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Excerpt from THE GIFT OF THE PUZZLE BOX
Chapter Eight: "River of Sparks"
Michael lay in the darkness, watching the shadows of the willow branches form large swoop arcs across his shelter. Loneliness fell around him like a cold winter. He saw the brightness of the full moon through the open end of his oilcloth tent. I could easily find my way back home, he considered. It's not like I don't have someplace to go. But somehow, knowing that he was alone in the night because he decided to run away made the loneliness seem even colder. He rolled over on his stomach to think through his options.
"Ouch, and be-goodness, Michael! You must be more thinking more before you be moving!"
Michael jumped up so fast his head bumped the top of the tent. He turned around, and saw his foot was just a hair's breadth from squashing Laddie. Oh, yeah, Laddie, he remembered. Laddie! Wait, hold on a minute here. That wasn't a dream? All that stuff really happened?
"That's more like it, Michael. Up and at 'em, now. The sparks are flying and we best be getting along with the tetchy-stretchy. Time's a-wasting and the portal is open. Be getting the bits and pieces together and we'll be stepping up in time."
"Uh," Michael said slowly. "The tetchy-stretchy? The portal? Stepping up?"
It was clear from the peeved look on Laddie's face that he could no longer contain his frustration. "Michael, now stop this instant with the queries." Hands on hips, he began reciting:
"You are coming to the willow in the night of the full moon.
"You are knowing there is work to be done.
"And you are wanting to be the useful boy.
"Now, do the right thing, give your Laddie a hand with getting the bounty ready for the Queen-Lady." With a huge effort, Laddie began struggling with Miz Bates' dishtowel. He pulled his sleeping corner toward the middle and motioned for Michael to grab the opposite corner.
Michael didn't know what to think, but he didn't want his only friend in the world to become more upset with him. Laddie was already striding purposefully toward the open end of the shelter. I'm just going to try to keep up with this guy. After all, he's only four inches tall. Michael smiled to himself. It shouldn't be that hard. He tied a knot on opposite ends of the dishtowel's corners and slung it over his a shoulder. He grabbed the puzzle box by the strap and followed Laddie out the opening.
He stopped in his tracks.
Michael stared at the river. He couldn't believe what he saw: the entire river surface was covered in sparks. Yellow, red and brilliant blue-white sparks stretched as far as he can see. Instead of hearing the sounds of ripples rushing against the river stones, sounds of snaps and sizzles filled his ears.
"Yes, it's so," said Laddie. "Now the sparks are flying; the portal is open. Be moving lively now, Michael. We'll be stepping up for the tetchy-stretchy." Laddie stood at the edge of the water, his hands clasped behind his back. His cowboy boots sent out small spider-like fireworks that seemed to mirror the red and yellow sparks of the river. "I am pleased to be serving as the tetchie for you, Michael. You'll be needing to step up to the stretchie." He motioned for Michael to join him at the river's edge.
A strong sense of danger surrounded Michael, but he reluctantly moved forward. He wondered whether or not the sparks would burn him, or if Laddie's firework-spouting boots would appeared to have a logical answer.
All of a sudden, Michael thought of Uncle Bob, wishing to the bottom of his heart that he could be as brave as his uncle. Just remembering his birthday and Uncle Bob gave him some confidence. I can do it! Uncle Bob said I'm big enough, and I'm going to prove him right.
Michael walked bravely to the river. I know I can do it, he thought again. He set the puzzle box down next to Laddie and said, "Let me give you a lift." He picked Laddie up and carefully placed him in the bib pocket of his overalls. "There. That should give you a good view and keep you safe, too," he said. "After all, we're doing this adventure together."
Laddie had a little grin of contentment on his face as Michael carefully leaned over to pick up the puzzle box. "Let the adventure begin," Laddie called out. "Be stepping up here and now, Michael."
Michael guessed it was time to put a foot in the sparking river. He wanted to hold his breath but, more than that, he wanted to be brave. He took in a big breath, and then blew it out hard.
"That be fine, Michael. That be doing it fine." Michael thought it seemed almost as if Laddie was coaching him but, without giving it another thought, he stepped into the river.
Immediately he regretted not having taken in a big breath to hold before he went in the river. He couldn't inhale. The sparking water consumed him and Laddie. It swirled above, below and all around. He couldn't breathe but his eyes saw everything. The sparks seemed to tumble on top of each other, colliding at times to explode in more of those spider-like fireworks. He could hear everything, too. The fireworks sent out a barrage of noise that echoed in his eardrums. In between the crashing noises, he thought he heard Laddie, It seemed as if he was saying, "The stepping up be finished and he's doing the stretchie just fine. The portal is open and our tetchie is strong."
Michael looked back over his shoulder. He saw his arms extend out about three times their usual length. In his right hand the puzzle box drifted along. The brass corners winked with bright reflections of the colorful sparks and flashes. He looked down to see his feet walking along the river bottom, at the end of ten-feet-long legs. His entire body looked wiggly, like a current was running through it, too. It's a good stretchie. Everything was languid, peaceful and calm.
Then the world turned black.[The Gift of the Puzzlebox, in which Michael makes his first trip to the land of Kroy, is undergoing final revision and is in beta reading.]


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This blog post will be one of a series, as etsy forum etiquette can be quite complex! However the thing that I want to address right now is 'calling out'. If you frequent the forums you will have seen this term before and likely have an understanding as to what it means.
For those of you who don't know, this is when you speak badly of another shop or buyer, directly or indirectly. Etsy's definition of calling out is as follows:
- The classic example of calling out is to mention another user by name (or link) in a negative statement. "WhateverfaceCoInc sells mass-produced junk. Whatshisname took my money and never shipped my item!" This is the most obvious method of calling out, but not the only one.
- Posting to complain about negative or neutral feedback you gave or received is – yep, calling out. With just a few quick clicks, crafty amateur detectives can figure out exactly who you're complaining about.
- Ranting about what someone posted elsewhere on the Forums may be deemed calling out, if it's easily determined who is the target of the complaint.
Seems pretty simple, right? You would think so, but every day I see new and seasoned etsians being accused of calling out by well meaning, but over-zealous posters. If it doesn't fall under the above criteria, you can discuss it as much as you like – for example:
- If you have a problem with your shop, that isn't related to a transaction – this is fine to discuss in the forums!
- If you have a question about rule breaking, ask away – just make sure you don't use real examples.
- The exception to the above is if the shop in question is your own – you can't call out yourself!
- If you have a problem with etsy itself, this is fine – you can't call out etsy!
- If you want to discuss a positive transaction, this is great – and absolutely allowed, it's great to share positive experiences.
- you want to talk about something off etsy – this is ok, but do use common sense.
- If you want to discuss a theoretical problem, this is okay (but not if you are just talking about a real problem that is occurring in a theoretical way).
If you have a problem that you feel you can't discuss in public forums but you still need an answer – no need to panic! You can contact an advisor via convo to discuss the problem privately, or you can contact admin who will also be happy to help you!
To read more about calling out you can take a look at this storque article here.
About the author: lishlash runs an etsy store selling cards and jewellery, based in London UK. You'll often find her lurking in the fora!
About the author: lishlash runs an etsy store selling cards and jewellery, based in London UK. You'll often find her lurking in the fora!

subset: commoncrawl


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Robbie Keane has spoken of his annoyance that his Liverpool future is being discussed by people from outside the club who do not know the true situation.
Last week there was considerable confusion about a supposed conversation at a social function between former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson and current captain Steven Gerrard over Keane's future. Lawrenson initially suggested there was a belief that Keane could be sold in the January transfer window. Gerrard and Liverpool officially counter-acted that interpretation of the discussion.
Lawrenson pointedly later claimed that it was his own personal view, and not Gerrard's, but the damage had been done and Keane has since told liverpoolfc.tv: "I suppose the only thing is that I sometimes get frustrated by when people outside the football club are talking about things to do with me, because they are trying to create something that is not there."
He added: "I have already said that I know I will score goals for this club and I would prefer to be judged at the end of this season, not in December."
Keane's goal against Arsenal in the 1-1 draw on Sunday was his fifth for the club in all competitions, and it cancelled out Robin van Persie's opener for the Gunners.
The goal was sweet for the former Tottenham man who had come in for plenty of abuse from the Gunners fans before his goal.
He said: "For me, it is always nice to score against Arsenal especially as I had been getting a little bit of stick before the goal.
"I suppose that was always going to happen with me being a former Tottenham player so it was sweet for me to score against them.
"But it's always nice to score a goal, particularly when it means you get back into the game."


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Nexus Mutual is a credit union for the ExxonMobil community. We're owned by our customers, not shareholders, so we're truly member centric. We have more than 6,000 members who are employees, contractors, family members and former employees of the ExxonMobil group.
If you're interested in joining our team, we'd love to hear from you. Send us an email expressing your interest along with a current CV and we'll let you know if a suitable opportunity arises.
Positions Vacant
We're fully staffed! Please check back soon.


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In an instagram post, Beyonce and Jay Z has said that they "have been blessed two times over" and that they are "incredibly grateful" that their "family will be growing by two."
The post, signed "The Carters", has a photo of Beyonce with a baby bump, wearing lingerie and a veil.
The couple already have a daughter - Blue Ivy, who has just turned five.


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Brand New Apple iPhone 6 Reportedly Releasing on September 9th
Reports are coming in that the brand new Apple iPhone 6 is releasing on September 9th. If tradition holds true for Apple, we'll be able to get our hands on the phone ten days after the release. Are you upgrade to the new iPhone?
The new Apple iPhone is rumored to have a faster processor, bigger screen, and better camera. The zealot fans of the iPhone will stand in line for the new cellular device yet again. The new cell phone from Apple will try to rival against the Samsung Galaxy 5.
Do not use your upgrade anytime soon if you plan on having the latest iPhone this Fall. Get ready to stand in line for the phone and possibly be mocked for your love of the sixth edition of the iPhone.
I am personally thinking about switching to Metro PCS due to less expensive monthly plans. At one time in my life, I was the guy who needed the latest phone but now I am looking at a different picture. Saving money and being financially free is the focus now.


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Friend's Email:
Subject: I have found a DVD that I think you would enjoy
|The Guy Maddin Collection
Twilight of the Ice Nymphs / The Heart of the World / Archangel
Actors: Michael Gottli, David Falkenburg, Michael O'Sullivan, Margaret Anne MacLeod, Ari Cohen
Director: Guy Maddin
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Mystery & Suspense
UR 2002 3hr 1min
Three phantasmagoric films on one DVD by the Canadian cult master! TWILIGHT OF THE ICE NYMPHS is the most elaborate and surreal fantasia from the master of all things libidinal. Starring Shelley Duvall, Frank Gorshin, and ... more »
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Movie Details
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Similarly Requested DVDs
Movie Reviews
A Great Collection!
Wayne A. | Belfast, Northern Ireland | 04/16/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"No, I didn't care for "Twilight of the Ice Nymphs" the first time I saw it but I think I went in with certain dumb expectations like Mr. Maddin was not going to grow and experiment. A few viewings later and it's turned into a favorite. I appreciate the classic fairy-tale qualities, the cast is a hoot, and I love the dazzling over-saturated color--similar to what's used in a lot of modern TV commercials. It's really one of the most gorgeous-looking films I know of."Heart of the World" is a masterpiece and no one seems to dispute that. First time I managed to get a copy I watched it about twelve times in one evening. You'll never get the musical soundtrack out of your head. Go, Guy!I had the pleasure of first seeing "Archangel" during its theatrical release. This is a film that's magical on the big screen. Standout moments (and there are many in this movie) like the bunnies in the battle trenches consistently reach the realm of the sublime. The scratchy, artificially aged soundtrack gives this film a hypnotic quality, perfect for such a dreamlike creation. Another wonderful Maddin product that gets better and better with time.Just a thought: In a world where every creative decision seems to be made by lawyers, marketing drones, stockholders, Harvard MBAs, and a guy named Eisner, or, conversely, angry art-school types on illegal substances (and their fellow-travelers), Guy Maddin, along with the Brothers Quay, Pixar, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Richard Kelly (Donnie Darko) and a handful of others are the keepers of the flame right now."
A Must for Cinema Lovers!!
joe gallagher | Brooklyn, NY United States | 03/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an outstanding collection of films from one of cinema's overlooked masters. "Twilight" is like the Bard's Midsummer Nights Dream on acid! "Archangel" is an inspired homage to early cinema that's part Chaplin, part Von Sternberg, and part David Lynch. And to top it all off, the disc contain probably one of the best films of 2001. HEART OF THE WORLD is the best 5 minutes of film you'll ever see."
Skip the "Nymph's", See the "Angel"
joe gallagher | 06/25/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This collection of a few of Madden's work is promising at first - you get not one, but two features ("Twilight of the Ice Nymphs" [1997], "Archangel" [1900]) and a short film ("The Heart of the World" [2000]). Regrettably, his premiere feature work "Twilight of the Ice Nymph's" isn't quite worth the top billing it receives on this collection. He's abandoned the faux-expressionism that made early movies a delight in favor of a bold, 1940's Hollywood Technicolor nightmare that makes for great visuals, but that's all the film can really sustain. Both convoluted and clumsy in terms of a plot and acting, this is not his strongest work to date and fans would be better with "Glimli Hospital" or "Careful". "Archangel", however, is more true to the original style and early cinema story-telling we've come to enjoy from him. Whether you had to sit through early Soviet or Weimar republic films in Film School or you just like the strange and unusual, Madden's true and original style never fails to disappoint!"


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Help us to be better!
Need your input: categories and general development of the site
Need your input: categories and general development of the site
Search found 12 matches
Re: 639,s
When I left them around 2010 they still had 7 (633D x4 633G x2 & the 639D) but not too sure these days.. the scrapers were parked for a long while after Ravensthorpe finished up, we sent them over to Roxby Downs.. the 639 did well at knocking the tops off the dunes then the 33's shifted the hard...
Re: 639,s
Hi Elfonz, I spotted a Thomas 639D at the Airport road works job near Tonkin Hwy, it was Ertech's old one S2.. knew that machine pretty well over the years
- Thu Apr 21, 2016 2:10 am
- Forum: Mining equipment
- Topic: EX8000-6 BH
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1153
- Flag:
Pretty cool clip of a new EX8000 assembly from Oz!
- Wed Mar 30, 2016 1:54 pm
- Forum: Mining equipment
- Topic: Giant dumptruck?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 2044
- Flag:
Re: Giant dumptruck?
Chinese version of the ETF concept (they actually built one before ETF!)
- Tue Mar 29, 2016 5:32 am
- Forum: Scrapers
- Topic: 637D Auger
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1160
- Flag:
Re: 637D Auger
We ran x2 at the time.. just as well as one was usually down for repairs haha
Re: 639,s
Not very fast at the moment.. only 48 were made with about 26 known to be alive
Re: 639,s
The trouble with mounting the aircleaner up high is it's gotta be removed for transport and refitted.. somewhat of a hassle when working civil construation as its always jimping from job to job, the remote setup had been fitted to that machine well before the handrails and snot were fitted
- Mon Mar 28, 2016 4:58 am
- Forum: Scrapers
- Topic: 637D Auger
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1160
- Flag:
637D Auger
http://www.classicmachinery.net/forum/images/post_img/106295_44201456156f8e3888b17a.jpg Original URL: http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e267/GPA_SS/Work%20pics/100_0915.jpg http://www.classicmachinery.net/forum/images/post_img/106295_110824645956f8e3890c85b.jpg Original URL: http://i41.photobucket....
Re: 639,s
use to play with one when I did my time, this unit was a genuine 99X prefix.. there are afew made up 639D's getting around WA which are built up from a 633D, another trick for young players is a 639D also has x2 extra paddles than a 633D (abitta useless infor for ya!) http://www.classicmachinery.net...
- Mon Mar 28, 2016 4:08 am
- Forum: Scrapers
- Topic: Cat 651E elevators
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2654
- Flag:
Re: Cat 651E elevators
Piacentini also use D4 dozer chains on their 633D & 639D scoops.. they run a fixed lower idler and a pivoting arm with roller to get the adjustment, I asked one of their leading hands how long they get outta the D4 chains compared to the standard chains, his answer was they haven't worn any out ...


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Frequently Asked Questions
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east tx skier
MC Hero
Join Date: Jul 2004
Boat: 1998 Ski Nautique
Location: End of my rope.
Posts: 26,185
What should I have in the First Aid kit on the boat?
What should I have in the First Aid kit on the boat?
This modification to a standard first aid kit is courtesy of Robert T.
The Basics
Typical first aid kit, but tweak it for on water use. You are not going to close any wounds on the boat that are not superficial, so I limit the amount of wound closure strips etc that I keep on the boat. Also, I take out about half of the typical band-aids, as they will simply fall off when wet.
I add a few "waterproof" bandages, and add about ten yards of duct tape. Duct tape is your best friend in an emergency. Wilderness First Aid/Medics will always forgo just about anything in their kit for duct tape. Along with a few gauze pads, it makes the only band-aid worth putting on in a marine setting.
That will take care of the simple little things, assuming you buy a decent kit. I put the kit into a Pelican case to keep it perfectly dry.
Now you have to look at the bad stuff, what is likely and what you need to deal with it.
1. Deep lacerations (as in a wakeboard hitting somebody in the head, or somebody getting sliced open by a prop). For that, A bottle of water to start (just keep a bottle of drinking water under the seat along with the kit), then the best thing to use is a few tampons and your duct tape. I keep three tampons in my kit, they are perfect for wound packing. Sounds crazy, but trust me they work great for it.
2. Nasal spray. If you have a seriously bad cut that simply will not stop bleeding and you are more than a few minutes from help, you can soak a tampon with nasal spray and stuff the wound. It will stop the bleeding almost immediately.
3. They are prescription, but I also always keep an Epi-Pen in my kit. The likelihood of somebody going into anaphylactic shock on a boat is high, as bee stings are likely. Ask anyone that has had a sever allergic reaction, you dont have much time. They are easy to come by, just ask around and I bet somebody you know has to keep them around. They replace them after 6 months, but they are usually good to keep for a year or more (until the liquid starts getting cloudy). If you use them without a prescription, you are theoretically opening yourself up to liability but if your kid was on my boat and was dying without it, I can guarantee you that we would make the right decision. Just something to think about.
4. I keep one bag of quick clot, but that's overkill. A lady lost her leg on our lake last year from swimming around a ski boat at night that was running. She almost bled to death, and the hospital parking lot was actually within 200' of where the accident happened (we have a hospital on the lake here). Having a bag of Quic clot is cheap insurance for me, but again its probably overkill.
5. Most important thing....cell phone and a map of the lake.
6. If you are trained, a CPR shield should always be on the boat. I keep one on the keychain. The little cheap one in a nylon pouch is fine. Just in case.
7. I keep a sam splint in the boat too. Cheap, and multipurpose. I used it last year on my son to splint his arm when he broke it on the water. You can also use it to immobilize their neck in the event of a potential spinal injury. The likelihood of a ankle/leg break is high enough in water sports to warrant keeping it on hand. In my opinion.
Some helpful links.
1993 Prostar 205
Red 1998 Ski Nautique, PCM GT40, 310 hp, , Acme 4 blade, Perfect Pass SG/Zbox.
Be kind. Have fun.
east tx skier
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Sunbeam 20 in 1 Superior Panel @ ThinkComputers
Snip:??Front panel card readers, fan controllers, and I/O ports are nothing new to us. They have been around a long time. Today we will be looking at a device that combines these 3 things into 1 superior panel. So without further ado I present the Sunbeam 20 in 1 Superior Panel!?
Read the review HERE


text: On Thu, 14 Jul 1994, Ken Hall wrote: > > Does the learned in Greek have an advantage over the unlearned? > Doesn't the power of the Holy Spirit level the playing field? Or, as > I believe, isn't the Holy Spirit all that is required? > Well, Ken, I'd say that Christian tradition has tended to understand the Holy Spirit as (1) giving a readiness to receive truth, (2) a submission to the truth, (3) and incentive to learn the truth, (4) and a deeper (or "higher") appropriation of the truth (e.g., John 14-16). But the faith that the Holy Spirit imparts needs some level of understanding, and for this we need good old hard work and hard thought, and mutual dialogue, benefiting from those whose gifts and training we may not have been privileged to have shared. Larry Hurtado, Religion, Univ. of Manitoba


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Our mission is to offer our local World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans a memorable, safe and rewarding tour of honor to our nation's capital. It's a whirlwind tour. This trip happens all in one day and is completely free of charge to the vet! It's our small way to say 'thank you' for their service and sacrifices to this great country. We are also dedicated to making this trip as safe as possible. Trained volunteer 'guardians' are assigned to accompany veterans to assist. For added safety, we travel with volunteer medical professionals on the aircraft and on the ground in Washington DC.
About Us
Following the lead of groups from LaCrosse and Milwaukee, the idea of forming an Honor Flight hub was introduced to Northeast Wisconsin in mid-2009. Several individuals pursuing the goal on parallel paths joined forces and the organization began to take shape.
One of the Board's first actions was to vote on a name. "Old Glory Honor Flight" was chosen. Old Glory Honor Flight proceeded to hold their first fund-raiser at the American Legion Post #38 in Appleton on August 26, 2009.
Through the hard work from the Board and other volunteers Mission I was completed on October 27, 2009 and all 95 WWII Veterans had a safe and extremely enjoyable trip. To date we have flown nearly 50 Missions and over 4000 Veterans to see the memorials built in their honor.
We plan to continue this program until ALL QUALIFYING VETERANS from our local area get the opportunity to visit their memorial. We owe them that.
Board of Directors
Drew MacDonald, President
Lorraine Van Kampen, Vice President
Diane MacDonald, Treasurer
Chris Berkers, Secretary
Pla Yang
Tony Van Kampen
Renee Schroeder
Dave Schroeder
Scott Delsart
Steve Trinkner


text: Vodafone has succeeded in its attempt to buy Cable & Wireless in a bid to become the UK's second largest telecoms company. The £1.04 billion ($1.6 billion) purchase had been at risk thanks to a C&W shareholder rebellion, but will will now go ahead barring regulatory approval. Big Red will take control of undersea cables that connect global telephone lines, a booming business division and a national fiber-optic network, which it'll use to boost its mobile data service -- sad news for anyone hoping the company would offer triple-play services on all that shiny fiber.


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...you feel guilty using money from your debt snowball to buy a snowblower, even though your next payment isn't technically due for 6 years!
...you refuse to check out at the store until you mentally deduct it from your budget
...the voice in your head suddenly has a southern accent even though you were raised in the north.
...your automatic response to the phrase, "Mom, I want..." is "Save up!"
...you call your spouse excitedly to tell them how much you saved on the bread and toilet paper you just purchased.
...you refuse to buy some thing because it's not on-sale this week
...you start a sentence with, "Well, Dave says..." (often causing friends to roll their eyes and walk away)
...you see some one in a BMW and immediately think, "Moron must be fleecing it!"
...you spend more time surfing the internet for deals than you do answering e-mails
...you say, "Because Dave says so!" every time your kids ask why you're eating rice and beans again.
...you've had 4 successful garage sales and can still find more things to sell
...an acquaintence calls your house and asks how your husband, Dave, is doing
...you feel good about paying off your student loan (at 5% interest) early instead of investing in mutual funds at 12%
...you feel sorry for a friend that goes on a shopping spree, instead of feeling jealous
...your 2 year old hands you the paper and says, "Here are your coupons, Mommy"
...your coworkers in the next cubicle start wispering about their new car purchase or lease because they don't want to get another lecture from you
...you calculate other people's stupid tax for them
...you price compare thrift stores for the best price
...you enter a store and see no clearance racks so you immediately walk out
...you use vinegar for fabric softner and make people sniff your sleeve to prove it actually works.
...you are eating off a card table because you'd rather use the money for a fully funded emergency fund
...your kids run in fear when you ask, "I wonder what I can sell on E-bay"
...you have enough checks to last for 3 years because you bought them BDR (Before Dave Ramsey)
...you know exactly what Dave will say when a caller asks him a question
...you see people driving fancy cars and your first thought is, "Sucker!"
...you catch yourself saying, "What a rip off" because the sale is only 75% off
...your idea of a big Friday night date with your spouse is sitting reading blogs of other Dave Ramsey fans… and having a blast because we see ourselves (Tim and I actually did this last Friday! We listened to Dave on HULU)
...you turn down invitations to lunch because "it's not in the budget"
...you actually know what a plasectomy is
...your mother looks at your weird because you make $100k a year and you brag about a package of socks you got dirt cheap at Goodwill
...the highlight of your trip to the store is reading, "Today's savings..." at the bottom of your receipt
I think I better stop there. One of my favorite (and true) stories, though, is the following...
You know you're a Dave Ramsey fan when you 2 year old yells "We're going to be rich!" from the back seat after listening to hours worth of cd's in the car.


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Every bathroom remodeling job is different, just like every contractor is unique. Because we have a large crew of expert technicians, Master's Home Solutions can provide the right individual with the perfect skills to design and implement a start-to-finish project for your bathroom that is hassle-free and cost-effective.
All of our technicians are manufacturer-trained, so all of them are intimately familiar with the products you have selected for your bathroom remodel. That includes our wide array of elite Bath Planet products in custom colors, styles and patterns. Whether you need a shower-to-tub conversion, a replacement shower or a fresh set of wall surrounds, we have the right contractor to bring your project to life at your home in the Poconos or the Lehigh Valley.
Master's Home Solutions does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to home-remodeling projects, and neither should you. We've got the ideal individual to design and implement your bathroom upgrade and he will be backed by a third-generation, family-owned company that has been helping homeowners in your neighborhood for more than six decades.
When you need a home-remodeling project done in Eastern PA or Western NJ, Master's Home Solutions has the right contractor with the perfect products to make your installation an overnight success.
Getting the bathroom remodel of your dreams should be a seamless, stress-free process. That's how it works with the skilled professionals at Master's Home Solutions, who have installed everything from one-day baths to roll-in showers to tub-to-shower conversions. Contact us at 610-463-0207 to request more information or receive a free estimate. We set the industry standard for home remodeling projects in our region.


text:
O'Donoghue, Aoife and O'Callaghan, Patrick (2009) 'Protection from unfair suretyships in Ireland.', in Regulating unfair banking practices in Europe :the case of personal suretyships. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 339-352.
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Things to Do in Port Everglades, Florida
If you love the water, Port Everglades may be the perfect vacation destination for you. This artificial harbor is filled with 270 miles of natural and artificial waterways, giving you plenty of space to explore in your yacht. Port Everglades has a reputation as the "world's best cruise port," so you can rest assured that your vacation will be enjoyable and exciting.
Port Everglades is conveniently located two miles from Fort Lauderdale International Airport and only 30 minutes from Miami International Airport. DYT can transport your yacht and you can fly almost directly to the area, which makes it a quick and easy vacation destination. Once there, you have access to tons of activities and attractions, so you can make your trip as relaxing or action packed as you want.
Some of the things you can see and do while visiting Port Everglades and the surrounding area include:
- Relax on the beach. Ft. Lauderdale features over 20 miles of recently restored beaches, and you can spend days exploring everything they have to offer. Take in the sparkling water, sandy beaches and breathtaking views as you relax on your beach towel and catch some much-needed rays. Want to do something a little more active? You can snorkel, scuba dive, jet ski and take part in other water activities.
- Take in unique wildlife. The John U. Lloyd Beach State Recreation Area is an important sea turtle nesting site, as well as home to many of Florida's endangered manatees. If you head on over to Butterfly World you can view over 150 species of butterflies and see all stages of these fascinating creatures' lives.
- Experience the "Rodeo Drive" of Fort Lauderdale. Las Olas Boulevard is an upscale street of shopping boutiques that serious shoppers won't want to miss. It's a great place to spend an afternoon, and it features a variety of delicious restaurants you can try in between fabulous shopping
- Spend a day in High Taylor Birch State Park. This beautiful park features hiking trails, paved park roads, canoe rentals and more. You also have quick access to the beach, so you can spend part of your time enjoying the landscape and the rest of it enjoying the beautiful water.
- Visit the Everglades. True water lovers won't pass up the opportunity to experience the Everglades National Park. It's the largest subtropical wilderness in the Unites States, and it is home to a wide variety of rare and endangered species. There are over 40 species of mammals in the area, all of which have adapted to this semi-aquatic habitat.As you can imagine, these are only a few of the enjoyable activities available around Port Everglades, Florida. The area features a wide variety of attractions, so it's easy to plan a vacation that will please everyone in your party. There aren't many ports that offer access to more than one major city, but Port Everglades does that – and so much more.
When you have your vessel with you, you can explore the beautiful waters of Port Everglades at your leisure. DYT Yacht Transport can help you plan your next vacation to Port Everglades, Florida, and get your vessel to this great vacation destination. Learn more about our boat transport services and check out our yacht transport schedules today.
Have questions? Contact our booking offices today.


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The countdown has begun to the most awaited La Tomatina™ Jelly festival...
Charity Event for Malin Gaon Incident:
Malin village of Pune district which was flattened by a landslide that hit the place on 30th of july, 2014 because of the torrential rains.The village was washed away by the mud taking with it the lives of the residents and hundrends of them missing with the counts for both is still on! With the people trapped under the mountains of the mud the Malin village sight was heart- breaking.
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CFDb Interviews Jason Freeman – Cinematographer/Editor/Producer/Director/Writer
Jason (on the Left) & Todd Freeman
= > What inspired you to begin making movies?
We grew up with movies. Our Dad was a 16mm film collector, so I was exposed to some great stuff at a very young age, 6 or 7. I can remember him putting up a white sheet on the house and showing movies once it got dark in the backyard. Mostly genre stuff, always entertaining. This had a profound impact on me at a very young age. So my Dad showing me films was the exposure, but the films themselves, whether it was the original King Kong, or a Fritz Lang noir was what hooked me. A Super 8 camera under the Christmas tree followed shortly thereafter.
= > How has God led in your filmmaking choices?
"Wake Before I Die" is our first faith-based movie. The other projects have been from a more secular point of view, but even those, as dark as they usually are, are informed by our faith and Christian upbringing. We saw lots of faith-based movies at church when we were growing up as kids and teens. I don't remember liking a single one of them. This was years ago! The people weren't very real and the films were preachy and poorly made. That didn't seem like the route to reach very many people. We've had ups and downs in our lives, met a lot of good people and some bad people, so we like to fill our stories with all of these influences and experiences. We hope people respond to that type of thing. I think that no matter the story we feel compelled to tell, that they will always be reflective of our belief in God.
= > Please tell us a little more about "Wake Before You Die" and when do you expect it to be released?
"Wake Before I Die" is an adaptation of a book our Dad wrote in the early 1990's. It's the story of a preacher and his family that move to a small town after being called by a new church. It doesn't take them long to realize that there is a sinister element to the population that will threaten not only the church, but the pastors family as well. It's currently out to several distribution companies and we hope to see it released later this year.
= > Can you tell us about any other upcoming projects you might be working on?
Right now it's about seeing our finished films gain distribution. And a lot of writing, of course. The next projects are always percolating. First off is another adaptation of one of our dad's books "The Dinetah Tapes" which will be turned into the screenplay for "The Rest of Us." Also we are developing a sequel to Cell Count which traveled all over the world to film festivals in 2012. Finally we're writing on a script that is a cross between a film noir and horror, and it will be the second film that we co-direct. Very excited to get into production on that one. We'll see which one comes next… exciting times indeed!
You can also find Jason on IMDb.
Check out ALL CFDb Interviews.
If you would like to be interviewed by CFDb, contact us today.


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Instagram will accept any photo size up to 2048 x 2048 pixels. This makes things pretty simple for those using a camera phone. However there's a catch if you are uploading photos that have been edited on a computer.
Photos on Instagram are resized to 612 x 612 pixels by the Instagram server. The resizing algorithm Instagram uses is not very good. It tends to create pixelation, which leads to jagged edges. Test show that if you do resize your photos it is best to make them a size that Instagram won't need to resize.
The photos below pretty much tell the story. I also tested images at 1224 x 1224 and 1936 x 1936. Both were better than the 640 x 640 image, but still not as good as the 612 x 612 image. The images were viewed on a tablet, computer, and iPhone.
Roasted Carrot and Squash Soup with Prosciutto and Gouda Paninis.
Nothing makes for a better lunch than soup and a sandwich. However, you don't have to limit this menu to lunchtime. We had this for dinner tonight. Flavorful, warm, and filling. The perfect food for a cold winter evening.
You will need about 1 1/2 hours to prepare the meal, but the actual hands-on cooking time is less than 30 minutes. The soup could be made ahead of time to save even more time when you are ready to dish it up.
The soup recipe is original. It is an amalgam of several different recipes I've read and advice from a chef. The panini recipe is from Wolfgang Puck.
This was the first time I've made a grilled sandwich with mayo. It worked great. You don't have to run out and buy fancy cheeses and $15 per pound Prosciutto to make these sandwiches. Nor do you have to buy special bread. You can use regular sliced bread or Italian bread and whatever cheese and meat you have in your fridge. After all, the panini recipe listed here is nothing more than a fancy grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich. That being said, I purchased a couple of loaves of rustic, artisan sourdough bread and bought Prosciutto, Gouda cheese, and fresh Mozzarella. I think it was worth the extra cost and effort.
Hope you enjoy the recipes and pictures.
Roasted Carrot and Butternut Squash Soup
Getting old comes with some very unwelcome changes to the body and the way one interacts with life. Luckily, it also has some benefits. One of those benefits is Medicare. I am very grateful to those who created Medicare and to those who strengthened it over the years since. I've got good reasons to be thankful.
A recent illness forced me to go to an urgent care clinic one evening. The doctor there took one look at me and told the staff to call an ambulance. I was admitted to the ICU for what turned out to be a five-day stay. That little vacation is going to cost me around $2000. That's only for my share. I haven't seen a final bill yet, but I'll bet it will be a heck of a lot more than I could ever pay off. Three days in ICU with six or seven bags of saline solution and three different IV antibiotics pumped into my veins tends to run up quite a bill. Great care, as you might expect from an intensive care unit, comes at great cost. The total is probably going to be about the same as the cost of a new car.
How would someone without insurance pay for an emergency like this? We may find out sooner than we'd like if the GOP takes the Senate in the next election. If that happens and what little healthcare reform we've managed to achieve gets rolled back, we will have once again exposed the ugly underbelly of our society.
I needed a vacation from blogging. The vacation is over. Time to dive back into life while I can.


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Click here for FREE download and latest version information.
TimeLog is a time recording database. Time is recorded by Project and Task. Detailed or summary timesheets (both weekly and monthly) and summary totals (by user and project) can be printed.
Time recording is real-time. You indicate when you started and stopped working on a particular task and TimeLog will prompt you periodically to check whether the timing should continue. You can easily adjust the actual start and end time or enter past information to build up an accurate record of all work completed.
This software can be installed on a computer running Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 or later with Microsoft Access 2007, 2010, 2013 or 2016.
If you don't have Microsoft Access already installed (or if you have an older version), download the free Access 2007 Runtime from Microsoft.
If you have an Apple Mac computer, you can still use TimeLog by installing Microsoft Windows using an emulation tool like VMWare Fusion or Parallels.


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Your experience with Croydon wholesalers doesn't stop with your purchase.
Our dealership is dedicated to helping you maintain all areas of your car for years to come, helping protect your investment, and ensuring safe and trouble free motoring. Our highly trained and highly skilled automotive technicians will make sure your vehicle will be performing at its peak.
With the latest diagnostic and workshop equipment you can be sure your vehicle is in great hands, we specialize in all makes and models.
Free courtesy cars are available when your car is in being serviced and as an extra service we will even give your car a clean after it has been serviced.


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So here you are on campus—you have moved into your dorm, you've met a few of the different women who will joining you in the big recruitment adventure, and also you're starting to get some main butterflies in your stomach about the coming week. Then final yr, my pal Ronni Lundy wrote me, asking if I'd create a sweet potato sonker using sorghum, both for her upcoming e book, and a spring party at Large Change Farm in Egypt, Kentucky. Ought to I simply let it return?My neighbors home just foreclosed and sold for 90k less then I owe on mine. Because it stands our we owe $311,000 on our house and it's value approximately $230,000. Mirrors in a haunted house are normally a gateway that permits one thing unpleasant to trade their equally unpleasant world for yours. Nonetheless the house remained, so the street builders did what might have appeared logical at the time – they only built the highway round the home as the aged couple defiantly stood their floor! I walk into the home and he or she would not say two words to me, then proceeds to cover upstairs.
My computer had been in the store which contained the original hardship letter (similar one that was sent a dozen occasions before)… pc tech called, informed me laptop was prepared come choose it up. Did so.. came dwelling to NO HOME (home caught fire). My son is 17.I'm 52 and in very poor health,still combating for our … Read More


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New York-based furniture designer Taylor Forrest offers modern and minimalist chairs. Frames are bare with clean, straight lines and the leather seats have exposed stitchings with no extra cushioning. All made of genuine North American hides, the untreated leather gives off a unique and vintage feel, adding visual complexity to the minimal collection.
Minimalist and Modern Chairs by Taylor Forrest
9 more


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Mark Lindquist recall backers battle for funds, signatures
Backers of a campaign to recall Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist say the road ahead is tough, but they still believe they'll obtain the 38,642 signatures they need to bring the proposal to the ballot next year.
"We're feeling pretty positive, but we still have hurdles," said Fircrest resident Cheryl Iseberg, leader of the recall campaign. "I don't think we anticipated everything being clear sailing. We've gotten over some of those hurdles, and we plan to be successful."
Conversely, Lindquist and his campaign chairman believe the recall effort is headed for failure.
"I'm focused on making our community safer and serving the public," Lindquist said Tuesday via email. "I speak with community groups regularly and most everyone tells me the same thing: 'Keep up the good work. Keep putting away the bad guys.'"
Alex Hays, Lindquist's longtime campaign chairman, said signs on the ground suggest the recall campaign is struggling.
"From what we've seen, the public support for Mark Lindquist is very strong, and it's bipartisan," Hays said. "We are seeing no success for the signature-gathering effort. It's our expectation that it will fail."
I'm focused on making our community safer and serving the public. I speak with community groups regularly and most everyone tells me the same thing: "Keep up the good work. Keep putting away the bad guys.
Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist
The recall campaign faces a Feb. 22 deadline to turn signatures in to the county auditor. Backers are using a mix of paid and volunteer signature gatherers. Monday, campaign coordinator Chris McManus and a pair of signature gatherers stood outside the Wal-Mart shopping center in Central Tacoma, flagging shoppers.
"You registered to vote in Pierce County?" McManus asked, as two women stepped out of the store and into the drizzle.
Both stopped and signed.
"Tell all your friends," McManus said, directing the women to the recall website. "We need to wise up and get rid of him."
The recall petition, filed in June, passed muster with Kitsap County Superior County Judge Jay Roof, who found legal and factual sufficiency for the charge that Lindquist engaged in a vindictive prosecution of a Pierce County woman in a long-running sex abuse case that later was dismissed.
Apart from the recall campaign, Lindquist faces other continuing troubles, including a recent whistleblower investigation that found he runs a politicized office and retaliates against employees who disagree with him.
Lindquist also faces an investigation by the state bar association into charges he and six staff members committed professional misconduct, and a separate investigation by the county's ethics commission.
At the moment, he's embroiled in a battle with County Executive Pat McCarthy over a lawsuit involving Lindquist's personal phone records.
A successful signature drive for his recall would trigger an election in April. Backers believe 58,000 signatures will provide a sufficient cushion to overcome the inevitable invalid signatures associated with such efforts.
A successful signature drive would trigger an election in April. Backers believe 58,000 signatures will provide a sufficient cushion to overcome the inevitable invalid signatures associated with such efforts.
Monday, Iseberg declined to provide a hard count of signatures gathered to date, but she said backers are "about a third of the way" to their goal.
Raising money is another hurdle, Iseberg said, and she admitted it hasn't been easy. The latest records from the state Public Disclosure Commission show the campaign has raised $20,000.
Iseberg said Monday the actual number is about $36,000, and the campaign is catching up on reports that reflect more recent contributions; but the tally is still short of the $150,000 backers believe they need.
Recall backers include the Pierce County Sheriff's Guild, the union that represents 300 rank-and-file deputies. Some local attorneys have contributed money, including Bertha Fitzer, a former deputy prosecutor who ran unsuccessfully against Lindquist in his first campaign in 2010, and decried his tactics.
Still, the campaign needs more, backers said.
People are still afraid to give their money. There's no getting around that issue.
Cheryl Iseberg, recall campaign president
"People are still afraid to give their money," Iseberg said. "There's no getting around that issue."
She cited concerns she's heard from Lindquist's staff members. Some support the recall but fear retaliation from Lindquist if their names appear on contribution lists.
Meanwhile, Lindquist hasn't opened a PDC file in opposition to the recall campaign, and hasn't raised any money to that end; Hays, his campaign consultant, doesn't think it's necessary. If the signature-gathering fails, the campaign ends.
Fircrest attorney Joan Mell, also involved in the recall effort, sought permission from the PDC earlier this year to allow anonymous contributions from Lindquist's staff members. The PDC declined.
Since then, the recall campaign has periodically sought small contributions under $25, which don't require names to be associated with them.
"I think there is this kind of idea that the recall is happening and people don't need to do anything, and everything will magically happen on its own," Iseberg said. "We need their signatures and we need donations.
"This requires their support. If they really do support us, they can't just rely on someone else to do something."
Sean Robinson: 253-597-8486, @seanrobinsonTNT


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" Located in the heart of the historic district of Le Marais, LE BHV MARAIS remains an iconic store.Perfectly nestled at the crossroads of the Right Bank/Left Bank, this institution remains the landmark for creative types, Left Bank Parisians, the fashion forward Hôtel de ville set, arty cordon bleu students and more…It is a luxury bazaar, where anything and everything can be found. From a Lagostina frying pan, to a SMEG dishwasher, via the latest Bultex mattress. An unmissable destination for aesthetes and hedonists alike… "BHV website – http://www.bhv.fr/
BHV – Christmas
BHV Christmas
I was commissioned to create the Christmas iconic visual of the big parisian store BHV.
Christmas is a big event for BHV, because it is the most critical sales period of the year. So the store push always creativity at its highest to promote itself in this intense end of the year.
It was a great challenge (and an honor) to produce a high resolution image that could be printed as well in publications, and on a large canvas on front of the BHV facade, and reusable onto their website and as animated images.
Client: BHV Paris - Madame Cloud agency
Services: 3D illustration, Art Direction, CGi
Conception and project management: Madame Cloud - Emmanuel Lahaye
3D / Photomanipulations: Modern Age Studio - Nicolas Delille
Photographer: Cédric Delsaux
Retouching: Pierrick Guenneugues


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Last Seen Leaving Author: Caleb Roehrig Genre: YA, LGBT, Mystery, Suspense Publisher: Feiwel & Friends Publication Date: October 4 2016 Format: eARC Pages: 258 Source: NetGalley Flynn's girlfriend has disappeared. How can he uncover her secrets without revealing his own? Flynn's girlfriend, January, is missing. The cops are asking questions he can't answer, and her … Continue reading Review: Last Seen Leaving
Tag: Young Adult
Review : 17 First Kisses [DNF]
17 First Kisses Author: Rachael Allen Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult Publisher: HarperTeen Publication Date: June 17 2014 Format: Paperback (ARC edition) Pages: 319 Source: borrowed an advance reader copy from a friend. No matter how many boys Claire kisses, she can't seem to find a decent boyfriend. Someone who wouldn't rather date her gorgeous best … Continue reading Review : 17 First Kisses [DNF]
The Memory Book by Lara Avery
The Memory Book Author: Lara Avery Genre: YA, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Publisher: Poppy Publication Date: July 5 2016 Format: Hardcover Pages: 368 Source: Hachette Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥. 5 They tell me that my memory will never be the same, that I'll start forgetting things. At first just a little, and then a lot. … Continue reading The Memory Book by Lara Avery
Review: Burn [Blog Tour]
Burn Author: Paula Weston Series: The Rephaim, #4 Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal Publisher: Tundra Books Publication Date: June 7 2016 Format: Paperback Pages: 488 Source: Tundra Books Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Suddenly, Gaby remembers everything. For a year she believed she was a backpacker chilling out in Pandanus Beach. Working at the library. Getting … Continue reading Review: Burn [Blog Tour]
Review: All the Feels [Blog Tour + Giveaway]
All the Feels Author: Danika Stone Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance Publisher: Swoon Reads Publication Date: June 7 2016 Format: Paperback (ARC) Pages: 298 Source: IndigoTeen Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ College freshman Liv is more than just a fangirl: The Starveil movies are her life… So, when her favorite character, Captain Matt Spartan, is killed … Continue reading Review: All the Feels [Blog Tour + Giveaway]


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What do you want to reveal with your photos?
To show people how I see the world. Capture the feeling I had when I visited the place or saw the specific light.
How can you capture the soul of a place?
With spending a bit more time in a place or visit twice. When you understand the place, it's easier to show it to others through the lens.
What is your photo's kit?
Camera Nikon D610, Lenses: Nikkor 35mm f/1,8 Nikkor 14-24mm f/2,8 Tamron 70-200mm f/2,8 Tamron 24-70mm f/2,8 Samyang 14mm f/2,8.
What is the camera with you prefer to shoot?
Nikon D610 (would like to upgrade to Nikon 810A) and Nikkor 14-24mm f/2,8.
Who would you be and what would you do in your life if you weren't a photographer?
An Explorer. I would search for new epic places close to arctic areas.
Three adjectives to describe yourself:
Adventurous, thoughtful, reliable.
What are the photographers who have most inspired you in your career?
Daniel Ernst, Chris Burkard, Daniel Taipale.
Which is your relation with instagram?
Used to be fun to share my adventures for friends but more people started following and now it's more for professional use for marketing myself.
Which is your motto?
Create your own story.
Would you like to dedicate us a selfie?
Attached. Photo by Daniel Ernst.
Text by Martina Finazzi


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One of the Leading Private Security Companies in Africa
TSU International is supported by the respected infrastructure and network already implemented by TSU Protection Services, the market leader in the executive protection arena within South Africa. TSU International has a large and impressive number of corporate clients that has grown exponentially from the simple ideology that "service sells". As a company, we strive to ensure that service levels are consistently maintained well above the norm within the competitive security industry. This is achieved by working closely with corporate security managers and ensuring that we design and develop unique solutions for each of our clients.
Our relationship with International Companies has added value to our operation through the experience gained in exposure to their methodologies and their international client-base, combined with our African roots and well established networks throughout the continent, we are able to offer our clients, our partners and their clients a total unique and beneficial consultancy and risk analysis service that cannot easily be matched.
TSU International specialises in executive protection, executive support, training and consultancy. We have expanded our footprint in the rest of Africa by means of a very clear and carefully considered strategy. This has enabled us to carefully select strategic partners and secure alliances with reputable organisations in priority areas. We are ready to assist you with your security requirements in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, the DRC, Angola, Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana.
TSU International is spearheaded by the competent team of Chris Beukes, Jurie Hayes and Herman Bosman, whose combined experience in the safety and security industry spans more than 90 years. Their TSU Protection Services support teams in Pretoria and Cape Town includes the internationally accredited City and Guilds and SASSETA training division headed by Marthin Botha.
Pearce de Klerk
Pearce de Klerk is a multi-skilled individual with vast experience in the private security and mining industries in South Africa, Africa and the Middle East. He has held senior positions in diamond mining operations in South Africa and a gold mining operations in Tanzania as well as positions of operations and project manager in security operations in Africa and security consulting in hostile environments in the Middle East.
Utilizing this wealth of knowledge Pearce now consults for TSU International on special security projects focussing on Security Risk Assessments, Security Audits, Crisis Management and developing tailor made physical security strategies.
Pearce is a former member of the South African Police Service Special Task Force and holds a Bachelors of Business Administration Degree. He is also the owner of Style Secure, a home improvement company based in Langebaan specializing in the supply and installation of a wide range of security barriers for home and commercial application.


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© These web pages and the information and
images within them are copyright of The B.B. Group of Companies


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Three years ago, today, Sarah and I were struggling through feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. We had been up all night after Bowen's cardiac arrest, and though we had joy …
Blog Archive September 2013
Thank You
Posted by Matt Hammitt on September 14th, 2013 | 32 Comments ›
Happy Birthday Bowen!
Posted by Matt Hammitt on September 9th, 2013 | 50 Comments ›
He looks so peaceful when he sleeps. Sometimes we just sit and look at his little white legs and blue toes poking through those brightly colored little boy briefs, and …


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Speech Technology Magazine
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July 25, 2006
Speech Technology Digest
RHL Selects NICE Perform
Contact center and business process outsourcer, RHL selected NICE Systems' NICE Perform to expand its existing NICE environment.
pulse Releases Support for Media Resource Control Protocol (MRCP)
MARKHAM, ON - Pulse Voice Inc. released support for the Media Resource Control Protocol (MRCP) for vendor independent integration to text-to-speech (TTS) and speech recognition (
) products.
Così Selects Angel.com for IVR Applications
MCLEAN, Va. - Così, Inc. selected Angel.com to create and manage a new phone-based, IVR-powered benefits enrollment line for employees.
SmarTone-Vodafone, Hong Kong, Upgrades and Expands Voice Portal with Intervoice Media Exchange
DALLAS - SmarTone-Vodafone, a provider of mobile services for Hong Kong, will be using Intervoice Media Exchange to upgrade and expand the company's existing interactive voice response (IVR) portal.
Paris AP-HP to Implement Philips SpeechMagic
VIENNA, Austria - Paris' hospital network, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), will implement Royal Philips Electronics' SpeechMagic.
Wizzard Software Introduces WizzScribe Speaker Independent for Linux
PITTSBURGH Wizzard Software released WizzScribe SI (Speaker Independent) for Linux.
Cistera Networks Partners with Cepstral
Cistera Networks partnered with Cepstral for the integration of its TTS engine.
NCT Licenses Voice Technologies to Trilogy
NCT licensed its voice technology products to Trilogy Communications Ltd.
NICE Unveils New Capabilities for Compliance, Analytics, and VoIP
RA'ANANA, Isreal NICE Systems released new capabilities including speech analytics, VoIP technologies, and a regulatory compliance and risk management suite.
IQ Services Partners With Dirigosoft
Interactive Quality (IQ) Services entered into a business partnership with Dirigosoft.
Intervoice Releases PersonalizeIT
DALLAS - Intervoice, Inc. released PersonalizeIT, a new offering from Intervoice Global Services that enables companies to personalize their voice self-service systems and subscription services.>
H-care's Human Digital Assistant and Loquendo Technology Revolutionize Web-Based Customer Care
H-Care will present its Human Digital Assistant platform, together with Loquendo at SpeechTEK 2006, the technology conference held in New York from August 7-10.
Copyright © 2019, Speech Technology Media, a division of Information Today, Inc.


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Search Methods
The NASDAQ-100
is a stock market index of 100 of the largest domestic and international
non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, it
is a modified market value-weighted index; the companies weights
in the index are based on their market capitalization, with certain
rules capping the influence of the largest components. It does
not contain financial companies, and includes companies incorporated
outside the United States; both of these factors differentiate
this index from the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
The NASDAQ-100
began on January 31, 1985 as a way for the Nasdaq Stock Market
to support enhanced media coverage for itself. The index was introduced
the same day as the NASDAQ Financial-100 Index and as a result,
financial companies were, and still are, excluded from the NASDAQ-100.
The base price of the index was initially set at 250, but when
it closed near 800 on December 31, 1993, the base was reset at
125 the following trading day, leaving the halved NASDAQ-100 price
below that of the more commonly known NASDAQ Composite.
The first
annual adjustments were made in 1993 in advance of options on
the index that would trade at the Chicago Board Options Exchange
in 1994. Foreign companies were first admitted to the index in
January 1998, but foreign companies had higher standards to meet
before they could be added. Those standards were relaxed in 2002,
while standards for domestic firms were raised, ensuring that
all companies met the same standards.
The all-time
highs for the index, set at the height of the dot-com bubble in
2000, stand above 4,700 points, while its recent bear market lows
in 2002 occurred below the 900 point level. The NASDAQ-100 closed
above the 2,200 point milestone on October 23, 2007 for the first
time in over 80 months and reached an intraday high of 2,239.51
on October 31, 2007, the highest reached since February 16, 2001.
However, the index has corrected below the 2,000 level in early
2008 amid high energy prices and recession fears. As of January
22, 2008, its close, nearly 20% below the recent highs (but 50
points above its intraday low), places the index on the brink
of the common definition of a bear market.
and ETF
is often abbreviated as NDX. Its corresponding futures contracts
are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The regular futures
are denoted by the Reuters Instrument Code ND, and the smaller
"e-mini" version uses the code NQ. Both are among the most
heavily traded futures at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
The NASDAQ-100
Trust Series 1 Exchange-traded fund, sponsored and overseen since
March 21, 2007 by Powershares, trades under the ticker NASDAQ: QQQQ.
On December 1, 2004, it was moved from the American Stock Exchange
where it had the symbol QQQ to the NASDAQ and given the new four
letter code QQQQ.
It is sometimes
referred to as the "Quad Qs," "Cubes," or simply as "the Qs."
In 2000 it was the most actively traded security in the United
States, but has since dropped to second place after Standard &
Poor's Depository Receipts. On July 17, 2007, the ETF closed above
$50 for the first time since early 2001.
The NASDAQ
has over the years put in place a series of stringent standards
for which companies must meet before being included in the index.
Those standards include:
companies with multiple classes of stock are only allowed to have
one class included in the index (usually the largest class in
terms of market capitalization).
While the
composition of the NASDAQ-100 changes in the case of delisting
(such as transferring to another exchange, merging with another
company, or declaring bankruptcy, and in a few cases, being delisted
by NASDAQ for failing to meet listing requirements), the index
is only rebalanced once a year, in December, when NASDAQ reviews
its components and makes the appropriate adjustments. All changes,
regardless of when it occurs, are publicly announced via press
releases at least five business days before the change is scheduled
to take place.
There are
two tools the NASDAQ uses to determine the market values of companies
for the annual review:
Those components
that are in the top 100 of all eligible companies at the annual
review are retained in the index. Those ranked 101 to 125 are
retained only if they were in the top 100 of the previous year's
annual review. If they fail to move into the top 100 in the following
year's review, they are dropped. Those not ranked in the top 125
are dropped regardless of the previous year's rank.
The companies
that are dropped are replaced by those who have the largest market
value and are not in the index already. Anticipation of these
changes can lead to changes in the stock prices of the affected
from NASDAQ Composite Index
The NASDAQ-100
is frequently confused with the Nasdaq Composite Index; the latter index (often
referred to simply as "the NASDAQ") includes the stock of every
company that is listed on NASDAQ (more than 3,000 all together)
and is quoted more frequently than the NASDAQ-100 in popular media.
The NASDAQ-100
is a modified capitalization-weighted average.
The methodology
was created in 1998 in advance of the creation the NASDAQ-100
Index Trust, which holds portions of all NASDAQ-100 firms. The
only time it is to be rebalanced again is if
From Other Indices
In addition
to its lack of financial companies, the Nasdaq-100 includes 13
companies incorporated outside the United States. The Dow Jones
Industrial Average has never included foreign companies, and the
S&P 500 also includes 13 non-U.S. companies (a coincidence
- the 13 in each index are completely different).


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Dear concerned residents of the San Fernando Valley.
I am writing to you on an urgent matter. The priceless old Weddington Home, the mother-house of North Hollywood and Toluca Lake is about to be moved miles from the Valley to the Arroyo Seco off of the Pasadena Freeway.
It is our understanding JSM Capital, LLC, a responsible Valley area developer who owns the property on which the house presently stands, plans to pay for its removal, a new foundation and reasonable restoration. The house was moved years ago to its present site, therefore the land on which it stands does not have historic significance. We salute JSM Capital for its respect for our community's heritage. However, moving the Weddington House from the San Fernando Valley is a tragic mistake.
Over 1,800,000 people make their homes and living in the San Fernando Valley. Unfortunately little regard has been demonstrated to the preservation of our history until recent years. The Museum Community believes that with so very few historical homes left in the Los Angeles suburbs in the Valley, that important structures such as the Weddington House must be preserved and left in the places where their historic impact was made.
The Weddington House is the last surviving original farm house, and the last surviving building owned by a great family who contributed so much to the creation and success of our community. The family of Wilson C. Weddington established North Hollywood, Toluca Lake and impacted the development of the entire San
Fernando Valley. They opened our first banks, post office, and helped develop the North Hollywood Fire Department as well as North Hollywood Park.
Valley school children, teachers and other residents should have access to the Weddington house. The structure should be relocated near where the Orange Line Busway and Red Line Subway meet.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is prepared to step forward to manage the Weddington House in exchange for the structure's accessibility to the public for cultural and historical exhibits and a headquarters from which to plan and develop a great museum of history and culture to serve the entire San Fernando Valley. However, irrespective of the Museum's possible stewardship of the house, we believe that it should remain where it belongs in the NoHo district of Los Angeles.
We understand the urgency that the developers feel about getting their investment project underway. But, now is a "how to" time, rather than "why we can't do it" time. The house can still be moved in a timely manner, (actually saving the developer money, if it is moved locally) at the unused edge of a local park or other city-owned land.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Gerald R. Fecht Ph.D.
President The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Boulevard
Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364


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|Mercedes (6 years old)
|Mommy/Daughter Combination of Baskets
Mercedes and future crafters whose projects are posted on "Feature Me Friday" receive this pretty little button for their blog. Featured crafters should feel free to copy and post the button on their blogs. Please join us in congratulating our Featured Artist for this week!
There is still time to join this week's challenge (the link is located in our upper-most right hand sidebar) and please visit us again on again for our Saturday Special and on Sunday for news from Kraft Outlet!


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Archive for the 'Diving news' Category
March 24, 2014 | off
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Scuba Centers of Michigan has teamed up with Aqualung, to give you the best online shopping options! As a Scuba Centers Customer, Buy from our Aqualung online store have it shipped to Scuba Centers, where you pick it up and pay no freight!
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Web by: Dot Com Web Productions, LLC


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I begin with an old favourite. The Sidewalk Cafe in Vredehoek, Cape Town is an intimate, quirky spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The restaurant really is on a street corner, giving the interior a remarkably cosmopolitan feel. Tables on the street side are great during the day, and blankets will keep the breeze off on a summer's eve. The decor is cute and somewhat tongue in cheek, with painted white kitchen utensils hanging from the ceiling and mismatched tablecloths complementing the kitch aprons worn by delightfully funky wait staff.
As for the food, there is something for everyone on the menu, which changes from time to time, while old favourites are always available. Veggie friendly breakfasts, salads, sandwiches and soups satisfy the day-bug. For dinner, the creamy red coconut curry is deliciously spicy and peanutty, and never fails to impress. The chef is happy to alter dishes slightly on request, and I've twice enjoyed the leek, pea and mint risotto with goats cheese balls sans the pancetta. This dish is slightly rich, so it's great if you're ordering it as one of a few things to share. Daily specials sometimes include the odd vegetarian dish, so do ask about those. The only dish I've had off this menu that I wouldn't recommend is the Portabella mushroom stuffed with sundried tomato pesto and mozzarella. I thought this was really just a big, poorly seasoned mushroom smothered in far too much pesto. Not only is this uncreative, it is not very filling.
If you're a fish fan, that's one thing Sidewalk really does well. Ask about the linefish of the day – I'm always impressed with the way the chef gets his fish perfectly succulent and complements it with something interesting, like wasabi mash. I've had great Cape Salmon here. The fish and chips are another must. Chunky, strips of hake fillet battered in the lightest and crispiest crunch come in a delightful little bucket, accompanied by potato wedges and homemade tatare sauce.
All in all, this is a great little restaurant that offers just enough for the vegetarian to keep you coming back until you've tried everything on the menu, and then again and again to repeat your old favourites. The service is impecable and fun, and the food is reliably delicious. Don't forget to book, because it's a busy little street corner, and you don't want to hit peak traffic unprepared.


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We started this series on ASP. NET Web CMS by looking at architecture models. You can read that post here. This time we're diving into development models.
Let's talk about how your developers code your front-end experience by examining the two typical approaches in ASP.NET: Web Forms and MVC.
ASP.NET Web Forms is the traditional development model for ASP.NET. Microsoft created Web Forms to help developers more familiar with client server development (e.g. WinForms) quickly migrate to building web pages through a visual RAD interface.
The problem with Web Forms is that it supports a tightly coupled architecture, one where the interface is integrated with the application functionality (code behind). This means the application code and the interface are not easily reusable. With Web Forms you are also locked in to the controls available for the CMS platform, dependent on their quality, upgrade cycle, and HTML output standards or you must spend a lot of time creating your own customizations that then require maintenance.
MVC (model view controller) provides a different architectural pattern for development. MVC is the more modern approach to ASP.NET development, and is the future of ASP.NET with full support from Microsoft.
With MVC there is a clear separation of presentation from application logic, enabling the reuse of both. With MVC, a request is first sent to the Controller which then decides which Model (application logic/validations) and UI (View) to put together to create the appropriate front-end interface.
Another difference between Web Forms and MVC is that you can use Microsoft Web Pages (Razor) in MVC. Razor is a lightweight view engine and Microsoft recommends you use it. With Web Forms, your only template option is via an aspx page.
Obviously you can see the importance of an MVC development model if you need to support cross channel, multi-device websites and web applications. Using MVC you can create multiple interfaces and MVC knows which one to use based on the initiating request. In the case of Web Forms, you have to build all your different interfaces and supporting application code separately. If all your CMS supports is Web Forms then you also have no way to send content to external applications - all your web apps need to be built directly on the CMS.
Also, you want to make sure that if the CMS comes with some kind of page builder application (an app that lets you quickly design your web pages), it supports an MVC model, otherwise any advantages you think you are getting from the page builder are quickly lost.
So now you understand architecture models and development models. Next time we'll look at content itself and how you create and store it.
We hope you are enjoying this post series on ASP.NET Web CMS. Here's the full list of posts in the series:
If you are preparing for a Web CMS selection project or just looking for more information on Web CMS capabilities, you may be interested in our Web CMS RFP template guide.
Subscribe to the Ingeniux blog. Great content delivered straight to your inbox.


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Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer
Hamilton NJ Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer Attorney
The variety of aggravated assault that arises most often in Hamilton and other municipalities in Mercer County is aggravated assault on a police officer. There are several reasons why this charge is the most frequently encountered form of aggravated assault offense and the biggest one is the lower threshold required in order for this violation to be triggered. All that is required is conduct that would otherwise be simple assault. Hiring an attorney with significant know-how in this area of law can prove to be invaluable in counteracting the reduced bar for proving aggravated assault on a police office at the Superior Court in Trenton.
Highly Experienced Trenton NJ Aggravated Assault On A Police Office Lawyers
All aggravated assault charges are indictable in nature, including those where a police officer is the "victim", so they can only be adjudicated at the Mercer County Superior Court. This venue handles all crime of the second degree, third degree and fourth degree such as aggravated assault. The lawyers at our firm have been defending cases at this courthouse for over 100 years combined and several members of our team have also served as prosecutors. We have a Hamilton Office, Lawrence Township Office and Princeton Office to serve those facing criminal charges throughout Mercer County and attorneys are available 24/7 to discuss the aggravated assault offense you are facing in Trenton. The chart that follows outlines the grading, elements and penalties for assaulting a police officer.
|Degree of Offense
|Elements of this Aggravated Assault
|Max Fine
|Second Degree
|(1) Attempt to cause serious bodily injury or purposely, knowingly or reckless cause serious bodily injury to the police officer'
(2) Cause bodily injury to the police officer while attempting to elude; or
(3) Cause significant bodily injury to a police officer as a result of a fire caused knowingly or purposely
|5-10 Years with a requirement under the No Early Release Act that the defendant serve 85% of the sentence before being eligible for parole.
|Third Degree
|Commits a simple assault resulting in bodily injury to the police officer.
|Up to 5 Years
|Fourth Degree
|Simple assault on a police officer without bodily injury.
|Up to 18 Months
Lawrence Township Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer Lawyer
Since aggravated assault on a police officer is always a felony, there is little room for error when it comes to selecting a lawyer. You will require representation by an attorney who has experience defending assault on a police officer and resisting arrest cases if you want the greatest opportunity to avert a criminal record. Marshall & Bonus is thoroughly equipped to assist you with attorneys that have been representing clients in Trenton at the Superior Court for decades. We have the ability to fully serve you whether you were arrested in Lawrence, Trenton, Hamilton, Ewing, Princeton or another Mercer County municipality. To speak to one of our lawyers immediately, contact our office at 609–683–8102 for a free consultation.
103 Carnegie Center, Suite 300 Princeton NJ 08540 By appointment only
3150 Brunswick Pike, Suite 300, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
100 Horizon Center Blvd., Hamilton, NJ 08691By appointment only
We serve clients throughout Mercer County, New Jersey — including Trenton, Hamilton, Princeton Borough, West Windsor, East Windsor, Lawrence Township, Robbinsville, Hightstown, Princeton Township, Ewing and Hopewell — and surrounding areas, including Hunterdon County and Burlington County.


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You can shop with confidence at Bella Fashion Jewelry, safe in the assurance that you are purchasing a high quality product. We offer all our customers a 100% guarantee on products purchased directly from our company. If you are unhappy with your purchase, you may return it within 7 days from receipt of products for a full refund. If the reason for return is not product related, there may be a restocking charge. Please refer to our return policy.
Product 15/22
Fork Clip with a decorative clamp for updos.
Fork clip consists of an ornamental piece which is connected to the fork with a spring hinge to act as a clamp.
To use: style your hair, insert fork into hair, then let down the clamp to secure hair. You may need to use some extra hairpins to hold the hair in the style you want.
Fork clip measures 4" in length.
Decorative ornament measures 1 7/8" round.


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The 55th Precinct of the NYPD is a unit based near the Hudson University campus. Back in 1968, they were in charge of investigating the rape of Serena Benson. Years later, Detective John Munch from the Manhattan Special Victims Unit visited the 5-5 in order to borrow the notes from that case to help Serena's daughter, Olivia Benson, determine who the rapist was, as she realized that he would have been her father. (SVU: "Bad Blood")
In the early 1990s, Olivia Benson served at the 55th Precinct as a probationary patrol officer, where she was trained by Sergeant Karen Smythe. During this time, she became acquainted with a prostitute named Jeannie Kerns. (SVU: "Paranoia", "Dreams Deferred")
After his demotion in 2012, Brian Cassidy was stationed at the 55th Precinct and worked the night shift at the Bronx courthouse. (SVU: "Undercover Blue") In 2013, he briefly transferred to the 12th Precinct before regaining his gold shield and being assigned to the Internal Affairs Bureau. (SVU: "Internal Affairs", "Rapist Anonymous")


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dustin draws comics for a living and sleeps in his spare time. he dreams of retiring to sleep all day and draw comics in his spare time. he draws a lot of batman stuff and sketches things he cares about.
MP3 player of choice: my car
Favourite cartoon character: launchpad mcquack and boomhauer
Personal Quote: life in the hood is all good for nobody.


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Latest News
Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers: Who has the edge?
Heat: LeBron James' scoring numbers were modest by his standards against the Pacers this season (21 per game), but he averaged 30 points and 10.8 rebounds against them in last year's playoffs. His playoff statistics, historically, have been at their best in the conference finals (31 points, 9.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists). Paul George, a skilled defender, can offer some resistance, but nobody stops LeBron.
Pacers: George, named the NBA's Most Improved Player, has become a force on both ends of the court. He's averaging 19.1 points and 8.3 rebounds this postseason, but isn't a high-percentage shooter: 40.4 in these playoffs, and just 19 for 70 on three-pointers. He scored 29 in one game against the Heat this season but was awful (2-for-11 shooting, five turnovers) in the most recent meeting.
Heat: Udonis Haslem's rebounding numbers are down from his career norm in postseason (he ranks 60th at 10.6 per 48 minutes), but he shot efficiently (26 for 41) and his defense and physicality will be essential against David West. Expect considerable power forward minutes for Shane Battier, who can draw West from the basket as he did in last year's playoffs.
Pacers: West was very good against the Heat during the regular season (22.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 65.8 percent shooting) and has assumed more of an offensive load with Danny Granger missing nearly all of the season. But he wasn't quite as productive in last year's playoffs against Miami (14.8 points, 7.6 rebounds) after Battier started luring him from the basket.
Heat: Chris Bosh has improved his rebounding (8.3) and shot-blocking (18 in postseason), and he must be at his best defensively against Roy Hibbert, who has thrived in this postseason (14.0, 9.6). Like Battier with West, Bosh will try to pull Hibbert from the basket when the Heat has the ball. Bosh, 7 for 15 on three-pointers in postseason, played only 16 minutes in last year's Pacers series due to his abdominal injury in Game 1.
Pacers: Hibbert shot just 38 percent against Miami this season but had 14 rebounds in one of the games and averaged 11.5 boards against the Heat in last year's playoffs. The Pacers outscored the Heat when Hibbert was on the floor during their series last May. But he needs to avoid foul trouble — something that hampered him in the past but has been less of an issue now.
Heat: Thanks to Norris Cole's emergence, the Heat is comfortable playing a point guard virtually all the time. Cole has been the better shooter than Chalmers in postseason (60.4 percent from the field to Chalmers' 41.8), and Cole is the better on-the-ball defender. But Chalmers has played the better floor game (37 assists, 13 turnovers), compared with Cole's 16 and 12. And Chalmers shot 7 for 11 on three-pointers vs. Indiana this year.
Pacers: George Hill has enjoyed a solid postseason (15.6 points per game) but stumbled in three games against the Heat this season (6.3 points, 33 percent shooting, nine assists, six turnovers). His assist-to-turnover ratio (20 to 16) was dismal against the Heat in their series last May. Hill's backup, D.J. Augustin, isn't as complete a player as last year's Pacers backup, Darren Collison, who was dealt to Dallas.
Heat: Since his five-point clunker in Game 3 of last season's Pacers series, Dwyane Wade has averaged 28.2 points in six games against Indiana and shot 52.1 percent in the three games this season. The unknown, even to Wade, is how much the right knee will limit him. His playoff scoring numbers are the lowest as a pro (13.0, compared with a 24.4 career average), but his late flurry in Game 5 against the Bulls was encouraging.
Pacers: Lance Stephenson has come a long way from the scrub who made his biggest mark in last May's series with his classless choke sign to James. He has evolved into a formidable defender with a decent offensive game. Stephenson averaged 11.3 points on 44 percent against the Heat this season and helped close out the Knicks with 25 points and 10 rebounds in Game 6.
Heat: A much better group than what Miami had available in last year's series, when Dexter Pittman started Game 3 in place of the injured Bosh. Ray Allen (12.2 points), Cole (11 for 16 on threes) and Chris Andersen (22 for 28 from field, 11 blocks) have contributed impactful postseasons. Battier is shooting just 26 percent (13 for 50) through two rounds but hit two threes in the fourth quarter of the close-out win against Chicago.
Pacers: Not much offensive punch here; keep in mind that Stephenson would be the sixth man if Granger wasn't out for the rest of the season. Tyler Hansbrough and Ian Mahinmi are competent backups in a power rotation, but the Pacers still can't afford for West or Hibbert to get in serious foul trouble. Augustin (a 35 percent shooter this season) and Sam Young (39 percent) are, at best, serviceable reserves.
Heat: Erik Spoelstra made the signature move of last year's playoff series, inserting Battier at power forward when Bosh was injured — a move that forced West to defend Battier on the perimeter and generally reduced his overall effectiveness.
Pacers: Like Spoelstra, Frank Vogel has extracted the most from his team. Without Granger, Indiana is somewhat limited offensively, but the Pacers defend with verve (like the Heat) and led the league in rebounding. (Miami was last, partly a function of shooting such a high percentage.)
Heat: Winners of 45 of its past 48, the Heat — now with Allen, Andersen and a healthy Bosh — will roll out a much better team than the one that ousted Indiana in six games in last year's playoffs. Indiana's size and rebounding pose challenges, but remember the Heat has outrebounded the Bucks and Bulls by nearly three per game in postseason. The Heat was 29-12 on the road; Indiana was 19-21.
Pacers: Hibbert, Stephenson and George have elevated their games — and West can be a load — but it's difficult to envision Indiana being able to generate enough offense to win more than two games. The Pacers were fifth-worst in the league in turnovers, and the Heat is lethal in transition. And Indiana cannot come close to matching Miami's depth.


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Electrical Systems
The electrical subsystems were a less iterative process than the mechanical parts. They were implemented as needed to integrate functionality from the software to the mechanical systems. To control each of our electrical subsystems, we use an Arduino Uno. The user will optimally have no interaction with the electrical systems, however, we still use our electrical system to meet our goals for the user experience.
Z Axis and Extrusion
The Z axis is manipulated by a 12 V DC motor running a lead screw. In order to keep the tip of the applicator pen at the optimal distance from the hand, an infrared sensor near the tip gives a proximity reading to the motor controller. This feedback loop allows for more accurate henna design execution, and also protects the user's hand from uncomfortable prodding. To run the motor and protect the Arduino, we use an Adafruit Motor Shield with a 12 V power supply.
In early an iteration, the proximity infrared sensor was used apply henna when the hand was close to the applicator pen. The following link was the early proof of concept for accuracy of the IR sensor as a proximity sensor.
X and Y Axes
In order to manipulate the gear belts on the X and Y axes, we use 12 V stepper motors. Unlike the DC motors used in the Z Axis, the stepper motors draw 1.3-1.5 A of current, over the Adafruit Shields limit of 1.2 A. In order to protect the Arduino, the motor shield, and to provide 12 V to the motors, we decided to buy separate stepper motor drivers, rated for 8-35 V and a maximum of 2 A. This allowed us to run our motors for extended periods of time without fear of overheating. In addition, they are very sensitive to small changes in input voltage, requiring some capacitors in order to smooth out the VMOT. The motor drivers are controlled via an Arduino Uno pulsing the STEP input, where each positive edge leads to one step. The video below demonstrates our first iteration, with basic code to move the gantry in a desired direction.
Emergency Stop Kill Switch
The electrical switch at the side of HennaBot is used for the stopping of the machine in the case of an emergency. It cuts the power supply provided by the Adafruit Shields, thus disabling all motors running in the process. This addresses the goal of a safe and comfortable user experience, because it gives the user an additional safeguard of control in case of a malfunction. In addition to a hard electrical stop, the code turns off the motors whenever possible, preventing stray bits from causing malfunctions. This is not intended for regular use in order to turn off the HennaBot, because it would disrupt a design, but is an important addition.


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Discontinuum + ghosts Bains Numerique engien les bains Paris
I recently found this photo and it got me thinking about the situation of installing Digital Art. I mentioned Discontinuum in an earlier post about the background of Ocean of light, things moved so fast since then that some times interesting Ideas get left behind or on the kerb. Its definately a concept worth revisiting.
This particular Installation was an odd experience, setting up a digital art work in a catholic church in Engien les Bains in Paris, where Amelie was supposedly set. After you have left these locations sometimes you forget all the time spent with your head buried in code or working out the logistics in the strangest of locations. The installation invoked a lot which i wasn't expecting. We've set up a ton of these things but for some reason setting up in a church changed the landscape somewhat despite our tendency to remain objective about our work. It was a digital Art festival called Bain Numerique, 2009, more about it on the squidsoup blog. Discontiuum as an interactive piece is quite straightforward, your image is taken and played back to you fragmented over time and space through the physicality of the LED grid, the location in this instance did distort the project. Not a big fan of churches, and our presence there seemed to get a mixed reaction. Most people, in general, were intrigued, but a few found our presence bit challenging which at times left me feeling a little at a loose end attempting to justify in French what we were doing, when I can hardly find the words to justify any of this in English. We found ourselves asking questions that we rarely ask, as they are not so relevant to our process. This resulted in taking a more figurative/narrative route by including recognisable imagery from the stained glass within the church. It helped this potentially invasive technological instrument seem more compliant to its traditional and visually established environment.
As usual we had other things to think about, we also had to set up a trio of ghosts using the French character set. After a load of baguettes, some loss of patience and a bit of over priced beer, we got it all ready in time for the show. It was all such a whirlwind I had almost forgotton about it all until more recenly browsing through iPhoto. When the event happened ite surprised us how many people were there. This was mainly due to the antics of body>data>space that led a gathering through out most of the exhibits across Engien and generally contributed to the overall madness.
Here is the video Ant put together for Discontinuum:
Discontinuum derived from on of our experiments from the previous year when we had spent an intensive weekend in the foyer of the TechnoPark in Zurich with the sole purpose of seeing what visual, spacial and aesthetic qualities we could achieve with the Baby Nova. One of the routes we took, that we were keen to explore further, was reconfiguring a realtime image from a webcam into the cubes space, where I created a virtual representation of the cube and from it's 3d images mapped the pixel colours of the realtime image to the locations of the LEDs. I wasn't t really sure what to call this process, but it was suggested that the image was being projected onto the cube, which is kind of true in a virtual and conceptual sense, but considering each LED "projects" it's own light outwards rather than being projected upon this is an interesting paradox. A kind of virtual/real space inverse projection. Considering all the work we had done with interactive virtual 3d and stereoscopic projections to this point, it certainly felt like we were moving in the right direction.
in this particular installation we took still imagery from the church, mainly the amazing stain glass windows and intermittently inverse projected them from various angles stopping at the angle where the camera input originated.