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At Spinell Homes, family is the heart of our business. We've been family owned and operated for almost 30 years. As Alaska's largest home builder, we've built nearly 3,200 homes across Southcentral Alaska. We've given thousands of Alaska families the keys to safe, secure and energy efficient homes.
In 2000, owners Chuck and Jackie Spinelli were joined by two of their children, Andre and Lauren in the family business. Our family is committed to providing your family with the highest level of customer satisfaction. Spinell-built homes come without any surprises. We pioneered the 10-year structural warranty, which has since become the standard within our industry. Every Spinell home is built with safety and energy efficiency in mind.
As a certified green professional, the Spinell standard continues to raise the bar for home building. For example, Spinell homes are built with drywall that permanently removes toxins from the air, allowing you to breathe easier and enjoy a healthy home. Keeping you healthy and safe is important to us, because it's the family inside that makes a home.
Spinell Homes, Inc. is the largest home builder in Alaska. Since 1987, the company has built nearly 3,200 homes across Southcentral Alaska. Spinell Homes is family owned and operated by the Spinelli family of Anchorage. Since 2000, Chuck and Jackie Spinelli have been joined by two of their three children, Andre and Lauren.
Spinell Homes is committed to putting family first by providing homebuyers with strong customer satisfaction every step of the process. Homes are completed on time, on budget and to the client's satisfaction. From sale to the one-year service warranty appointment, customers can be assured there are no surprises with their home. Spinell Homes was the first builder in Alaska to offer a 10-year structural warranty, which has become the standard within the industry.
Spinell's reputation for satisfaction has garnered the company numerous accolades including multiple awards for building excellence from the Anchorage and Mat-Su Home Builders Associations. The company has also been honored with an Award of Excellence from the Better Business Bureau. Spinell Homes also has the vote of confidence from its customers, being voted Best Home Builder in Alaska by the readers of the Alaska Dispatch News.
Spinell Homes has earned its reputation of excellence by providing Alaska families with safe, secure and energy efficient homes. The Spinell standard raises the bar for home building. As a certified green professional, Spinell Homes incorporates construction, development techniques and materials that minimize a home's impact on the environment and foster a healthy living environment. For example, Spinell Homes uses a revolutionary drywall called AirRenew Gypsum Board. The drywall is the industry's first formaldehyde-absorbing technology meaning it removes toxins from the home and improves air quality in the home allowing families to breathe easier and healthier for generations.
As a family-first company, Spinell Homes is committed to serving its Alaska family. Since moving to Alaska in 1984, Chuck and Jackie Spinelli have been active members, volunteers and financial supporters of many community groups. The Spinellis are thankful for their success and ability to give back to their neighbors in the community they call home.


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Good News For Lobster Fans
Lower prices could be on the way.
Right now the price of live lobsters is high, but an early arrival of them could lower the price.
Lobster fans will note that the price has been pretty high for the last couple of years, as high as $12 per pound in some locations. Ouch!
Early July is usually when Maine's summer lobster fishing season begins, and scientists have predicted that because of warm ocean temperatures, the season could start a couple of weeks early, meaning locally, the prices should drop.
But that hasn't happened quite yet.
In the meantime, get your lobster cracking tools ready, put on a bib and enjoy this little ditty from you friends at the Shark.

subset: commoncrawl


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VIRAL VIDEO: Truck driver jumps into action to save a grandmother and baby after horrific crash
A truck driver is being hailed a hero after he jumped into action to save a grandmother and her one year old granddaughter after a horrific crash on a Mississippi highway.
David Fredericksen had a dashcam rolling when a car slammed into a semi-truck along I-10. The car immediately burst into flames as other drivers slammed on their brakes to avoid another crash.
In the video below, you can hear Fredericksen contemplating on what to do next. He immediately jumps out of his truck with a fire extinguisher and heads to the car.
After several other witnesses jumped in to help, they were able to pull the driver to safety.
According to the YouTube post by Fredericksen's son, everyone involved survived. The driver of the vehicle suffered a broken leg and all others had only minor injuries.
Police have confirmed the timestamp on the video is incorrect and said the accident happened around 5:30 p.m. Monday August 11, 2014.


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Mens hair *Dura-Boy*65 release!
Dura participates in an event of the TMD of this month.
During an event period, this product is sold only in TMD.
The event starts on the 5th February.
☑Non-rigged mesh hair (Mesh hair of Dura is 100% original mesh)
☑Normal colors fat: 5 types/ Mix Two colors FAT : 3 types
*I have set up TMD limited price during this event.
☑ included resize hair
☑ ☑ included hairbase and TMP Installer
Photographer & Model : U10 (http://u10-n.blogspot.jp/)
Please try DEMO!


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44(0) 20 3573 0182
Legal professionals tend to use the telephone hundreds of times during a working day. Whether you are talking to clients or counterparts, you will need to develop some level of telephone etiquette in your second language. One of the big problems our students have with the telephone is with listening, as unless you are using Skype you cannot see the person you are talking to. We will deal with listening specifically in a separate article and for in thos post will concentrate on the language that you should be using over the telephone.
Twenty years ago, you would often hear somebody repeat their telephone extension number to you when they answered the telephone. People do not tend to do that anymore, so some will simply say their name or add "speaking" after that.
Asking to speak to somebody
Most native speakers use "Can I speak to John Smith?", but the more grammatically correct sentence would be "May I speak to John Smith?" It is your choice as to whether you go with the majority or the more gramatically aware.
Transferring the call
You might not be able to deal with the call and will have to transfer it. In this case, you can say "Please hold the line. I will have to transfer you." or "Please wait a moment. I will check if she is available."
If the person that the caller wishes to speak to is not at their desk (or does not want to speak the caller), then you are going to have to use diplomatic language in order to placate the caller. Our tutors recommend saying "I am sorry, but John Smith is not here at the moment but I would be happy to take a message for you."
Leaving a Message
Remember to speak slowly and clearly if you are dictating your message to somebody, or you are leaving a message on voicemail. The best way to start a voicemail is to say "I am calling about X and X and I would be grateful if you could call you back as soon as you can." Do not forget to leave your telephone number. Brits tend to say "Oh" for the number 0 rather than zero.
Some British people have heavier accents than others, and even we don't understand fellow native speakers at times! It is not a problem to say that you do not understand, as long as you say it politely. Just ask the person to repeat themselves or simply check that you understood: "So you said 020 3566 0145?"
Legal English UK runs courses in English for Lawyers, TOLES Preparation Courses. For further information, call 020 3566 0145, e-mail us or fill in the form on this screen.


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For Spring/Summer 2013 Fred Perry has announced a new Blank Canvas Capsule Collection with British designer Christopher Raeburn. Known for his heavy military inspiration in all of his designs, it comes without any surprise that the Fred Perry x Christopher Raeburn Blank Canvas line uses various camouflage patterns.
"The American Issue Desert camouflage was specifically designed as an interference pattern for use during the early 90s, one that would interrupt the pixelated images of first generation night vision services. . The Schneetarn East German camouflage also known as 'snowy pines' is an unusual two-colour winter camouflage developed by a mountain warfare school first trialled in the 60s. Finally, the German Raindrop camouflage is a strong graphic reference from the 60s and 70s, less effective as an actual camouflage because at close range the colours would blend together.
All shirts feature tipping on the collar, in military green and orange plus an original surplus fabric woven patch pocket with a Fred Perry and Christopher Raeburn embroidery."
Here below you can find an interview with the designer about the project:
All polo shirts from the collection are now available in all Fred Perry Laurel Wreath shops and online here.


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Amazon.com Widgets
Manufacturer: Mattel
Release Date: November 15th, 2011
Wave/Assortment: Online Exclusive/Club Eternia Beast Figure
Packaging: Single boxed
Scale: 6"
Sculpted By: The Four Horsemen
Manufacturer: Mattel
Release Date: October 2010
Wave/Assortment: Wave 14
Packaging: Single carded
Collect and Connect: Ultra-Humanite head and lower torso
Scale: 6"
Sculpted By: The Four Horsemen
Notes: Walmart exclusive wave.
Manufacturer: Mattel
Release Date: November 17th , 2011
Wave/Assortment: MattyCollector.com exclusive
Packaging: 7-pack (in a 6-pack style box)
Accessories:2 stands
Scale: 4"
Sculpted By: Mattel's In-House Team
Packaging by: Frank Varela
Notes: This boxed set includes Crimson Avenger, Creeper, Gypsy, Doctor Midnight, Johnny Thunder and his Thunderbolt and Speedy. These seven characters are the final 7 card-carrying members of the Justice League in the show that Mattel had not made figures of.
Back in August I told you about seeing an early sample of the MattyCollector.com JLU 7-figure boxed set, and described the box and the changes to the decos from what we saw at comic con. Now I have a sample of the set in hand so you can see it for yourself.
As of this writing, this boxed set is the last JLU product that Mattel has scheduled to offer. They have said that if this set sells well then we might see the remaining 3-packs they announced at Toy Fair. I would think this set should do well as it is the first time we have gotten this many unique figures in one set with no re-releases. There are also some great new parts for customizers in this set such as a new body in a suit and female bare feet. I've collected this line from the start and would love to see it continue, but with the numbers JLU has been selling on line the fate of those last figures does not look good…
As I mentioned in the August article about this set there maybe one character in the line up of heroes that wrap around the box that fans don't recognize. That's Mattel package designer Frank Varela who has worked on the JLU packaging from the beginning of the line. Can you spot him?
All text and commentary are the opinions of the authors
solely, and not to be attributed to any other parties. All
images, format, content, and design are copyright ©
1999-2019 Daniel "Julius
Marx" Pickett and Jason "ToyOtter" Geyer
unless otherwise noted. No part of these pages may be
reproduced without express written consent of D. Pickett or
J. Geyer. Licensed character names and images are copyright
© their respective companies. But hey, ask us; you just
never know what we'll say. Web Design by Jason Geyer & Peter


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Liz Wahl, a news anchor for Russia Today–a Russian-funded news organization that now has many outlets within the United States and has become quite popular in recent years–supposedly quit her job on Wednesday because she could no longer be "part of a network that whitewashes the actions of Putin."
Is this true?
Can this be trusted?
What if this news anchor's "quitting" was just a ploy to re-instill in the minds of the world that Russia Today, although funded by the same Russian government that this anchor claims would commit such an evil act of invasion, is a legitimate news organization run by people like Liz who oppose Russia's militaristic spread, and thus is trustworthy?
I've always had questions about Russia Today.
I remember the first time I heard of it, I was scratching my head, puzzled: what the hell is a Russian news organization doing operating WITHIN the U.S., and worse: what is it doing CONSTANTLY criticizing the U.S.?
Now, I'm the FIRST person criticizing the U.S., because quite simply, the U.S. is worthy of criticism: unceasing imperialist wars, banker bailouts against the will of the citizens who paid for it, and never-ending abuses of Americans' (humans') civil liberties here within the country.
So when I saw RT, years ago, not only criticizing the U.S. (and even giving a voice to 9/11 conspiracy theories), but also giving a platform for anti-U.S. voices WITHIN the U.S., like American citizens Adam Kokesh, Luke Rudkowski, Stefan Molyneux, Alex Jones, and basically ANY of the hardcore, libertarian, ANTI-American-Imperialism voices–I couldn't help but feel like, if ANYTHING, RT was doing some good for the world: they were letting peaceful libertarians trash-talk the U.S. and all of its imperialistic, anti-liberty, anti-peace actions in the past century.
Swell, right?
Certainly, as a libertarian myself, and someone opposed to the unfettered war-mongering of the United States, I enjoyed what RT was reporting on, but I always wondered about ONE, IMPORTANT, QUESTION:
"Do you think Russia Today blasts American imperialism because they're opposed to imperialism, or because they're geopolitically opposed to the U.S.?" Continue reading


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By Laurie Orosz
My biggest take away from the MCAS sponsored "Take the PARCC" event held Sunday, November 9 at the Bay Street firehouse is: not only can we refuse the tests on behalf of our children, we owe it to them to do so.
I've always opposed standardized testing. As a product of the New York City school system, I learned early on there was very little connection between what I did in the classroom and my performance on the tests. Still, I wasn't prepared for the PARCC sample test.
There are several sample tests to choose from, in Math and Language Arts and in various grades. I've got a background in Language Arts, and am a mom of a third grader, so I chose to take the 3rd grade Language Arts sample test.
Rigorous? Critical thinking? Deeper meaning? These buzz words are spouted endlessly by our own Central Office staff, but none of them actually apply to this test.
The words that came to mind were: Multiple choice. Tedious. Text-heavy. Inappropriate. There's no way my son, a good student, would be able to manage this test.
His computer skills are fine for his age, but this test involves a lot of going back and forth between the questions and the text. It takes coordination, development, and focus that I don't see in the average 8-year-old—or in my son.
As to the skills being tested, since my son is still learning how to write a paragraph, writing an essay is beyond him at this point, let alone writing one under timed test conditions. The close reading technique they're testing, largely denounced by most educators, simply demonstrates how well a child can: 1. Re-read a paragraph and 2. how patient he can be reading the questions.
There were approximately 100 participants and after we completed our sample tests, there was a lively question and answer period. It became clear that people who tested on tablets (I used an iPad) had a much better testing experience with the interface than those using laptops. So, a child who already has difficulty using a mouse is double in trouble because he might suddenly get kicked off and could lose all his work. How frustrating!
As I found the Language Arts test to be boring and developmentally inappropriate, many people felt similarly about the math questions. No one had anything positive to say.
The Q & A was followed by several knowledgeable and impassioned speakers who testified (despite the Superintendent's claims to the contrary), to how these tests are resulting in a narrowed, test prep curriculum and how it is harming our children. This post by John Wodnick first appeared on the new blog, Montclair Education Matters.
I was especially moved by speaker, Latifah Jannah (the full text of her comments is below). I also share the sentiments in this letter to the editor from a Montclair resident and parent.
We learned these tests are good for technology and testing companies but not for our children or their teachers. They're unfairly tied to teacher evaluations, put unnecessary stress on our children, and potentially label good schools as failing. They will widen the achievement gap and beginning in 2016, are being tied to high school graduation, potentially causing graduation rates to plummet.
Technically, we can't "opt out" because we didn't "opt in." But we can refuse. As parents, it is our job to protect our children. They're not wards of the state. When they walk through school doors, we don't suddenly give up our parental rights. We must not abdicate our responsibility. If something isn't good for them it is our job to protect them from it. Which is why I will be refusing the PARCC for my child. So can you.
Latifah Jannah, former longtime Student Assistance Counselor in Montclair Public Schools, grandparent of student currently in Montclair schools, graciously provided us with the text of her comments:
Read: "Harlem" / (Dream Deferred) by Langston Hughes
What happens to the deferred dreams of children as we prepare and push
Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders to fit onto the lockstep staircase of Common Core and PARCC?
What happens to the 6 yr old who dreams of being a scientist? Whose face is full of wonder as he talks knowingly of the difference between mammals and reptiles and why he is warm-blooded and snakes lay eggs? Who wants to learn about how bees make honey from a beekeeper? How long before the red circles, red do-overs, and red x's on the weekly tests take their toll? Who has been told by his peers that he can't read because he stumbles over words as he tries to sound them out or comes home and announces that he is a failure (his word) because he couldn't say the sight words fast enough? What do parents do when they find out that their child is being placed in a general Ed support class during the day because the child's understanding of a story is not "right". Is there time now for a dream when your child is labeled as deficient? Now there is talk of extra help, maybe a tutor after school, if possible, and frustration that somehow and for
some reason, your child is not learning.
Peter Greene writes in Curmudgucation that we have a duty to teach young children how to journey through life with strength, confidence, and skill. We need to teach them how to find their way to solutions, whatever problems face them. But you can't measure this with a single one right answer for everyone standardized test. For our young children we must value the journey over the
We often hear about Finland and their high rating from the Program for
International Student Assessment-a triennial international survey which
evaluates education systems worldwide by testing the skills and knowledge of 15 yr olds.
Recently, Finnish educator Pasi Sahlberg gave the keynote address at the NJEA convention in Atlantic City. As reported, he spoke about 5 things you won't find in Finland that affect education:
- Unhealthy competition-in Finland the focus is on providing a great school for every child, not a competition between schools and teachers based on test scores.
- Standardized testing-Finnish children earn top scores on PISA without taking standardized testing or test prep, taking one standardized test at the end of their education experience when they are 19-the focus is on individualized learning and children receive no grades in their 1st 5 years of schooling-it's illegal to grade small children.
- Test based accountability-Finns don't see the need to test everybody every year, but take samplings to measure student achievement.
- Obsession with the myth of teacher effectiveness-teachers in US are in competition with each other because we are told that our schools are populated with an overwhelming number of bad teachers. In Finland, teachers work collaboratively, and discussions are about school effectiveness rather than teacher effectiveness.
- Marketing school choice-private schools are illegal, parents choose from public schools, and there is a great focus on school equity. Charters and competition do not solve the problems of inequity of school funding and the social issue of income inequality, but instead, make those problems worse. He also noted a few things which can improve education, i.e., equity in school funding, focus on the health and well being of children, not cutting the arts, music, and physical education. Respect of teachers and teacher collaboration and empowerment, so that teaching remains a valued career of longevity, and not just a job to something else.
And that children must play. Researcher Sergio Pellis, of the University of
Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, in an August, 2014 report aired on National
Public Radio, makes the connection between free play (no coaches, umpires, or
rulebooks) and brain development, particularly in terms of social interaction.
According to Pellis, countries that have more recess tend to have higher
academic performance than those whose recess is less.
Also, Finland has universal day care for all children until they enter school at
age 7. As a side note, Theodore Roosevelt didn't read until he was 7, but was a
voracious reader for the rest of his life, as well as maintaining a life long
curiosity about the world around him.
Speaking of history, is PARCC the beginning of the end for social studies and
history? Social Studies time is now being used for test preparation 1-2x weekly
in local schools. Education writer Alan Singer in the Huffington Post recently
wrote in an article titled Common Core and the End of History, that the NY state
board of regents voted unanimously that students did not have to pass US and
Global History exams in order to graduate from high school. In June, 2010, the
regents eliminated middle school social studies, history, and geography
assessments so students could concentrate on test preparation for high stakes
testing for standardized reading and math assessments. Social studies was
eliminated as one of the tests on NJASK a few years ago.
So, I started with Langston Hughes and I will end with him:
Read – "Dreams"
Latifah Jannah
Here are the two poems by Langston Hughes that Ms. Jannah read at the Take the PARCC event:
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
Langston Hughes, "Harlem" from Collected Poems. Copyright © 1994 by The Estate of Langston Hughes. Reprinted with the permission of Harold Ober Associates Incorporated.
Source: Selected Poems of Langston Hughes (Random House Inc., 1990)
Langston Hughes, 1902 – 1967
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
From The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes published by Alfred A. Knopf/Vintage. Copyright © 1994 by the Estate of Langston Hughes. Reprinted by permission of Harold Ober Associates Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Thanks for reading and sharing with others.
All of us at Montclair Voices


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Makin' Biscuits Like it's Nobody's Business (Plus other stuff)
Now that I got that off my chest…let's talk about biscuits then, shall we? Because I know that's what you came here for. The carbs. You like them. You all do. We all do. Universally known fact that makes people like be babble. So yeah. I decided to whip some up this afternoon because my mum bought some loverly, luscious, and LARGE (I emphasize large) strawberries (seriously, some of them were the size of small apples…) so she could make strawberry shortcakes (tomorrow's recipe…). But here's my basic recipe, that I bet is pretty much the same as the rest of the world's:
Basic Baking Powder Biscuits
Yields 12 or so
- 2C A.P. flower
- 5 tsps baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- 5 tbs vegan margarine (I use Smart Balance Light…yes, it's vegan)
- 2/3 C non-dairy milk
- extra flour for dusting
Pre-heat your oven to 450F.
Mix together dry ingredients. Cut in the margarine with your fingers (crumble as you would a streusel topping…make sure you're able to form some pea-sized lumps)…or with a pastry cutter/knife if you feel like cheating. Add the milk and mix together with a fork until a dough forms. With floured hands on a floured surface, pat your dough lightly into a rollable shape. Roll out to your desired thinness (I like about 1/8-1/4″ for a nice sized biscuit). Cut with a biscuit cutter, place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, until golden and delicious.
Very yummy. Oh and by the way…I finally got around to making the Magical Coconut Cookie Bars from VCIYCJ (since I finally found vegan graham crackers…). My mum's crazy about them. So, so good. Make them at night, though. That gives you time to chill them without being tempted to eat one.
I'm thinking of making these, plus other cookies for a bake sale that I'm going to be hosting next weekend to raise money for farm sanctuary. Have any other ideas of baked goods? I'm thinking cookies (most likely chocolate chip, peanut butter, snickerdoodles, GF cookies, sugar-free cookies, oatmeal cookies…), maybe some brownies, muffins, cupcakes…I'll keep you all updated on this…
In the meantime, what are all of you Americans doing for memorial day tomorrow? Grilling? BBQ-ing? Not knowing there's a difference between grilling and barbecuing? Wondering were on earth the word barbecue came from? All of the above? So anyways, I decided to whip up some chorizo sausages tomorrow to grill up…from VB. They're so good. I used up the rest of my black beans from my bean dish the other day. I sure do like making seitan. I need a "praise seitan" shirt. Vegan humour is so much fun…
In the meantime, I came up with a little snacky recipe since it got late tonight, fast, and I realized that I had not eaten anything yet. I bring you…
Italian Asparagus:
Serves one
- 4 oz trimmed asparagus
- 2 tbs ketchup or marinara sauce
- .5 oz vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
- salt
- garlic powder
Simply steam your asparagus with your preferred method, top with the tomato-y topping of choice and shredded cheese and salt and spices. Now depending on time and patience, either microwave for a minute or so, or pop under your broiler. Eat. Now. Top with vegan parm or nooch if you want.
That's all for today. Do tell though, what are you all grilling up tomorrow?
This entry was posted on May 31, 2010 at 2:06 am and is filed under asparagus, Beans, Cookies, Faux Meat, Italian, PPK, Recipe, Snack, Vegan Brunch, Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar, Vegetables. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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Home > Android Tablet Reviews > Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 (GT-P5113)
What's hot: Runs Android OS 4.0, most affordable Samsung 10" tablet.
What's not: Weak price to feature ratio, CPU disappoints.
Reviewed May 29, 2012 by Lisa Gade, Editor
in Chief (twitter: @lisagade)
Editor's Note, July 2013: Read our review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 that replaces the Tab 2.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 isn't going to trounce your first generation Galaxy Tab 10.1. It's not here to compete with Tegra 3 quad core tablets like the Asus Transformer Pad TF300, Acer Iconia Tab A510 and Toshiba Excite 10. Rather, like the 7" Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, it's Samsung's budget offering for those who want to get into a name brand tablet without breaking the bank. We suspect the company gears this specifically toward buyers who want a more affordable Samsung tablet, because there are comparable or better alternatives that are more competitively priced from other makers.
That's not to say the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 isn't a competent tablet with lots of good software pre-loaded. It has a pleasing 1280 x 800 PLS display, a TI 1GHz dual core CPU and several good Samsung apps for PIM stuff, movie editing and more. It runs Android OS 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich with Samsung's TouchWiz UI on top.
The tablet has 16 gigs of internal storage, and there aren't other capacities available. It has a microSD card slot, so you can expand storage. With Android 4.0 there's no division between application and general storage for internal storage, so you can use all that internal storage for apps and use a card for files (movies, songs and documents). In fact, if you intend to install lots of huge games we suggest you do this, because apps can't be installed on SD cards under ICS.
For those of you who like the idea of an affordable Samsung Android tablet but perfer the 7" size, there's the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 for just $249.
Above: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1.
Design and Ergonomics
Though just slightly heavier and thicker than the original Tab 10.1, the design isn't as slimming or attractive. The back is gray plastic that feels sturdy but the smooth surface is a bit slippery. We like that Samsung put the stereo speakers on the front surrounding the display so they won't be muffled by your desk, hands or stomach. They're reasonably loud, but not as impressive as the Acer Iconia Tab A510 with Dolby Mobile Audio in terms of fullness and volume.
All controls are on the top edge (when held in landscape mode), and they're small but easy to operate. The microSD card slot lives under a door on the top edge beside the 3.5mm stereo headset jack. Samsung's dock connector is on the bottom edge and it's the same as that used on previous Samsung tablets. That means it should work with Samsung's selection of docks and keyboards. It also uses the same charger and USB cable as prior Samsung tablets.
The tablet doesn't have a micro USB port though it does support USB host. Samsung sells a $20 adapter that attaches to the dock port and it has one full size USB port that works with FAT32 formatted media like flash drives. Oddly, the Samsung didn't recognize our Logitech and XBOX wired USB game controllers unlike our other Android tablets with USB host.
Deals and Shopping:
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Video Review
Performance and Multimedia
As you'd expect from the TI OMAP 4430 CPU, benchmarks are just better than half of those from quad core tablets. This is a kindred CPU to that used in the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet after all. It's also the same CPU used in the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0. The Tab 2 feels decently fast, but we found it did bog down if we had several heavy apps running. Adobe Flash Player controls are a little balky thanks to the not wildly fast CPU, but the player managed good frame rates.
1080p MPEG4, WMV and DIVX content played perfectly, and you can buy Samsung's optional HDMI adapter that plugs into the dock connector on the tablet's bottom if you wish to view content on a monitor or HD TV. We expected the stereo speakers to be louder since they're aimed at the user, but they have average volume. Sound is not terribly full, but rich sound isn't a hallmark of tablet speakers. Plug in a good set of stereo headphones or pair Bluetooth headphones for a much improved experience.
Again, this is Samsung's most affordable 10" tablet, so you'll get basic photography gear. There's a front VGA video chat camera and a rear 3 megapixel camera. The front camera is a bit noisy and dark but gets the job done in Skype. Though the rear camera is quite low resolution, Samsung as always does a good job with image processing so colors are good and exposure is decent.
The Tab 2 10.1" uses Samsung's PLS display with reasonably good colors and decent brightness. Don't get your hopes up Super AMOLED here; after all the Tab 2 line sits at the bottom of the price barrel. Resolution is the usual 1280 x 800 and the capacitive touch screen is responsive. Auto-brightness is overly conservative and keeps things too dim for our liking (this is true across Samsung Android products). On manual brightness, we had no trouble with brightness in a variety of settings from a dim living room at night to a well-lit room with plenty of windows and lights.
Battery Life
Samsung rarely skims on battery capacity, and the 7,000 mAh Lithium Ion battery keeps the tablet running for 8.5 hours of actual use. That translates into 2 to 3 days on a charge with moderate use. Reading eBooks and web browsing are easy on runtimes. Gaminng will chew through the battery more quickly, as will streaming video, with games being the bigger power hog.
Wrap Up
The tablet has single band WiFi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth and a GPS that works well. It has a VGA front camera and a 3MP rear camera. It's available now for $399. Yes, that's the same price as the quad core Asus Transformer Pad TF300 with 32 gigs of storage. Ouch. That makes it hard for us to recommend the Tab 2 10.1 unless you're particularly fond of Samsung products and their Android software. The TF300 and other Android 4.0 tablets with Tegra 3 quad core CPUs benchmark more than twice as fast and feel faster too.
Price: $399
Website: www.samsung.com
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Review
Asus Transformer Pad TF300 Review
Acer Iconia Tab A510 Review
Toshiba Excite 10 Review
Above: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1
Display: 10.1" capacitive PLS display. Resolution:
1280 x 800, supports both portrait and landscape modes via accelerometer, has an ambient light sensor.
Battery: 7,000 mAh Lithium
Ion rechargeable. Battery is not user replaceable.
Performance: 1GHz TI OMAP 4430 dual core CPU. 1 gig RAM and 16 gigs storage.
Size: 10.1
x 6.9 x 0.38 inches. Weight: 1.28 pounds.
Cellular: N/A.
Camera: VGA front and 3MP rear camera.
Audio: Built
in stereo speakers, mic and 3.5mm standard stereo headphone
Networking: Integrated
WiFi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR.
Software: Android OS 4.0.3 with Samsung's TouchWiz UI. Standard suite of Google Android applications including web browser, email, gmail, YouTube, Maps, Navigation, Gtalk, Search and the Android Market. Samsung applications including Media Hub, Music Hub, Reader's Hub (Press Display, Zinio and Kobo), image editor, video editor, S Planner, Memo, custom music and video players. Polaris Office for tablets is included.
Expansion: 1
SDHC microSD card slot compatible with cards up to 32 gigs.
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Fast & Furious – Supercharged at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood shifts into high gear with the debut of an innovative, national 30-second commercial for its summer 2015 launch of the "Fast & Furious—Supercharged" thrill ride during NBC's Super Bowl Pre-Game coverage on Sunday, February 1, 2015.
The gripping spot will jump-start Universal Studios Hollywood's campaign for the eagerly-anticipated opening of "Fast & Furious—Supercharged," a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled thrill ride and new grand finale to the world-famous Studio Tour.
"What better place is there than the Super Bowl to launch a campaign where millions of viewers huddle for non-stop, edge-of-your-seat suspense," said Larry Kurzweil, President, Universal Studios Hollywood. "In just 30, thrilling seconds, our compelling spot resonates with the exhilaration this immersive thrill ride will deliver when it opens at Universal Studios Hollywood this summer."
"Fast & Furious—Supercharged" will reunite stars from the Fast & Furious series in a groundbreaking mega-attraction, conceived as a new installment to the dynamic film franchise that can only be experienced at The Entertainment Capital of L.A. Featuring Vin Diesel (Dominic "Dom" Toretto), Michelle Rodriguez (Letty Ortiz), Dwayne Johnson (Luke Hobbs), Tyrese Gibson (Roman Pearce) and Luke Evans (Owen Shaw), "Fast & Furious—Supercharged" will catapult guests into the high-stakes underground world of fast cars in a harrowing escapade to save one of their own from an international crime cartel.
The dynamic hydraulic motion-based ride will tell an original Fast & Furious story that fuses sophisticated hyper-realistic special effects with a state-of-the-art 3D audio system and 3D-HD imagery, projected onto the world's longest and most expansive 360-degree screen. Spanning nearly 400 feet in length to encircle Studio Tour guests within a newly constructed 65,000-square-foot structure on the legendary backlot, the sprawling custom-built screen will employ 34, 4K projectors and a sophisticated projection configuration system to fully envelope guests in unprecedented realism.
Coupled with an intense blend of thrilling visceral effects, "Fast & Furious—Supercharged" will take guests on a wild ride that begins the moment they board the Studio Tour. Exclusive interstitial content, filmed with the cast members, will be featured on the tram monitors highlighting interactions as they engage guests en route to the ride's climatic scenes. Along the tram route and featured at the ride, sightings of numerous prop cars from the Fast & Furious series, including Dom's iconic Dodge Charger, will enhance the story.
The adventure will culminate with spectacular action sequences that send guests careening through the streets of Los Angeles—at perceived speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour—aided by the elite team of unforgettable heroes.
Fast & Furious
The Fast and the Furious is an American media franchise including a series of action films, which center on illegal street racing and heists, and various other media portraying the characters and situations from the films. Distributed by Universal Pictures, the series was established with the 2001 film titled The Fast and the Furious; followed by six sequels, two short films that tie into the series, and a video game series. Having earned $2.3 billion as of October 22, 2013 at the worldwide box office, it has become Universal's biggest franchise of all time. Paul Walker, who has starred as Brian O'Conner since 2001, will mark his final film appearance in Furious 7 due to his death on November 30, 2013 in a single car crash.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM, includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the "5 Towers" state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue. World-class rides and attractions include the incredibly popular 3D Ultra-HD adventure, "Despicable Me Minion Mayhem" and immersive "Super Silly Fun Land," the critically-acclaimed mega-attraction, "Transformers™: The Ride-3D," the intense, award-winning ride, "King Kong 360 3-D" on the behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, "Revenge of the MummySM—The Ride" and "Jurassic Park® —The Ride." As part of its milestone 50th anniversary celebration in 2015, Universal Studios Hollywood will debut a slate of dynamic new attractions, including the electrifying 3D-HD thrill ride, "Fast & Furious—Supercharged" as the grand finale to the famed Studio Tour, "Springfield," hometown of America's favorite TV family, adjacent to the award-winning "The Simpsons RideTM" and the "Nighttime Studio Tour," offering evening tours of the iconic movie backlot.
Learn more at www.universalstudioshollywood.com


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Every once in a while this led to an encounter with the chef that included a very harsh exchange. Both chef and server screaming at each other certainly would make for an unpleasant evening. The toughest part here was the server had to immediately go back out to the dining room with a smile on his face and a calm, cool demeanor.
Have you ever gotten so mad at someone you wanted to scream? Uh huh.
What if in the next instant you have to be sweet and empathetic? That can be a tall order... unless you have the right reasons and a bit of practice to motivate you and get you there.
There Before You Know ItThe arguments with chef would come out of nowhere. Before I knew it I was in a knock down, drag out debate (about food no less. Yeesh!) and as I headed out to my guests in the dining room I had a choice to make. Do I carry part of my rage out to them or do I fix my body, fix my face and fix my attitude and return to them as a graceful and elegant individual.
Fortunately, I was able to "throw the switch." I activated my thought process. I would think about how important it was that my guests have a nice time. I would reflect on how silly it was to get that angry over food. I would decide that I was going to be the person I knew I was and wanted to be. That was up to me and me only. So I did it.
Anger Protected My PrideIt was extremely difficult at first because I wanted to hang on to the anger. It was my momentum. It was my strength. It was the pride I needed to keep me from feeling embarrassed or scared or feeling like I was losing. The problem was, that's not who I wanted to be.
Well after several encounters over the years, getting back to my calm, cool demeanor became easier and it would come much quicker. In fact, when these encounters would go bad, I may have been taken back at the moment they happened but I got to the point where I was able to change my mind nearly the instant I got angry.
Think First, Emotions FollowYes. The anger came. However, shifting to a poised, calm, cool and most importantly... thinking demeanor, was nearly instantaneous. By putting my focus on who I wanted to be in that moment took my focus off my anger.
Was it still there? Yep! However, over time my emotions began to conform to my thinking. Anger would dissolve quickly and fortitude began to take it's place.
Several times chef would pull higher managers into the issue we had with each other and every single time I came out looking good in the eyes of the big guy.
Why? I had an advantage. I wasn't angry anymore. I had a new found fortitude. I could think. My demeanor was calm while the other guy was clearly outraged. Who would you listen to? Who would you think got the details correct? Who had the advantage?
I Must Be Who I Am Supposed To BeThese experiences helped me understand that I may have emotions coursing through me and if I'm going to be the person I'm supposed to be I have to fight for it. It took a few encounters but once it became more important to be the person I was supposed to be and gave pride no value, I was set free.
All of these crazy stressful situations are different. However, you are the same person. Knowing who you are, who you are supposed to be and knowing where our Father wants to take you is information you must acquire.
I wouldn't say that it ever gets easier but the process of building fortitude becomes more familiar. That familiarity is a comfort in the storm and gives endurance that we otherwise may not have.
The LORD will work out his plans for my life - for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. - Psalms 138:8 NLT
Take Action!
Who are you? What kind of person do you want to be?
The scriptures say great things about the person the Lord made you to be. When you are born from heaven you become something new. Find out what that is.
I highly recommend a review of, You Must Seize This One Reality! There is a process of salvation that requires your participation. It is a path of knowing the Lord intimately, understanding who you are in Christ and taking action.
What are the reasons you need to be the person you should be?
Every situation is different. However, you are always you. :-) Do a quick review of, I Don't Know What To Do for God and read through the follow up articles by clicking the link after "Next >>>" at the bottom of the article.
You probably have great reasons to grow into the person you want to be. Use them! The scriptures also give us the reasons to become the person who God meant us to be. Find out what His motivation is and make it your own.
Please, add your thoughts in the comment section.


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Suspect held after man found dead and woman sexually assaulted
Hampshire Police are questioning a 21-year-old in connection with both incidents.
A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a man and sexually assaulting a woman.
Police were called to a house in Turin Court, Andover, Hampshire, at 3.11am on Monday following a report of a serious assault.
A 26-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
A Hampshire Police spokesman said that at 3.55am, a young woman reported that she had been sexually assaulted at a house in Little London, near Andover.
He said: "A 21-year-old man from the Andover area has been arrested in connection with both incidents and is currently in police custody."
Detective Inspector John McGonigle said: "Our inquiries are ongoing but we would really like to hear from anyone who has information about what happened.
"Were you in either the Turin Court area of Andover, or in Little London, that night? Did you hear or see anything that you think could help our investigation?
"Perhaps you noticed something suspicious that night and have not reported it to police yet.
"If so, please call us on 101, quoting Operation Goldcrest."
Chief Inspector Kory Thorne, district commander for Andover and Test Valley, said: "We know this will be concerning to residents but I would like to reassure them that detectives are working hard to determine what happened.
"Officers will carry out house-to-house inquiries in the coming days, so residents will see additional police officers in the area.
"Our neighbourhood officers are patrolling the area, so if you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to approach them."
Most Read
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I took these paragraphs below from the ridiculous article that Mike Bush and the county manager Butch Sanders are talking about. Double talk that is all it boils down to. They not only want to take the SPLOST tax money that is supposed to be spent solely for SPLOST projects but also want the millage rate to go up by 11.75!!!!!!!!! If this county had managed the tax payers money in a manner that it should have been managed in the first place, then the budget for 2011 would not be such a dramatic affair with taxes being increased because of the current BOC'S management practices.
Read our lips,NO more tax, NO millage rate increase! Have the employee's take furloughs, have the BOC take a pay cut, decrease your retirement accounts, do something good for the citizens for a change. Any way you look at it, your plan is to take the SPLOST money to pay for other things and or raise the citizens taxes one way or another. Why not SELL the 166 plus acres the county purchased from the Abernathy's, Where did the county get FOUR MILLION DOLLARS to pay for that???????? we never needed it, we do not need it now. Where are the BOC'S priorities?
By the way does this millage rate increase include the millage that Big 5 Enterprises was asking for? has that been decided yet? no one has heard any more about that lately.
Fiscal year 2011 begins July 1. The county expects to adopt next year's budget during its second meeting in June, according to Henry County Manager James "Butch" Sanders.
Under one scenario, the county would raise the millage rate to 11.24 mills, said Mike Bush, county Finance Director. Under the second scenario, the millage rate would be hiked to 11.5 mills, and under the third scenario, the millage rate would be increased to 11.75 mills, Bush said. The current millage rate is 10.969 mills.
Bush said the first two scenarios would require the county to make withdrawals from its fund balance (or reserves), but the third scenario would allow the county to add to it. He said he supports the third alternative. "Any time I can build the fund balance, it adds to the financial health of Henry County," said Bush.
Also, County Department of Transportation salaries, and expenditures on county-wide paving projects, would be removed from the 2011 budget, and replaced with dollar-savings realized from previous Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) projects, which cost less than anticipated, said Sanders. The total amount of those two items removed from next year's budget would amount to a $4,463,553 reduction in expenditures, he said.
Other measures under consideration include: A 15-percent reduction in payments to Helping In His Name Ministries Food Pantry, A Friend's House, Hands of Hope Clinic, Community Gardens, the Flint Circuit Council on Family Violence, and Prevent Child Abuse, said Sanders. The county may decide to eliminate funding for the Southern Crescent Sexual Assault program, he said.


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A dude on the news tonight, when asked if it was the right thing to do to greet all customers with "Merry Christmas" as opposed to "Happy Holidays" (you know, because g-d fucking forbid we use inclusive language) said, "It has got to be Merry Christmas. This is America."
Doesn't he mean 'Merica? Oy. Sigh. People are so unforch.
Like, what's the fucking harm of saying "Happy Holidays"? It's fucking plural. Not "holiday", but "holidays". So why all the panties in bunches? Happy Holidays is cool for anything starting from Thanksgiving, then onto Christmas, Winter Solstice, Yule, Chanukah, sometimes Ramadan (when it isn't uber-early like this year), and into New Years. It's one extra syllable and makes a world of difference. It's not denying Christmas or lessening it, it's just acknowledging that other people are shopping in your store. That's it.
Now last year, I went down this road and someone who shall remain nameless wrote me a very unforch email suggesting I couldn't stand to let Christians be Christians and wanted the world Jewish. Which is not only hilarious but extremely stupid. Anyone who knows me knows that I love to see anyone doing something they find meaningful. I'm not saying that in your home or to your friends that it's a bad move to say Merry Christmas. By all means. But a store clerk telling me Merry Christmas feels weird and marginalizing and alien to me, like being wished Happy Birthday on the wrong day or something.
I want everyone to celebrate the shit out of whatever they want to celebrate. I really do. I love winter and twinkly lights and people getting together and having fun and all of that. It just seems like it's no extra effort in retail settings to just say something that lets customers know we're all welcome the same. That's all. I'm not anti-Christmas at all. What I am is anti-exclusion and anti-ethnocentrism. That's it. I understand that it might be painful or upsetting to feel like a holiday is getting skimmed over or secularized, or that by not using the word Christmas, the meaning seems lesser. I can dig that. I really can. But, i think it comes down to a matter of making everyone feel included and valuable. It's one extra syllable or effort and it makes a huge difference. I promise you it does.


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Dorking Traditional Friday Market
Every Friday, a traditional market is held in St Martins Walk car park selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, household and haberdashery, pet goods and other groceries.
A market has been held in Dorking since at least the 13th Century. Today, the stalls who regularly attend offer the following items:
• fine selection of cheeses
• quality meats
• fresh fish
• colourful flowers and plants
• haberdashery essentials
• fresh vegetables and fruit
• breads and confectionary
• olives and homemade produce
Open every Friday, 8.30am - 2pm*
If you are interested in trading on the market, please contact Surrey Markets at firstname.lastname@example.com or call 01372 236357.
*Not on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day when these dates fall on a Friday.
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Database on optics and photonics
5 December 2017
All students and staff at the UvA will now have access to the SPIE Digital Library.
SPIE is the Society of Photographic Instrumentation Engineers, a non-profit professional organisation for optics and photonics who, among others things, organise conferences. Their research includes areas such as medical biology, communication, sensors, defence and safety, production, electronics, energy, and image processing (imaging).
SPIE Digital Library includes conference papers and presentation, journal articles, and digital books. All in all it contains approximately 450.000 articles from 1962 until the present that are not available through any other database.
For the last few years the purchase of this database has been on the wish list of many astronomers, physicists, medical practitioners, and chemists.
To access the SPIE Digital Library you either need to be in an UvA building or log in with your UvAnetID.
SDL has also been added to the list of databases, in both physics and astronomy.


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BALENCIAGA TOOL SHOULDER BAGCategories:Other Brands
A fresh and unique shoulder bag from Balenciaga, this one definitely caught our attention thanks to its boxy silhouette that it is inspired by a plumber's tool box. And oh, the name was already a giveaway. Introducing the Balenciaga Tool Shoulder Bag.
Sporting a grainy calf leather and parading its boxy silhouette as if telling the world that it's that one Balenciaga bag worth waiting for, this bag is all the more modern and stylish thanks to its detachable chain strap that further bolsters its tough, industrial vibe.
Knowing the needs of a cosmopolitan woman, this bag has a top handle making it a perfect shoulder fixture. On the other hand, you can carry it cross body thanks to its chain shoulder strap. It also features a push-lock fastening thus making it easier to access your belongings.
Measuring 7" x 11" x 6" (H x W x D) inches and is priced $2180 USD, €1955 euro, $3775 AUD, $19600 HKD, £296000 JPY via MyTheresa.
Tags: bag Balenciaga Shoulder TOOL
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Balenciaga Le Dix Cartable S Crossbody BagCategories:Other Brands
Last month, I expressed my appreciation of the recent marbleized trend, and this month, my love has yet to dissipate. Especially now that I've laid eyes on Balenciaga's latest Le Dix Cartable bag. It looked great in black leather with white piping, and now the style has been reinvented yet again in a print worthy of a Greek goddess or a Roman holiday.
There is something coolly unexpected about the brand's way with the pattern. In creamy white contrasted with black ripples, it resembles something that could have been snatched from a museum's ancient collection. Set on the silhouette of a ladylike top handle-to-modern crossbody, depending how you choose to carry it, it oozes sophistication. It appears Balenciaga has what it takes to make the Le Dix hold our interest for the long haul. I'm looking forward to seeing what motif they come up with next. Balenciaga Le Dix for $1,925.
Tags: bag Balenciaga S Crossbody LE DIX CARTABLE
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BALENCIAGA MUTE CITY XS BAGCategories:Other Brands
At first glance, this bag already caught our attention thanks to its really unique style and design. Though it has similar elements like the motorcycle inspired Classic City Bag, this bag on the other hand has a spunk and edge all on its own. Introducing Balenciaga's Mute City XS Mini Bag.
Taking its cue from the iconic City Bag as it is a scaled down mini version with its petite silhouette, the Mute City XS Mini Bag has a charm and allure unique to its name. With its studs in tough-luxe silver tone and fringed detailing, this bag is fit perfect for those looking for the right amount of boho-chic flair.
Made from lamb leather, with top handles, and a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap, this bag can easily transition from a cross-body bag to your favorite handy carry bag. Aside from its style what we love about it is that it also has zipped front and back pockets, front and back slot pockets, internal zipped pocket and an internal slot pocket. Talk about easy storage here!
Measuring 6.5′ x 9′ x 3.5′ (H x W x L) inches and is priced $1375 USD via MyTheresa.
Size: 8′ x 11.5′ x 4′ inches (H x W x D)
Price: $1780 USD, €1595 euro, $16000 HKD, ¥240000 JPY, $3080 AUD
Tags: bag Balenciaga City XS MUTE
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BALENCIAGA SETS FALL '16 CAMPAIGN ON PARIS STREETSCategories:Fashion Balenciaga unveils fall-winter 2016 campaign
Marking his first season as creative director, Balenciaga's fall-winter 2016 campaign gets a new look under Demna Gvasalia's vision. Gone are the supermodels and ultra-gloss images. Instead, the advertisements captured by Mark Borthwick were taken on the streets of Paris. Models including Achok Majak wear the bold pattern combinations, 80s inspired shoulders and larger than life tote bags from the fall collection. The campaign was styled by Lotta Volka with hair by Garry Hill and Inge Grognard on makeup.
Balenciaga's fall-winter 2016 campaign focuses on oversized striped tote bagAn image from Balenciaga's fall-winter 2016 campaignAchok Majak stars in Balenciaga fall-winter 2016 campaign
Tags: Balenciaga
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BALENCIAGA RAY DOCTOR BAGCategories:Other Brands
The first taste of Alexander Wang's creation for Balenciaga was the Le Dix Collection – a series of feminine chic accessories, streamlined and butterly smooth. I really like the 'Le Dix Bags' but my heart and loyalty, is still with the motorcycle bags; theClassic City, Classic Town, Classic Part time. Once you go for motorcycles, you simply don't return.
But let's chit chat about the Spring Summer 2014 Collection; from all the new bag releases I've seen, it's the Balenciaga Ray Doctor Bag that have captured my attention, mainly because it's looks so simple yet sophisticated and modern with a touch of elegant. The signature Balenciaga Paris is crafted on the silver plate and it's made to hold only by hand. Unfortunately I didn't saw any shoulder strap, it would be more convenient if they embellished it, but I think it would have totally ruined the design.
It has a shape to hold decent essentials, an iPad would certainly fit, but not your summer jacket. What I find interesting is that a lot of brands have already released the Spring Summer 2014 Collection, but Balenciaga is holding the Ray Doctor Bag back. There's zero information on their website and I wondered whether it was released or not, but you can find the black version in their boutique.
I was also informed that the black and Rose Boudoir (as seen on the pics) will be made available online, but this can take a several weeks. Therefore we publish it early on, in case you spend your personal monthly allowance somewhere else. It's currently priced at $2,650 USD.
Let us know what you think.
Tags: bag Balenciaga
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BALENCIAGA LE DIX CABAS M BAGCategories:Other Brands
The Balenciaga Le Dix Bags still have a long way to go, but one thing I am certain; they're getting better and better.
The Le Dix's are femininely stylish and so-much prettier than the usual bag, but it's still unmatched to motorcycle bags that we so much adore. But overall, I can still bet my money on the new Le Dix Cabas M Bag because it's practical to use in everyday life, and it can reach far more places than the Classic City Bag, like in formal events, when suits and ties are invited.
Let's start from the beginning…
The name of the line, referring to Le Dix, is inspired by the 10 Avenue George V flagship boutiques. This new Le Dix Cabas M Bag is streamlined, simple and yet a powerful statement maker. Crafted from Elk skin printed calfskin leather and it comes with a removable shoulder strap that can be adjusted to your own comfort level.
Enriched with palladium and brushed gold with the mirror and closing snap embossed with 'Balenciaga ' logo, measuring 34 x 43 x 13 cm, currently only in Black Nappa Lining. At Balenciaga e-store for $1.995 USD and 1445 euro's.
If you could choose between Balenciaga Classic City bag or the Le Dix, which one will you pick?
Tags: bag Balenciaga


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Growing a Social Justice Union
http://www.thenation.com/article/tough-lessons-1968-teacher-strikes/ (Kris)
"This vilification of teachers unions misses a much more complex reality. Even as the unions argued—often in a tone-deaf way—for job-security protections that few parents could support, organized teachers were (and remain) potent advocates for many of the education policies that most benefit disadvantaged children, from tuition-free pre-K to better training for teachers. Despite this fact, as Northern school boards and mayors resisted desegregation in the wake of Brown v. Board of Education and the hopes for an integrated Great Society curdled, the community-control and Black Power movements loomed with a forceful critique of teachers unions—a critique that was eagerly adopted by the liberal elite within philanthropy and government, and one that remains potent today."
Michelle Fine and Michael Fabricant Sep 2014--This is a short article that reflects back on Oceanhill/Brownsville with a long view of education reform. (Helen)
Success Stories of teachers organizing from across the country
Chicago - http://labornotes.org/2012/10/how-chicago-teachers-got-organized-strike
Portland - http://www.labornotes.org/2014/02/portland-teachers-nearly-strike-win-150-new-jobs
Seattle - http://www.labornotes.org/2015/09/seattle-teachers-reach-settlement-after-five-day-strike
St. Paul - http://www.labornotes.org/2013/10/bringing-community-bargaining-table
An article about New York's "Absent Teacher Reserve" (same as our surplus pool in Baltimore). https://jd2718.org/2014/05/20/the-perils-of-the-atr/
This blog post is written by a teacher giving the history of how it came about that teachers placed on a surplus list (which is now easy for principals to do; and it happens when schools close) can be fired. Could be interesting for teachers to see how Baltimore's policies are carbon copies of "reforms" in other cities, starting with Rahm Emanuel's policy reforms in Chicago.
How to Jump Start Your Union: Lessons from the Chicago Teachers by Labor Notes (Natalia/Helen)
Available in the Teachers' Democracy Project - email us at email@example.com to check out the book
Also available on Amazon
This is a must-read for anyone interested in changing their teachers' union from the bottom up. It is practical and, at the same time, based on a strong philosophy of collective struggle in unison with parents and communities.
Strike for America: Chicago Teachers Against Austerity by Micah Uetricht (Natalia/Helen)
Available in the Teachers' Democracy Project - email us at firstname.lastname@example.com to check out the book
Also available on Amazon
For anyone who wants to know more of the details of how Chicago teachers got together to form CORE, this is a good, short read.
The Future of our Schools: Teachers Unions and Social Justice by Lois Weiner (Cristina/Corey/Helen)
Available in the Teachers' Democracy Project - email us at firstname.lastname@example.com to check out the book
Also available on Amazon
Lois Weiner provides more of the long view on teachers unions and social justice. Her book is ideal for understanding the larger political context for struggles over our current unions. She is strongly pro union and has many years of experience both at the grassroots level organizing with teachers, at the national level of AFT and NEA, and has studied the impact of globalization on education reform in the U.S. and other countries.


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Jonah's "Energetic and Clean" Nursery
Name: Jonah ( 4 months)
Location: Toronto, Ontario
I am an interior designer in the Toronto area and this is the nursery I designed for my baby boy, Jonah! It is an energetic and clean contemporary nursery in Toronto's east end town of Leslieville. What a joy it was to work on this project, and a perfect baby boy it's for!
It's always a challenge to work in a small space, especially a nursery, which tends to need a number of baby gadgets and furniture! I didn't want to settle for small scale pieces that would be too small in our future dream home ;) so I made a conscious and thought through decision. I purchased a large and convertible crib that could grow with my baby (this Dutailier one has 3 settings, growing into a twin bed) and opted for a smaller feeding chair (after all, babies don't breastfeed forever!)
I was inspired to use a monochromatic palette which is reflected in the FLOR carpet tiles and Flensted mobile. I did something unique, which was incorporating a Philips LED strip underneath the crib to act as a nightlight that I could control from my iPad. It looks uber modern and I know my son will love being able to change the hue to any color of the rainbow when he's older! With pops of color and customized furniture, this streamlined nursery is hip, modern and the ideal space for me, dad and baby to enjoy!
Source List:
- Carpet: FLOR
- Crib & Dresser: Dutailier
- Table lamp: IKEA
- Floor lamp: EQ3
- Chair: casalife
- LED strip: Phillips Hue
- Mobile: Flensted
- Benjamin Moore Eggshell Paint: Stonington gray HC-170, Tomato red 2010-10
- Throw pillow: Ma Zone
- Garbage Diaper Genie: Playtex
- Crib fitted sheet: Pottery Barn Kids
- Changing pad cover: Pottery Barn Kids
- Basket: Pottery Barn Kids
Thanks, Ashley! You can learn more about Ashley's design process on her blog or check out her video.