity can deduct car expenses. Deductions are not allowed for more than one car for private use. The use of these cars is an exempt benefit because the entity is not entitled to claim an income tax deduction for these cars. Car expenses – expense payments With some exceptions, where you reimburse the operating expenses of an employee's own car according to the distance travelled in the car, an exempt benefit arises – for example, where expenses are reimbursed on the basis of an agreed number of cents per kilometre travelled. These exempt benefits are a unique category of exempt benefits – they are the only exempt benefits that constitute assessable income in the hands of the employee. All other exempt benefits are both exempt from income tax in the hands of the employee to whom they are provided, and exempt from FBT. Where the benefits are not exempt, some valuation concessions are available (refer to Reductions in fringe benefit taxable value). The exemption is not available where the reimbursement of the car expenses relates to any of the following circumstances: transport to enable an employee to go on holiday (including remote area and overseas employment holiday transport) relocation transport transport to an employment interview or selection test transport to a work-related medical examination, work-related medical screening, work-related preventative health care, work-related counselling or migrant language training transport was provided after the employee had ceased to perform the duties of that employment. Public transport – residual benefits Where you operate a business of providing transport to the public, providing free or discounted travel (other than in an aircraft) to employees of that business for travelling to and from work is an exempt benefit. Free or discounted travel on a scheduled metropolitan service you operate is also exempt. Where the benefit is provided by an associate company, it is also exempt if both you and the associate carry on a public transport business. Providing travel on public transport to a police officer for travelling between the officer's place of residence and their primary place of employment is an exempt benefit. Public transport – residual benefits where the benefit is accessed under a salary packaging arrangement The specific exemption that applies to residual benefits in respect to private home to work travel through public transport and travel on scheduled metropolitan services (where the employer and associate are in the business of providing transport to the public) does not apply from 22 October 2012 where: the benefit is provided in-house and the employee accesses the benefit under a salary packaging arrangement. Motor vehicles – residual benefits Where you provide an employee with the use of a motor vehicle that is not a car This use is an exempt benefit if any private use is restricted to the following circumstances: travel to and from work use that is incidental to travel in the course of performing employment-related duties non-work-related use that is minor, infrequent and irregular – for example, occasional use of the vehicle to remove domestic rubbish. See also: Car fringe benefits – for an explanation of the types of motor vehicles that are cars, refer to section 7.1. If the use of the vehicle exceeds the limits set out above, a residual benefit will arise and the taxable value can be worked out using either the cents-per-kilometre method or operating cost method (refer to section 18.6 of Residual fringe benefits). All the private use of the vehicle, including travel between home and work, is taken into account in determining the business percentage under the operating cost method. Where the motor vehicle is used wholly or principally in connection with your business operations and is at all times unregistered, any private use by the employee is also an exempt benefit. A motor vehicle that may be lawfully driven on a public road is regarded as being registered. Fly-in fly-out arrangements – residual benefits Transport you provide to employees who work in remote areas in Australia or overseas, or on oil rigs or other installations at sea This arrangement, commonly known as 'fly-in fly-out' transport, is exempt where all of the following apply: an employee's usual place of employment is at a remote location in Australia or overseas, or on oil rigs or other installations at sea employees are provided with accommodation at or near the worksite on working days on a regular basis the employee works for a number of days followed by a number of days off, returning to their usual place of residence on their days off you provide the employee with transport between their usual place of residence and their place of employment having regard to the location of the two places, it would be unreasonable to expect the employee to travel to and from work on a daily basis. Accommodation is considered to be in a remote area in Australia: If it is not in or near an urban centre. This means the accommodation must be located at least 40 kilometres from a town with a census population between 14,000 and 130,000, and at least 100 kilometres from a town with a census population of 130,000 or more (population figures based on the 1981 Census). If the accommodation is in zone A or B (for income tax purposes), it must be located at least 40 kilometres from a town with a census population between 28,000 and 130,000, and at least 100 kilometres from a town with a census population of 130,000 or more. From 1 April 2007, where the shortest practical surface route between a locality and an eligible urban area includes a route by water, the distance travelled by water is doubled for the purposes of working out how remote that locality is from the eligible urban area. Accommodation is considered to be in a remote area overseas: If it is inaccessible or sparsely populated and is not located close to a built up area such as a town or city. Factors that should be considered to determine if an overseas location is remote (having regard to comparable Australian standards) are: the distance and time it takes to travel from the worksite to the nearest urban area the population of the nearest urban area accessibility of the overseas site safety and the crime rate, adequacy of local law enforcement, or health risks in the surrounding areas to the worksite (whether the nearest urban area is reasonably safe if adequate precautions are taken, the ability to take safety precautions) location of the worksite relative to the arrival destination in the foreign country – for example, an international airport the quality of the roads between the nearest urban area and the worksite amenities and facilities available at the nearest urban area (in close proximity to the worksite), such as (but not limited to) public transport availability of accommodation/housing a library, public park or other recreational facilities places for buying a variety of foods a reliable electricity supply and access to clean drinking water/running water and a sewage system availability of access to the internet, mobile phone reception and access to facilities such as banks and medical supplies and facilities. No single factor is expected to be determinative – each location will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis, and all of the factors balanced to see whether it would be considered remote. See also: FBT exemption for fly-in/fly-out arrangements – for information on remote and non-remote overseas locations. Operating costs of motor vehicle Where the use of a motor vehicle gives rise to a fringe benefit, the benefits associated with the costs of operating the vehicle are exempt benefits. There is no additional FBT liability for operating expenses you provide, such as for registration, insurance, repairs and fuel. This is because the valuation rules for use of the motor vehicle also take into account the operating costs of the vehicle. Employment interviews and selection tests A benefit that meets the costs of travelling to an interview or selection test, in connection with an application for employment with a new employer or a promotion or transfer with an existing employer, is an exempt benefit. Where the benefit is of a type that would be an expense payment fringe benefit but for the exemption, you must obtain documentary evidence of the employee's expenditure. If the applicant or current employee uses their own vehicle and is reimbursed on a cents-per-kilometre basis for the distance travelled, the benefit is not exempt – however, a reduction in the taxable value may be available (refer to section 19.3 of Reductions in fringe benefit taxable value). Motor vehicle parking The following car parking benefits are exempt from FBT: residual benefits certain expense payment benefits parking for the disabled benefits provided by certain employers. Residual benefits Employer-provided parking that is not a car parking fringe benefit is a residual benefit that is exempt from FBT. Expense payment benefits Where you pay or reimburse a car parking expense incurred by an employee, it is exempt from FBT if the expense is not a car parking expense payment fringe benefit as explained in section 16.8 of Car parking fringe benefits. Parking for the disabled (regulation 13A) Car parking provided for a car used by a disabled employee who is legally entitled to use a disabled person's parking space and has a valid disabled person's car parking permit displayed on the car is exempt from FBT. Exempt employers You are exempt from FBT in relation to car parking fringe benefits and car parking expense payment fringe benefits if you are one of the following employers: a scientific institution (other than an institution run for the purposes of profit or gain to its shareholders or members) a registered religious institution a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and endorsed by us a public educational institution a government body where the employee is exclusively employed in, or in connection with, a public educational institution. Small business car parking If you are a small business employer, car parking benefits you provide are exempt if all the following conditions are satisfied: the parking is not provided in a commercial car park you are not a government body, a listed public company, or a subsidiary of a listed public company you were either a small business entity for the last income year before the relevant FBT year, or your total income for the last income year before the relevant FBT year was less than $10 million – for this purpose, your income includes ordinary income and statutory income as defined in the ITAA 1997, that is, total gross income before any deductions. Travel to obtain medical treatment Benefits that meet the costs of travel from a workplace located in a foreign country in order to obtain medical treatment are exempt benefits. The exemption applies where the travel is undertaken solely because the employee (or a family member living with the employee) requires medical treatment. It also applies to travel of a person who is required to accompany the patient as an escort for medical reasons, who accompanies a patient who is under 18, or who, as a family member, visits or accompanies the patient. A condition of exemption is that the place of treatment is the place nearest the work locality where suitable medical treatment could be provided, or the place where suitable treatment could be obtained at least cost. Accommodation and meals are also exempt if provided en route or during any period in which the person travelling must stay at the place of treatment for reasons related to the medical treatment. However, hospital accommodation and meals provided to the patient are not exempt. Travel for compassionate reasons Certain benefits you provide in connection with compassionate travel are exempt benefits. Compassionate travel is restricted to: travel by an employee for the sole purpose of visiting a close relative who is seriously ill travel by an employee for the sole purpose of attending the funeral of a close relative travel by a close relative of an employee for the sole purpose of visiting the employee, if the employee is seriously ill travel by a close relative of an employee for the sole purpose of attending the funeral of the employee travel by a close relative of an employee for the sole purpose of visiting a seriously ill close relative of the employee (the traveller must ordinarily reside with the employee) travel by a close relative of an employee for the sole purpose of attending the funeral of a close relative of the employee (the traveller must ordinarily reside with the employee). For the purpose of this exemption, a close relative of an employee means a spouse, a child or a parent of the employee, or a parent of the employee's spouse. One of the following conditions must be satisfied when the compassionate travel starts: the employee is travelling in the course of performing employment-related duties the employee is living away from home while performing employment-related duties the employee's usual place of residence is in a remote area (refer to section 10.8 of Housing fringe benefits). The exemption applies to benefits that would be fringe benefits of the following types, if it were not for the exemption: a car fringe benefit where the car is the means of the compassionate travel an expense payment fringe benefit where the expenditure is for transport, meals or accommodation for the person travelling (you must obtain documentary evidence of the expenditure) a property fringe benefit consisting of meals for the person travelling a residual fringe benefit consisting of transport or accommodation for the person travelling. Taxi travel Any benefit arising from taxi travel by an employee is an exempt benefit if the travel is a single trip beginning or ending at the employee's place of work. Any benefit arising from taxi travel by an employee is also an exempt benefit if the travel is both: a result of sickness of, or injury to, the employee the whole or a part of the journey directly between any of the following the employee's place of work the employee's place of residence any other place that it is necessary, or appropriate, for the employee to go as a result of the sickness or injury. The exemption is limited to travel in a vehicle licensed by the relevant State or Territory to operate as a taxi. It does not extend to ride-sourcing services provided in a vehicle that is not licensed to operate as a taxi. Last modified: 05 May 2017QC 17820


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I have seen some reviews of Gander Mountain's gunsmithing by some people on the Sig Forum. I would HIGHLY not recommend it.
CCR Refinishing does black ceracoat and duracoat surfaces. He usually takes 6-8 weeks, but everyone is satisfied with his work (google "CCR Refinishing" to find the link). I would NOT go thru Gander Mountain for that.
Honestly - If ya want the best black finish, I'd get Birdsong's Black T - If ya google Blact T, U will find all sorts of positive comments - He doesn't have a website, but I may be able to find the # if U are interested (U can PM me).

subset: commoncrawl


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By Nik Brumsack
Thomas Vermaelen is delighted that Jack Wilshere and Bacary Sagna are back in first-team action - and believes their return will galvanise the Arsenal squad.
Wilshere played 67 minutes in Saturday's win against QPR - his first competitive appearance since May 2011 - while Sagna was also back after almost six months on the sidelines.
Vermaelen was happy with the performance of both players and is confident having them back will be a big boost for Arsène Wenger's team.
"He's an amazing player," Vermaelen said of Wilshere. "I think he can be one of the best midfielders in the world because what he did in his first year was great."
"And you could see he looked sharp. In midfield he was a lot on the ball and he can only get better in the following games and he can grow. What I've seen today is really positive.
"It's good that the boss now has choices, a lot of choices because Bacary is coming back and he still has Carl Jenkinson who did a great job at the beginning of the season. It's good that the boss has [these] choices and the squad is getting bigger.''
Wilshere showed no ill effects from his previous injuries on Saturday, and while Vermaelen can understand why fans and pundits alike were excited by his display, he insists the 20-year-old must be handled with care.
"Everyone knows how good he can be and everyone wants him back for the England team as well but don't forget I've been out for eight months and he has been out for 14 or 15 so that's double," Vermaelen said. "I know how hard it will be.
"But what I saw today was positive and we have to be easy with him. It's going to be a long way to get up to the biggest level."Copyright 2017 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source


text:
Bring It On: The Musical
St. James Theatre
Until Sun Jan 20 2013
Photograph: Joan Marcus
Time Out rating:
Not yet rated
Time Out says
Thu Oct 4 2012
Both kids and parents will flip for the high-impact cheer routines and "love who you are" storyline in the new musical inspired by the popular movie franchise. Featuring music by Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights) and a book by Tony Award winner Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), the show follows high school senior Campbell (Taylor Louderman) on her quest to win first place in the national cheerleading competition. Along the way, Campbell (and those watching in the audience) learn about fitting in, being true to yourself and the importance of friendship. Ages 6 and up.
CommentsAdd +
Venue details
St. James Theatre 246 W 44th St
Midtown West
New York
- Cross Street:
between Broadway and Eighth Ave
- Venue phone:
- Venue website:
- Transport:
Subway: A, C, E to 42nd St–Port Authority; N, Q, R, 42nd St S, 1, 2, 3, 7 to 42nd St–Times Sq
St. James Theatre
- 246 W 44th St
Midtown West
New York
- 212-239-6200
- jujamcyn.com
- 246 W 44th St
- St. James Theatre
- Event phone:
- Event website:
- Categories:
Theater. Musicals. Comedy
- Good for:
Wow factor. Dating. Date night. Lively scene. Local talent. Lots of laughs. Take a tourist. Up-and-coming talent
- Event type:
Plays & Shows
- Date Time Price information
Fri Nov 30 20128:00pm$32–$125, premium $130–$199


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text:
I tried to make my thread title as descriptive as I could, but ran out of characters... so here goes!
I am currently searching for an online TEFL/TESOL course for my boyfriend. I am already CELTA qualified and we both already work in Primary schools as English Classroom Assistants in Spain. I have been doing it for 5 years, my boyfriend has just started his second year, so classroom practice is not essential.
As we live in the Canary Islands, and there are no accredited TEFL/TESOL providers within travelling distance of our house, plus we both have our work and family commitments, I have been trying to find a good, all-round, course with reputable accreditation for him so that he can acquire some decent TEFL grammar, lesson-planning and theoretical knowledge.
After considerable searching on here, and googling, I have narrowed it down to 3 courses.
LTTC Cert TESOL (120 hrs) @ £255 - NQF Level 4
http://www.access2english.co.uk/london- ... erttefl120
140 hour Distance Learning TEFL TESOL Course @ £395 - NQF Level 5
TESOL-Direct Cert TESOL 150 hours @ £445 - NQF Level 5
Bearing in mind that he requires the course for the theoretical aspect and not the practical classroom component, I would be interested in people's opinions of which course they would recommend. Obviously we know that there is no actual accreditation body for online courses, but accreditation is important in some form or another, as he would like the resulting certificate to have decent recognition from employers, otherwise it's a waste of money.
Any unbiased comments, advice, or other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks! :)


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On Saturday, September 28, 2013 at approximately 4:00 p.m., Lakeland Police responded to the J C Penney, 3800 Hwy 98 N in reference to a grand theft. Upon arrival, officers made contact with a loss prevention officer who stated the suspect was dropped off at the men's entrance and entered the shoe department. He stated the suspect removed some shoes from their boxes and concealed the merchandise in several JC Penney shopping bags. The suspect then exited through the catalog entrance with the shoes. The suspect did this twice. The suspect then fled in the suspect vehicle.
The suspect is described as a black female, 30 to 40 years old, wearing a soccer jersey with the number 8 on the back, shorts and a baseball cap.
The suspect vehicle is a black compact vehicle.
Anyone with information on the identification of the suspect or the vehicle, are asked to contact the Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6900, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477. To be eligible for a cash reward, you must contact Crime Stoppers.


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I am going to split them next week as there is quite a flow going on at the moment and they should have plenty of time before the cooler months to build up their numbers again. Also there is quite an autumn flow here that extends into winter. Meadlover will be the beneficiary of the splits.Mick
Noticed today (37o in Melb today) that we have LOTS o bees on the front of the hive.The hive is in the afternoon shade, but i suspect they are just trying to keep cool? Can anyone confirm?
Thanks. Hope its not over crowding, they only did it last weekend when it was hot. The colony is less than 12 months old from when it was originally split. I will be changing the ideal super to full sized with new frames this weekend.The hive is on bricks then a sheet of plywood...is this high enough?


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'Meanwhile, Ray kept tapping on the glass between the two benches and taunting the Wild coaches. He yapped most of the game. Then on the ice, he'd cover up. But his team won 4-1, so I guess he gets the last laugh.'
NHL's enforcers have lost their punch
January 7, 2002 Submitted by


text: I grabbed a Disney hot potato one. I am actually quite impressed with it. I wish it were heavier, but other than that it will looko great after I paint it. I am going to paint it humbrol silver, weather it with black and rust brown, and then use a super fine brush (0000) and humbrol chrome to add scratches.


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BrotherR wrote:perhaps some other threads would like a last post
last post
you think?
sisterC wrote:.
am I doing it right?
sisterC wrote:you always do everything the correct way brother
not bad for a guy with no balls and a broken leg...
sisterC wrote:so now it's just twig? and broken twig at that?
evil grin
the twig is intact, the berries fell off...
sisterC wrote:tension is mounting isn't it?
you may want to get a towel...
good night sister. not sure where the disconnect was. maybe I will see you over the weekend.
BrotherR wrote:.
smurf off
sisterC wrote:we were not disconnected. you know what happened and you know why.
That is the disconnect - I don't know. LMD
sisterC wrote:come watch me bleed then
no thanks - take care
sisterC wrote:smurf off
F off becomes smurf off, how interesting.
Do something more useful with your blood!
gotohell wrote:Do something more useful with your blood!
I broke my other leg, in five places. makes cleaning garages hard, but I am the man...
BrotherD wrote:I broke my other leg, in five places. makes cleaning garages hard, but I am the man...
Alcohol deadens your physical pain but not your mental pain.
gotohell wrote:Alcohol deadens your physical pain but not your mental pain.
I'll accept your experience
email - and good night baby
BrotherD wrote:email - and good night baby
and now all the nice lurkers can go back to "hell"
you still rub me the wrong way bro r...
bro check again. i did that in reverse order i'm so proud of myself for keeping the vows of the order of the holy born blondes! dumb to the end!
everything is fine. sorry i sounded so urgent.
fall to pieces...velvet revolver
something is not right
View All →


text:
Romanttiset/ensimmäiset treffit, Rauhalliset/hiljaiset, Elävää musiikkia, Luksusravintolat, Rentoutuminen, Lapset/perheet, Buffetti, Aamiainen ja lounas
Grilli, Grilliravintolat, Italialainen, Jäätelö, Jälkiruoat, Japanilainen, Kala ja äyriäiset, Kansainvälinen, Kiinalainen, Muut, Pizza ja pasta, Thairuoka
Opening Hour
05.00 - 22.00
Opening Days
Cash, Diners Club cards
The whole concept of the restaurant is derived from its physical aspect in the hotel with the view over Benjasiri Park. The renewed décor will give the ambient feel of strolling through a park. New columns, a burbling fountain and the paving-stone carpet feature will enhance this "dining in the park" theming.
Foods and presentations will reflect an image of light & healthy fare consistent with the natural décor of the park and garden-house feel of the new Parkview Restaurant
Lunch (Everyday from 11.30 -14.30) 599฿ net/person
Monday through Saturdays, buffet items will feature the flavours of Thai and International cuisine with a focus on speed and convenience.
The business lunch will feature a combination of cuisines tailored to the corporate diner and convention guest. Speed of service and a large variety of "lunch" food items shall be the feature of the Parkview Business Buffet Lunch. The executive lunch will focus on Local delicacies & Thai Flavours, Sandwiches and filled rolls, Luncheon pizza from the buffet's pizza oven, Daily changing a la minute menu, that will provide table service, Healthy Choices and vegetarian, Limited Seafood
Gourmet Dinner Buffet (Everyday from 17.00-22.00)
The Parkview dinner buffet will be positioned as a high quality good value dining experience. The buffet itself will have a heavy focus on seafood and the restaurants new open kitchens. Food stations, whether within the kitchen or in the restaurant will offer a variety of cuisines and foods from the hotel's specialty restaurants. Kacho will feature with a sushi/sashimi selection and Imperial China shall have a changing menu selection. As well as the static buffet range, diners will also have the option to select a la minute items that will be prepared fresh and then delivered to their table.
Executive Chefhas teamed up to present our tasty international favorites with tantalizing fresh seafood – Alaskan King Crab, Lobster, Oysters, New Zealand Mussels plus our sizzling BBQ of succulent imported and selected local meats grilled to perfection.
Asian Cuisines (Separated by country), Local delicacies & Thai flavours plus international choices shall all feature during dinner time.
Delectable desserts will also be a prime focus of the dinner and supper buffets. The hotel's pastry team shall provide a feast of the freshest bakery, cake and fruit-base dessert items partnered with the favoured dessert of most Thai people – ice cream!
Bangkok Biggest Brunch (Every Sunday from 11.30-15.00)
Be enchanted every Sunday by traditional brunch favourites with live- action cooking stations, BBQ selection, seafood cornerm hot dishes and Thai & International dessert such as French Toast, Croque Monsieur, grilled gourmet sausages, made-to-order Omelette, succulent imported roast carvery, ham carvery and Bangkok's best Eggs Benedict!
For one price of just 1600 net/person (food only) or 2100 net/person (inclusive of free flow of beverages) you can commence your dine-around not only at Parkview restaurant but also Imperial China and Kacho Japanese restaurant at your choice.
There is no review available for this place at the moment. If you've been there and would like to write a review, please visit TripAdvisor.com


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I own a Beretta 96, and heard about two stage triggers. Does anyone know if the 92 and 96 use a two stage trigger? I know there is a little play in the trigger before it reaches the point of engaging the trigger. I actually like this feature (if it was a planned feature), because it allows me to know exactly when the gun will fire. Is this the 2 stage trigger feature?
Hollow javascript:emoticon(':?')


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PITTSBURGH -- Yovani Gallardo has spent much of his career toying with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
On Wednesday night, the Pirates finally found a way to flip the script on their nemesis.
Neil Walker laced a two-run single off the Milwaukee right-hander in the sixth inning, Wandy Rodriguez pitched seven strong innings and the Pirates beat the Brewers 3-1 on Wednesday.
|More on Brewers-Pirates
|Related links
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Gallardo (3-3) came in 7-0 in his last eight starts against the Pirates but was outdueled by Rodriguez and outsmarted by Walker, who guessed right when he stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and one out.
"He has to come to you," Walker said. "He has to throw strikes and if you stay in your own approach and don't go chasing pitchers pitches and more often than not you're going to at least hit a barrel."
When the switch-hitting Walker, batting left-handed, saw the cutter he was expecting, he slapped it up the middle for his first RBI in nearly a month. The second baseman came off the 15-day disabled list with a hand injury on Monday then gave the Pirates the jolt they needed to post consecutive victories over the Brewers for the first time in nearly four years.
"These are important moving forward for confidence," Walker said. "But being at home here, we feel like it doesn't matter who we play, we need to take advantage of that home field advantage."
The Pirates moved six games above .500 for the first time this season with the victory. Rodriguez (4-2), who was knocked around by the Brewers when he faced them last month, responded by expertly working himself out of trouble spots the first four innings before eventually giving away to Pittsburgh's red-hot bullpen.
Rodriguez (4-2) gave up six hits, walking one and striking out five then watched Jason Grilli work the ninth for his National League-leading 16th save.
"It was the start we needed, a little bit better than their guy," Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said. "Their guy was good too."
Gallardo almost always is when he faces Pittsburgh. He entered the game with a 10-2 lifetime record against the Pirates and was solid enough to make it 11-2 after surrendering three hits over six innings, walking four and striking out four. He just received little help offensively.
Rickie Weeks hit his third homer to provide Milwaukee's only run. Norichika Aoki had two hits for the Brewers but couldn't stop Milwaukee from falling to 2-10 in its last 12 games.
"Guys are giving it all they have," Gallardo said. "It's not like we're trying hard. It's just the way the game is, sometimes. You've just got to keep grinding it out."
Milwaukee has dominated the Pirates over the last six years, winning 73 percent of the meetings between the two clubs and knocked Rodriguez around during his last start against the Brewers two weeks ago.
The left-hander was rocked for seven runs in 4 2/3 innings of an eventual 10-4 loss on April 29.
Things were decidedly smoother this time around.
Working both sides of the plate, Rodriguez kept the Brewers off balance and buckled down when pressed. Milwaukee put runners in scoring position in each of the first four innings but had nothing to show for it.
No missed opportunity loomed larger than the one the Brewers created in the fourth when Jonathan Lucroy led off with a triple to right. Rodriguez induced Carlos Gomez and Weeks to hit harmless infield flies before Alex Gonzalez rolled a routine grounder to shortstop to end the threat.
"He picked it up and laid it down for us and he battled from start to finish," Hurdle said.
Gallardo was just as sharp. Pittsburgh managed just one hit through the first six innings before Starling Marte doubled to center leading off the sixth. Andrew McCutchen and Gaby Sanchez worked one out walks to load the bases to set up Walker's tiebreaking single.
The hit ended an 0-for-23 skid with runners in scoring position by the Pirates and was just enough to deal Gallardo a rare loss to Pittsburgh
"The pitch was off the plate and below the knees," Gallardo said. "Sometimes, you've got to tip your cap to the hitter. I threw it where I wanted to throw."
Weeks drew the Brewers within a run in the seventh with a homer to the bleachers in left field off Rodriguez but baseball's best one-two punch out of the bullpen shut the door.
Set-up man Mark Melancon retired the Brewers in order in the eighth and Grilli did the same in the ninth as Pittsburgh remained undefeated (17-0) when leading after seven innings.
The Pirates gave Grilli a little extra cushion in the eighth when McCutchen scored from third after Weeks threw wide of first after making a diving stop on a grounder by Walker.
Pittsburgh recalled INF Jordy Mercer on Wednesday after placing John McDonald on the 15-day disabled list with a bad back. Mercer started at shortstop and went 1 for 2 ... The Brewers plan to call up veteran reliever Francisco Rodriguez on Thursday. The 31-year-old Rodriguez signed a minor-league deal with the Brewers in April. The four-time All-Star went 2-7 with a 4.38 ERA in 78 games with Milwaukee in 2012 ... ... Umpire Fieldin Culbreth worked at third base on Wednesday night. He left Tuesday night's game after being struck in the neck with a ball ... The series concludes on Thursday. Hiram Burgos (1-1, 6.86 ERA) starts for the Brewers against Pittsburgh's Francisco Liriano (1-0, 1.69).


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Fast Facts
- Population:
- 131,530,000
- Capital:
- Abuja; 452,000
- Area:
- 923,768 square kilometers (356,669 square miles)
- Language:
- English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani
- Religion:
- Muslim, Christian, indigenous beliefs
- Currency:
- Naira
- Life Expectancy:
- 52
- GDP per Capita:
- Literacy Percent:
- 68
Nigeria Facts Flag
Located in West Africa, Nigeria is the population giant of Africa, with more than 130 million people. The terrain changes from the oil-rich Niger Delta in the south to a belt of rain forests inland and to high savanna-covered plateaus in the north.
The population is as diverse as it is large, with some 250 ethnic groups. Nigeria's three largest ethnic groups are: Hausa-Fulani (29 percent of the population), Yoruba (21 percent) and Igbo, or Ibo (18 percent). Northern Nigeria is mostly Islamic and dominated by the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group. Southern Nigeria is more westernized and urbanized than the north, with the Yoruba in the southwest and the Igbo in the southeast. It is estimated that about half the Yorubas are Christian and half Muslim, though many maintain traditional beliefs. The Igbo in the southwest tend to be Christian; many are Roman Catholic.
A century of British rule ended in 1960. After independence ethnic tensions increased, deepened by the rift between the poor north and the more prosperous south. Civil war raged from 1967 to 1970, when the Igbo fought unsuccessfully for autonomy as the Republic of Biafra. The end of the civil war did not mark a return to political stability. After decades of military coups and military rule, free elections were held in 1999 that brought Nigeria back on the road to democracy. The system of government is based on the United States model with a federal government and 36 states, with a Federal Capital Territory at Abuja. The nation's capital moved from Lagos to Abuja in 1991. The federal form of government and location of the capital seek to balance the three major ethnic groups—and subdue ethnic and regional conflict. However, introduction of sharia (criminal code based in Islamic law) in 12 northern states in 2000 provoked violence between Christians and Muslims, leading to thousands of deaths.
Since the oil boom of the 1970s Nigeria has had an unhealthy dependence on crude oil. In 2002 oil and gas exports accounted for 98 percent of export earnings—providing 83 percent of the federal government's revenue. Agriculture suffers from years of mismanagement and corruption. The country's poor transportation infrastructure hinders economic development.
- Industry: Crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, peanuts, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins, textiles
- Agriculture: Cacao, peanuts, palm oil, corn; cattle; timber; fish
- Exports: Petroleum and petroleum products, cacao, rubber
—Text From National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition
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The Niger Delta holds some of the world's richest oil deposits, yet Nigerians living there are poorer than ever, and violence is rampant.
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Wash. Post joined Republicans in baseless attacks on Wilson's credibility
Research ››› ››› JOSH KALVEN
In a July 15 editorial titled "Mr. Rove's Leak," The Washington Post repeated numerous false claims peddled by defenders of White House senior adviser Karl Rove and intended to attack the credibility of former ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV. The editorial appeared in response to mounting evidence of Rove's involvement in the outing of Wilson's wife, clandestine CIA operative Valerie Plame. The Post's claims mirror several of those included in a Republican National Committee document distributed on July 12 and titled "Wilson/Rove Research & Talking Points."
Post editorial: "It turned out his [Wilson's] report to the CIA had not altered, and may even have strengthened, the agency's conclusion that Iraq had explored uranium purchases from Niger."
This statement concerns Wilson's report following his February 2002 trip to Niger to investigate, on behalf of the CIA, allegations that Iraq had purchased or attempted to purchase nuclear materials from the African nation. The Post's statement conceals the fact that some in the intelligence community had already concluded before Wilson's trip that Saddam had not sought uranium from Africa and, more broadly, that Iraq had not reconstituted its nuclear program. While the CIA indeed interpreted Wilson's report as confirmation of its assessment at that time that Saddam had sought uranium in Africa, the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) interpreted it as confirmation of its competing assessment that Iraq had not sought uranium from Niger, a fact the Post failed to mention. In its "Report on the U.S Intelligence Community's Prewar Intelligence on Iraq," the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence wrote:
The report on the former ambassador's trip to Niger, disseminated in March 2002, did not change any analysts' assessments of the Iraq-Niger uranium deal. For most analysts, the information in the report lent more credibility to the original Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reports on the uranium deal, but State Department Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) analysts believed that the report supported their assessment that Niger was unlikely to be willing or able to sell uranium to Iraq.
Further, the Senate committee concluded in 2004 that by the time Bush delivered his State of the Union address in January 2003, it was no longer supportable to claim, as he did, that "The British government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently sought significant quantities of uranium from Africa." The Committee wrote: "Until October 2002 when the Intelligence Community obtained the forged foreign language documents on the Iraq-Niger uranium deal, it was reasonable for analysts to assess that Iraq may have been seeking uranium from Africa based on Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reporting and other available intelligence."
Moreover, the CIA later repudiated its assessment of the Niger allegation. Then-Director of Central Intelligence George J. Tenet publicly stated in July 2003 that "[t]hese 16 words should never have been included in the text written for the President."
It is also of note that Wilson's personal assessment of his findings, as conveyed in his July 6, 2003, New York Times op-ed, concurred with INR's conclusions about Saddam's nuclear program as a whole, which the Committee explicitly affirmed:
After reviewing all the intelligence provided by the Intelligence Community and additional information requested by the Committee, the Committee believes that the judgment in the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), that Iraq was reconstituting its nuclear program, was not supported by the intelligence. The Committee agrees with the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) alternative view that the available intelligence "does not add up to a compelling case for reconstitution."
Post editorial: "Reporters were told that Ms. Plame recommended Mr. Wilson for the Niger trip -- a fact denied by Mr. Wilson but subsequently confirmed by the Senate investigation."
The Senate intelligence committee indeed received some evidence that Plame recommended Wilson for the trip, including the testimony of a single CIA official, as well as a memo written by Plame regarding Wilson's qualifications for the mission to Niger. But the bipartisan report did not reach a conclusion as to Plame's involvement in the CIA's decision to send Wilson to Niger. The committee chairman, Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS), stated in an addendum to the report that committee Democrats had specifically opposed inclusion of an official finding on the subject, which read: "The plan to send the former ambassador to Niger was suggested by the former ambassador's wife, a CIA employee."
Moreover, several newspapers provided further evidence that appeared to support the Senate Democrats' reservations about the validity of the claim. The Los Angeles Times reported on July 15, 2004, that an unnamed CIA official confirmed Wilson's denial that Plame was responsible for the CIA's decision to send him to Niger, saying: "Her bosses say she did not initiate the idea of her husband going. ... They asked her if he'd be willing to go, and she said yes." A July 22, 2003, Newsday article quoted an unidentified senior intelligence official who said: "They [the officers asking Wilson to check the uranium story] were aware of who she [Plame] was married to, which is not surprising. ... There are people elsewhere in government who are trying to make her look like she was the one who was cooking this up, for some reason."
Post editorial: "At the same time, Mr. Rove and other administration officials had a legitimate interest in rebutting Mr. Wilson's inflated claims -- including the notion that he had been dispatched to Niger at Mr. Cheney's behest. It's in that context, judging from Mr. Cooper's e-mail, that Mr. Rove appears to have brought up Ms. Plame's role."
In an attempt to argue that Rove had "legitimate" reason to warn reporters, such as Time magazine's Matthew Cooper, off Wilson's story, the Post deemed "inflated" the claim -- allegedly made by Wilson -- that he had been sent to Niger at Cheney's request. In fact, contrary to the GOP talking points, Wilson never claimed that Cheney sent him. His Times op-ed, as well as the account found in the Senate intelligence report, simply stated that "agency officials" asked him to travel to Niger in response to questions posed by Cheney regarding the Niger allegation. Given that Wilson never claimed to have been sent by Cheney, it is unclear how exactly Rove's call was intended to "rebut" it.
From Wilson's July 6, 2003, op-ed:
In February 2002, I was informed by officials at the Central Intelligence Agency that Vice President Dick Cheney's office had questions about a particular intelligence report. While I never saw the report, I was told that it referred to a memorandum of agreement that documented the sale of uranium yellowcake -- a form of lightly processed ore -- by Niger to Iraq in the late 1990's. The agency officials asked if I would travel to Niger to check out the story so they could provide a response to the vice president's office.
From the Senate intelligence report:
Officials from the CIA's DO [Directorate of Operations] Counterproliferation Division (CPD) told Committee staff that in response to question's from the Vice-President's office and the Departments of State and Defense on the alleged Iraq-Uranium deal, CPD officials discussed ways to obtain additional information. [REDACTED] who could make immediate inquiries into the reporting, CPD decided to contact a former ambassador to Gabon [Wilson] who had a posting early in his career in Niger.
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- National Security & Foreign Policy, War in Iraq
- Stories/Interests
- CIA Leak Investigation
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The Burmese Sangha consists of nine Nikayas (branches), of which the Thudhamma and the Shwegyin Nikaya are the
largest. The others are the Weiluwun Nikaya, Dhammanudhamma Mahadwaya Nikaya, Dhammavinayanuloma Muladwaya Nikaya, Dhammayuttika Nikaya Mahayin, Catubhummika Mahasatipatthana Hngettwin, Ganavimut Gado and the Anaukchaung Dwaya.
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Something like this gets posted every year, but this is one of the best lists I've seen. It comes from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Website (http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/migratorybird/commandments.html). Saw it posted else where on the Web. Give it a read and remember we're all trying to have a good time!
Happy hunting!
Ten Commandments of Public Duck Hunting
Rules to live by when you're hunting public land
1) Thou shalt not shoot another man's swing – If your neighbor's working a flock that passes over your blind within range, let them go. It's common courtesy, and you never know when that neighbor's going to be built like Stone Cold Steve Austin and have a temper like Russell Crowe.
2) Thou shall allow ample space between thyself and others – This one's simple: Unless you're both willing to partner up, give the next guy room. And in most parts of the country, 50 yards isn't considered enough.
3) Thou shalt know the effective range of thy own fowling piece – They're called skybusters, these pseudo-hunters who shoot at anything within eyesight.
4) Thou shalt not blow a duck call nonstop, nor at every bird and beast – Sure, you paid $20 for it, but that doesn't mean you have to get $20 out of it every trip into the field, does it? Remember the immortal words of legendary outdoor writer Nash Buckingham: "A duck call in the hands of the unskilled is conservation's greatest asset."
5) Thou shalt set up and tear down quickly and efficiently – In other words, don't putter through the decoy spreads 5 minutes before shooting time or lolly-gag in your blocks for an hour just because you have to be back to work at 9 a.m.
6) Thou shalt clean thy kill neither at the ramp nor in the parking lot – We as hunters need to realize that a lot of non-consumptive users – birdwatchers, photographers, hikers, school groups – use our nation's public areas, and that the image we leave at the ramp or in the parking lot reflects on us as a whole.
7) Thou shalt be familiar with and abide by waterfowl regulations – Another no-brainer. Ignorance, says the wildlife officer, is no excuse; however, it can come with a hefty fine.
8) Thou shalt know the area boundaries, and though tempted, stay within them –This one's not only a public relations issue, but a legal one as well. If it's marked Keep Out… well, then, KEEP OUT.
9)Thou shalt leave thy temper at home – Think about it. Do you really want to get into a shouting match with a complete stranger that you know has a gun? Enough said.
10)Thou shalt work harder than most – Nowhere in the world does the old adage, "Hard work and perseverance will be rewarded," hold truer than the realm of the public-land waterfowler. Do your homework and go that extra two miles, and you may have that mallard hole to yourself.
Written and donated to the South Carolina DNR by M.D. and Julia Carol Johnson, on behalf of young waterfowlers everywhere.


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Mechanical Engineer I Salaries in Killeen, Texas
Alternate Job Titles: Entry Level Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer I
How much does a Mechanical Engineer I in Killeen, TX make? The median annual Mechanical Engineer I salary in Killeen, TX is $57,791, as of May 30, 2017, with a range usually between $53,715-$62,641 not including bonus and benefit information and other factors that impact base pay. However, the salary for someone with the title Mechanical Engineer I may vary depending on a number of factors including industry, company size, location, years of experience and level of education. Our team of Certified Compensation Professionals has analyzed survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at companies of all sizes and industries to present this range of annual salaries for people with the job title Mechanical Engineer I in Killeen, TX.
This chart describes the expected percentage of people who perform the job of Mechanical Engineer I in the United States that make less than that annual salary. For example the median expected annual pay for a typical Mechanical Engineer I in the United States is $57,791 so 50% of the people who perform the job of Mechanical Engineer I in the United States are expected to make less than $57,791.
Source: HR Reported data as of May 30, 2017
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This chart describes the expected percentage of people who perform the job of Mechanical Engineer I in Killeen, TX that make less than that salary. For example 50% of the people who perform the job of Mechanical Engineer I in Killeen are expected to make less than the median.
Source: HR Reported data as of June 2017
Designs, develops, and tests all aspects of mechanical components, equipment, and machinery. Applies knowledge of engineering principles to design products such as engines, instruments, controls, robots, machines, etc. May be involved in fabrication, operation, application, installation, and/or repair of mechanical products. May require a bachelor's degree in engineering and 0-3 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. View full job description
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Purdue University, Department of Physics, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2036
Korea Military Academy, Department of Physics, Seoul 139-799, South Korea
Purdue University, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
* Address all correspondence to David Nolte, Physics, Purdue University, 525 Northwestern Av., West Lafayette, IN 47907; Tel:765-494-3013; E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com.
Dynamic speckle from 3-D coherence-gated optical sections provides a sensitive label-free measure of cellular activity up to 1mm deep in living tissue. However, specificity to cellular functionality has not previously been demonstrated. In this work, we perform fluctuation spectroscopy on dynamic light scattering captured using coherence-domain digital holography to obtain the spectral response of tissue that is perturbed by temperature, osmolarity, and antimitotic cytoskeletal drugs. Different perturbations induce specific spectrogram response signatures that can show simultaneous enhancement and suppression in different spectral ranges.
Biological speckle has a dual character. On one hand, it is a parasitic effect that degrades the contrast of biomedical imaging, and many approaches seek speckle reduction.1 On the other hand, speckle provides strong statistical information about scattering media and can be used for interferometric imaging of cells.2 Dynamic speckle, in particular, has considerable information content. For instance, dynamic speckle can be used to monitor blood flow3 and can assess the health of living tissue using intracellular motion as a fully endogenous imaging contrast agent.4 3-D imaging approaches are particularly important for assessing tissue viability, pharmacological toxicity, and cancer progression,5 and can be provided by coherence-domain techniques6 and digital holography.7 Holography captures high-contrast depth-gated speckle statistics because of broad-field illumination.8
We previously used coherence-gated digital holography to capture intracellular motion in 3-D tissue as an imaging contrast agent9 based on the statistical fluctuations of dynamic speckle. However, there are many functional causes of subcellular motion, and an overall motility metric does not capture specific functions. In this work, we perform fluctuation spectroscopy on depth-gated dynamic speckle to generate frequency versus time spectrograms of tissue responding to various environmental and pharmacological perturbations. The spectral responses depend on the specific type of perturbation, and these spectral responses can serve as functional fingerprints for tissue-based screening.
Holograms in short coherence digital holography were recorded and reconstructed from the experimental setup shown in Fig. 1. Lenses L1 and L2 expanded a reference beam, and lens L3 performed the Fourier transform of the object beam. Details of the experimental configuration are discussed in Ref. 9. We used rat osteogenic sarcoma tumor spheroids as the target tissue samples.10 Multicellular tumor spheroids have approximately spherical geometry that facilitates comparison of structure to function. A typical pseudo-B-scan image is shown in Fig. 1, which is produced from 3-D holographic images of an 800-μm-diam rat tumor spheroid.
Experimental setup. M, mirrors; ND, neutral density filter; PBS, polarizing beamsplitters; BS, beamsplitter; L1, L2, and L3, lenses; λ∕2, half-wave plate; λ∕4, quarter-wave plate; FP, Fourier plane; FFT, fast Fourier transform.
To generate frequency versus time spectrograms, we acquired 300 successive digital holograms at two acquisition rates (200 holograms for 20s and 100 holograms for 200s) every 4min for three hours at a fixed depth. Each digital hologram is acquired from a single frame with an exposure time of 10msec. In frequency versus time spectrograms, the frequency resolution is 0.05Hz for the high frequency band and 0.005Hz for the low frequency band; the time resolution is 4min. Figure 2 shows the cross section image from 200 digital holograms acquired with 10 frames per second for a healthy tumor spheroid. The horizontal axis is the spatial axis and time is vertical. The reconstructed high-contrast speckle shows dynamic character as individual speckle intensities fluctuate strongly.
(a) Middle cross section image reconstructed from successive digital holograms of a 600-μm-diam healthy tumor at a fixed depth of 310μm. (b) Normalized power spectrum as a function of frequency comparing the proliferating shell with the necrotic core of the healthy tumor. (c) Normalized power spectrum S(ω) as a function of frequency at the selected times, in the proliferating shell after treatment with 1-μg∕ml nocodazole, and (d) the associated normalized spectral difference D(ω,t) as a function of time at the selected frequencies.
The two equivalent approaches to time-series analysis of fluctuating speckle are temporal autocorrelation and power spectra. Autocorrelation of holographic speckle yields a first-order heterodyne function,11 because holography uses a reference wave (the coherence gate) that captures the real and imaginary parts of the fluctuating field as the coherence-gated pixel number id(1)(t). The autocorrelation function isDisplay Formula
The spectral power density of a 600-μm-diam tumor is shown in Fig. 2 for the proliferating shell and the necrotic core. The power spectra exhibit 1∕fn behavior from 0.1 to about 1Hz with an exponent n of 1.7. The shell is significantly more active than the core, but part of the core activity can be ascribed to the shimmering showerglass effect from the dynamic overlying tissue layers. The slopes of the power spectral density show a break above 1Hz, which is likely due to Nyquist sampling.
For tissue responding to stimuli, such as temperature and osmolarity changes or response to drugs, the key property of the spectral power density is its relative change in response to the stimulus. The normalized spectral difference for a time series is given byDisplay Formula
The tissue response contained in D(ω,t) can be represented as a spectrogram, showing the relative change in the spectrum as a function of time. Examples of several spectrograms are shown in Fig. 3. These spectrograms track the changes of the intracellular motion in living tumors responding to temperature changes, osmolarity changes, and to nocodazole. The spectral difference in response to changes in temperature is shown in Fig. 3 as the temperature increased from 24to37°C and then decreased to 24°C. The spectral weight shifts to higher frequencies with increasing temperature.
Maps of the normalized spectral difference as a function of time and frequency for (a) thermal change, (b) hypotonic change of osmolarity, (c) hypertonic change of osmolarity, and (d) 1-μg∕ml nocodazole. The differential relative spectral change as a function of time is shown at the frequency of (e) 0.01 and (f) 1Hz.
Osmolarity has a strong effect on the exchange of water into cells and tissue. Hypotonic conditions lead to strong cellular swelling, or edema, and possibly cell lysis, while hypertonic conditions dessicate the cells and cause them to contract. We monitored the change in the relative spectral density as we changed the osmolarity of the growth medium around the tumors. Isotonic conditions are 310mOsm. The results of hypotonic conditions (200mOsm) are shown in Fig. 3. The lower frequencies show weak suppression, while the upper frequencies show initial enhanced motion that slowly relaxes over 180min. The hypertonic condition (400mOsm) is shown in Fig. 3. The hypertonic effects on the spectrogram are opposite the hypotonic, stronger, and last longer. Cellular swelling increases the cell volume, decreases the density of intracellular constituents, and facilitates intracytosol motion. This leads to increases in motion in the higher frequencies of Fig. 3. On the other hand, dessication of the cytosol under hypertonic conditions shrinks the cell volume and increases the density of intracellular constituents, significantly impeding motion. However, membrane vesicles may still be active to reestablish stasis.
The tissue response to the antitubulin drug nocodazole shows very strong suppression in motion in the middle frequency range between 0.02to1Hz, but with enhancement at ultralow frequency below 0.01Hz. The strongest effect of nocodazole on intracellular motion is the reduction of microtubules in the cytosol that provides fewer pathways for organelle transport corresponding to strong suppression of frequencies above 0.02Hz. This same frequency range showed enhanced motion at physiological temperatures relative to room temperature. Low cellular metabolism at room temperature would have slower organelle transport.
These differences in the tissue response reflect the specific actions of the perturbations on the tissue. Increasing temperature increases metabolic activity and increases membrane fluidity, reflected in the preferential enhancement of frequencies around 1Hz at physiological temperatures relative to room temperature. Conversely, osmotic hypotonicity induces tension on the cell membrane, increasing the effective undulation frequency while reducing damping, reflected in the enhanced fluctuations across the spectral range of Fig. 3, with opposite effects for hypertonicity. In contrast, the antitubulin action of nocodazole decreases the number of microtubules in the cells and therefore specifically inhibits organelle motion, reflected in the strong suppression of the midfrequency fluctuations. These spectral cues allow a tentative identification of the low frequencies as part of the 1∕f spectrum of membrane undulations (up to 0.1Hz), while the higher frequency originates with active organelle transport. This spectral range assignment is consistent with Ref. 13.
In conclusion, we apply speckle fluctuation spectroscopy to dynamic speckle obtained using coherence-gated digital holography on living tumor spheroids. By defining a relative spectral response to perturbations, we generate spectrograms of the tissue responding to temperature changes, osmolarity changes, and to the antitubulin drug nocodazole. Different spectral ranges increase or decrease, depending on the perturbation, providing insight into the different cellular functions that contribute to different spectral ranges. The striking changes in the responses to various perturbations provide a means to develop spectrogram fingerprints that can be used to identify the effects of drugs on cellular activity. Therefore, the spectrograms define the specificity of motility-contrast imaging to different perturbations and to different functional responses. These signatures and their specificity may open the door to broad compound screening applications.
This work was supported by the National Science Foundation grant CBET-0756005. Jeong gratefully acknowledges financial support from the STX Foundation.
Kwan Jeong ; John J. Turek and David D. Nolte"Speckle fluctuation spectroscopy of intracellular motion in living tissue using coherence-domain digital holography", J. Biomed. Opt. 15(3), 030514 (June 30, 2010). ; http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/1.3456369
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I know there's a few of us here, so we're needing your help. The Wyoming Game & Fish is proposing to reduce the daily duck harvest limit from 6 to 5 birds per day next season even if the Feds allow the liberal package of 6 birds per day. This is being done without public input. After speaking with a biologist in Cheyenne, he advised if there's enough opposition, they'll back off on the idea. If you don't want to see your daily bag limits changed on ducks, send your comments to:
Wyoming Game & Fish Dept
3030 Energy Lane
Casper, WY 82604
This only has to be a one sentence letter, but needs to be received by April 6, 2006.


text: Hell, I'm in the Western part of South Carolina, and we're already feeling the effects of it, with high winds, lower temps, and rain on the way. I'd sure hate to be on the coast. Any of you Gunco folks that live in the path of this thing, please take care and be well. Our thoughts/prayers are with you.


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Drug Testing Policies
Drug testing programs have increasingly been used to justify discriminatory policies against people who use drugs or have addictions. Since the 1980s, when the Reagan administration began to heavily promote workplace drug testing, it has proliferated from safety-sensitive jobs to non-safety sensitive jobs to pre-employment job testing to suspicionless drug testing of public high school students to mandatory drug testing of applicants for public benefits.
People on parole and probation must submit to drug testing as a condition of their release from prison, even if they have no history of drug use and have never been convicted of a drug crime. We believe drug testing programs are invasive, unproven and expensive, and DPA has been involved in various legal challenges to mandatory drug testing as a condition of eligibility for employment, school-based extracurricular activities, and unemployment benefits.
Informing students about the risks and potential consequences of substance use requires an interactive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking advice. Random drug testing violates students' privacy and can cause irreparable damage to the delicate relationships between teenagers, their parents and their teachers.
DPA supports ending random student drug testing programs and providing young people with reality-based drug education that takes an honest approach to drug use and its consequences.


text: TCM has released their schedule of movies for the 31 Days of Oscar in February. This link is the link they put on Facebook, but the only schedule I can find there so far is a hyperlink on the bottom of the page - the PDF version of the schedule. So far looks like a great lineup!


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Joe Chambers Plays with Rutgers University Jazz Ensemble Tonight
Joe Chambers is set to play with the Rutgers University Jazz Ensemble, directed by Conrad Herwig, tonight, Dec 10, 2012 at 7:30PM at Rutgers University in the Mason Gross Performing Arts Center. General Public $15 / Students $5.
Joe Chambers will perform music from the new CD: "Moving Pictures Orchestra, Live at Dizzy's Coca Cola Club" Savant 2120, all compositions and arrangements by Joe Chambers.
The Rutgers Jazz Ensemble, directed by Conrad Herwig, is the top student jazz ensemble at the Mason Gross School of the Arts. The group has performed with Ray Charles, the fifth-anniversary celebration of Harmony Hall in Fukui, Japan, and has had several gigs at the legendary Blue Note in New York City.
Joe Chambers has been described as one of the great drummers to come out of the '60s -- a master of dynamics, percussive color and polyrhythmic density. Also a master of all mallet instruments, piano and a composer, he has performed with most of the modern jazz giants, including Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Donald Byrd, Charles Mingus, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie and the Max Roach M'Boom Ensemble. Chambers has recorded close to 300 albums as a sideman and 10 as a leader. Joe Chambers, the composer, has scored soundtracks for several Spike Lee films and it is his composing and arranging talents which are spotlighted in his most recent album. The skillful arrangements and his imaginative use of orchestral color certainly places Joe Chambers as one of the most creative and versatile men in jazz today. The stellar ensemble, recorded live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola features top New York jazz and studio musicians such as Craig Handy, David Weiss, Conrad Herwig, Xavier Davis and others. With the Moving Pictures Orchestra, Joe Chambers displays a passion for jazz that reaches far beyond the confines of the studio or bandstand, beyond genre and characterization, beyond even the music and extends into the culture itself.


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The phone system at Elizabethtown City Hall is working again.
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sad day :( loved the repsol scheme ever since i started watching motogp. IMO the best scheme ever....well the new design has a lot to live up to!!


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I just noticed this forum and realized I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Danny and I'm 30 years old. I've been a Star Wars collector/builder since the 90s but have really turned it on the past year or two after my two sons were born (22 months old and 3 months old born on Halloween). My wife and I are having an absolute blast and can't wait for my boys to hopefully enjoy Star Wars with me...especially since I'll get to take them to the movie theater for NEW movies. That's insane to me. I've been a casual lurker here for like 8-10 years. I'm a self taught artist and enjoy sculpture, mold making, casting, painting, etc. While this makes it a lot of fun to take on SW projects, big and small, I've always wanted to commit to a Boba Fett Helmet but just always pass it up to work on something else. I finished two projects recently that I started in 2011 so I decided to join here, ordered a asol cold cast helmet, and finally dive in now that my project time is a little free! I've built everything from super high end crystal focus FX lightsabers, Han in Carbonite lifesize, studio scale and other models, sculpted latex masks and soon to start a Cantina alien of some sort. Honestly, the tedious detail in the Fett helmet is just another world to me. I've always matched things to look like reference photos but to actually have to make sure every detail and color is as close to perfect as I can do, is just going to be a crazy involved endeavor. I can do it of course! It's just going to be some hard work but a lot of fun! Just as a point of reference on how long i've been wanting to do a Fett helmet/costume; The last time I was SO close to doing a Fett was like 2003 when I got a list of costume parts from Richie's props. I nearly dropped 3k or more and waited months to get everything but I passed on it for some reason or another. Not sure if Richie's props is even still around LOL. These days with two boys under 2, a wife, and a home we're almost done redoing, my collection budget is small. In the past I was single living with parents and could spend paychecks on whatever I wanted. These days I appreciate the collection i've built WAY more as I only receive or buy small things throughout year and a few bigger items. In 2012 for my Bday and Christmas I got a "Luke I am your father" diorama and Han in Carbonite from Sideshow along with 2 clonetrooper 12" freebies. One of them being a make a wish that my wife sent in to them and they surprised me! Other than that is my projects which I usually buy kits for myself or scratch build myself or sculpt if needed.
Finally joining here makes me grateful for all the hardwork that has gone in to sticky threads. I'm sure many new people take it for granted but I certainly don't. With twoyoung kids, I'd never have time to chart and diagram stencils and all the color matching that people have done. Instead, I would of had to just copy off good reference pictures. My helmet is already better even before I started because of THIS forum and I thank all of you!
My plan for my cold cast helmet is not 100% decided yet. I might end up doing a topical paint job as I've seen awesome ones here. But a layered reverse job might just be what I do as I'm the type that takes each project with the most serious dedication that I can...well as far as a hobby goes.
I noticed one or two people sculpting internal details based off riddell mini-helmet details. I figure that's a nice thing to do one the side on days I can't work on paint or letting things dry. I'll simply be sculpting them in clay, molding in silicone or urethane, casting in a soft but skinned poly-foam from local Smooth-on retail location, and then painting. Just figure since I'm not building a costume and it's for display and showing off....it'll be cooler to show off the custom internal detail even if I only use the molds once. Actually, I'll want to use up the 2-part foam I get so I'm sure I'll give away a bunch of kits or trading if people like them.
Lastly, helmet will reside in my IKEA cast with stand I make or buy and a custom plaque.
I've owned helmets before but out of TONS of projects I've done, I've never actually taken on a helmet project. My long term plan is to finish my Fett, buy a stormtrooper helmet, and then take on a good Vader helmet as a project. Those are the 3 essential old trilogy helmets I want in my collection. Probably don't have space in colletion room for many more but we'll see.
Everyone seems very cool here. Despite many specialized forums out there being giant egos, this one seems to have some very humble and accepting talents here. I usually only share my collection with a few local friends into star wars, my wife, and family. To be on a forum like this is not my usual style but I felt like it was the only way I would be able to accomplish the best Boba Fett helmet I can. I knew I needed to get involved. It's just too detail oriented and there's a lot of reference here to sort through for my purposes.
Thanks for having me and hope everyone is having a good start to 2013!!!


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|Topic Review (Newest First)
I sure hope your right it's a lot less about the signs and just a feeling I get. Hard to explain. It would certainly be better if all these little things were my imagination, or an injury that can be fixed with rest, physio and appropriate strengthening. He has not been doing agility since the tail thing happened and even before then I had stopped doing most things with him because I am having a hard time controlling him on course, I'm not very good at driving my Ferrari lol. I am starting classes with a new trainer tonight with my other dog and I am going to ask her about private lessons for my super dog Of course I won't be doing that though until I get the all clear from his physiotherapist.
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I would love to hear what some of the more experienced have to say about your reply....
But I'm not making the connection to the subtle signs as actual signs. He has high drive, but seems to be letting you know what his favorite games are.
His physical state doesn't seem to dampen his spirits if he's playing a fun game
As far the agility goes... It does sound reckless.
I'm betting the farm your dog is injured, and needs a break and some pain management.
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Just a bunch of very subtle things, one of the biggest ones is when he is working and starting o get tired he won't out his toy. He just holds on to it no matter what, he is in VERY good shape so his lack of endurance when he works made me wonder. When he tugs he doesn't shift his weight back and pump backwards even when I have greatly encouraged it, could be just the way he likes to tug but another little thing. Also much prefers tugging over chasing toys, again could just be that he REALLY loves tug, but again another little thing. In spite of excellent rear end awareness he has a really hard time doing a good weight shift on contacts, one of the reasons I am retraining to a running a frame. He also doesn't jump on me as much as I would think he would given his personality and when he does he's kinda awkward and doesn't fully extend. These are all things that are kind of circumstantial and could be my imagination, but they do all start to add up.
As for going to hard for toys, he is nuts! He will not slow to pick up the toy (like at all!) and if there is something in his way he crashes through it. When doing agility this is pretty hazardous, a couple weeks ago I threw his ball too close to the wall at the agility barn and he smashed his face into the cement wall, thankfully just had bloody gums, no broken teeth. Another example of his "superness" is once I forget his collar on and it got caught in a jump cup, he didn't even slow down, tried to take the entire jump into the tunnel with him! I have also stopped working him on the dog walk altogether until i can get a private with an experienced trainer as he tries to just go way faster than what he is capable of and falls off. He is just very reckless. Don't know how to fix that.
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Just curious, what subtle signs did you see?
When you throw the ball, I assume he runs hard. Why is that a problem. Running hard should be good.
It's the twisting and jumping that gets them.
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We do think the back/tail issue was from an injury, could have happened during agility or it could have been something that happened before and was just tweaked while I was working him. He is VERY hard on his body and does a lot of things that could have caused injury. The hip positioning sucks, I may get more x rays done down the road. It may change it, it may not.
I was actually pretty prepared to hear that he had HD, I had been suspecting it as a possibility for a while. Just from some VERY subtle things he does, he's never stiff or in pain but there have just been a couple little things that have made me think...I am very hopeful that this won't really change his life, we will focus a bit more on conditioning and strnegth training, stuff that we should be doing anyways. I just need to figure out how to get him to care a little bit more about his own safety, everytime I throw a ball for him I cringe he goes so hard for it! He has absolutley no regard for himself which makes training safely really tough.
You did say you started agility, and the symptoms started after doing so. Did the dog recently start jumping, and climbing more than usual?
How about the simple possibility of an injury? A sprain?
As far as the xrays, I'm no expert, but angle means everything....I would not draw conclusions with those xrays. He appears to have bad positioning. I went through the same thing, and when my xrays were sent to OFA, they came back as inconclusive due to bad positioning.
I got a pretty disappointing diagnosis a few months ago for my GSD - moderate HD in both hips. I was devastated, but fortunately we have still been performing in schutzhund and in agility with zero issues. The first week or so I just cried hysterically as this was my pup that I paid a lot of money for with high hopes, but now that we've had time to heal and think about it I've realized that she enjoys working so much that it would just be silly to keep that from both of us unless we were developing serious issues. I feared that she wouldn't be able to compete, but I recently took her out and she jumped the full Sch jump with zero issues and I was ecstatic.
Good luck, it is scary but it is not a death sentence!
Aw I'm sorry to hear about Mikko, sounds like you have a good plan though and he is doing well. I will keep my fingers crossed that you two have many more years of competing and just having fun together. Thanks so much for the story about the GSD with HD that was able to compete into double digits. It makes me feel better about the situation. I know someone with a terv that had HD and she was competing in flyball and agility until she was 10 (she was retired for reasons other than her hips.) I am hopeful that havoc is one of these success stories. I do keep him very thin, unfortunately he is a very substantial dog (85 pounds at 19 months) not much I can do about the way he is built I guess.
I am so happy to have access to this facility. We will likely continue to go long term to keep him in tip top shape. I am also super impressed with how incredibly well she handled him! She was so patient and showed absolutely no hint of being intimidated by him. All in all a great experience for us both. I am going to take my other GSD who is actively competing for a "fitness assessment" best to avoid issues before they start
I just saw this thread and skimmed through-I'm really happy for you that he doesn't have lumbosacral disease. I just found out in October that Mikko has it...we went in for hip xrays and left with this diagnosis and not much else from the Dr.
After speaking with several agility people whose dogs have been diagnosed with lumbosacral, as well as my vet, I decided to continue agility as long as Mikko is okay with it. We are on a treatment plan that has him feeling pretty good and we need to get him xrayed each year to make sure nothing is getting worse.
Before we knew it was his back, I spoke with a GSD agility friend of mine whose last GSD had HD and competing until she was in double-digit age and lived to be 15, if I recall correctly. She kept her skinny, which is very important, and fed a home-cooked diet. She believed that the exercise and strength from agility helped keep her in shape. I hope the same for your guy!
|Thats fantastic news Having a good physio is handy especially if he keeps doing agility
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1 cup shredded fat free or reduced fat Cheese
Optional: Other toppings such as jalepenios.
Heat oven to 350.
What rich and tasty casserole. I'm very curious about this mix of flavors, it looks great ^__^ ye bye, have a good Sunday
Wow this looks good Claudia! I can eat tacos like there is no tomorrow! Love this recipe!
This looks delicious! We love anything Mexican around here. Thank you for sharing your recipe. I hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend!
Oh, this sounds wonderful, Claudia! Perfect for a rainy day like today...my family would love it :)
bookmarked! I love taco anything :)
My kind of recipe!! I probably have most of these ingredients already! I'm going to try it out!!
This is a dish that would not have any leftovers. It will be on my table this week - I love the spice and the creamy beans and the oozing cheese and the low-fat protein holding it together. Yes, I am officially in love.
beautifully done Claudia this looks delicious
This is so similar to one of my favorite meals my aunt used to make for my sister and I when we were growing up. We called it "nacho salad" though it was more like taco salad, and less like salad, and more like nachos with ground meat in taco seasoning, haha. Very similar to this. Ooooh, now I'm craving that :)
Yum! This is just the kind of dish my family has been having cravings for these days :)
really like this one too Claudia, ya know we love our Mexican tasting casseroles and this one is just perfect
I love that all the ingredients get baked all goey and yummy together. Perfect for my teen son who eats at all hours of the day and night!
This looks really good! I could eat Mexican all day every day!
I am DEFINITELY going to make this Claudia. I have a friend who is a very picky eater so we don't invite them for dinner very often but he LOVES Mexican so this will be the perfect recipe to make and invite them over. Jack the picky eater thanks you.
I love casseroles like this filled with all my favorite Mexican flavors! Delicious!
This looks amazing! Looks like it took soo long but its quick and delicious to boot!
I'm sure I'd have no problem eating large amounts of this casserole. Everything in it is good.
When i look at your tacos i really think i am in Mexico haha They look great and yummy!!
I ate (I think) almost the same on my vacation at one Italian restaurant, and I loved it! Now I have a recipe and I think that I have to make it..this looks so GOOD Claudia..very delicious recipe!!! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful evening!!!
Absolutely perfect for football season! Delicious! I like everything in it - you've made me happy! Thanks, Claudia!
Mexican Casserole...yummy! This sounds great.
this looks great and looks similar to something we often have. Yum! Buzzed!
Loving this one. I'd just want to sit with the entire thing on my lap and not share with anyone. I have the same casserole dish. Actually have two as I love that one so much. Have a great week my dear.


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Sweden is experiencing a rather unusual winter this year, in fact, it is the mildest in the history of the nation since temperature records first began being recorded in 1756. If the remainder of the winter continues at the present rate it will mark an unheralded warm period for the cold months of the year. The temperature only once went below -10 degrees Celsius during the entire winter. Meterologist, Bengt Lundstom noted what differentiates this winter from those of previous years is the consistency in temperatures.
We are not experts in global warming, just ordinary observers in what is occurring in the world. Undoubtedly, those who decry the existence of any such notion as global warming will put forth explanations. We continue to be fascinated that a record was set for warmth.


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Penthouses, known for their luxury accommodations and skyscraper views, can bring to mind the finer things in life. At Tropicana Las Vegas, our two-story Penthouse Lofts are no exception.
Appointed with the perfect blend of lighting, color and texture, our luxurious Penthouse Lofts are truly an impressive sight to see. Upon entering the lower level of these apartment-style quarters, you will instantly feel relaxed surrounded by a palette of soft, warm colors similar to a sunset in South Beach. In this spacious living room you will find a 50-inch TV in front of an ultra-sleek chaise lounge, modern couch and other custom furnishings – made of bamboo, might we add – as well as hardwood flooring and an elegant wet bar with granite countertops. Then we accented this chic space with original artwork and plantation shutters to let in natural light. But perhaps the most incredible feature of the first floor is the oversized whirlpool spa. From within this soothing spa, you can opt to enjoy the privacy of some much-needed rest and relaxation time or open the plantation shutters and let in the bright city lights of Vegas by night.
When it's time for bed, you can take the spiral staircase to the second floor of your residential-style suite. There you will encounter a king-size bed with an ultra-plush Euro Top Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress wrapped in crisp luxury linens that have a 300-thread count. There is also full bathroom with a his-and-hers vanity to afford you all the space you could possibly want.
Last, but certainly not least, you should know that our Penthouse Lofts have two entrances – one on the first story and one on the second. This means that if you don't feel like taking the winding staircase, you can simply take the elevator to the next floor of Tropicana Las Vegas and gain entry to your oversized Las Vegas suite.
See all our Hotel Deals & Special Packages
of Rooms and Suites - as well as all the luxury, style and excitement the Tropicana Las Vegas has to offer.
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