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Did Nokia fix the AT&T Lumia 900's camera? We think they have.
Can it be improved? Yes it can.
If you're a regular reader (and listener) of this site you know by now that myself and fellow camera-enthusiast George Ponder have been…harsh…on the AT&T Nokia Lumia 900's camera. We rated it as one of the worst we've used in quite some time (though not as bad as Dell's) and it often prevents us from using the phone as our daily driver. The Titan II though easily blows us away.
We've staked our position that it's the hardware that is the problem on the 900 and while we still believe that to be the case it does appear Nokia has finally figured out how to best optimize its software. Of course we're talking about the un-released Tango OS and firmware update which we detailed yesterday.
For the last 24 hours we've been pouring over the camera, snapping pictures in different environments and we have come to this conclusion: this update dramatically fixes the Lumia 900's camera…
We won't spend too much time going into the details of what is different as we'll let our photos and full-crops speak for themselves. But this is what we noticed as the main difference: improved ISO performance.
ISO deals with film speed and exposure and it has a direct impact on image-quality. To keep it short, the higher the ISO the faster the camera can take the picture. The lower the ISO, the slower the exposure. That's why when doing sports, people used to buy "800" film and for studio shots they would shoot at "200".
The tradeoff though is this: the higher the ISO, the more image noise ("speckles") you get. The lower the ISO, the cleaner the image. Cameras today will adjust ISO automatically by metering the scene (measuring the ambient light) but you can also manually override it too. The reason we do this is because the camera doesn't know if you're shooting still-life e.g. a flower or a dog running.
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Back to the Lumia 900. One complaint we previously noticed was that in forcing the ISO to a lower setting like 100 or 200, the resulting picture was simply just too dark and it still looked terrible. That shouldn't happen. Assuming we were holding the camera still, the camera should have increased the camera exposure, letting in more light and giving us a nice, clean image (so long as nothing was moving).
This issue now seems fixed with this latest update. We were able to shoot at ISO 100 indoors while holding the phone very still and we had much cleaner, well exposed photos.
In fact, forgetting the manual ISO business for a minute, image noise overall is down significantly on our photos. Sure, when leaving it on Auto and shooting in low-light (no flash) you still get significant noise—that's a product of the physical sensor—but overall IQ is much better than before.
As we mentioned yesterday, metering itself seems much more accurate, correctly following our tap-to-focus area and adjusting the exposure dynamically to match the scene. Image sharpness also looks to be improved whereas our previous images were much softer.
Finally, other things like white and color balance also seem to be much more accurate, resulting in very neutral looking photos.
We're not saying the AT&T Lumia 900 with 'Tango' and the 12223 firmware now has the best camera but it has significantly improved our resulting images. In fact, we're not embarrassed anymore to share them with others.
Having said that, we still think the HTC Radar with a 5MP BSI sensor will take a Lumia 900's 8MP FSI sensor any day of the week which is a shame. Hopefully Nokia will get on the BSI-sensor bandwagon with Windows Phone 8 as they seem to have finally nailed down the software part of mobile cameras.
Current Lumia 900 users can look forward to the Tango and 12223 firmware update in the coming weeks on AT&T.
Related: Read our how-to guide on taking better photos with your Windows Phone
Images for this artile were taken with the AT&T Nokia Lumia 900 with unreleased but finalized Tango OS and 12223 firmware. Image ISO was on Auto, contrast was set to 'High' and the flash was never used. Crops are provided for image noise and IQ analysis.
Skydrive links for original images:
Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007, when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and watches. He has been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.


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I have a friend that is completely addicted to everything Rolo and you really can't blame him with all of that chocolatly and caramelly goodness. One example on this addiction is the fact that if you were to look in his freezer at any given time you would find about a half a dozen containers of Rolo ice cream. When I came across these Rolo cheesecke bars on Bakers Royale a while ago I thought of my friend and pinned the recipe to make the next time we met up. I recently got the chance to make the Rolo cheesecake bars for my friend and they were a huge success with him and everyone else that tried them! These Rolo cheesecake bars are decadently good with a graham cracker crumb crust and a cheesecake layer sweetened in part with caramel sauce that is stuffed with mini Rolos and finally topped with a chocolate layer that has a caramel wave pattern. The only problem that I have now is that every time I meetup with my friend, he asks me where his Rolo cheesecake bars are.
The caramel wave pattern in the chcolate is actually really easy to make using a small plastic bag and a toothpick.
Rolo Cheesecake Bars
Decadent cheesecake bars filled with mini Rolos and topped with a layer of dark chocolate and caramel.
- 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup mini Rolos
- 8 ounces dark chocolate
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
For the crust:
For the cheesecake:
For the chocolate ganache:
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter and press them into the bottom of a greased 8 inch square baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350F/180C oven until lightly golden brown, about 8-10 minutes and set aside.
- Cream the cream cheese, mix in the caramel sauce followed by the sugar, the egg, the vanilla extract and finally the mini Rolos and pour the mixture into the baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350F/180C oven until the cheesecake is set, about 30-35 minutes, set aside and let cool.
- Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler, mixing until smooth and pour the chocolate over the cheesecake.
- Place the caramel sauce in the corner of a small bag, cut a small hole in the corner and slowly squeeze out the caramel creating lines across the chocolate.
For the crust:
For the cheesecake:
For the chocolate ganache:
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Nanaimo Bars
Milk Chocolate and Caramel Tart
Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Turtle Bread
Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Pumpkin Cheesecake Gingersnap Streusel Bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ultimate Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Pecan Pie Brownies
Cookies and Cream Blondies

subset: commoncrawl


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ACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The stuffed monkey spent the last year in storage, out of sight but still in everyone's mind.
Coach Pat Fitzgerald dusted it off for the Gator Bowl and even had it on the sideline Tuesday as a reminder of Northwestern's decades-long, bowl losing streak — the ol' monkey on their backs.
Now, it's in pieces.
Behind huge interceptions early and late, No. 21 Northwestern beat Mississippi State 34-20 and snapped college football's longest postseason losing streak. The Wildcats (10-3) hadn't won a bowl game since 1949, a nine-game skid that was tied with Notre Dame for the longest in NCAA history.
It's history now. And as a reward, Fitzgerald let his players rip the monkey to shreds in the locker room.
"We've never been here before, but now we're here and here to stay with a new streak you can talk about in a positive fashion," Fitzgerald said.
Quentin Williams returned an interception 29 yards for a touchdown on the third play of the game and Nick VanHoose set up another touchdown with a 39-yard interception return in the fourth. Those plays were the difference in a back-and-forth game that featured more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (six).
In between, Northwestern's two-quarterback system kept the Bulldogs (8-5) off balance most of the day.
Scrambler Kain Colter ran for 71 yards, making up for his two interceptions. Backup Trevor Siemian threw for 120 yards and an interception, and also ran for a score.
Even with the turnovers, they were more efficient than Mississippi State's Tyler Russell.
Russell completed 12 of 28 passes for 106 yards, with two touchdowns and four interceptions. He had only thrown six picks in the first 11 games this season.
He threw interceptions on Mississippi State's first two possessions and tossed another one early in the second quarter. After falling behind 13-0, Russell settled down and got the Bulldogs back in the game.
"I talked to him going into the locker room after the third pick, said 'Go into the locker room, splash some water on your face, readjust your pads and forget that you came out to start the game,'" said coach Dan Mullen, whose team lost five of its final six games. "'Get in the tunnel, start jumping up and down again, get yourself tight and run out of the tunnel again.'"
It worked as Mississippi State tied the game at 13 in the third quarter.
On the other sideline, there had to be a sense of panic. After all, the Wildcats had blown three double-digit leads in the second half of three games this season. Northwestern surrendered big leads against Penn State, Nebraska and Michigan. That 'here-we-go-again' feeling easily could have taken over when Mississippi State seized momentum.
But the Wildcats didn't flinch. They responded with Siemian directing a 76-yard drive that put NU up for good. Tyris Jones bowled in from 3 yards out.
Siemian added a 4-yard TD run — set up by Colter's 31-yard scamper — that made it 27-13 with 26 seconds remaining in the third. That came after Russell's fourth pick, the one VanHoose grabbed near midfield.
"I feel like a big burden has been lifted off our shoulders," Colter said.
Venric Mark, Northwestern's all-everything back, finished with 56 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
Mark and Colter were on the field for the final few snaps, watching from afar as the madness started to unfold on their sideline. The Wildcats spent the final 1:42 celebrating the program's first postseason victory since beating Cal in the 1949 Rose Bowl.
Defensive tackle Brian Arnfelt, one of the team's 25 seniors, doused Fitzgerald with a water bucket and then jumped into his arms. When the game ended, players danced at midfield and then ran toward the stands to recognize friends, family and fans. Fitzgerald playfully directed the band as it belted out the alma mater.
"This one goes to all the Wildcats that have been here before us," Fitzgerald said. "They've paved the way for us. … The sky is the limit for where our program can go. … We might not be putting the Big Ten championship trophy in our case, but we took a big step forward in accomplishing that mission today."
The Wildcats donned Gator Bowl championship hats and posed for pictures long after the final seconds ticked off the clock.
"It's just a great feeling," linebacker David Nwabuisi said. "It's unreal. It's like we keep saying, we haven't been here before. I'm kind of sad there is no confetti afterwards, but I'll deal with it. It was just good to be out there on the field as long as we wanted to."
A few minutes later, they got to rip the monkey to pieces.
"Every time I think about this, I start to tear up a little bit," said Williams, who also tipped another pass that was intercepted. "This is just a fantastic happening for our school. We've worked so hard to get to this point and it paid off. I've been here for five years and to finally get a win is just amazing."


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Before traveling last month to Colombia for a workshop on unconventional oil and gas development, I faced many raised eyebrows as people asked: "Do you think it's safe for an American to go there?" Bragging that I travel more than most, I put up a brave face, but I still had a stomach full of anxiety. Surprises started at the new national airport of Bogota. It doesn't look much different from airports in Atlanta or San Francisco, aside from the sight of more armed police and the loud sounds of trill whistles that are used there to manage traffic and call taxis. The border control officer was not as friendly as those in the U.S. (nobody in the world is. Thank you, U.S. officers), but she was not hostile either; and you need to give your fingerprint every time you exchange currency in Colombia. With more than 46 million people, Colombia has the second-largest population of any Spanish-speaking country in the world, after Mexico. Colombia has the fourth-largest economy in Latin America, sustained primarily by coffee, flowers, emeralds, coal and oil. Yet, I think most Americans still think of Colombia as a nation steeped in and supported by drug trafficking and violent crime, including taking hostages ranging from wealthy American tourists to less-wealthy local residents. But, to the surprise of many travelers, Colombia's peace process is for real. Bogota, especially, is as safe as ever and Colombians are hopeful it will remain that way. But, while they support peace talks between FARC rebels and the government, most Colombians doubt the guerrillas are sincere and many are anxious about the future. Against this backdrop, Colombia is undertaking a massive national development plan that includes building new infrastructure, such as Bogota's new airport, and improving the role of government in dealing with domestic land, development and cultural issues, as well as international relations. The great changes being enacted beg the question: Where does oil and gas development fit in this plan? Colombia has conventional oil and gas, as well as shale resources that could be developed. The country has significantly increased its hydrocarbon production since 2008 by not only increasing development, but also exploration. Colombia's oil production set a record in May 2011, reaching an average output of 927,000 barrels per day — an increase of 30% over its average production rate between 2005 and 2010. The country is not only self-sufficient in terms of natural gas production, it is exporting gas to Venezuela. This has been made possible by improved security thanks to the peace process. Only 31 attacks against Colombian pipelines were reported in 2010 — compared to hundreds every year in the early 2000s. At the same time, regulatory changes, longer exploration licenses, lower royalty rates and more opportunities for private companies to operate helped attract companies like Chevron, ExxonMobil and other multinationals to Colombia. They bring with them a mastery of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to extract shale resources. Not long ago, oil and gas companies were seen by the government as ATM machines that officials could tap whenever they needed cash to build roads, construct airports or to support other projects. Now a more reasonable public policy tries to create opportunities for the industry. Colombia still seeks and collects royalty payments for its resources, but it distributes those funds in a novel manner. When distributing royalties from oil and gas production, 10% goes directly to the region of production and the rest is distributed throughout the country to achieve balanced development in regions that don't have hydrocarbons. Regions where production takes place must use their 10% of royalties to fund economic development projects. This way, the government avoids unnecessary spending on giant swimming pools or other pet political projects that might not be as needed as improved roads or water systems. The challenge is to integrate local economic development goals with the needs of the nation as a whole. Toward that end, in 2010, Colombia introduced a plan called "Prosperity for All" that set national strategies for strengthening security, law enforcement, infrastructure, business regulations and social benefits. Colombians are watching North American and Europe for lessons in shale developments with regard to water usage and environment conservation. Like other nations, it wants to balance the risks of shale drilling with its potential rewards. At the same time, Colombia is drawing lessons from nearby Venezuela, as that nation faces potential political changes in its post-Chavez future. Colombia saw Venezuela nationalize its oil sector in 2002, followed by declines in production and also a decline in Venezuelan manufacturing. Colombia is learning from its neighbor's experience about the dangers of a state-run oil and gas industry and the mistakes that can lead to a suspension of foreign investment. It also might benefit from its neighbor's mistakes. Decreased Venezuelan production might create an opportunity for Colombia to fill the gap by developing its own oil and gas resources and possibly become a major player in the world's hydrocarbon markets. There is still much work to be done. At this time, Colombia is missing the roads, pipelines and long-term political stability it will need to succeed. But opportunities are on the rise in Colombia. Even to someone like me, who speaks only a little Spanish, it's obvious that Colombians are very hopeful that their country can shed its past problems and make the most of its future economic opportunities. Like Cleveland fighting its old image of a "mistake on the lake," Colombia wants to be seen in a new light. Colombians do not want to be associated with drugs and violence. They want to rise up economically and to have their nation known for its natural beauty, cultural richness and for good and efficient governance. Sound like anyone else you know?
Guest Blogger
Colombia is learning the ropes of good government, civil order and, now, shale gas and oil development


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In fact, we have a complete menu! From our killer hors d'oeuvres:
For only $13.99, you'll have your choice of either Hummer-tenderized gator filet:
Or our Vespa-massaged armadillo, stuffed with the finest of pan-seared bumper frogs:
The kiddies will LOVE our just-in beaver sushi:
And don't forget dessert! You'll want to save room for our magically delicious Creamed Unicorn:


text: The Indian Military setback against the Chinese attack in 1962 was high time for an honest soul-searching. Quite a few books written by Army officers have tried to tell their version of the untold story. Brig Dalvi's account of the most remarkable and authentic. He was present in the theatre of war throughout, commanded a brigade and was held captive by the Chinese for seven months


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Mr. Speaker, on Friday, December 21, Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbaev will be meeting with President Bush. Sometime in January, Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov is likely to arrive for his visit. The invitations to these Heads of State obviously reflect the overriding U.S. priority of fighting international terrorism and the corresponding emphasis on the strategic importance of Central Asia, which until September 11 had been known largely as a resource-rich, repressive backwater.
As Co-Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, I have chaired a series of hearings in recent years focused on human rights and democratization in the Central Asian region.
Clearly, we need the cooperation of many countries, including Afghanistan's Central Asian neighbors, in this undertaking. But we should not forget, as we conduct our multidimensional campaigns, two vitally important points: first, Central Asian leaders need the support of the West at least as much as we need them.
Unfortunately, Central Asian presidents seem to have concluded that they are indispensable and that we owe them for allowing us to use their territory and bases in this fight against the terrorists and those who harbor them. I hope Washington does not share this misapprehension. By striking against the radical Islamic threat to their respective security and that of the entire region, we have performed a huge service for Central Asian leaders.
Second, one of the main lessons of September 11 and its aftermath is that repression of political opposition and alternative viewpoints is a key cause of terrorism. Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice have declared that the war on terrorism will not keep the United States from supporting human rights. I am hopeful the administration means what they have said. But given the sudden warming of relations between Washington and Central Asian leaders, I share the concerns voiced in many editorials and op-eds that the United States will downplay human rights in favor of cultivating ties with those in power. More broadly, I fear we will fall into an old pattern of backing repressive regimes and then being linked with them in the minds and hearts of their long-suffering peoples.
In that connection, Mr. Speaker, on the eve of President Nazarbaev's meeting with President Bush and in anticipation of the expected visit by President Karimov, as well as possible visits by other Central Asian leaders, I want to highlight some of the most glaring human rights problems in these countries.
To begin with, corruption is rampant throughout the region, and we should keep this in mind as the administration requests more money for assistance to Central Asian regimes. Kazakhstan's President Nazarbaev and some of his closest associates are under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for massive corruption. Not surprisingly, to keep any information about high-level misdeeds from the public, most of which lives in dire poverty, the Nazarbaev regime has cracked down hard on the media. Family or business associates of President Nazarbaev control most media outlets in the country, including printing houses which often refuse to print opposition or independent newspapers. Newspapers or broadcasters that try to cover taboo subjects are harassed by the government and editorial offices have had their premises raided. The government also controls the two main Internet service providers and regularly blocks the web site of the Information Analytical Center Eurasia, which is sponsored by Kazakhstan's main opposition party.
In addition, libel remains a criminal offense in Kazakhstan. Despite a growing international consensus that people should not be jailed for what they say or write, President Nazarbaev on May 3 ratified an amendment to the Media Law that increases the legal liability of editors and publishers. Furthermore, a new draft religion law was presented to the Kazakh parliament at the end of November without public consultation. If passed, it would seriously curtail the ability of individuals and groups to practice their religious faith freely.
Uzbekistan is a wholesale violator of human rights. President Karimov allows no opposition parties, permits no independent media, and has refused even to register independent human rights monitoring groups. Elections in Uzbekistan have been a farce and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) rightly refused to observe the last presidential "contest," in which Karimov's "rival" proclaimed that he was planning to vote for the incumbent.
In one respect, however, Karimov is not lacking, brazen gall. Last week, on the eve of Secretary Powell's arrival in Tashkent, Uzbek authorities announced plans to hold a referendum next month on extending Karimov's tenure in office from five years to seven. Some members of the tightly controlled parliament urged that he be made "president for life." The timing of the announcement could have had only one purpose: to embarrass our Secretary of State and to show the United States that Islam Karimov will not be cowed by OSCE commitments on democracy and the need to hold free and fair elections.
I am also greatly alarmed by the Uzbek Government's imprisonment of thousands of Muslims, allegedly for participating in extremist Islamic groups, but who are probably "guilty" of the "crime" of attending non-government approved mosques. The number of people jailed on such dubious grounds is estimated to be between 5,000 and 10,000, according to Uzbek and international human rights organizations. While I do not dismiss Uzbek government claims about the seriousness of the religion-based insurgency, I cannot condone imprisonment of people based on mere suspicion of religious piety. As U.S. Government officials have been arguing for years, this policy of the Uzbek Government also seems counterproductive to its stated goal of eliminating terrorists. Casting the net too broadly and jailing innocent people will only inflame individuals never affiliated with any terrorist cell.
In addition, Uzbekistan has not only violated individual rights, but has also implemented policies that affect religious groups. For example, the Uzbek Government has consistently used its religion law to frustrate the ability of religious groups to register, placing them in a "Catch-22″. By inhibiting registration, the Uzbek Government can harass and imprison individuals for attending unregistered religious meetings, as well as deny property purchases and formal education opportunities. As you can see, Mr. Speaker, Uzbekistan's record on human rights, democratization and religious freedom is unacceptable.
I am not aware that Kyrgyzstan's President Askar Akaev has been invited to Washington, but I would not be too surprised to learn of an impending visit. Once the most democratic state in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan has gone the way of its neighbors, with rigged elections, media crackdowns and repression of opposition parties. At a Helsinki Commission hearing I chaired last week on democratization and human rights in Kyrgyzstan, we heard from the wife of Felix Kulov, Kyrgyzstan's leading opposition figure, who has been behind bars since January 2001. Amnesty International and many other human rights groups consider him a political prisoner, jailed because he dared to try to run against President Akaev. Almost all opposition and independent newspapers which have sought to expose high-level corruption have been sued into bankruptcy.
With respect to the proposed religion law the Kyrgyz Parliament is drafting, which would repeal the current law, significant concerns exist. If the draft law were enacted in its current emanation, it would categorize and prohibit groups based on beliefs alone, as well as allow arbitrary decisions in registering religious groups due to the vague provisions of the draft law. I encourage President Akaev to support a law with strong protections for religious freedom. Implementing the modification suggested by the OSCE Advisory Panel of Experts on Religious Freedom would ensure that the draft religion law meets Kyrgyzstan's OSCE commitments.
Mr. Speaker, this morning I had a meeting with Ambassador Meret Orazov of Turkmenistan and personally raised a number of specific human rights cases. Turkmenistan, the most repressive state in the OSCE space, resembles North Korea: while the people go hungry, megalomaniac President Saparmurat Niyazov builds himself palaces and monuments, and is the object of a Stalin-style cult of personality. No opposition of any kind is allowed, and anyone who dares to express a view counter to Niyazov is arrested. Turkmenistan is the only country in the OSCE region where places of worship have been destroyed on government orders; in November 1999 the authorities bulldozed a Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Since then, Niyazov has implemented his plans to provide a virtual bible for his benighted countrymen; apparently, he intends to become their spiritual as well as secular guide and president for life.
Turkmenistan has the worst record on religious freedom in the entire 55-nation OSCE. The systematic abuses that occur almost weekly are an abomination to the internationally recognized values which undergird the OSCE. Recent actions by Turkmen security agents against religious groups, including harassment, torture and detention, represent a catastrophic failure by Turkmenistan to uphold its human rights commitments as a participating OSCE State. In addition, last January, Mukhamed Aimuradov, who has been in prison since 1995, and Baptist pastor Shageldy Atakov, imprisoned since 1999, were not included in an amnesty which freed many prisoners. I hope that the Government of Turkmenistan will immediately and unconditionally release them, as well as all other prisoners of conscience.
Rounding out the Central Asian countries, Tajikistan also presents human rights concerns. A report has recently emerged concerning the government's religious affairs agency in the southern Khatlon region, which borders Afghanistan. According to reliable sources, a memorandum from the religious affairs agency expressed concern about "increased activity" by Christian churches in the region, calling for them to be placed under "the most stringent control." Tajik Christians fear that this statement of intolerance could be a precursor to persecution. Keston News Service reported that law enforcement officials have already begun visiting registered churches and are trying to find formal grounds to close them down. Additionally, city authorities in the capital Dushanbe have cracked down on unregistered mosques.
Mr. Speaker, as the world focuses on Central Asia states with unprecedented energy, I wanted to bring these serious deficiencies in their commitment to human rights and democracy to the attention of my colleagues. All these countries joined the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe soon after their independence from the Soviet Union a decade ago. By becoming OSCE participating States, they agreed without reservation to comply with the Helsinki Final Act and all subsequent agreements. These documents cover a wide range of human dimension issues, including clear language on the human right of religious freedom and the right of the individual to profess and practice religion or belief. Unfortunately, as I have highlighted, these countries are failing in their commitment to promote and support human rights, and overall trends in the region are very disturbing.
The goals of fighting terrorism and steadfastly supporting human rights are not dichotomous. It is my hope that the U.S. Government will make issues of human rights and religious freedom paramount in bilateral discussions and public statements concerning the ongoing efforts against terrorism. In this context, the considerable body of OSCE commitments on democracy, human rights and the rule of law should serve as our common standard for our relations with these countries.


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As a parent, it may be difficult to accept that your children are sexual—and even harder to think of them engaging in behaviors that would put them at risk for diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Below are strategies you can use when talking to your children about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Talking to Your Child
While you may feel uncomfortable discussing sex with your child, it is too important a topic to ignore. You can actually set the groundwork for this discussion when your child is young, for example, by being open to questions your child may have about their body. Building a trusting relationship over the years will make all the difference when it comes to bringing up this sensitive issue.
Also, keep in mind that you do not have to have one big discussion about sex and STDs. Having short, meaningful talks can be very helpful and give your child something to think about. For conversation starters, look to what is going on in your child's world. For example, if a teenage character on your child's favorite show is pregnant, this can lead to sharing thoughts about unprotected sex.
What if you do not know a lot about STDs? Now is a good time to get the facts from reliable sources, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Learn about the most common STDs, risk factors, symptoms, treatments, and ways to prevent these infections. Talk to your child about what you have learned, using language they clearly understand. Also, if your child would like to read more on their own, provide them additional reliable information, such as printed materials or useful websites.
Remember that scare tactics are not helpful. Trying to frighten your child about the dangers of STDs may make them feel uncomfortable talking to you about their concerns. But it is important that you work to correct any misconceptions they may have about how STDs are spread. You may want to share ideas that you used to have about sex and choices that you made when you were younger.
Feel free to ask how your child feels about sexual activity. Questions like "Do you think it is okay for a person to have unprotected sex?" may be good starting points to learn about your child's views on sex. This can also lead to a discussion about ways to prevent STDs.
In addition, get advice from family and friends who have raised teens. Their doctor can also be a source of support and encouragement when going through this normal, but challenging time in your child's life.
Supporting Your Child's Well-Being
In addition to having honest conversations about sex and STDs, you can support your child's overall well-being by:
- Providing good role models—Children can learn from your example and the example of other good role models like older siblings, relatives, and friends.
- Promoting self-confidence—Praise honesty, independence, talent, effort, responsibility, and good decision-making. This will promote self-confidence, which can help your children overcome peer pressure and make good decisions about sex.
- Encouraging positive feelings about sex—People who have positive feelings about sex, their bodies, and masturbation may be more likely to protect themselves from STDs, unintended pregnancy, and sexual abuse. Try to instill these positive feelings in your children.
- Fostering good decision-making skills—Offer options instead of giving orders. By making choices from an early age, children gain practice in making good decisions.
- Developing trust—If your children know that you will be there for them no matter what, they may be more willing to trust you with information about their sexual activity and ask questions. Try to be patient and reasonable to foster this trusting relationship. Respecting your children's privacy, personal space, and individuality can also help gain trust.
- Reassuring your child—Children can feel isolated and depressed going through the teen years. Stress that "being different is normal" and that other teens have similar feelings.
Caring for Your Child's Health
Your child should have regular physical exams where your child's doctor can help decide if there are any tests that need to be done. It is very important that your child has access to confidential healthcare and has a doctor they feel comfortable with. Allow your child to have time alone with their doctor so they can address any concerns privately.
During the physical exams, your child should get the recommended vaccines for their age group. For example, there is a vaccine to protect against the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV, one of the most common STDs, causes genital warts, and some strains can lead to cervical and other cancers in both males and females. Hepatitis B is another infection that can be spread through sexual activity. This vaccine is normally given to newborns, but older children and teens who have not been vaccinated can receive the series of shots.
What to Do If Your Child Has an STD
If your child is diagnosed with an STD:
- Make sure your child goes to all their follow-up appointments and takes the recommended medications.
Encourage your child to tell the doctor if their symptoms worsen or if new symptoms develop, even if they won't tell you.
- Note: Sometimes the symptoms of STDs can be mistaken for other conditions, or the infection may not have any signs at all. Other times, symptoms may not appear for weeks, making it hard to determine a timeline of events. Symptoms can also appear and disappear quickly, then return much later. When symptoms disappear, it does not mean the STD is gone.
- Offer your child emotional support. Reassure your child that having an STD does not make them a bad person. Also, your child may want to talk to a therapist about what they are going through.
Your child needs to know that you support them and want them to be healthy. You can help your child make good choices about sex by being available for talks and by being ready to listen.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov
Planned Parenthood https://www.plannedparenthood.org
Sex and U—The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada http://www.sexandu.ca
Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine https://www.adolescenthealth.org
How to talk about sex with your teen. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/dating-sex/Pages/How-to-Talk-About-Sex-With-Your-Teen.aspx. Updated November 21, 2015. Accessed November 17, 2017.
Immunization schedules. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/child-adolescent.html. Updated October 5, 2017. Accessed November 17, 2017.
STDs. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/talk-child-stds.html. Updated October 2014. Accessed November 17, 2017.
Talk with your teen about preventing STDs. Health Finder website. Available at: https://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/hiv-and-other-stds/talk-with-your-teen-about-preventing-stds. Updated January 4, 2017. Accessed November 17, 2017.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
- Review Date: 11/2017
- Update Date: 03/06/2014


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Professional golfer Kyle Stanley will forever remember Super Bowl Sunday 2012. And not because he's an over-the-top New York Giants — or Madonna — fan.
But because he won the unglamorously named Waste Management Phoenix Open on Sunday. And for Stanley, there was nothing trashy about his final-round 65 that secured a one-shot victory and his first on the PGA tour.
What will resonate most for the spindly 24-year-old is that Feb. 5 was his day of redemption. And really, in sport, or in life, who doesn't cherish a moment when they can say "I am somebody" after feeling the extreme opposite?
And in Stanley's case, feeling it so recently.
It was just last weekend, when Stanley stunningly and tearfully blew the three-shot lead he had on the 18th hole to lose the PGA event at fabled Torrey Pines in San Diego. The collapse prompted comparisons to cover-your-eyes golfing nosedives such as Jean Van de Velde at the 1999 British Open, Robert Garrigus at the 2010 St. Jude Classic and so many others.
Social media offered a balm — Stanley reportedly picked up nearly 4,000 sympathetic followers on Twitter in 24 hours; other golfers sent him text messages assuring Stanley they'd "been there done that" and exhorting him to hang in, which, it seems, he did.
In the interest of full disclosure, Stanley's win in Phoenix was as much Spencer Levin's loss. Levin, reprising Stanley's swoon from the weekend before, led by six at the start of Sunday's final round. A golfing nightmare ensued with balls flying into clumps of cactus, water — basically all the places golf balls are not supposed to be.
When the smoke cleared, it was steady Stanley who made up an eight-stroke deficit and grabbed the winner's trophy, a check for $1,098,000 and a spot in April's Masters tournament.
And irony of ironies? Stanley was the one offering Levin words of comfort.
"You know, I really feel for him, experiencing that," Stanley said, adding: "He's a very good player, way too good of a player to not bounce back or recover. I feel bad for him. I really do."
Levin dealt with his collapse in a matter-of-fact way.
"I just maybe tried a little too hard," he said, adding, "just wanting it a little too much, I think."
Maybe Levin wasn't overwrought because he knows he has this advantage: Instead of settling into a golfing rut, fighting demons for months, even years, he can simply look to the guy who beat him — Kyle Stanley, a motivational hero. Who would've thought it a week ago?
(Tom Goldman is NPR's sports correspondent.)
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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This Sunday will mark the 16th annual installment of "Chicken Bowl," my Super Bowl party, which doubles as a grand fried-chicken-eating contest. As many as 80 friends, coworkers, enablers and hangers-on will cram into my long-suffering house for this noble occasion.
But even with all the extravagances I've cobbled together to keep them happy — large TVs, vintage arcade machines, working toilets — there has never been a shred of doubt that chicken is king.
I spend more at Popeye's on this particular Sunday than I spend on my wardrobe in a year, so great is the demand. Even vegetarians are both welcome and well-fed at Chicken Bowl, though I insist that they be cordoned off from the rest of the party and forced to watch "tofutball," a meatless football substitute in which slightly built men strike each other gently with pillows.
Chicken Bowl began back in 1997, as a way to combine my love of football with my love of sitting still and eating fried chicken while watching football. But over the years, it's grown into a heated battle in its own right, with past contests mirroring the thrilling heroics of the Super Bowls themselves.
In 2003, as the New England Patriots kicked a last-minute field goal to beat the Carolina Panthers, I set a Chicken Bowl record for most pieces eaten during the game, with 18. But I lost that year: A coworker of mine at The Onion had consumed 17 pieces, yet scored more points. In Chicken Bowl, as in life, breasts are worth 1.5 points, thighs 1 point, legs 0.5 points, and wings 0.5 points. The Al Gore of competitive chicken-wolfing, I had lost in the poultry equivalent of the Electoral College.
My luck would improve. Ever since I moved from Wisconsin to the East Coast in 2006, I've enjoyed a natural advantage over the arugula-chomping soccer-watchers with whom I work at NPR. At my first D.C.-area Chicken Bowl, surrounded by scrawny temps and horrified onlookers, I breezed to a virtually uncontested victory. My Midwestern roots and history of gluttony served me well, as I ate 14 pieces and barely broke a sweat.
But the East Coast is finally catching up to the trend-setting Midwest, gluttony-wise, though I've helped spur on the progress by providing incentives to compete. Back in Wisconsin, Chicken Bowl champions would settle for the entirely figurative Chicken Bowl Championship Trophy. In lieu of a statue of a chicken — or a fist holding a drumstick — winners were urged to find the trophy within.
Eventually, however, it occurred to me that "the trophy within" consisted of a giant wad of partially digested fried chicken, which seems scant if bragging rights aren't your thing. Thanks to the magic of mail order, I now bestow upon each year's winner a very real Chicken Bowl Championship Tiara.
On Sunday night, I will dig deep, look to my months of training, and hope that luck and skill conspire to help me don that tiara after eating several entire heavily breaded fried chickens. When and if that time comes, I will feel like a Super Bowl champion and the prettiest princess in all the land, rolled into one greasy, misshapen ball.
A writer and editor with NPR Music — and a panelist on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour — Stephen Thompson intends to periodically shirk his Chicken Bowl hosting duties long enough to live-tweet the big event at @idislikestephen.
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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Always Money in Columbiana, AL is a financial service with more than 2,000 stores in the US. The company specializes in payday loans and other short-term types of credit like installment and title loans. Their installment loan product works like a personal loan, as you can repay it in over 36 months.
One of the benefits of using Always Money in Columbiana, Alabama, is that you can receive cash quickly, and if there's a store near your location, you can get it instantly. With Always Money payday loans in Columbiana, AL, you don't need to provide collateral, making this one of the most accessible products by the company.
Also, borrowers are not required to have excellent credit, which means people with bad credit will still get cash if they meet the basic requirements. You only need to provide proof of income and a few other papers to get approved. Your income helps the provider calculate your eligibility and know the maximum amount you qualify to receive.
There are many reasons you should opt for a direct lender like Always Money in Columbiana, AL, when you need money quickly.
Always Money in Columbiana, Alabama, offers in-person lending and online loans at over 1,400 physical locations. The company provides installment, payday, title loans, and other personal lines of credit to people who don't have a perfect credit history. For payday loans, the company approves amounts from $100 to $1,000, depending on one's needs and ability to repay.
The provider is legitimate and licensed to offer loans in stores and online. You can access cash from your home by applying through the loan application system online. On the website, there is a form to fill out, which requests various details, including your name, contact information, bank details, and proof of income. These offers are available for different needs, as the lender does not place restrictions on using the cash.
There are different reasons you might want to contact Always Money payday loan in Columbiana, AL. These include addressing emergencies or working on projects you've had in mind for a while. Here are some ways people use money from payday loans.
It's advisable to check Always Money fees before you apply. Since the company is operational in different states, rates vary depending on the state you live in. While requesting the loan, you are to provide your zip code to be matched with the right Always Money payday loan rates.
On average, you can expect to pay 15% to 20% in interest. So, if you borrow $500, you should have between $575 and $600. In some states, the loans can offer up to 530% APR. Confirm these details to ensure you're getting the right deal.
When searching for 'Always Money near me in Columbiana, AL,' you want to ensure you meet the basic requirements to get approved. Some of the things you need include:
There could be additional information depending on the state you reside in. Check the lender's terms to know which papers to prepare.
You can apply for a loan at one of Always Money locations in Columbiana, AL, or online using the website. Here's the procedure:
There is an application form that you can complete online or at their physical location. Fill out all the fields and submit this information for review.
In 15 minutes after sending your application, you'll get feedback. Thus, you would know if your request was accepted.
This helps the lender confirm you read the loan's terms and agree to them.
Lastly, the company will transfer cash to your bank account. This could take about 24 hours, but you can get same-day cash transfers in some situations, so contact them to make this clear.
Some of the reasons you should apply for a loan at Always Money are quick approval, accessibility in many states, and excellent rates. Besides, their platform is secure, and there are different products to choose from.


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Intermediate level.
Learn about the best environmental technologies for a sustainable development and how they are managed in various settings around the world. This course gives you an opportunity to learn about global trends that influence our environment and the living conditions and how different management systems and approaches that are used around the world to manage the environment. This includes current environmental technologies built for the environment and technologies for sustainable soil management, groundwater protection methods and integrated Water resources management.


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Century College is known for high-quality programs and degrees taught by expert instructors.
Programs at Century are grouped under Academic Pathways. Each of the eight Century College Academic Pathways provides you with special learning opportunities and activities, along with personalized guidance from an academic advisor or counselor. Explore the exciting major areas below to find your Pathway!
For information on non-credit courses and customized training, visit Continuing Education & Customized Training.


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What is hand stamping?
Hand stamping is the process of hammering a shape or letter made from a steel block into another piece of metal. Each individual character and letter is stamped separately to create an unlimited possibility of customizations! Unlike machine engraving, hand stamping will contain slight inconsistencies and will vary slightly with each hammer stroke. No two pieces will ever be exactly the same.
What is 14k Gold Fill?
14k gold fill is a genuine layer of gold permanently bonded onto its base metal with heat and pressure. The bond produced is a permanent one. It is far superior to gold plating, has much more value, and the finish can last many years if cared for.
Can I wear my Gold Filled jewelry in the shower or while working out?
Yes! Gold Filled jewelry wears just like full gold jewelry! Over time, it will get dirty, so make sure to polish it with the professional grade polishing cloth included with your order!
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept domestic and international Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express cards as well as PayPal.
Where is my order?
It's coming! Check out your shipment notification email for tracking details. If you haven't received a shipment notification email, your order is still in our studio. We promise it will go out soon! Processing times usually range between 3-7 business days.
My package has been delayed! Can you help speed things along?
The fastest way to resolve delivery issues is to contact USPS directly. Weather, holidays and other unavoidable delays can't be helped, but USPS's representatives can assist in other circumstances.
Do you offer discounts?
We do offer discounts occasionally! You can find out about discounts and giveaways by signing up for our email newsletter or by following us on social media. We are on Facebook and Instagram.
Where do I enter my discount code?
You can enter your coupon code on the first checkout page!
Do you ship internationally?
We sure do! International customers, please keep in mind that you are responsible for any additional customs fees. These are not included in our shipping prices.
Can I send you photos of myself wearing my new jewelry?
We would love that! You can either email them to us at email@example.com or tag us on Instagram - we're @barberryandlace there.
What if I would like to return my order?
You can read our return policy here.


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Crystal Plant Earring Mould
Crystal Plant Earring Mould
Welcome to Titchie Supplies!
All cavities are 3mm deep unless stated otherwise, measurements can be found in the photos.
All moulds are made to order and the colour will be random, if you would prefer a specific colour for your moulds, please leave a note at the checkout and I will do my best to accommodate this. If you required clear silicone for use with UV resin, please add the Clear Silicone Upgrade to your order. Only 1 upgrade is needed per order, not per mould.
For any other information, head to the page Mould Purchasing Information.
Any questions, please let me know,
Mould Care
Mould Care
Please wash your moulds carefully with warm water and washing up liquid, pat dry with a microfibre cloth. If a deeper clean is needed, clean with isopropyl alcohol (up to 99%) and a microfibre cloth.
Store in a dry place, out of direct sunlight.
Mould release spray is highly recommended to extend the life of the mould.
Art Resin is highly recommended.
DO NOT Apply direct heat to the mould, I.e. using a flame for bubbles, avoid using this directly on the mould as this may cause the mould to adhere to the resin.
DO NOT Use acetone to clean the mould – this will erode the mould.
DO NOT Use a coating resin, coating resin will adhere to the mould and cause the mould to tear.
Any other questions or concerns, please let me know.
Please check over your moulds upon delivery, if there is an issue, please contact me via email email@example.com or Instagram @titchies.supplies before using the mould.
If a mould has been used, a refund/replacement will not be offered.
Mould Info
Mould Info
Please read below all details regarding the purchase of moulds within my store.
If you have any questions, please contact me via email email@example.com or on instagram @titchies.supplies.
All moulds are made to order and the colour will be random, if you would prefer a specific colour for your moulds, please leave a note at the checkout and I will do my best to accommodate this.
These moulds are designed for epoxy resin, but can be used for other materials such as clay, wax, soap etc, however this has not been tested so would be purchased at own risk.
All moulds are made with shiny acrylic blanks and the blanks are as shown on the photos, I cannot make custom moulds, nor change the blanks I already have.
All blanks used are 3mm deep unless stated otherwise.
You are purchasing the silicone mould, not the blanks shown, unless stated clearly in the title.
These are handmade so imperfections may be evident however will not affect casting.
Replacements/refunds are not provided for used items.
Moulds are not to be recast and my listing photos aren't to be used without my permission. If unsure, please ask.
Hoop shapes vary for each mould based on what is available at the time of the mould being made, however you will still receive all cavities of the mould listed.
Refund Policy:
Refunds are only offered/agreed if an item is faulty and returned unused within 14 days of the day the order is received.
You will need to message me before sending an item back. Once the item has been received and checked, the refund will be issued to the same payment method. If an item is returned and has been used, a refund will not be given and you will be contacted to receive the product back.
Refunds/Replacements are not offered on used items, or for anything received more than 14 days after delivery.
Refunds are not applicable for sale or clearance items.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations are only accepted within 12 hours of the order being placed. Any cancellation requests after this time will not be accepted. Cancellations cannot be processed on completed orders.
Shipping Policy:
If an order has been shipped, shipping is non-refundable. If an order is returned by the shipping handler for address issues due to address provided, or if the parcel is not claimed, I will attempt to contact you for either redelivery, where postage would need to be repaid, or a refund of the items less the shipping fee.
If a parcel is returned due to my error, this will be resent with no additional cost to the customer.
All items are packed with care, and I am not liable for any damages that occur after an order has left here. I am not liable for missing items due to damaged packaging.
If in the EU, customs changed as of 1st July 2021 where VAT is charged upon delivery. This is to be paid directly to the shipping company and not me, as it is not charged when you order and cannot be added.
Combined Shipping Policy
Orders can be combined if they reach the following criteria:
If one or both orders contain handmade moulds, this can be combined if both orders are placed within 24 hours of each other.
If both orders do not contain moulds, these can be combined if placed within 12 hours of each other.
Combined shipping cannot be offered if the order is completed.
Combined shipping refunds are sent at the time of the order being shipped (label creation). If the label has already been printed, we cannot combine orders or refund difference in shipping as the parcel is weighed. Labels are only printed when the order is boxed up and sealed.
Shipping refunds may not be given in full as this needs to cover the payment fees incurred when placing an order. ClearPay orders may not be offered combined shipping or may have a lower refund due to higher fees incurred. If unsure, please reach out before placing the additional order.
Terms of Service:
Main Information - Please read before purchasing.
By ordering, you agree to these terms of service.
You are purchasing the silicone mould, not the blanks show unless clearly stated in the title.
All silicone moulds are handmade and made to order unless stated in the description.
Replacements are not provided for used items, if unsure, please email me at firstname.lastname@example.com with your order number in the subject line. Or reply to the order confirmation email.
Moulds are not to be recast.
I do not allow the use of my photos elsewhere, if unsure, please ask.
Hoop shapes vary for each mould based on what is available at the time of the mould being made, however you will still receive all cavities of the mould listed.


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Class Central Tips
Have you ever wondered how products and services are created exactly the same thousands of times over? And how companies are able to smooth out operations to manufacture efficiently, effectively, and without any waste? How is such precision possible? The answer lies at the heart of operations. In the Supply Chain Operations course, we introduce and apply essential process improvement tools to achieve perfection. After completing this course, you will be able to apply the Six Sigma methodology for process improvement. You will demonstrate that you understand the basic tenets of the Lean philosophy that enables manufacturers to eliminate waste and make processes more efficient. Finally, you will be able to apply the tools that you just gained to improve a process of your own. This is an introductory course designed to provide you with a start on your learning journey in operations. You do not need to have any background in operations, but it would be beneficial if you had a basic understanding of business concepts, a working knowledge of spreadsheets, and ideally have mastered the Supply Chain Logistics course. Join me and we will learn together about operations!


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Is It Safe to Lift Weights?
Is it safe for a 15-year-old guy to lift weights?
– Shawn*
With the proper precautions, it's generally safe for teens to strength train. Start out slowly to give your body time to get used to lifting, and make sure there's someone there to supervise when you're working out. Take at least a day off between sessions, and include warm-up and cool-down periods.
Before beginning a new sport or activity, it's wise to get checked out by your doctor. Some medical conditions require special precautions before a person begins exercising regularly. Before strength training, you also should ask a physical education instructor, coach, or fitness trainer for advice on proper technique and how often and how much to lift.
Because you're still growing, it's easy to overdo it and strain or damage your bones, joints, and tendons. If you're working out and something doesn't feel right, you feel pain, or you hear or feel a "pop," stop what you're doing and have it checked out immediately.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2024 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com


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41 comments
- Pura Vida said...
you are stinkin hilarious...I have faith based on what you've shown. You can do it...get it on girl!
- February 13, 2013 at 11:38 AM
- Emily A. Clark said...
I know why I like you so much. We are both crazy. In a good way.
- February 13, 2013 at 11:39 AM
- Julia Ryan said...
love you! I love a good stall week any day :)
- February 13, 2013 at 11:40 AM
- Unknown said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- February 13, 2013 at 11:55 AM
- Unknown said...
Love that your as fickle as I am, never satisfied. It's like women and their hair with us decorators, eh? Good luck with the plan-Im guessing you work better under more pressure than this..you'll show us all off I'm betting!
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com - February 13, 2013 at 11:58 AM
- LindsB said...
The room has looked beautiful over the years, so I cant imagine it could be any prettier- but knowing you it probably will be :)
- February 13, 2013 at 12:27 PM
- The Pink Pagoda said...
Thanks for making me laugh and laugh! Cords make me crazy, too! Your guest room will be lovely -- actually it already is!
- February 13, 2013 at 12:33 PM
- Elizabeth Daisy. said...
I love the white floors darling, such a lovely room! I love the colours and black & white stripe rug!
Eda x
www.candyflosscurlscupcakesandcouture.com - February 13, 2013 at 12:36 PM
- Cassie Bustamante said...
you must really love your sister.
- February 13, 2013 at 12:45 PM
- Holly Gruszka said...
You never let me down with the humor - I loved seeing the various looks this room has gone through - despite the stall. We have a plug like that too and it drives me crazy.
- February 13, 2013 at 1:26 PM
- Kim@Chattafabulous said...
I am the worst. Funny how these decisions paralyze the folks who are perfectly comfortable making the same decisions for others. I'm currently facing a primed piece of furniture and I thought I was painting orange but when I saw it primed I changed to wanting it white and now I just don't know. Good luck. You are freaking funny.
www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com - February 13, 2013 at 1:35 PM
- Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...
Too funny! It's been two years and I still don't have a plan for my almost 4 year-old's room.
I would hate the black plug too. - February 13, 2013 at 1:36 PM
- Matters of Style said...
You are hilarious! Can't wait to see!
- February 13, 2013 at 2:01 PM
- Woodside Park said...
Geez, the room looked great!!! So you're gonna take it from great to fabulicious, right?? :)
PS - I love the bird pillow. Is that still available? - February 13, 2013 at 2:42 PM
- Cindy said...
Oh my god, you're so funny... i liked the coral and the black and white striped rug... and all those pretty colors, that architectural piece too.. It'll be cool that you get to do your own house, because when you're finished, it'll be all yours!
Cindy - February 13, 2013 at 2:50 PM
- Linda {Calling it Home} said...
Hate the "cable guy". They are always doing things wrong. I can't live without tv, so I hope that gets straightened out so you can have tv and no ugly cord. I usually have a glass of wine at the same time as you, cheers!
- February 13, 2013 at 3:44 PM
- Nicole Scott said...
Waiting for you to post makes us all want it more...you're a genius Sherry! That rug looks familiar:) Looking forward to your full on attack of that room.
- February 13, 2013 at 3:52 PM
- Urban Orchard Interiors said...
I know you hear this all the time but you are so freakin hilarious. I am totally using this: #Imacutyou. Also, I'm totally afraid of commitment in my own (design) life too...
-Lane - February 13, 2013 at 4:35 PM
- Simply LKJ said...
Been awhile, but I can ALWAYS count on you for a good laugh (not at your expense, of course, my dear).
- February 13, 2013 at 4:56 PM
- Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door said...
I'm glad I'm not the only crazy one around here.
- February 13, 2013 at 5:04 PM
- Karen at Home Sweet Hollywood said...
If I was your sister I would beg you for that bedding too...really cute. And all of your previous incarnations are down right adorable.
Gotta say gives me some satisfaction that awesome designers like yourself have trouble committing too. I thought maybe it was just me (non-designer person) with no mad skillz. :) - February 13, 2013 at 5:49 PM
- Naomi@DesignManifest said...
" Girl Knows Answer To True Happiness" Hahahaha I love you.
- February 13, 2013 at 6:07 PM
- pam {simple details} said...
I didn't know about a stall week, thanks for teaching me the ropes! Pressure is on for next week - good stuff coming our way, I'm sure!
- February 13, 2013 at 6:55 PM
- Kim said...
Sherry, you make me laugh ... I knew when I saw that room last week it couldn't STILL be that way!! I think it is therapy to move/change things constantly. That's what I tell my family!! xo
- February 13, 2013 at 9:03 PM
- Mary Ann Pickett said...
Wow...now if your sister could give ME all your old bedding, I would be finished with MY project :)
- February 13, 2013 at 9:40 PM
- René said...
Here's an idea, I'll do whatever you decide. The rooms look very similar, but somehow yours will end up looking amazing. By the way, the cable plug totally reminds me of a scene from Airplane :).
- February 13, 2013 at 9:53 PM
- Tiffany said...
I kind of love all of the looks the room has had. I'm interested to see how you're going to change it.
- February 13, 2013 at 9:55 PM
- Lisa Mende Design said...
you crack me up! can't wait to see the fabulousness you create!!!!
- February 13, 2013 at 10:33 PM
- Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...
I love that coral bedding....makes me want some coral in my house, somewhere! You are too funny...glad to hear I'm not alone with not being able to make up my mind with my own house! I know it will be fabulous, whatever you come up with.
- February 14, 2013 at 12:44 AM
- Just Spiff It said...
Loved the coral bedding - of course your sister wanted it. Who wouldn't. You are a good sister. Love that head board - how bout doing a post just on that!!
Anxious to see how this room evolves. Hope you don't keep us waiting long. And oh!! Love those white painted floors!! - February 14, 2013 at 8:32 AM
- Bravehearted Beauty {formerly LLH Designs} said...
Great looking post for a stall! Even your stalls are good! Love that second bed. Smart sister you have! ;)
- February 14, 2013 at 8:49 AM
- Barbara Matson said...
Love it! I too change things over and over! I enjoyed this stall post - so entertaining.
- February 14, 2013 at 10:04 AM
- Splendid Willow said...
No one would ever fire you! We all want more (you big tease)!!
Happy love day Ms. H. You are adored by z.i.l.l.i.o.n.s!
ox, Mon
- February 14, 2013 at 2:05 PM
- sarah @ homeologymodernvintage said...
i'm in the process of transitioning out much of my traditional french pieces and moving to a modern farmhouse/scandinavian/mid century kinda thing. {is there even a name for that???}
this is what happens when you love it all. it's a vortex of indecision! - February 14, 2013 at 2:36 PM
- Interior Glass Doors said...
Surely, this room is very cozy and comfortable.
- February 14, 2013 at 4:55 PM
- Kathleen said...
That was funny! I love that I found someone as insane as I am. If a room was perfect, life would be boring!!
- February 14, 2013 at 8:18 PM
- designchic said...
So understand the procrastination process, changing your mind and of course, the "generosity" with your sister - can't wait to see it this time - know it will be fabulous!
- February 15, 2013 at 9:07 AM
You are sweet to your sister. You have let relatives live with you. You are truly a kind person.
- February 15, 2013 at 8:27 PM
- email@example.com said...
Truly. I have never read anyone funnier in words than you. I can't wait to see what you come up with!!!!!!
- February 19, 2013 at 11:38 AM
- Cassie {Hi Sugarplum} said...
Lol -- I will cut you! Love that video. 'Secer-ity!' Your unfinished room looks like a dream room already!!?? Can't wait to see what you do.
- February 22, 2013 at 12:19 PM
- Jessie said...
Your room is already beautiful, I am sure it will only get more gorgeous! Love the white wood floors by the way!
www.mixandchic.com - March 3, 2013 at 1:09 PM


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Choosing the best countertop for your kitchen may be one of the most complicated things in your home face-lifting procedures. Your local countertop fabricator might be able to give you kitchen countertop ideas that you will find very much helpful in your quest towards finding the best material for the most important area of your home. For one, you will need to consider some key aspects, such as cost of the material, durability, maintenance and your lifestyle. Costs for the different types of materials vary. There is a wide array of kitchen countertop materials you can choose from.
Different types of materials are perfect for the different types of look you want to give your kitchen. Since the kitchen countertop is like the stage and the center of all the activities in the kitchen, you would want to invest an ample of time, energy and money on finding the best countertop that would match the theme you would like for your kitchen.
Several materials are being widely used nowadays for the different home's kitchen countertop. One of the most important considerations before choosing between the several available kitchen countertop ideas is the homeowner's lifestyle. The daily activities done in the kitchen, most importantly, the ones staged on the countertop, must be considered. Kitchen countertop materials include granite, stainless steel, natural stone, glass, laminates, and ceramic tiles, among others. Each has different characteristics and qualities that make them worthy of the confused homeowner's attention; and just any other thing, each of them also has its respective downsides.
For the homeowner who is after of the elegance and timeless beauty a countertop must bring, the glass, ceramic tiles, stainless steel and granite are among the top choices. Each possesses distinctive qualities.
Granite is fast becoming the homeowners' favorite. It has its unique elegance and classy look that would make a kitchen look fantastically chic. The wonders possessed by the natural stones add an innate and extraordinary splendor in the kitchen.
Stainless steel countertops provide an industrial look and hygienic feel. This type of countertop is available in a variety of contemporary designs and styles.
Natural stone is a truly a timeless beauty. It gives a room a fresh and natural atmosphere. Natural stone countertops are delicate and need regular maintenance for durability and longevity.
Glass countertop can make a very sexy look in a kitchen. It is considered a sophisticated choice nowadays. Glass countertop can match with almost any color you want for your kitchen. Its reflective quality makes any room larger and more vibrant.
Laminates are considered the most common countertop material. It is also beautiful, cheap, and very elegant. Regular maintenance is what it needs, however.
Ceramic tile for countertop is also one of the most expensive choices. Today, it has become a must for the kitchen. Ceramic tiles are available in so many different colors and hues that will match almost any motif for the kitchen.
A great many choices are available for the eager homeowner. Everything is a nice shot, but it also pays to have a durable, beautiful and elegant countertop. Several kitchen countertop ideas are available, so it is up to you to choose what the best among them is. Everyone has unique taste and style, so you just have to choose what material makes you feel good about and what you think is best suited for your lifestyle.


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HAS-043K - Element Kit, 120V, 750-1000°F When Used in HG-751B, 1000°Max. When Used in VT-750C or VTS-750, Includes Mica
Howard Electronics offer you the customer the best Vendor selection of Soldering and Desoldering tools, SMD Rework, Heat Guns, Microscopes, and Specialty tools you could ask for. Our vendors are Atten, Auburn Technology, Chip Quik, Den-On Instruments, EDSYN, Goot, Hei Scope, JBC Tools, Jensen Global, Jovy, Mag Eyes, Master Appliance, Midwest Devices, MG Chemicals, Pana Vise, Qualitek, Steinel, Scienscope, Virtual Industries, Weller, and Xytronics. Please select the best vendor for the tools that you require.


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Academ Consulting Services - is the home for the on-going work on the rn newsreader, the reference version of NNTP for UNIX and the Texas UUCP maps. Action Systems Incorporated - We are a solution provider. We can configure, install and repair any type of system. We also offer service packages, as well as training. Please contact, Jason Vaughan Coppick Group - The Coppick Group is based in Portland, Oregon and provides Internet/Intranet, TCP/IP, and UNIX Solutions. Cornell Computer Consulting - Offering Macintosh, PC and UNIX system consulting. Networking and Security specialists. D&D Consulting - You benefit from services offered through our range of strategic partnerships with consulting organizations and suppliers. Deer Run Associates - A firm specializing in networked systems management and security. Training services available. Enterprise Systems Management - Enterprise Systems Management - A leading vendor of Intranet management software and network consulting services. ESM develops UName*it - an Intranet resource and name space management solution for system and network administrators Firehouse Network Consulting - Firehouse Network Consulting provides consulting on UNIX and LAN/WAN issues. We are proud to serve the Public Safety community and Industry. Friedman Greene & Associates, Inc. - DC-based, full-service, & client-driven IT company. Novell, UNIX, Application Development, Internet services and consulting, & more. INA Inc. - INA Inc. provides wide area of consulting services all over USA. We specialise in Unix/NT/Database Administration, C/C++/Java/VB development and much more. InterWeb Communications - UNIX administration and solutions. Networking and Intranetworking solutions. Database design and digital publishing. FSC Internet - Canada's leading consulting firm in the areas of Internet and Intranet connectivity. Complete Web solutions, e-commerce solutions, security auditing, and network design. InteleNet - InteleNet Consulting Services offers expert Internet, Networks, Unix, and ISDN consulting services. InterWeb Communications - UNIX administration and solutions. Networking and Intranetworking solutions. Database design and digital publishing. intra.NETiX Ltd. - Intra.NETiX Ltd. Unix & Network Management, Consulting & Integration Internet/Intranet Applications Develpment IPC Technologies - providing a broad range of information technology solutions to major corporations, utilities, banking, insurance, and government agencies for more than a decade. Larry A. Walker & Co. - High Performance Networking and Contract/Consulting in Northern Virginia. XWindows and System Programming. Left Bank Operation - LeftBank specializes in LAN/WAN design, implementation, maintenance and support, and provides LAN-to-Internet connections - including system management, security and web page services. Network-1 Software and Technology, Inc. - FireWall/Plus a complete DOS-based firewall that bucks the UNIX trend. Meyer Consulting - Unix consulting, including administration, custom programming, and network connections. MindSource Software - MindSource is a technical talent agency in Silicon Valley specializing in Unix system and networking administration positions, both contract and full-time perm. Netsys.com - We provide Unix,Internetworking, and Security services to a wide variety of clients. Open Technology Services, Inc. - Consulting, systems integration, and training services for UNIX, NT, TCP/IP, LANs and WANs. Internet solutions, WWW web site design and hosting. SunSoft authorized education center. Paranet, Inc. - A select group of the most talented people in the field of computer system networking, dedicated to creating the industry's best solutions. Opal Web Server - Opal provides system and network installation, administration, tools, and training services for UNIX and TCP/IP based LANs and WANs, and integration with DOS/Windows, Novell, OS/2, MAC, IBM, and other environments. Open Systems Networking & Consulting - We build custom tailored, high performance networks using BSD unix. We also custom design LAN/WAN's with high performance and "OPEN" scalability in mind. Pine Mountain Group - Specializes in Network Analysis Training and Troubleshooting. QAZNET Project - LAN/WAN consulting in RUSSIA RTD Systems & Networking - computer consulting firm focusing on Unix and TCP/IP administration and networking. Second Shift Consulting Services, Inc. - Certifed Network Professionals specializing in the Design, installation, and maintenance of Networks and computer systems WE DO EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS !!!! Span Computer Technology Inc - specializes in LAN/WAN/Internet system integration & support for Novell, Windows NT, and UNIX. Calgary, Alberta. STMS -- Solutions That Make Sense (TM) - Practical solutions for LAN/WAN Connectivity, Communications, Internet Access, Technical Support. Commercial/Government. NetWare, UNIX, NT expertise. Based in DC metro area. StarFire - A network management consulting company which specializes in HP OpenView. subZero Data Solutions - Provides consulting and training services for UNIX, LAN and WAN Networking, Gopher, World Wide Web, and distributed computing. Technology Applications, Inc. - Specializing in Solaris medium and large scale server & turnkey systems with Sybase, Oracle, or Informix, as well as host connectivity communications (X.25, SNA, TCP/IP, Token Ring). Uniforce Informatique Inc. - Advanced Unix administration, integration (Security, inter/Intranet) and development (internal, C/C++/Java). Network Management. Wetware - The design and implementation of large scale distributed/cooperative solutions for large companies (whew!). Mixed in there is some general Unix consulting as well. WNF Consulting, Inc. - LAN infrastructure design and implementation consultants for medium and large corporations. Authorization and Support for Novell Netware, Banyan Vines, Windows NT, Unix, and other products. XOR Network Engineering, Inc. - A consulting firm specializing in UNIX system administration and network design. Xpert Unix Systems - Specializes in network integration, internet sol'ns, system admin, network security, software development for Windows-NT, Unix/X-Windows platforms.
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NEW DELHI (AP) -- From Africa's crowded AIDS clinics to the malarial jungles of Southeast Asia, the lives of millions of ill people in the developing world are hanging in the balance ahead of a legal ruling that will determine whether India's drug companies can continue to provide cheap versions of many life-saving medicines.
The case — involving Swiss drug maker Novartis AG's cancer drug Glivec — pits aid groups that argue India plays a vital role as the pharmacy to the poor against drug companies that insist they need strong patents to make drug development profitable. A ruling by India's Supreme Court is expected in early 2013.
"The implications of this case reach far beyond India, and far beyond this particular cancer drug," said Leena Menghaney, from the aid group Doctors Without Borders. "Across the world, there is a heavy dependence on India to supply affordable versions of expensive patented medicines."
With no costs for developing new drugs or conducting expensive trials, India's $26 billion generics industry is able to sell medicine for as little as one-tenth the price of the companies that developed them, making India the second-largest source of medicines distributed by UNICEF in its global programs.
Indian pharmaceutical companies such as Cipla, Cadila Laboratories and Lupin have emerged over the past decade as major sources of generic cancer, malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS drugs for poor countries that can't afford to pay Western prices.
The 6-year-old case that just wrapped up in the Supreme Court revolves around a legal provision in India's 2005 patent law that is aimed at preventing companies from getting fresh patents for making only minor changes to existing medicines — a practice known as "evergreening."
Novartis' argued that a new version of Glivec — marketed in the U.S. as Gleevec — was a significant change from the earlier version because it was more easily absorbed by the body.
India's Patent Controller turned down the application, saying the change was an obvious development, and the new medicine was not sufficiently distinct from the earlier version to warrant a patent extension.
Patient advocacy groups hailed the decision as a blow to "evergreening."
But Western companies argued that India's generic manufacturers were cutting the incentive for major drug makers to invest in research and innovation if they were not going to be able to reap the exclusive profits that patents bring.
"This case is about safeguarding incentives for better medicines so that patients' needs will be met in the future," says Eric Althoff, a Novartis spokesman.
International drug companies have accused India of disregarding intellectual property rights, and have pushed for stronger patent protection that would weaken India's generics industry.
Earlier this year, an Indian manufacturer was allowed to produce a far cheaper version of the kidney and liver cancer treatment sorefinib, manufactured by Bayer Corp.
Bayer was selling the drug for about $5,600 a month. Natco, the Indian company, said its generic version would cost $175 a month, less than 1/30th as much. Natco was ordered to pay 6 percent in royalties to Bayer.
Novartis says the outcome of the new case will not affect the availability of generic versions of Glivec because it is covered by a grandfather clause in India's patent law. Only the more easily absorbed drug would be affected, Althoff said, adding that its own generic business, Sandoz, produces cheap versions of its drugs for millions across the globe.
Public health activists say the question goes beyond Glivec to whether drug companies should get special protection for minor tweaks to medicines that others could easily have uncovered.
"We're looking to the Supreme Court to tell Novartis it won't open the floodgates and allow abusive patenting practices," said Eldred Tellis, of the Sankalp Rehabilitation Centre, a private group working with HIV patients.
The court's decision is expected to be a landmark that will influence future drug accessibility and price across the developing world.
"We're already paying very high prices for some of the new drugs that are patented in India," said Petros Isaakidis, an epidemiologist with Doctors Without Borders. "If Novartis' wins, even older medicines could be subject to patenting again, and it will become much more difficult for us in future to provide medicines to our patients being treated for HIV, hepatitis and drug resistant TB."


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Lotte Kancho Chocolate
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Lotte Kancho chocolate will make you fall head over heels! This delicious snack is loved by all ages, so you can be sure of a good time! Kancho is a classic that'll never go out of style, so get your hands on this timeless treat today.
1 pack
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