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River Walk Sightseeing Tour Plus
Chicago's Finest Tours
Weekly Event - Every Wednesday & Friday: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM (CDT)
The River Walk spans from Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street and contains wonderful lush green spaces, cafes, retail establishments and numerous places to sit and relax in the shade or sun. Today, the River Walk is comprised of the Confluence, Arcade Civic and Market districts. Learn how the new $100 million Federal Loan is reshaping the River Walk by adding six exciting new themes including the Marina, Cove, River Theater, Swimming Hole, Jetty and Boardwalk!
In addition, enjoy spectacular views of the city's iconic skyline while listening to intriguing stories behind these great buildings including; Wrigley, Tribune, Aqua, Aon Center, London Guarantee & Accident, Mather Tower, Trump Tower, Jewelers, Carbide & Carbon, John Hancock and Intercontinental Hotel. Learn interesting stories about Chicago's past, present and future and revel in the stories of many of our cities most colorful characters!
Plus - guests finish the tour with a short boat ride along the Chicago River and observe some of Chicago's iconic buildings!
River Walk Sightseeing Tour Plus Highlights
The city of Chicago owes its existence to the River and the river Walk owes its existence to the city! Come and learn the vital role the river played in the emergence of Chicago as the true great Metropolis of the Midwest. Unlike the architectural boat cruises, our tour guides thoughtfully reveal the stories behind the buildings themselves not its architectural style and they focus on the colorful characters that once occupied them. As we often say, "Every building in Chicago has its own story"! Check out the rest of our Chicago history tours.
Welcome! My name is Dan O'Connell and I am the founder of Chicago's Finest Tour. I began this business 3 summers ago for one reason – to tell "the" story. In short, to tell the amazing story of Chicago - how a mere swampland located at the intersection of a lazy prairie river and Lake Michigan became one of the world's leading "Alpha Cities"! Like any great novel, the "Chicago Story" has many chapters and each one of our tours are thoughtfully designed to tell one or many chapters of this incredible saga! The tour guides of Chicago's Finest Tours love to narrate this inimitable account of the "Windy City". Our tour guides are enthusiastic, energetic and above all, entertaining. If you think a history tour and entertaining are contradictory, I encourage you to try one of our tours. Like the thousands of guests we have entertained thus far, you will too will find that a history tour can be both informative and entertaining. If you don't believe me, please check out what hundreds of our guests have to say about their tour experience with us on tripadvisor.com. I hope you join us soon on one of our amazing journeys! Respectfully, Dan O'Connell
Please give us a call to make your reservation after purchasing a ticket:
In order to purchase these tickets in installments, you'll need an Eventbrite account. Log in or sign up for a free account to continue.


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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Every elite team, it seems, has a player like Maggie Lucas.
When things aren't going well, she's the player who is capable of carrying the play until things turn around for everybody else.
She did it on Sunday, scoring 23 points, including 12 during a decisive 21-3 run, to lead No. 9 Penn State past Ohio State 74-54.
''(There were) a lot of possessions where we got them deep into the shot clock and she would make a play,'' Buckeyes coach Kevin McGuff said. ''She's a great player. She's one of the best scoring guards in the country. Defensively, we were doing a lot of good things but she would kind of bail them out with a spectacular play. That's what makes her special and it's part of what makes them a great team.''
Ahead by two points at the half after taking a 12-3 run into the break, Penn State (18-5, 9-2 Big Ten) took control early in the second half.
Taylor tossed in a 3 from the left baseline on the first possession and, after three missed shots and a turnover by Ohio State, Lucas hit a perimeter jumper for a 43-36 lead. Lucas then followed two more Ohio State misses with baskets - one a step-back 15-footer and the other a layup in transition - to push the lead to 11.
''A lot of times at the beginning of games, I'm seeing a lot more pressure,'' said the senior guard, who hit 9 of 14 shots from the field including half of her six 3-point attempts. ''Once the game goes on, you can find some breakdowns.''
On the heels of the spurt to finish the half, the Lions ran off the first nine points of the second half.
Scoreless for the first 4:27 of the half, the Buckeyes picked up the next five points but couldn't solve Penn State's zone defense. Two Lucas free throws, a fast-break layup by Edwards, Peyton Whitted's follow of her own miss and Lucas' assist pass to Taylor for a layup gave the Lions a 59-44 lead with just over 8 minutes left.
The outcome was never in doubt again.
At one point in the first half, Lucas badly missed a shot behind the arc. The Ohio State student section let her hear about it with a continual chant of ''Air Ball!'' every time she touched it for the rest of the game.
It didn't upset her. Instead, it inspired her.
''Maybe a little bit,'' she said with a smile. ''It's fun. I love that kind of stuff. It's fun to see the crowd that into it.''
She didn't make many mistakes from that errant shot on.
''Maggie's a very, very talented player,'' Ohio State guard Amy Scullion said. ''She has such a nice shot that even if she misses one I don't think she's going to think too much about taking the next one.''
Dara Taylor and Talia East each added 12 points for the Nittany Lions, who took over the top spot in the conference a day earlier when Michigan State lost at Nebraska. They had won six in a row before a 73-70 loss to Iowa on Thursday night.
''That's one of the things that I like about our team is we're pretty resilient,'' Penn State coach Coquese Washington said. ''In Maggie's time here, that's one of the things that we've done - we've bounced back when we hit some adversity and suffered through some tough games. I was pleased to see that continue this afternoon.''
Raven Ferguson and Ameryst Alston each scored 16 points for the Buckeyes (14-13, 4-7), who have lost six of eight. Alston, fourth in the Big Ten in scoring at 17.4 points a game, was held out of the starting lineup after she showed up late for the morning shootaround, held during a snow squall.
Penn State has won the last five meetings with the Buckeyes.
''Even through the down times, they kept playing and doing what they do,'' McGuff said of the Nittany Lions. ''When we started going in a bad direction, we kind of spiraled. That points back to their leadership and their experience kind of carried the day for them.''
Follow Rusty Miller on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/RustyMillerAP

subset: commoncrawl


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INTERVIEW: Iggy Azalea celebrates her debut album and life as a "Fancy" female rapper
New girl-on-the-scene Iggy Azalea, 23, isn't actually new. The Australian born rapper has been trying to make it since she was 16-years-old, going to Miami on vacation and never returning home. Not only has she been gaining notoriety in the music world, fashion girls everywhere have been looking to Iggy for wardrobe inspiration. She sat front row at both New York and Paris Fashion Weeks this year!
Born Amethyst Amelia Kelly, Iggy used the classic "porn name" combination to come up with a memorable stage name: her dogs name + the street she grew up on!
Her debut album, The New Classic, will be released April 22nd across the US, while her single "Fancy," featuring Charli XCX, is currently #2 on the Billboard charts. This isn't Iggy's first foray in the music world, in 2011 she released her debut music tape,"Ignorant Art," and in 2013 her first single "Work" debuted.
What's up with her personal life? Iggy is currently dating LA Laker Nick Young who was recently caught on tape saying, "What I'm going to do with this (ass) shouldn't be legal..." in reference to Iggy's famous behind. Can't blame the guy… we saw it and it was impeccable!
Check out our video, pics and audio interview with Iggy below. You're DEFINITELY going to love her as much as we do!


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Get an overview of this hotelHistoric hotel with piano bar close to Bruges Square
Popular property highlights
By the market
This elegant 17th-century listed mansion house hotel enjoys a prime location in the heart of the historical city center of Bruges, only 100 metres from the main square and its famous Belfry tower, and all the major attractions and shopping streets.
Pool, piano serenades
The medieval cellar at Hotel Navarra houses a wellness area with swimming pool, sauna and fitness room. A pianist plays in the piano bar twice per week March through June and September through December.
Internet access
Guestrooms have plain modern décor and all feature minibars, complimentary Internet connections, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.
Guest Highlights
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Good location
- Proximity to shopping
- Breakfast
- Clean guestrooms
- Overall room comfort
Hotel Navarra
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Navarra boasts a wellness area with fitness equipment, a sauna, and a heated indoor swimming pool. The hotel also features a private garden with a sunny terrace. Meeting rooms offer natural daylight and air conditioning. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Parking is available nearby (surcharge). From March through June and from September through December, guests may enjoy live piano music in the piano bar on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM.
Hotel Navarra is a smoke-free property.
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)
- Bar/lounge
- Conference space
- Business center
- 24-hour front desk
- Multilingual staff
- Total number of rooms - 94
- Number of floors - 3
- Laundry facilities
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Fitness facilities
- Free WiFi
- Meeting rooms 3
- Garden
- Luggage storage
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Year Built 1600
- Smoke-free property
- Airport transportation (surcharge)
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Self parking (surcharge)
Room Amenities
- Premium TV channels
- Room service (limited hours)
- Air conditioning
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Phone
- Minibar
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Designer toiletries
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Bathtub or shower
- Iron/ironing board
- Desk
- In-room safe (laptop compatible)
- Satellite TV service
- Free WiFi
- Flat-panel TV
Where to Eat
The Duke - This jazz bar serves a wide range of local beers, as well as spirits, and cocktails. Soft and hot drinks are served between 3:30 PM and midnight. There is live piano music on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (except in January, February, July, and August).
Nearby Things to Do
The wellness area with swimming pool, professional fitness equipment, and sauna is available for all guests in the medieval cellar of the hotel.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Surfing/boogie boarding nearby
- Windsurfing nearby
- Sailing nearby
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Scooter/moped rentals nearby
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
Hotel Policies
Check-in time ends at midnight
Check-in time starts at 2:30 PM
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! One child 12 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
- Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
- Cribs (infant beds) are not available.
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Special cancellation policies or charges may apply for group reservations (more than 8 rooms for the same property / stay dates).
No rollaway/extra beds available
No cribs (infant beds) available
- A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 2.12 per person, per night. This tax does not apply to children under 12 years of age.
Optional extras
- Fee for buffet breakfast: EUR 18.50 per person (approximately)
- Self parking fee: EUR 17 per day
Hotel Name
- Hotel Navarra
- Hotel Navarra Bruges
- Navarra Bruges
- Navarra Hotel
We should mention
One child 12 years old or younger stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.


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Very Sturdy
Reviewed By Elizabeth C (McDavid, FL) Reviewed for a 2013 Kia Sportage —9/14/2014 5:58 AM
I really do like the Sun Shade but have to move my mirror every time I place it. Other than that...it really keeps the temperature down in the Florida sun. It is very sturdy and will last for many years.


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Otis Elevator Company, a unit of United Technologies Corporation, launched a major global environmental program Feb. 8th called The Way to Green. The program is designed to extend to every aspect of their business — from design and manufacturing to products and end-of-life recycling.
The Way to Green is designed to significantly boost the companies' commitment to environmental protection and sustainability while reducing energy consumption and offering the finest performance.
By introducing this program, the company will encourage environmental awareness to 60,000 of its employees, customers, suppliers and business partners making them aware of environmentally sensitive practices.
They are the world's largest manufacturer and maintainer of people-moving products — including elevators, escalators and moving walkways. More than 200 countries use Otis Elevator Company and over 1.7 million elevators and escalators are being maintained worldwide.
If you have never heard of them, think about the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building; the Eiffel Tower; the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Los Angeles International Airport. All of these places have elevators installed by this company.
The line of Gen2 elevator systems feature regenerative drives that reduce energy consumption by up to 75 percent compared to conventional systems.
The Gen2-coated steel belts and machines require no additional lubrication, and LED illumination is standard, lasting up to 10 times longer than conventional fluorescent lamps. An automatic switch-off mode saves up to 80 percent wasted energy.
Otis escalators and moving walkways reduce energy consumption by up to 60 percent, an efficient, automatic lubrication system reduces annual oil usage by up to 98 percent versus conventional systems, and LED lighting options are up to 30 percent more energy efficient.
Otis implements processes that recycle 97 percent of industrial waste produced by Otis facilities.
The manufacturing facility in Madrid uses solar panels to generate about 60 percent of the site's energy needs.
The TEDA Manufacturing Center in China has achieved Gold-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Advanced technologies in use at this location reduce energy usage by at least 25 percent compared to conventional design and manufacturing methods.
Otis facilities have reduced water consumption by 12 percent by optimizing conservations through rainfall collection, recycling and the use of water-efficient fixtures.
More than 200,000 Gen2 elevator systems — covering a wide range of applications — have been sold to date, making it the fastest selling product in Otis company history. The Way to Green has taken "going green" to a whole new level.


text: At what age would you say it is sensible to start teaching a child? The choice has been made that no striking will be taught until at least say 8 when the child understands the rights and wrongs in the play ground. But looking at Judo or Jitz what age would you say is a good starting age and as a parent should I be showing anything or leave it alone to risk bad habits etc? Or is anything good as long as been fun based. Any help by mature posters welcomed dont take the piss on this one ty. Ps just looking at possibilities and know a lot of you are Instructors so looking forward to gaining some advice.


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VIA Technologies has announced a new graphics card designed specifically for the embedded market. The VIA eH1 is a DirectX 10.1 compliant, multi-display card that thrusts any system with a PCI Express slot.
The VIA eH1 comes with a three year product longevity guarantee. The VIA eH1 AIB features an advanced DirectX 10.1, OpenGL 3.1, OpenGL ES 2.0 compatible 64-bit architecture and offers multi-stream 1080p HD video decoding and stereoscopic 3D rendering capability.
The VIA eH1 is a low profile PCI Express add-in-board designed for next-generation embedded applications in a range of segments including digital signage and advertising, POS, POI, gaming or any embedded application where graphics and HD video is streamed on two displays.
The VIA eH1 features the S3 Chrome 5400E GPU and is complimented with 512MB of DDR3 memory.
- Wireless broadband developments in Southeast Asia markets
As of 2013, the 10 ASEAN nations had a total of over 700 million mobile subscriptions, with the CAGR from 2003-2013 reaching 24%. This Digitimes Research Special Report analyzes the various mobile broadband markets in ASEAN and looks at the respective trends in 4G LTE development for those markets.
- 2015 global tablet demand forecast
This Digitimes Research Special Report provides a 2015 forecast for the global tablet market and analyzes the strategies of key market players such as Google, Apple, Intel, and Microsoft.
- 2015 China smartphone panel trend forecast
This Digitimes Research Special Report analyzes the strategies of key China-based major panel makers BOE, Tianma and IVO for attacking the different market segments through technology and pricing, and their relationship to local vendors Huawei, Lenovo, ZTE, Xiaomi and Coolpad.


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PPG Pittsburgh Paints has released "The Book of Now," featuring its 2014 commercial color trends, as part of the company's The Voice of Color Program. The key trend colors for the PPG Pittsburgh Paints brand are presented in palette cards that offer color opportunities for all design elements in a space, from paint, window treatments and decor to flooring and fabric. The themes of 2014 are a result of careful research into the trends most relevant to current design cycles.
The five new "Book of Now" trend stories in The Voice of Color program for 2014 include:
Everyday Hero
Collectively, this palette exudes modesty, humility, simplicity, and integrity. The slightly faded look of some of the shades suggest an easy, laid back spirit, while the more vibrant shades add energy and optimism. Denim blues convey comfort and a low-key approach to life, the earthy terracotta tones represent an interest in the handmade and khaki and grey together serve as tranquil neutrals.
The color palette is mellow and unfussy, relying on softly desaturated hues in casual combinations. PPG Pittsburgh Paints colors in this palette are Ginger Root (224-6), Ship's Harbor (349-5), Kaleidoscope (449-4), Brass Mesh (214-6), Chaps (321-6), Cream Puff (522-1), Light Sage (409-4), Distant Thunder (506-5) and Toy Tank Green (410-6).
This palette is all about contrasting ideas. Fleshy, delicate pinks suggest fragility, femininity, and tenderness. Darkened red and purple shades, especially when paired with black, suggest strength, mystery, and drama. The '80s brights—magenta, fuchsia, and teal—are loud, energetic, intense, whimsical, and spontaneous. Piling all these contrasts together, the Elusion theme is designed for personalities that are fantastical, larger than life, and live for embellishment.
Intense fuchsia and bluish mint add an energetic pop creating a fairytale for grown-ups. PPG Pittsburgh Paints in this palette are Aquamarine (155-5), Fond Memory (527-4), French Riviera (225-7), Gooseberry (536-7), Hot Pink Kiss (136-7), Magic Spell (444-7), Imperial Purple (344-7), Gypsum (520-1), Spice Cookie (328-2), Rose Marquis (136-6) and Black Magic (518-7).
Artful Expression
This palette is full of lively, saturated brights representing the full spectrum of color. Blues and greens lean towards Caribbean hues, symbolizing a sense of freedom. Reds and purples lean into darker tones, adding sophistication and a touch of the exotic. The yellow chosen is a perfectly sunny shade, representing eternal optimism and warmth. The orange-red hues are melon and spice hues, suggesting abundance and openness to new experiences.
The diversity and balance add visual expression and create a lively energy, carefree and spirited space. PPG Pittsburgh Paints in this palette are Blue Paisley (252-6), Bristle Grass (106-7), Cinnamon Stone (129-7), Copper Kettle (226-5), Delta Clay (127-7), Magenta (336-7), Newport Blue (150-6), Popcorn Ball (527-1), Purple Cabbage (437-7), Willow Herb (210-6) and Indian Maize (212-5).
Discreet Luxury
This palette is comprised of many shades of brown in varying saturations and tonalities. As browns represent stability and groundedness, the plethora of shades of this color help symbolize the "discreet" side of this theme. The additional tones of faded black, deep red, pinkish grey, and warm metallic hues add refinement, sophistication, elegance, and charm.
The mood of this palette is conveyed by pairing rich, sumptuous reddish-browns with rich blues and pale blues and grays. PPG Pittsburgh Paints in this palette include Black Walnut (532-7), Bristlecone (523-5), Carob Chip (537-7), Gold Buff (215-4), Hunt Club Red (ATC-4), Linen Ruffle (526-1), Stonehenge Greige (515-5), Copper Beech (327-6), Blue Fjord (448-6), Blue Beard (546-4) and Warm Mahogany (430-7).
Modern Is Tech
This palette uses whites, blacks, and greys to convey seriousness, sophistication, maturity, sterility, neutrality, future-forwardness, cleanliness, and focus. The almost-primary shades of red, yellow, and blue together add energy, balance, straight-forwardness, power, and optimism. The single cosmetic-peach shade has a fleshy undertone, and symbolizes the importance of warmth and humanity in an otherwise technologically-charged theme.
The color palette creates an unexpected sophistication with the clean, strict line and sleek silhouettes. PPG Pittsburgh Paints in this palette are Yosemite Trailhead (ATC-12), Dragonfly (348-7), Cavalry (549-7), Atrium White (523-1), Sun Shower (114-5), Silver Sword (507-3) and Red Gumball (233-7).


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Kubuntu Quantal Packages
Package Installation and Updates
Apt and Package Basics
Most new users will use Muon Package Manager to install packages. The instructions below are for installing packages from the command-line terminal (Konsole).
- Install packages:
sudo apt-get install packagename
- Example:
sudo apt-get install mpd sbackup
- Remove packages:
sudo apt-get remove packagename
- To remove all dependencies:
sudo apt-get autoremove
- Example:
sudo apt-get remove mpd sbackup
- Search for packages:
sudo apt-cache search <keywords>
- Examples:
sudo apt-cache search Music MP3 sudo apt-cache search "Text Editor"
- Update the apt package database after adding/removing repositories:
sudo apt-get update
- Upgrade packages:
sudo apt-get upgrade
- Upgrade the entire distribution (e.g. from Lucid to Maverick):
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
Installing .deb packages
Debian (.deb) packages are the packages that are used in Ubuntu/Kubuntu. You can install any .deb package in your system. .deb files can generally be installed from your file manager (Konqueror or Dolphin) merely by clicking on them, since file associations with the default installer is already set in Kubuntu. These instructions are for those who wish to install packages from the command-line terminal (Konsole).
- Install a downloaded Debian (Ubuntu/Kubuntu) package (.deb):
sudo dpkg -i packagename.deb
- Remove a Debian (Ubuntu/Kubuntu) package (.deb):
sudo dpkg -r packagename
- Reconfigure/Repair an installed Debian (Ubuntu/Kubuntu) package (.deb):
sudo dpkg-reconfigure packagename
- Example:
sudo dpkg-reconfigure mpd
Handling (Tar/GZip) and (Tar/Bzip2) archives
(Tar/GZip) archives end in ".tar.gz" and (Tar/Bzip2) archives end in ".tar.bz2". Bzip2 is the newer, more efficient compression method. These files can generally be automatically extracted by merely clicking on them from your file manager (Konqueror or Dolphin), since file associations with the appropriate archival utilities are set by default in Kubuntu. These instructions are for those who wish to use the command line terminal (Konsole).
- To extract:
tar xvf packagename.tar.gz
Note: tar is an application which can extract files from an archive, decompressing if necessary.
- -x means extract.
- -v means verbose (list what it is extracting).
- -f specifies the file to use.
- Decompressing ".gz" files
gunzip file.gz
- Decompressing ".bz2" files
bunzip2 file.bz2
- Note: You can also decompress a package first by using the command gunzip (for .gz) or bunzip2 (for .bz2), leaving the .tar file. You would then use tar to extract it.
- To create a .gz archive:
tar cvfz packagename.tar.gz folder
- To create a .bz2 archive:
tar cvfj packagename.tar.bz2 folder
Installing a package from source
- Make sure you have all the necessary development tools (i.e. libraries, compilers, headers):
sudo apt-get install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)
- Note: "uname -r" lists the current kernel you are using
- Extract the archive that contains the source files:
tar xvf sourcefilesarchive.tar.gz
- Build the package using the package's script (in this case the configure script), compile the package (make), and install the compiled package into your system (make install):
cd /path/to/extracted/sourcefiles ./configure sudo make sudo make install
- Note: typing ./ before a filename in the current folder allows the Linux shell to try and execute the file as an application even if it is not in the path (the set of folders which it searches when you type a command name). If you get a "permission denied" error, the file is not marked as being executable. To fix this:
sudo chmod +x filename
- Example: In the above instructions, configure is the shell script to build the package from source. To be sure the configure script is executable:
sudo chmod +x configure
Create a .deb package from source files
If your build from source is successful, you can make a Debian (Ubuntu/Kubuntu) package (.deb) for future use:
- Install package tools:
sudo apt-get install checkinstall
- Rebuild package using "checkinstall":
cd /path/to/extracted/package ./configure sudo make sudo checkinstall
- Keep the resulting ".deb" file for future use. It can later be installed using:
sudo dpkg -i packagename.deb
Note: These are basic instructions that may not always work. Some packages require additional dependencies and optional parameters to be specified in order to build them successfully. More info about .deb package structure can be found here.
Muon Package Manager
The Muon Package Management Suite is a collection of several package management tools, based on the QApt package management library for Debian-based systems, that includes the Muon Package Manager, the Muon Software Center (compatible with the Ubuntu Software Center), and the Muon Updater is a system update GUI. This is now the default package management system in Kubuntu.
Usage of the Muon Package Manager is somewhat similar to Synaptic Package Manager.
While "apt-get" is a fast way of installing programs/packages, you can also use Muon Package Manager (K menu -> System -> Muon Package Manager) for installing programs/packages. Most (but not all) programs/packages available with apt-get install will also be available from Muon. This is the preferred method for most desktop users. In this guide, when you see
sudo apt-get install package
you can simply search for package in Muon and install it that way.
- K menu -> System -> Muon Package Manager
- Search for the name of the program/package. You can also search for a word in its description.
- Right-click on the name of the package -> "Mark for Installation". (If the program is already installed, use "Mark for Removal" or "Mark for Purge" to remove it).
- Click Apply Changes.
- The selected program(s) will be automatically installed (or removed), along with its dependencies.
Synaptic Package Manager
Synaptic Package Manager is the GTK-based GUI package manager for Gnome/Ubuntu. It can be used in Kubuntu without difficulty. Usage is similar to the other package managers. Install:
sudo apt-get install synaptic
Manual Updates
- Manually, from the Konsole terminal (command line interface):
sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get upgrade sudo apt-get install linux-headers-$(uname -r)
- or
- Use Muon Package Manager:
- K menu -> System -> Muon Package Manager -> Check for Updates -> Edit -> Full Upgrade (or one of the other upgrade options)
Automatic Updates
- Use Muon Package Manager:
- K menu -> System -> Muon Package Manager -> Settings -> Configure Software Sources -> Updates -> Automatic Updates
Repair broken packages
If a package installation fails (which can cause a Package Manager to freeze or become locked), or if a package has unsatisfied dependencies causing a similar condition, then run one (or both) of the following commands from the command-line terminal:
sudo apt-get install -f sudo dpkg --configure -a
- If a problem occurs with MergeList (appearing as a missing "Package: header" error):
E: Encountered a section with no Package: header E: Problem with MergeList... E: The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.
- then repair by recreating the package lists:
sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf sudo apt-get update
- If a problem occurs with a lock on the apt cache, for example:
E: Could not get lock /var/cache/apt/archives/lock - open (11: Resource temporarily unavailable)
- then run:
sudo fuser -cuk /var/lib/dpkg/lock; sudo rm -f /var/lib/dpkg/lock sudo fuser -cuk /var/cache/apt/archives/lock; sudo rm -f /var/cache/apt/archives/lock
File Managers
- Dolphin is the default file manager in Kubuntu (KDE). For usage instructions see the Dolphin wiki. Also see these tips. Start:
- K menu -> System -> Dolphin
- Many folders and files, especially system folders and configuration files, have root permissions associated with them. It is necessary to start Dolphin with root privileges in order to access them:
kdesudo dolphin
- A menu item can be created with this command.
- When opening the Dolphin file manager in this way, the default folder will be /root/. User files will be found by clicking on the "Root" icon and then navigating to the /home/user/ folder(s).
Add services to the Dolphin file manager
Context-sensitive services can be added to Dolphin.
- Ruby must be installed first:
sudo apt-get install ruby
- Add new services.
- Dolphin -> Settings -> Configure Dolphin... -> Services -> Download New Services...
- For example, a very useful service is the "Root Actions Servicemenu", which allows many functions to be performed with root (superuser or "sudo") permissions. This is necessary, for example, for editing text files that have root permissions.
- The "Scan with ClamAV" service allows the anti-virus scanner to be run from Dolphin.
- Once the new services have been installed, the system must be rebooted for the newly added service menus to appear in Dolphin.
- <Right-click> on an item within Dolphin to bring up the services menu. For example, once the Root Actions Servicemenu has been installed, I can edit a text file with root permissions by <right-clicking> on it and selecting
- Root Actions -> Open as text
This will open the text editor (kate) as root.
- Other popular service menus include audiokonvertor, Extract and Compress, servicemenu-pdf, image2pdf, and vlcappend.
- Many service menus in development can be found here.
Preview video files with Dolphin file manager
- The KDE Multimedia Project has three video thumbnailers available for use with file managers such as Dolphin and Konqueror: FFMpegThumbs (ffmpegthumbs), kFFMpegThumbnailer (kffmpegthumbnailer), and MPlayerThumbs (mplayerthumbs). Also see the Kubuntu Forums thread for tips and troubleshooting.
- FFMpegThumbs uses FFMPEG to create thumbnail frames from video files, which can be used by KDE from a file manager like Dolphin. Install:
sudo apt-get install ffmpegthumbs
- Alternatively, install kFFMpegThumbnailer (sudo apt-get install kffmpegthumbnailer), which works in a similar manner. (Both require FFMPEG to be installed.)
After installation of either of these modules, log out and log back into (or restart) your system for changes to take effect.
- MPlayerThumbs not only shows a video frame thumbnail in Dolphin, it also has the capacity to show the entire video in the Dolphin Information side panel (for previewing). Though more powerful, it is slower to load than either FFMpegThumbs or kFFMpegThumbnailer. (MPlayer must also be installed for this thumbnailer / previewer to function.) Install:
sudo apt-get install mplayerthumbs
After installation, log out and log back into (or restart) your system for changes to take effect.
- Make sure the settings for Dolphin allow JPG and Video previews:
- Dolphin -> Settings -> Configure Dolphin... -> General -> Previews -> JPEG Images (ticked) -> Video Files (ticked) -> OK
- -> View -> Preview (ticked)
Close and re-open Dolphin for changes to take effect.
- If you wish information about the file to be displayed while the cursor hovers over the filename, also make sure Dolphin "tooltips" is enabled:
- Dolphin -> Settings -> Configure Dolphin... -> General -> Behavior -> Show tooltips (ticked)
- -> View -> Panels -> Information (ticked)
MTP through USB
Many MP3 players, as well as the latest Android devices, use MTP (Media Transport Protocol) for transferring data to the device storage.
- In KDE (Kubuntu), enable MTP capabilities by installing the kio-mtp package:
sudo apt-get install kio-mtp
- After installation, the device should appear in the Dolphin (or Konqueror or Rekong) file manager when the USB cable is plugged in.
- Troubleshooting Android device connectivity: As a security precaution the newest Android devices do not have USB transfer capabilities turned on by default. It is necessary to carefully consult your device's user manual to find the method for enabling USB transfers (also known as "USB debugging mode" on many devices). For example, on my device, it was necessary to tap the "Settings -> About phone -> Build #" button 7 times to merely enable the USB debugging option, and then enable "Settings -> Developer options -> USB debugging" as a separate step!
WebDAV folders with Dolphin
- The Dolphin File Manager has built-in WebDAV (online folder) support. See this section.
- Dolphin uses the same network proxy settings as Konqueror (or Rekonq). If there is trouble connecting to any online resource or folder with Dolphin, so that this error appears:
Could not connect to host: subhost.host.org: Connection to proxy refused.
then check the Network Settings (or the proxy settings of Konqueror/Rekonq) and then make sure that Konqueror/Rekonq connects to the Internet successfully.
- Settings -> System Settings -> Network and Connectivity: Network Settings -> Proxy -> No proxy (ticked) -> Apply
- or
- Konqueror -> Settings -> Configure Konqueror... -> Web Browsing: Proxy -> No proxy (ticked) -> OK
- or
- Rekonq -> Settings wrench icon -> Configure rekonq... -> Network -> Proxy -> No proxy (ticked) -> OK
Of course, if you are using a proxy, make sure that the proxy settings are correctly specified and that the proxy is working. When Konqueror (or Rekonq) connects successfully to the Internet, so should Dolphin.
Konqueror is a KDE-integrated browser that can also be used as a file manager. In addition to having tabbed browsing capabilities, it can transparently access FTP and SFTP servers, zip files (and other archives), and smb (Windows) shares, and can even browse and rip audio CDs. It is extensible and customizable through a system of plugins.


text:
If you visit only one place in South Africa, make it Cape Town. Whether you're partaking of the Capetonian inclination for alfresco fine dining (the so-called "Mother City" is home to many of the country's best restaurants) or sipping wine atop Table Mountain, you sense—correctly—that this is South Africa's most urbane, civilized city.
Here elegant Cape Dutch buildings abut ornate Victorian architecture and imposing British monuments. In the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, the call to prayer echoes through cobbled streets lined with houses painted in bright pastels, while the sweet tang of Malay curry wafts through the air. Flower sellers, newspapers hawkers, and numerous markets keep street life pulsing, and every lamppost advertises another festival, concert, or cultural happening.
But as impressive as Cape Town's urban offerings are, what you'll ultimately recall about this city is the sheer grandeur of its setting—the mesmerizing beauty of Table Mountain rising above the city, the stunning drama of the mountains cascading into the sea, and the gorgeous hues of the two oceans. Francis Drake wasn't exaggerating when he said this was "the fairest Cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth," and he would have little cause to change his opinion today.
A visit to Cape Town is often synonymous with a visit to the peninsula beneath the city, and for good reason. With pristine white-sand beaches, hundreds of mountain trails, and numerous activities from surfing to paragliding to mountain biking, the accessibility, variety, and pure beauty of the great outdoors will keep nature lovers and outdoor adventurers occupied for hours, if not days. You could spend a week exploring just the city and peninsula.
Often likened to San Francisco, Cape Town has two things that the City by the Bay doesn't—Table Mountain and Africa. The mountain, or tabletop, is vital to Cape Town's identity. It dominates the city in a way that's difficult to comprehend until you visit. In the afternoon, when creeping fingers of clouds spill over Table Mountain and reach toward the city, the whole town seems to shiver and hold its breath. Meanwhile, for all of its bon-vivant European vibe, Cape Town also reflects the diversity, vitality, and spirit of the many African peoples who call this city home.


text:
Jeff, on 20 June 2012 - 11:17 PM, said:
Just saying.
In the words of Adam Carolla:
It used to be, back in the day, a father would be walking his son down the sidewalk and he would see a guy go by in a Rolls Royce and the father would say "there goes Mr. Jenkins. Look up to him. That guy works hard. That guy build a company; that guy built an empire and now look at him, he's got his Rolls Royce driving up the hill."
But what do we do now? Now it like ohh, look at him. Look at him. Does he need that car? Why's he need that car? I'm driving a Chevet. Why's he get to drive that car? Let's go up there and throw a rock at it.
That ain't going to help you get out of the Chevet.


description: When the peregrine falcon dives for prey, birds in mid-flight don't stand a chance.

is_us_only: false

title: World's Deadliest: Superfast Flyer Makes a Kill

allowUserEmbed: True

credit: National Geographic

transcript:
The true super-powered king of speed...is about to clobber one of these pigeons.
A peregrine falcon may chase a pigeon in one of two ways.
The first method...is the flat-out chase.
Sometimes it works...but pigeons are fast, too.
And when jostling back-and-forth with a peregrine in this mode...prey will occasionally slip away.
When this happens, the peregrine can recalibrate...and switch to method number two.
It's called the rapid stoop...the dive bomb.
The attack begins slowly...then gradually picks up speed.
Its wings tucked in, the falcon is approaching 200 miles per hour.
It is now the fastest animal on the planet.
Against this super-powered speed...the pigeon is defenseless.
It's tough to hide from an attack like that.


text:
Best Datacolor Peripherals for £50 - £100.
07 January 2010
The Spyder3 Express gives you professional-level colorimeter monitor calibration at the press of a button.
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text:
Return to Faculty List
Associate Professor of Social Work
B.A., Southampton College, Long Island UniversityM.A., Teachers College, Columbia UniversityM.S., Psy.D., Hofstra University
Orly Calderon, Psy.D., is a full time faculty member at Long Island University, teaching courses in research design, program assessment and evaluation, psychopathology, and psychological evaluation of children. Dr. Calderon earned her B.S. in psychology and education from Long Island University, her M.A. in developmental psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and her Psy.D. in school and community psychology from Hofstra University.
Dr. Calderon's work focuses on two major scholarly areas: She researches innovative educational outcome assessment strategies (examples include ethical awareness development among social work students, and faculty and students' responses to blended learning), and she investigates psychosocial needs of populations at risk (examples include immigrant youth, and youth with ADHD).
Dr. Calderon's teaching philosophy encourages students to engage in critical thinking and in experiential learning, while integrating the latest teaching technology in order to prepare her students for practice in the 21st century.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities at the university Dr. Calderon provides training for other professionals in the USA and elsewhere on topics such as: Best practices in psychological and psychosocial evaluations; program outcome assessment and more. She has served several times as an expert witness in court cases that involve youth at risk.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Learning Disabilities, Forensic Psychology, Human Behavior
Youth at risk; psychological and forensic assessment; program evaluation; educational outcome assessment.
Author, (2013) Post-secondary and corporate on-Line learning: Preferred features of CMSs. In M. Bocarnea, R.A. Reynolds, & J.Baker (eds.) Handbook of Research onOnline Instruments, Data Collection and Electronic Measurements. USA; IGA Global
Author, (in press): Direct and indirect assessment of learning outcomes: what do we actually measure? Journal of Social Work Education.
Co-author, (2012). Understanding the concerns and needs of immigrant youth in Nassau County, NY. Families in Society, 93 (3), 226-232. doi: 10.1606/1044-3894.4222
Co-author, (2012). Multidimensional assessment of blended learning: Maximizing program effectiveness based on student and faculty feedback. JALN- Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 16 (4),
Co-author, (2011) Expanding awareness: Issues in the development of an ethics scale for the social work profession. Journal of Social Work Education 47(1), 133-149.
Co-author, (2008). A contextual, multidimensional, interdisciplinary approach to assessment of ADHD: A clinical model. Best Practices in Mental Health An International Journal, 4, 59-79.
Co-author, (2012). Letter to the Editor. Journal of Social Work Education, 48, (3), 623-636.
Co-auhtor, (Autumn, 2007). The development of an ethics scale for the profession of social work., NASW, Nassau Division News.
Co-author, Ask the Clinician (ADHD Q & A column). Educational Update, 2006-2007.
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text:
Filled with explosive new information, this is the definitive inside story of the case that captivated the nation and the verdict that no one saw coming....
It was the trial that stunned America, the verdict that shocked us all. On July 5, 2011, nearly three years after her initial arrest, Casey Anthony walked away, virtually scot-free, from one of the most sensational murder trials of all time. She'd been accused of killing her daughter, Caylee, but the trial only left behind more questions: Was she actually innocent? What really happened to Caylee? Was this what justice really looked like?
In Imperfect Justice, prosecutor Jeff Ashton, one of the principal players in the case's drama, sheds light on those questions and much more, telling the behind-the-scenes story of the investigation, the trial, and the now-infamous verdict. Providing an inside account of the case, Ashton, a career prosecutor for the state of Florida, goes where the press and pundits have only speculated, detailing what really happened during the investigation, showing how the prosecution built their case, and explaining how a woman so shrouded in suspicion was proclaimed innocent.
Moving beyond the simple explanations, Ashton offers an in-depth look at the complex figure of Casey Anthony, a woman whose lies he spent three years trying to understand. And yet this focus on Casey came with its own risks; here he details how this widespread fixation on Casey - both in the media and in the trial - may have undermined the case itself. As everyone got caught up in the quest to understand the supposed villain, somehow the victim, Caylee, was all but forgotten - not just to the public, but more important, to the jury.
Complete with never-before-revealed information about the case and the accused, Ashton examines what the prosecution got right, what they got wrong, and why he remains completely convinced of Casey Anthony's guilt.
©2011 Jeff Ashton (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers
"Surprisingly Compelling -"
I'm not sure why I got this book in the first place. Like much of the rest of the world, I watched this train-wreck of a true-crime story as it unfolded (derailed?) on live TV, and I was tired of the whole sordid mess by the time the verdict came in. Then I saw this book on Audible, and the true-crime fan in me must have overcome the tired-of-Casey-Anthony-watcher, because I bought it and dropped it into my playlist, where it sat ignored for weeks. When I finally got around to trying it out, I quickly found myself intrigued despite myself, and before I knew it I was sucked right back into it and enjoying every minute of the story. Unlike the case itself, the book flew by in no time.
Although there were some fascinating insights throughout, I can't say that there was a whole lot of new information, particularly if you followed the story in real time. But the author (who also happens to be the prosecutor who lost the trial) does such a good job telling the story and fleshing out the characters and their motivations, I found myself fascinated even by the re-telling of facts I already knew and people I was tired of hearing about. Plus, he's very good at reading his own writing, which isn't surprising given that he's a trial attorney who has to exactly that day in and day out in court.
I was also impressed with how little whining Ashton did about the outcome or unfairness of the trial, which isn't always the case when losing attorneys write their account of a big trial. You sort of expect "How It Wasn't My Fault That a Murderer Went Free," but while this book doesn't shy away from exposing the author's dislike for opposing counsel, it didn't wallow in constant finger-pointing or blame-shifting, which I very much appreciated.
In closing, your honor, I went into both the real-life case and the reading of this book skeptical and unconvinced. Jeff Ashton convinced me at the trial, and many months later he convinced me to keep reading his book even though I wasn't sure I wanted to. If only he had convinced that jury as effectively as he did me, a certain narcissistic baby-killer would be living the "good life" in jail right now where she belongs.
"The Casey Anthony Saga - required reading"
If you didn't live on earth and follow the Casey Anthony matter, this book is for you. If you watched Nancy Grace every night from the day Caylee went missing and all the In Session and HLN courtroom reports and the actual trial, this book is you. Mr. Aston follows the exact timeline from the first day he was assigned the trial. He explains the prosecutions rationale and actions in great detail. His comment on the motivations of the people involved and his perceptions of their actions adds insights that even the most obsessive watcher will be intrigued with. He covers each element of the trial, the attorneys??? actions, body language, strategies, the judge???s actions, etc. It???s all there for you to see and learn what was going on. Those who say there is nothing new in Mr. Ashton???s book are as wrong as Casey is not guilty. His treatment of the infamous Jose Baez is not to be missed. If you are a lay person like me in jurisprudence, your eyes will be opened by the behavior of this smarmy lawyer. Nevertheless, his book is very balanced and he points out his biases clearly ??? especially about ???Baez???. If you thought the jury was lazy, mindless and suffering from get homeitus, this in my opinion confirms it .
Mr. Ashton reads his own book and if he is looking for a new career he has found it. Watch out Simon Vance. While his written word provides us a great look at Mr. Ashton??? personality, his spoken words only made me wish I knew him personally. He is easy to listen to. I felt like we were sitting in a restaurant over lunch discussing the whole Casey Anthony deal. He didn???t leave Caylee out of the book either like the jury left her out of the trial and their minds.
Use your credit and listen to this book. If nothing more it will console you somewhat over this miscarriage of justice.
"Just the Facts...told simply w/out blame"
No excuses by Prosecution for not guilty verdict. It appeared to be the telling a story of a sad event and nobody won. Although he commented on his feelings about Jose Baez, he did not dwell on him. A good read.
Can't think of any.
There are no favorite scenes for me. Just sadness for the family, especially the parents who grew this child. They birthed, raised a monster and the family lives with her actions every day.
Reading the description of the parents of Casey on the stand struggling to help her and yet knowing she was responsible for a death. I know they knew she did it. But they did not want to send her away.

I do believe that the state did not offer the proper charges and do not feel the death penalty was needed. I think the death penalty was the biggest factor in the innocent verdict.
This book was a report of the events as seen through Jeff's eyes.

 I believe we always fear and hate events like this where there is NO apparent reason for this behavior except evil and/or narcissim . We do not want people to go unpunished if they commit a horrible crime of any kind.....but especially a helpless baby.

The very fact that this a child can disappear for 31 days and no one is held accountable for this is very, very sad.

I don't see how Casey Anthony can contribute anything to society. She did not do the right thing, nor did her family in the death of this baby.

I don't think we should ever lock up the jury again. I think it creates a small society where people become friends and there are leaders and followers. I believe it creates too close a bond with the other jury members.

 I honestly believe that when given such a challenge people can listen to the facts and make a decision. I believe people take justice seriously and will make every effort to judge based on the facts they have to rely upon as stated by the court.

The charges are very important in murder cases. I believe the death penalty should not have been on the table.

"Outstanding. My favourite audiobook sofar."
The narrator, Jeff Ashton was phenomenal.
Well spoken, with just the right amount of emotion.
It got me hooked. I literally drove around in my car for hours after work just listening.
Its different to hear form the guy who lived it. Makes it feel like you are there.
ha. No
I cant recommend this book enough.
Yes, yes, yes! Great listening!
What an awesome insight into the behind the scenes of what really happened.
The heart wrenching facts of how a mother who murdered her poor baby girl got away with it and how the family allowed her to control them and their destiny and now to walk away from them, leaving them in unbearable pain with memories that can't be erased. How sad especially for George who seems to be the victim in all of this. A loving father and husband who wanted nothing more than to have a happy family. His greatest joy was when his precious Caylee was born. It's so sad that he tried to commit suicide, overwhelmed with pain. I loved hearing it straight from Jeff Ashton who poured his heart and soul into justice for Caylee and lost. Thank you so much for writing this book of your memoirs.
I think it's a perfect title.
Thank you Jeff for pouring your heart into this book and giving us a small window into the lives of this very dysfunctional family and a very evil child that they raised. God bless little Caylee's soul and may her mother be forever haunted by her memory.
"Questions answered"
Watched the entire trial which left me angry and frustrated. Jeff Ashton's book answered a lot of questions about the murder of this child by her mother, her defense attorneys, her family and lastly the jury and the verdict. Most of which was confirmation of my very own thoughts and opinions. Thank you Jeff Ashton. And I hope we hear much more from you in the future.
"So Disappointed in our System of Justice"
There was very little information that was new to me in the book, but I really followed the case closely while it was happening. It was news to me that Casey blamed everything on George and that her Attorney's tried to get her to accept a plea.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with the case this is a very succinct and detailed retelling of the entire case. It is well told by Jeff Ashton as narrator. I appreciate his candor and his humor in his retelling of the story.
My disappointment in our justice system is in the fact that Jose Baez can get up there and brazenly lie about the facts of the case, then not support his lies AT ALL with any testimony what so ever. But his so doing caused enough confusion for the jury that they felt they could not make a decision. I thought a trial was an effort to find the truth, not an effort to confuse with lies and deceit presented as facts.
Why ever would I do that?
"Thought-provoking book"
Interesting, thought provoking, intelligent. I usually cringe when books are narrated by the author, but in this case Ashton's is the only voice competent to tell the story. Very well done, indeed.
insightful reader
"Wonderful book!"
Jeff DOES in fact bring out never-before revealed info in this well-written and thoughtful book. He narrates it himself, and I felt strongly that this added a LOT to the effectiveness of the entire manuscript. He is witty, introspective, puts a balanced view to this whole complex case; and, I think, gives credit where it is due to major players in the case, and criticisms, well-deserved in my opinion, to those who did not play fair. It is a VERY entertaining read. I highly recommend this book!!
"The ultimate in true-crime stories"
This book is essential for all the true-crime junkies out there.
The whole sordid tale is packed with memorable moments.
All of the courtroom scenes are what I am after in true-crime books. This one is absolutely exceptional in that regard, being authored (and narrated) by the actual prosecutor. If you dislike getting through actual court transcripts or being subjected to recreations of actual trials, with all the extraneous stuff that goes on, interruptions, objections, etc., then this book might well be too hard to get through. For me, though, that is what I relish the most.
Yes, but unfortunately I have a real life to tend to...
This book is RED MEAT for the true-crime junkie, don't miss it. Even though everyone knows the outcome while still on the first page, this book holds your interest and never lets up till the very last word.
"Great book"
Binged listened to this. I wasn't familiar with this case, found it captivating from start to finish.
yes I would definately listen to this book again ..and also spread the word to others ..
There were quite a few moving moments for me...but I won`t divulge them as I think it may spoil things for prospective readers/ listeners...
very well written ...I was confused about this case from what I had read earlier ....this made
everything very clear . Most enlightening , entertaining ,thought provoking ,extremely sad ... and frustrating .....in the final outcome .
"5 stars"
If you are interest in the Casey Anthony case I definitely recommend this book. The author provides a lot of interesting background information as well as his own thoughts and feelings on the case. What I liked the most about the book was that it is extremely informative and analytical while at the same time it is also very authentic and human. I got the sense the Jeff Ashton very deeply cares about getting justice for little Caylee. He is very honest in this book and admits mistakes and is very transparent about how he feels about Jose Baez, Casey and all other key players in this trial. I also really liked that he read the book himself, he has a very pleasant voice and accent and of course it made everything more personal and authentic. He also explains a lot of things about the law and trials that I didn't know before and that helped me understand the process and outcome of the trial better. Highly recommend.
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text:
Shots fired after apparent argument in Moncks Corner
From our News Partners at WCBD-TV:
The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office is responding to an altercation in Moncks Corner.
According to spokesperson Dan Moon, deputies responded to an incident on North Live Oak Drive after an apparent argument ended in shots being fired. Officials were not immediately able to release if anyone was injured or transported for medical attention.
Photo Credit: Carl Ballou Shutterstock


text:
Welcome From The Director
Welcome to the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission's web
site ....
All About The Director
Andrew T. LeFevre was appointed as the Executive Director ....
AZ Criminal Justice Commission
1110 W Washington Ste#230
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 364-1146
The National Information Exchange Model (NIEM)
NIEM is a partnership of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland
Security. It is designed to develop, disseminate and support enterprise-wide information
exchange standards and processes that can enable jurisdictions to effectively share
critical information in emergency situations, as well as support the day-to-day
operations of agencies throughout the nation.
In accordance with section 1016 of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention
Act (IRTPA), the Information Sharing Environment will be the comprised of policies,
procedures, and technologies linking the resources (people, systems, databases,
and information) of Federal, State, local, and tribal entities and the private sector
to facilitate terrorism information sharing, access, and collaboration. The ISE
is being designed with one key goal in mind: to combat terrorism more effectively.
The IRTPA requires the President to designate an individual to serve as the Program
Manager (PM) responsible for information sharing across the federal government.
The links below are a great starting point for learning more about the GJXDM. Even
if you do know what the GJXDM is, these links have in depth information on how to
develop and use GJXDM messages. Also available is a searchable knowledgebase and
forums you can use to get answers to your questions.
The IEPD is used as documentation for any GJXDM compliant message written today.
Visit the below links to learn more about how to create an IEPD and to view IEPD?s
that have been made available by other agencies around the Nation.
Law Enforcement National Data Exchange (N- DEx) Information Exchange Package Documentation
(IEPD) v. 1.0 [Based on version 1.0 of the National Information Exchange Model]
Updated Jan-18-2007
Please, visit the below links to find more about training opportunities or about
any major GXJDM events coming up.
The Global Justice XML Data Model (GJXDM) and the National Information Exchange
Model (NIEM) are on a clear path to convergence.
This is a brief list of articles about the use of GJXDM around the Nation.
(ACJC does not endorse any of the products or services listed below.)
Arizona is very active in integrated criminal justice. Below is a quick glance of
some of the projects around the State working on integration.
Many projects around the nation are working on CJI. Here?s a short list of those
we know about.
Process for submitting
IEPDs for approval
Arizona Information Exchange Document Packages (IEDP) Arizona State Citation
(download entire package)
Arizona State Citation (individual package files)
Purpose: To create a generic e-citation for the state of Arizona that can
be used to transmit Citation data issued in the field to intake systems (IE - RMS
systems). The field requirements are be based on what an Officer in the field is
required to complete or may know.
Current Status: Version 1.0. No new versions in development at this time.
Agencies Implemented: Arizona Office of the Courts, Coconino County
Contact the IEPD Team (send email)
State Citation IEPD
State Citation Physical Model
State Citation Spreadsheet Map
State Citation Document Schema
State Citation Extension
State Citation Subset
State Citation
Subset with Documentation
Citation Extension with Documentation
State Citation Sample
xml message


text:
You know those colorful shaped fruit snacks (that really don't contain real fruit).
So DH (dear husband) bought the kids packs of fruit snacks at the store yesterday. Which is kind of ironic since he has been a food douchebag all week pointing out all the crap that I eat. So I said why did you buy that crap, and he says "why not?". I told him they are bad for your teeth and provide little nutrition.
So then DS (dear son) this morning is asking me when he can take them to school to eat. I told him probably never. He says well "J has them every day why can't I?" I felt like saying because you have a mommy that wants you to actually eat real food, but I didn't. I just left it at "because I am the mom. they are bad for your teeth. As far as J, his mom makes his rules."
So am I mean controlling mother that won't let her kid eat something that isn't that harmfull? Do you feed your kids fruitsnacks?


text:
Amazon Earnings: The Cloud, That Elusive Profit and Other Areas to Watch
Amazon.com has had an exceptionally busy year, even for a company known to have nearly boundless ambition.
Since January, the Seattle retailer has launched a set-top box for home video streaming, a wand for shopping for groceries at home, a document-sharing service for businesses, a music-streaming offering, and an unlimited e-book subscription. Then there's first Amazon-branded smartphone, due out on Friday.
With that in mind, investors will be looking for any details about how all these services are performing and how they fit together into Amazon's long-term strategy. Investors are likely to be disappointed. Amazon holds close to the vest details of its business beyond its balance sheet – seven years after launching the Kindle e-readers, Amazon has yet to disclose even those sales.
Still, profit — or the lack of one — remains a closely watched metric along with overall sales. Amazon is unique in that investors generally don't punish the company for turning in thin margins in the face of rising revenue.
For the second quarter, Amazon is expected to post a 23% rise in revenue to $19.3 billion and a loss of 15 cents per share, according to a consensus of analysts from Thomson Reuters. "It's a feat to lose money with $20 billion in net revenue," said BGC Partners analyst Colin Gillis in a note to investors.
The results are due out after the close of trading Thursday and a call with analysts begins at 5 p.m. ET. Here are the key things to watch:
Dare We Say the "P" Word?: Amazon has for years been given something of a hall-pass on profits. Unlike for many companies, investors are willing to forgive narrow profits or even losses on the belief that Amazon is simply plowing its ever-rising revenue back into hardware and services development.
But shares are down 10% this year, which some analysts attribute to pressure on Amazon to begin to show a profit. And with many of Amazon's once-secret hardware projects now available to the public, the Seattle company may have to spin its investment story anew to win over weary stakeholders.
Investors should look for any indication from Amazon that there is a renewed interest in profitability.
Calculating the Cloud: Amazon's cloud-computing service is known to be growing rapidly, but those particulars have been safely guarded. Has AWS, as it's known, grown large enough for Amazon to feel compelled to disclose sales or profitability metrics?
Likely not, but investors are keen to know if estimates that put AWS annual sales at as much as $5 billion are accurate. Chief Executive Jeff Bezos has said he expects the unit to one day eclipse its core retail business.
Shopping for Answers: Amazon has more than a year of experience with its Fresh grocery delivery in Los Angeles, which it expanded to San Francisco late last year. What, if anything, Amazon reveals about the success of the service will be closely watched since many observers think the division operates at a loss or break-even at best. Might Amazon unveil plans for the service to start in Baltimore or New York where it has new warehouses?
As well, Amazon has been experimenting with its own same-day delivery service in San Francisco, New York, Seattle and, perhaps, other locales. That could be a threat to traditional carriers like UPS and FedEx, or it could just be leverage to negotiate with them. While the Amazon same-day delivery is modest for now, the trial could be major step forward for the company towards a national rollout.
E-Book Battle: How long will the Hachette dispute drag on? Amazon has been in the throes of a tough negotiation with publisher Hachette over e-book pricing and has slowed delivery time of many titles and halted preordering of others as part of its tactics. Now about three months since the talks started, investors may ask what the end game is and how long it can drag on. The results of the talks will likely dictate Amazon's relationship with other major publishers as well.
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'With the tallies, Vanek jumped past Atlanta's Ilya Kovulchuk and Edmonton's Ryan Smyth into third in the league's scoring race. Vanek has 15 goals while Atlanta's Marian Hossa and New York's Brendan Shanahan both have 16.'
Vanek close to league's best snipers
November 21, 2006 Submitted by
Via: Niagara Gazette


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Nashville, TN (SportsNetwork.com) - Gabriel Landeskog scored twice in regulation and added the decisive shootout goal as the Colorado Avalanche edged the Nashville Predators, 5-4.
Cody McLeod and Nick Holden each scored in the third period for Colorado, which ended a three-game losing streak.
Matt Cullen and Roman Josi each had two goals for the Predators, who suffered their sixth straight loss at home after blowing two third-period leads.
"We didn't make strong plays when we had those leads," said Nashville head coach Barry Trotz.
Nashville Rookie Calle Jarnkrok scored on a backhand to begin the tiebreaker, but Ryan O'Reilly countered for Colorado to conclude the second round.
After Josi failed to score, Landeskog mirrored O'Reilly by beating Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne on the blocker side with a wrist shot.
"What I like about our group is we were resilient even if we were not playing our best game," said Colorado head coach Patrick Roy.
The Avalanche, who avoided matching their longest skid of the season, were flat to begin the game. They found themselves in a 2-0 hole before the game's 10-minute mark after two Josi shots from the blue line wound up behind Colorado goaltender Semyon Varlamov.
Landeskog gave the team some life before the first intermission. On just the second Avalanche shot on goal, Landeskog beat Rinne from the slot with 54 seconds remaining in the opening period.
The Colorado captain tied things up at 8:41 of the second period, but Cullen put the Predators back on top six minutes later.
McLeod tied it for the Avalanche at 12:25 of the third period, and Holden lit the lamp 44 seconds after Cullen had restored the lead for Nashville. Holden scored on a shot from the left circle with 3:59 remaining.
Game Notes
The Avalanche reached 45 wins in a season for the first time since 2001-02 ... Colorado lost a season-high four straight from Dec. 21-29 ... Nashville defenseman Seth Jones missed the first game of his rookie campaign due to concussion-like symptoms ... Jarnkrok picked up an assist, giving him points in each of his first three NHL games ... Varlamov made 29 saves ... Rinne stopped 24 shots.


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Read the full story here Web Link posted Tuesday, August 21, 2012, 3:55 PM
Town Square
Cancer support group meets Thursday
Original post made on Aug 22, 2012
Read the full story here Web Link posted Tuesday, August 21, 2012, 3:55 PM
Comments (3)
a resident of Alamo
on Aug 22, 2012 at 8:42 am
Thank you for this information!
Does anyone know of a support group for the spouses/families and close friends (often primary caregivers) of those stricken with cancer?
a resident of Alamo
on Aug 22, 2012 at 11:00 am
Dear Diana, you sound like a person that is experiencing this awful situation.
Yes....there are many support groups. First check with medical center treating a family member or friend. They will give you a list of support groups that specifically handle care-givers and/or family members.
Julia Pardini from Alamo, California
a resident of Alamo
on Aug 22, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Julia -
THANK YOU so much! Have been searching local web sites to no avail.
I hope that you have found some comfort along the way.
Diane, Alamo
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By Eric Stevick Herald Writer
WANTED: Dependable team player for part-time position, mainly nights and weekends.
REQUIREMENTS: Candidates should be prepared to deal with angry neighbors, unruly drunks, grieving families and occasional backseat vomit.
TRAINING: Required, paid for by applicant.
UNIFORM AND GEAR: Required, paid for by applicant.
PAY AND BENEFITS: None.
That's hardly the advertisement the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office would take out to recruit reserve deputies, but it's an apt enough description.
Its best sales pitch might come from the reserves themselves who obviously aren't in it for the money or glamor.
"You know that MasterCard commercial?" said David Scontrino, a reserve who has volunteered a staggering 18,000 hours during the past 30 years. "I think a lot of us would say, 'Sense of satisfaction? Priceless.' "
The reserves are a loyal lot. Many have been on the beat for decades.
Yet they are an aging group and their numbers are dwindling. They once had a roster of more than 70. Today, there are just 15.
By comparison, there are 272 paid commissioned officers and deputies.
In an era of ever-tightening budgets, the reserves continue to perform an important role.
"In the time I've been here, they have been an integral part of our office," said chief Kevin Prentiss, who joined the sheriff's department 29 years ago. "We'll call them in the middle of the night and they put on their uniforms and come out and they aren't getting paid a penny."
That can mean protecting a crime scene when detectives go home to rest, or guarding a hospital room to make sure a suspect doesn't escape. They also work security at parades and festivals in and outside city limits across the county.
Last year, each reserve volunteered on average about 400 hours.
"These guys are putting on a badge, a gun and body armor and are exposed to the same inherent risks as any other law enforcement officer, and they don't get paid a thing," sheriff's Lt. Robert Palmer said.
Palmer isn't one for hyperbole. He shares the story of a call from when he was a patrol sergeant about 10 years ago.
Palmer was the first officer on the scene. A man had taken a 20 gauge-shotgun blast to his face outside an apartment complex south of Everett. The victim's friends — more than a dozen young men with no love for cops — were hostile. They surrounded Palmer, yelling insults, while he tried to stop the gush of a gaping wound.
The first backups to arrive were Scontrino and another reserve. They calmed the combustible crowd as Palmer worked to save a life until medics could take over. The man survived.
Reserves were introduced to the sheriff's office after World War II, beginning with the South County Patrol. They then expanded to the north and east before being merged into a single unit. Often, they were known as the party patrol because of they frequently were called upon to put the kibosh on keggers.
"They outnumbered the sheriff's deputies by far," sheriff's office chief Tim Shea said.
For many, a stint in the reserves was a springboard into a paying job in law enforcement.
Kathi Lang used her time as a reserve as a stepping stone. She attended the police academy 30 years ago. Scontrino was in her class.
Their paths crossed many times over the years. Sometimes, they shared the same patrol car. She remembers feeling a sense of relief when he was one of the first officers to arrive at a chaotic homicide scene near Mill Creek in 2007. It was Halloween. Many of those involved were dressed in costume.
"He was a good partner," she said.
Today, Lang is a lieutenant with the sheriff's office. She's one of at least a half-dozen officers on the payroll who started in the reserves.
Scontrino was in the tire business when he signed up. He was managing a Goodyear store in Everett. The company encouraged its leaders to volunteer in the communities where they worked and Scontrino gravitated toward law enforcement.
Since 1983, he has been patrolling the south county, mostly on Friday and Saturday nights and often until 4 a.m. His 18,000 hours volunteering is the equivalent of nine years working a full-time job.
It has proved a welcome diversion from running a business and later overseeing the tire company's West Coast commercial truck operations and serving as an account manager covering several Northwest states. Behind the steering wheel of a patrol car, there were no worries about sales figures or personnel decisions.
"I started doing this as a stress release," he said. "I don't drink and I don't smoke. I guess my only vice is adrenaline junkie. It's part of the fabric of my being."
The reality is Scontrino spends much of his time answering routine calls to free up the paid deputies. He follows the book and takes his job seriously.
On a recent Saturday night, he was more than happy to grab a fender bender near Mill Creek, a barking dog complaint from Mays Pond and a call about loud teens at Picnic Point. He backstopped a burglary-in-progress call that brought several officers to a south county home where a mother feared for the safety of her children including a sleeping baby. Deputies later determined that the house was merely creaking because the windows were left open on one of the first warm days of spring.
As skies grew dark, Scontrino knocked on doors of homes where neighbors complained about parties. He gently cajoled compliance in a friendly, almost fatherly, way, including the burly man wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned with "666."
"We are not front-line troops," he explained between calls. "We are there to support them. The county needs the extra bodies, but can't afford to pay for them."
Over the years, there have been days it would be easy to question why he's stuck it out for so long.
He's spent nights in fields after plane and skydiving accidents, keeping vigil for coyotes that may be attracted by human remains. There was the noise complaint at a Silver Firs home that led him alone into a basement filled with members of an outlaw motorcycle gang. (His exit strategy: "I just started laughing," he said, "and then they started laughing.") He once spent eight hours by himself in a dark garage when he was assigned to stakeout a chop shop. He waited and waited, but like Godot, the suspect never showed.
There also have been sobering moments that reminded him why having reserves is so important.
In 1994, Scontrino was routinely on the road on business for days at a time. One August night, after flying in from California, he got a call. He was told to get moving. There was an officer-involved shooting. Sheriff's Sgt. Jim Kinard was ambushed by an ex-con, who also had killed a blind man. Scontrino lost a friend that night.
He called into work and explained that he wouldn't be in.
He worked most of the next 40 hours, so the paid deputies could mourn.
Like Scontrino, who retired from the tire business and is now a King County courthouse marshal, most reserves hold down full-time jobs. They're an attorney, a surveyor, a nurse, a probation officer, a crime lab criminologist, firefighters, a businessman, a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, an engineer, a machinist and corrections officers.
Then there's Clarence Roberston, 77. He's the sheriff's office version of the coelacanth, an elusive fish that was thought to have gone extinct in the Late Cretaceous period, only to be rediscovered in the 1930s off the coast of South Africa.
Robertson was in his 20s when he began as a reserve in 1959, the year President Dwight Eisenhower began his second term and America added Alaska as its 49th state. Brier, Lynnwood and Mill Creek were not yet cities.
Roberston remembers the sheriff's office had four patrol cars. At times, he was the only deputy on duty on a Saturday. There were no portable radios, no 911 and certainly no cell phones. Backup, if there was any, was many miles away.
"You had what you had," he said. "Most of our training was on the street."
Robertson said he won't be running down dark alleys or jumping over fences these days. He spends much of his time helping the Snohomish Regional Drug and Gang Task Force and as one of the radio dispatchers at the Evergreen State Fair. He recently received certification to operate a telephone pole lineman's bucket truck to install surveillance cameras.
"I'm proud of what I do, but I don't go around bragging about it," Robertson said. "It's gotten to where I couldn't imagine living a life not involved in law enforcement."
Pennie Sargent is the lone woman in the reserves. When she was younger, she used to drive along with her father, a sheriff's deputy who appropriately was called Sgt. Sargent. She volunteered with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue in the 1990s before joining the reserves.
When she raps on a front door, she knows the people who answer it don't differentiate between her and a paid deputy.
"It doesn't say otherwise on my badge or my patch," she said. "It carries a lot of responsibility."
Tim King, a registered nurse at the jail, joined the reserves nearly 40 years ago. Some suspects he arrests he later ends up providing with medical care.
He remembers that his first patrol car was a 1968 Galaxy with a single bubble light on top. Today, he has four grandchildren and the same affinity for serving in the reserves that he had as a young man.
"We are kind of the quiet people in the background," he said. "We go around unnoticed and that's the way it should be. I just can't imagine not being part of this community of law enforcement."
The sheriff's office plans to begin looking for more reserves later this year.
It's not a simple process. Law enforcement is an ever-evolving profession with rapidly changing expect-ations and policies. Law enforcement leaders must feel assured that the part-time volunteers measure up.
There are background checks to perform and tests to be taken. Training is always a challenge. Some hope the county can work with other area police departments to offer a local academy.
Reserves still pay for their initial training, their uniforms and their gear down to their boots, belts, guns and handcuffs.
The reserves have formed a nonprofit group to raise money to try to defray some of the costs.
Regardless, it always will be a major commitment of time.
Despite all the challenges, Scontrino hopes reserves will be able to serve for years to come.
"It's a serious commitment and it's rewarding. It's a sense of duty to the community," he said. "We are not in it for the money obviously. There is no glory attached to it. Some people volunteer in libraries, some in food banks. This is what we do."
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, firstname.lastname@example.com


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A MAN has been convicted over his part in a sham marriage and warned to expect a jail term sentence.
Jason Procter, 40, had insisted to a jury that he had been besotted with his Vietnamese wife and that he believed it had been a genuine wedding, with nothing to suggest he was being tricked, conned or duped.
A jury yesterday convicted him on a unanimous verdict of a charge of assisting unlawful immigration to a member state following a trial at Preston Crown Court.
He and a beautician called Le Thi Le Quyen, who was studying in Preston, had wed at Blackburn register office in May 2010 after meeting the previous summer.
After the ceremony, they went for a meal and spent their wedding night at his flat on Princess Street, Blackburn.
Later on they saw each other most weekends, he said because she was a student and also had a part time job.
In his evidence to the court he denied having been paid to marry her.
He accepted now that his bride had pulled the wool over his eyes.
Procter's case has been adjourned to January 30th when a number of other people linked to the overall investigation, who have pleaded guilty, are due to be sentenced on January 30.
They are Kevin Donnelley, 34, of Thwaites Road, Oswaldtwistle, Amanda Nolan, 28 of Windsor Road, Blackburn, Denny Wallace, 21, of Spring Street, Blackburn and Gemma Nelson, 28 of Thwaites Road Oswaldtwistle.
Defence barrister Mr Mark Stuart said his client was aware that it was very likely a custodial sentence would follow.
Procter was remanded on bail by Judge Michael Byrne who told him: "All sentencing options will be available to me when I sentence you, but the reality is this - you must expect a custodial sentence."


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Resolution Counseling, LMFT, LPC
Resolution Counseling Professionals
3633 Wheeler Road, Suite 365, Augusta, Georgia 30909
Whether your heart has been broken by a death, a divorce, a move, or the loss of a friendship, Grief is the natural and normal reaction to significant emotional loss. Each person experiences grief in a personal and private way. Most of us have not been given the skills to deal with grief. We struggle to find a "new normal." Our goal is to help you process the grief you are feeling, to provide you with the tools you need to do so, and to provide you with a warm and caring environment in which to do so. Together, we can focus on recovery from the emotional pain and heartache. We will be your companion on your journey through the wilderness of grief


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The fifteenth century was golden era for the Alsace wines and it was during this period that the winegrowers guild of Alsace was founded. Each year, the most deserving vinegrower was elected by the guild of the winegrowers as Bangard, a highly respected positions. It was held by 8 generations of Albrecht's, between 1520 and 1698.
Domaine Albrecht experienced a major development under the guidance of Lucien Albrecht, the father of Jean, to become one of the most important in Alsace with holdings in 9 villages surounding Orschwihr. Lucien Albrecht, extended the winery with new cellars and expanded the sales of his wines in bottles. In 1972, Lucien Albrecht was also a pioneer of Cremand d'Alsace. Today the Cremant is one of their specialities and a major part of the business.
150 years were needed to make up the Domaine Albrecht located in the very best Alsace terroirs. Jean Albrecht is now the ninth generation settled in Orschwihr, leading the Domaine. View all Lucien Albrecht Wines
About AlsaceView a map of Alsace wineries France and Germany, nestled between the Voges Mountains and the Rhine River. These landmarks give Alsace an ideal climate for the white grapes that have become the mainstays of the region. Pinot Noir is also grown, with plantings of the grape increasing with consumer demand for red wine.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Alsace underwent a territorial tug-of-war, bouncing from France to Germany and back to France again at the end of the first World War. While the French led the renaissance of fine wine production in the 20th century, Alsacians have integrated both French and German influences in their wine. Alsacian wines are mostly white, with Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer leading the plantings. Pinot Blanc, Muscat and Sylvaner are also popular varietals. The bottles are flute-shaped, like many German wines, and the type of grape is clearly placed on the wine's label – quite unlike the typical French practice of labeling wines by region.
Notable FactsAlsace wines have four noble varieties: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat. These are the only varietals allowed in the 50 Alsacian Grand Cru wines. Pinot Blanc, while not noble, is key in making many of the Cremant d'Alsace (sparkling wines) and is found in many Alsace AC blends. Most of the wines from the region are dry – with steely acidity and round fruit flavors, typically more full bodied (aka, more alcohol) than their German counterparts. There are also sweet wines and, of course, sparkling.
About France - Other regionsWhen it comes to wine, France is a classic. Classic blends, grapes and styles began in the country and they still remain. Think about it - people ask for a Burgundian style Pinot Noir, they refer to wines as Bordeaux or Rhone blends - Champagne even had to pass a law to stop international wineries from putting their region on the label of all sparkling wine.
The top regions of France are: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire, Rhone. And these regions are so diverse! It makes sense that wine regions throughout the world try to emulate their style. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are no longer French varieties, but international varieties. They may not be the leader of cutting edge technology or value-priced wines, but there is no doubt that they are still producing wines of great quality and diversity.