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Smile Carpet Cleaners - your source of the perfectly cleaned carpets. As home carpet cleaners Jefferson County with years of experience and expertise of delivering most outstanding and amazing cleaning service, we want our customers - each and everyone - to get what they want at affordable prices. Quality is over quantity, we don't chase the income, on the contrary, what we want to get is smile on a client's family and satisfaction our professional carpet cleaners Jefferson County can bring. Whether you're looking for residential or commercial service, we will always strive to exceed your expectations by providing cleaning backed by years of experience, superb attention to details, and top-notch customer service.
Getting a carpet cleaning with us is quick and painless. Our specialists are always available to pencil you in. Our Technicians always give you a call 30 minutes before every appointment, and the specialists follow up with a customer's satisfaction call making sure you were pleased with our work. We work hard to be #1 on your list of cleaning companies around town. Over this many many years on the market, we learned one rule - to get the most and to be the best, you have to worship your job. You have to make your work to be the place of satisfaction, place you want to return to, place where you feel comfortable. Only then you can reach any hights, break any walls and get to the top of the world. And that's what we feel coming to work: we are enthusiasts and in carpet cleaning and the pleasure we get from realizing that due to our work, another family can live a cleaner, safer and happier life is worth more than millions of dollars. What is more, we try to be outstanding Jefferson County carpet cleaners on the market, a company that you can consider trustworthy and call us to help you out anytime you need it.
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This is a two week course. In the first week you will learn about the core activities that the Industry executes to bring electricity to customers. We will review what electricity is, how it is generated, how it is transmitted, how it comes into buildings, and how consumption of electricity instantly feeds back on the transmission and generation of electricity. You will learn to:
Define what electricity is;
Describe how electricity is generated, transmitted and distributed;
Describe how electricity is generated, transmitted and distributed; and
Summarize how the consumption of electric energy instantly feeds back on the transmission and generation of electricity.
In the second week, the course shifts to the markets that drive Electric Industry operations. You will learn about the various costs of the electric industry's core activities, how electricity is priced, the various ways that electric markets are structured, how these market structures determine which power plants are dispatched to produce electricity when, and how recent changes in generator fuel prices, generation technology, market regulations, and environmental regulations are transforming both Electric Industry Markets and Operations. You will learn to:
Describe the main cost components to the electric system;
Compare the costs of different types of power plants;
Interpret the retail pricing of electricity;
Explain the different types of electric markets and understand how they operate to dispatch electric supply to meet demand in real time; and
Explain why and how the electric industry is regulated.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Subscribe to the USFamilyGuide.com KidsScoop!
The monthly family event and savings newsletter. Receive coupons for Fun Activities, Summer Camps, Parties, Dining, Shopping, Field Trips, Child Care and more! We NEVER share your information.
My kids recently had the opportunity to try out Baketivity's Baking Kits for Kids and after a few months of experiencing their baking subscription boxes, I figured now would be the perfect time to share our honest review.
I would like to mention that we did receive a 3-month Baketivity subscription in exchange for this review. But as always, you can trust that I am sharing my honest and totally unbiased opinion to help you determine whether or not their baking kits would be a good fit for your own children.
One thing we all really loved about Baketivity was the monthly live cooking lessons. My girls always held off on baking that month's recipe so that they could follow along during the live lesson.
The live lessons were literally what they looked forward to the most. It is super interactive, and all of the kids who join seem to be having an absolute blast. The instructor is so patient and does a really fantastic job at keeping the kids engaged. They even do a raffle for a special prize during the live lesson (which adds to the excitement)!
As you probably already assumed from my previous notes, my kids are absolutely loving Baketivity. Here are a few other things my kids have mentioned.
"I get so excited every time we get a new kit delivered!"
"I like that they send most of the ingredients we need in the kit, and the other stuff we need is usually stuff we always have at home already."
"We get to try new recipes that we probably wouldn't have even thought about making on our own."
"I like the extra recipe cards they send in the kits. It gives me even more ideas for things to make."
"I like the chef's hat and apron they send."
"I can't wait until our next live cooking lesson!"
Okay, now that you've got to read the kids' thoughts on the Baketivity Baking Subscription Box. It's Mom's turn. How do I feel about Baketivity personally?
I LOVE THE MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION BOXES! I think it is perfect for my girls (ages 7 and 10). They're both interested in learning how to cook and trying new recipes. However, my husband and I don't always have the time or energy to help them out with their baking exploration. Baketivity makes this process so much easier for us.
We haven't yet had to go out and do any extra shopping for the girls to complete their monthly recipes. And thanks to the live lessons, we don't even have to lead them through the baking process! Of course, we stay close by as they work through their live lessons because they sometimes need adult assistance.
But for the most part, Baketivity makes it all so simple for the little chefs in your home.
The kits start at around $30/box which I think is a fair value for what you receive. You don't necessarily have to sign up for the subscription either. You can just order a single box if you so please.
They have all kinds of interesting baking kits. Some of the coolest ones I've seen them offer are the Unicorn cakes, Bug Cupcakes, LOL Surprise! Sugar Cookies, and the Face-Bake DIY Cookie Kit.
I will also say that each of the three kits we received turned out to be absolutely delicious recipes that (surprisingly) the whole family enjoyed! So that's a major win.
By the way, Baketivity also sends out a weekly newsletter called the "The Weekly Kidchen" where they share some seriously useful "advice, tips, and tricks for kids in the kitchen." I've been enjoying receiving those weekly emails.
Overall, I like what Baketivity is doing here. I think this is a really great thing for families with children interested in baking.
Baketivity absolutely earns the Mom Stamp of Approval from Major League Mommy. I love it. My husband loves it. And most importantly, the KIDS love it!
If you are interested in learning more about the Baketivity Baking Kits for Kids, you can click here for more information.
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moreBake with Kids and Baketivity
moreBaketivity is so much fun to do with your Child(ren)
moreBaketivity Kids Baking Kit Review
moreAbsolutely adorable!
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moreBaketivity - A Baking Box for Kids! Sign up for their Summer Camp and Save
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The custom solutions I provide go way beyond traditional services offered by most Website design & SEO services companies today and my month-to-month flat rate packages provide turn-key solutions that produce very satisfying results.
Our previous website company did very little to help with our overall Internet presence. The personal care and attention to detail you have provided has been very refreshing and quite frankly I was very surprised at the volume of high quality calls we started getting within the first couple weeks. Thank you,
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You have done a great job feeding our shop a steady stream of calls and jobs. I have been extremely satisfied with the number and quality of phone calls we get every day. The caller ID info sent by email has proven to be very helpful. Thank you and yes I would highly recommend you to any company who is not my competiton.
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Profits from the first two jobs we landed covered the cost of getting those new customers plus covers cost for the next two years so everything else is pure profit. The quality of the phone leads we continue to get on a daily basis is amazing. I'm so happy we have chosen to work with Randy and his company call4local.
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Dan Harmon - CEO
form code: DaSUs


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From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Melissa Block.
Some members of Congress are calling for a more humane prison system. They're proposing a ban on solitary confinement for certain prisoners - among them, juveniles, pregnant women, and the mentally ill. Here's Illinois Democratic Senator Richard Durbin at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing today.
SENATOR RICHARD DURBIN: By reforming our solitary confinement practices, the United States can protect human rights, improve public safety, and be physically responsible. It is the right and smart thing to do, and the American people deserve no less.
BLOCK: NPR's Carrie Johnson followed that hearing. She joins me here in the studio to talk though the issues now. Hey, Carrie.
CARRIE JOHNSON, BYLINE: Hi, Melissa.
BLOCK: And it was just last week that we saw New York announce sweeping changes to solitary confinement for inmates in state prisons there. Why are we hearing so much about this practice right now?
JOHNSON: In the last couple of years, a lot of different factors have come together. There have been efforts by states to save a lot of money and reduce violence in prisons and also a critical massive advocacy by the ACLU and some researchers. And now, today, we saw some bipartisan interest in the U.S. Senate.
One fact that came out today was that it cost about $78,000 a year to house somebody in the federal prison system in solitary. That's three times as much as it cost to put somebody in a regular prison unit. And, Melissa, here, as in so many areas of law and order around the country, states are leading the way. Mississippi and Maine have been early adopters of reforms in this area. And even in Texas, state lawmakers last year have passed legislation to study solitary confinement.
BLOCK: Now, with this hearing today, I gather there were some former inmates who served in solitary confinement who told their stories. Sounds like really dramatic testimony.
JOHNSON: It was incredible. Lawmakers heard from Damon Thibodeaux who served nearly 15 years in solitary in the state penitentiary in Louisiana, Melissa, before he was actually exonerated of rape and murder of his cousin. Here's what he had to say.
DAMON THIBODEAUX: Humans cannot survive without food and water. They can't survive without sleep, but they also cannot survive without hope.
JOHNSON: Thibodeaux said, at one point, he just considered giving up and dying. And testimony like that, of course, is certainly going to help fuel some calls for change.
BLOCK: But that ban that they're talking about wouldn't necessarily include an inmate like Mr. Thibodeaux, right, if it's just juveniles, women, the mentally ill?
JOHNSON: Not necessarily. But a broader point in the hearing was that administrative segregation or solitary confinement is often overused as a disciplinary tactic. And people need to rethink that strategy across prisons.
BLOCK: Carrie, one of the most popular reforms that's being talked about is the idea that prisoners who have been kept in solitary shouldn't be released back into the community right away. Why not?
JOHNSON: There's a stark example last year of the Colorado corrections official who was actually killed by an inmate released straight from solitary. Officials note that something like 95 or 97 percent of all prison inmates ultimately come back into the community. So there's a lot of need for services and transition and mental health help.
BLOCK: Well, how likely is it that states or the federal government are going to make big changes when it comes to solitary confinement?
JOHNSON: It's not going to be easy, especially after hearing today from the president of the union that represents federal corrections guards. Eric Young says that isolation or segregation is a vital tool to prevent anarchy in prisons, and he pointed out that today is the one year anniversary of a federal corrections guard being killed in Pennsylvania by an inmate in a very high-security facility there. There's really a need for guards, he says, to be empowered to make decisions about safety.
BLOCK: OK. NPR justice correspondent Carrie Johnson. Carrie, thanks so much.
JOHNSON: You're welcome. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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Walter Haskell Hinton: Image Maker for Deere
In 1934, artist Walter Haskell Hinton painted his first calendar image for Deere & Company, the first of many commissions during the next 20 years. In contrast to the everyday scenes of American life featured in the concurrent exhibition 1934: A New Deal for Artists, Hinton created an ideal world where the sun shines on perfect fields of corn, and the smiling family gathers around its new helpmate, the green John Deere tractor.
At a time when tractors replaced teams of horses, Hinton's work humanized the new machinery and conveyed a vision of the new farm, where modern technology enabled the farmer to work more efficiently.
In her book Walter Haskell Hinton: Illustrator of the Popular American West, art historian Jaleen Grove notes that, for farmers of the era, the "patriotic horse was the noblest and most important farm animal, indispensable in plowing and harvesting, and therefore the heart and soul of farming… Walter Haskell Hinton's job as a commercial artist for John Deere…was to transplant the horse's soul to the tractor, to interpret the tractor as a member of the family." His work helped make the John Deere Model D, produced from 1925 to 1953, an icon of American manufacturing.
The exhibition includes iconic works from the Deere & Company collection, such as Boy with Tractor, as well as lesser-known works and examples of printed materials using Hinton's images, such as his 12-panel biography of John Deere. Originally created as a calendar, this painted biography portrays Deere's invention and production of the modern plow as a key element in the taming of the American West and the fulfillment of the country's "Manifest Destiny." In John Deere's life, Hinton saw the importance of hard work and ingenuity, not only in building the country, but also in pulling it out of the Great Depression.
Hinton was a skilled artist who produced advertisements and magazine covers for dozens of companies during his long career. He took pride in his ability to create psychological situations in his work, and felt that, as a commercial artist, he employed a broader skill set than the more esteemed "fine artists" of his day, who could be limited by the expectations of their collectors.
In his work for Deere, Hinton demonstrates tremendous creativity in presenting the product—a John Deere tractor—in a way that makes it emotionally appealing. His work is the forerunner of today's advertising industry, which uses sophisticated psychology and visual technology to sell us products 24 hours a day. At the same time, he gives us a unique window into the 1930s. With their obvious idealization of farm life, his pictures for Deere look beyond the Depression to an era when daily life would be transformed by technology and industry.
This exhibition is on view October 19, 2013 through February 2, 2014.
Sponsored by:
Walter Haskell Hinton, Dinner Time, c. 1935, oil on canvas, Collection of Deere & Company, A01084.
Walter Haskell Hinton, V is for Victory, c. 1945, oil on canvas, Collection of Deere & Company.


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At the heart of the issue, I suspect, is concern over the agency pricing model. Agency pricing allows the publisher (or the indie author) to set the retail price of their book.
Although Smashwords is not a party to this potential lawsuit, I felt it was important that the DoJ investigators hear the Smashwords side of the story, because any decisions they make could have significant ramifications for our 40,000 authors and publishers, and for our retailers and customers.
Yesterday I had an hour-long conference call with the DoJ. My goal was to express why I think it's critically important that the DoJ not take any actions to weaken or dismantle agency pricing for ebooks.
Even before the DoJ investigation, I understood that detractors of the agency model believed that agency would lead to higher prices for consumers.
Ever since we adopted the agency model, however, I had faith that in a free market ecosystem where the supply of product (ebooks) exceeds the demand, that suppliers (authors and publishers) would use price as a competitive tool, and this would naturally lead to lower prices.
I preparation for the DoJ call, I decided to dig up the data to prove whether my pie-in-the-sky supply-and-demand hunch was correct or incorrect. I asked Henry on our engineering team to sift through our log files to reconstruct as much pricing data as possible regarding our books at the Apple iBookstore.
We shared hard data with the DoJ yesterday that we've never shared with anyone. I'll share this data with you now.
As background, Smashwords is one of several authorized aggregators supplying ebooks to the Apple iBookstore. On day one of the iPad's launch, we had about 2,200 books in the iBookstore, and our catalog there has grown steadily ever since.
Henry was able to assemble a complete data set going back to October 2010. We created once-a-month snapshots of the Smashwords catalog at the Apple iBookstore between October 2010 and March 2012. Our data captures the average price of our titles in the iBookstore, and the number of titles listed.
I'm sharing four data sets. The first data set, above at left, shows the number of Smashwords titles for sale in the Apple iBookstore. As you can see, the numbers have grown steadily. I'm not aware of any other agency pricing study that worked against such a large body of data.
In the next data set, we plotted the percentage of books priced at FREE by our authors and publishers. As you can see from the chart, the number grew from 8.45% in October 2010 to 9.60% this month.
Why would authors and publishers give away complete books when they have the power to price at a price? The reason is because FREE is a powerful marketing tool for platform building, and for introducing new readers to an author's backlist.
This data indicates a slow but steady increase in the adoption of FREE.
For you statistics geeks out there, the data represents a statistically significant trend with a tau of 0.516 and a 2-sided pvalue of .00313. For you non-stat-geeks, a positive tau number indicates an upward sloping trend, and the pvalue represents the statistical odds that the trend is invalid. A 2-sided pvalue of .00313 indicates that the odds of this trend not being statistically significant is only 3 in 1,000.
In the next chart, I aggregate all books, both FREE books and priced books, to calculate the average price of the books in the catalog.
The downward sloping trend is pronounced. The tau is -.948, indicating a downward trend, and the 2-sided pvalue is .000000049141. So, if I'm counting my zeros correctly, that's less than a 1 in 100 million chance that this trend is not statistically significant.
Dizzy yet?
In plain English, we've seen the average price of books in our catalog drop from $4.16 in October 2010 to $2.97 today.
In the next data set, we removed the free titles to identify the true average price for priced books in our catalog at Apple.
This statistically significant data set carries a tau of -0.908 and a 2-sided pvalue of 0.00000017217. This confirms that even if you remove FREE books, the average price of priced books is declining. The tau indicates 1 in one million chance that the indicated trend is incorrect.
In plain English, the average prices have dropped 25% from $4.55 in October 2010 to $3.41 today.
Back in 2009, I blogged at the Huffington Post that the time had come for publishers to price ebooks at $4.00. That day arrived for Smashwords authors and publishers a year ago.
The $3.41 is a really interesting number, for a couple reasons: 1) It shows that authors and publishers, left to their own free will, are pricing their books lower in this highly competitive market. Sure, they could all try to fleece customers by pricing their books at $29.99, but customers won't let them. 2) $3.41 is remarkably close to the average price paid for Smashwords books purchased at Barnes & Noble during the last 30 days. The B&N number: $3.16. I looked at every Smashwords book sold at Barnes & Noble between February 28 and March 27, then calculated the average price. This means Smashwords authors are pricing their books close to what customers want to pay. The median price (represents the midpoint, where an equal number of books sold at lower prices and and equal number sold at higher prices) was $2.99. The weighted average price (all priced book sales divided by number of units purchased) was $2.59.
We had a good conversation with the DoJ. They were very interested to learn about our business, and learn about the underlying dynamics of the retail distribution ecosystem from the perspective of indie authors and small publishers.
I explained how when Smashwords first began distributing ebooks to retailers in 2009, our retailer contracts were under the traditional wholesale model. After Apple introduced the agency model in early 2010, we found ourselves managing dual, incompatible pricing systems. Apple priced at agency, and our other retailers continued to discount.
As I explained to the DoJ, Apple was aware that our other retailers were underpricing them, not just because we were juggling wholesale and agency, but because Apple prices in $.99 tiers. As we explained to Apple two years ago and to the DoJ yesterday, if a Smashwords author priced a book at $1.25, we'd bump the price at Apple up to $1.99 rather than price lower than what the author wanted.
The DoJ asked me if Apple ever balked at the knowledge that other retailers were selling our same books for less, and my answer was no. Not once in our two year relationship with Apple have they ever complained about a Smashwords-distributed title priced lower at one of their competitors. They've never price-matched any of our books if they found it lower elsewhere. I really don't think they care.
For our other large retailers - Barnes & Noble, Sony and Kobo - I can think of less than five instances combined where any of them tried to price-match books because they found them priced lower elsewhere.
There's only one retailer that has made it a practice to strictly enforce most-favored-nation pricing upon its authors and publishers, and they're the retailer that forced us to move all of our wholesale retailers to the agency model. As I mentioned in my initial blog post here, our move to agency in 2010 was necessitated by Amazon's automated price matching.
At the time, when Sony or B&N discounted a $2.99 book by a mere 5%, Amazon price-matched the book which dropped the author from a 70% royalty rate at Amazon to 35% (Some time after October 2010, I believe Amazon stopped dropping the royalty rate upon price-matching). At the time, our bestselling authors were understandably upset, because the downgrade was costing some of them thousands of dollars in lost income. It caused some of them to remove their books from all retailers except Amazon out of fear of such punishment. Keep in mind, in mid 2010, Amazon controlled 80-90% of the US ebook market, so such policies put authors in a tough bind.
In mid-2010, with our authors angry over the discounting, and with them removing books from distribution (as a distributor, we care about this on multiple levels!), we started asking our retailers to move us to agency terms so our authors could control their pricing. At first, they all said no. None of them were fans of the agency model at that time. I think all of them felt as if the model had been shoved down their throats by the ultimatums of the Big 5 publishers (who viewed Apple and its agency model as their white knight counterbalance to Amazon).
In November 2010, Kobo moved us to agency, and then the next month Barnes & Noble and Sony gave us agency terms as well. I think they all moved us to agency because they realized that their discounting was causing indie authors to remove their books and sell only on Amazon.
Over the last two years, my appreciation for the agency model has grown as I've come to fully understand its benefits for our authors, publishers, retailers and customers. Here's why I support agency:
- Agency puts the authors and publishers in control over their retail price and their promotions. This gives authors and publishers the freedom to coordinate promotions across all retailers for reasons decided by the author or publisher.
- Publishers earn 60-70% of the retail list price as their earnings, vs. 35-50% under the traditional wholesale pricing model. This gives authors and publishers the freedom (should they choose to exercise it) to price their books lower, yet still earn the same or more income from the sale of each unit. This allows our authors to compete more effectively against the books of Big 6 publishers, who price their books on the high end. Lower prices make books more affordable and more accessible to more potential customers, leading to a virtuous cycle of higher unit sales at higher profit levels which leads to more earnings for our authors and publishers.
- Agency provides our retailer partners a fair, predictable commission of 30%. These retailers are investing millions of dollars - sometimes hundreds of millions of dollars - to attract more readers to more books. They earn every penny. We want them all to build profitable businesses selling indie ebooks.
- Agency creates a level playing field for all ebook retailers. It prevents deep-pocketed retailers or device-makers from using predatory pricing practices to sell books at below cost in an attempt to bleed their competitors' finances dry, or in attempt to snuff out new competitors before smaller startups gain a foothold in the market.
- Agency forces retailers to compete on customer experience rather than price. Retailers who win will be those who do the best job of attracting customers to their store, and who offer the best algorithms to match readers with books they'll enjoy reading.
- Agency forces authors and publishers to be wholly accountable to their customers. If the author or publisher prices their book too high, the market will respond by purchasing lower cost alternatives.
It's also fallacy to believe that somehow the wholesale pricing model is the savior and enabler of low prices. Under the wholesale model, the publisher has always set the price at which they'll sell the book to the bookstore, typically a 50% discount to the suggested list price. The $30 front list hardcover you purchase earns the publisher $15, or less. If the publisher decides they need to earn $18.00 on each copy sold, they'll set the suggested list price to $36.00. If you agree that under normal circumstances, most retailers will not consistently sell all their books at below cost, then it's reasonable to conclude that even under wholesale, publishers already control the minimum price all customers, on average, will pay.
It's worth noting that when the Big 5 publishers moved to agency, many of them started earning less per book than they had previously earned under the wholesale model. Pricing control was more important to them.
Analyzing the Short and Long Term Impacts
A return to the wholesale pricing model for ebooks would lead to the following short term affects:
- Indie author and publisher "royalty rates" (earnings) would drop to 35-50% of the retail price.
- Retailers would discount ebooks, and customers would begin migrating to retailers with the lowest prices. In the online realm, the cheaper book is only a click away. Online price checking web sites and apps make it easy for customers to always find the lowest price.
- Authors and publishers, in an attempt to recoup lost earnings, would at first increase prices. For example, if it's important to a Smashwords author that they earn $3.00 per copy sold, under agency they'd price the book at $5.00. Under wholesale, they'd need to price the book at $7.00, 40% higher. Yes, a return to wholesale could increase prices for customers.
- In the battle for market share, price wars will break out, and some retailers will begin pricing books below cost. Other retailers would be forced to match the prices or risk losing customers. If the price wars persisted, only two or three major ebook retailers would likely have the financial stamina to endure: Apple, Amazon and Google
- Barnes & Noble, which now controls about 28% of the US market, would probably run out of cash and suffer the safe fate as Borders.
- Smaller independent ebook retailers such as the Diesel eBook Store, BooksOnBoard and others, would be probably be forced out of business.
- Formation of new ebook retailers, both here in the US and internationally, would dry up to a trickle, further limiting the number of companies in the business of promoting reading.
- With less competition, retailers would stop discounting, and prices would rise as retailers capture the full 50% margin enabled by the wholesale model.
- With retailing power consolidated in the hands of one or two powerful retailers, authors and publishers could lose control over their distribution options and could be forced to make concessions on royalty rates, or forced to pay co-op dollars or listing fees.
I think if those of us - including the DoJ, authors, publishers, retailers, distributors, readers - who have the power to promote policies and practices that lead to more bookstores and more reading, we have an obligation to do the right thing. I believe agency will lead to more reading, and wholesale will lead to less.
Ultimately, regardless of pricing model, customers will decide what they will and will not pay.
Here's the big question: Who should decide what customers should pay? Proponents of the wholesale model believe that publishers make poor pricing decisions, and retailers make smarter decisions. If we're talking about big publishers, I agree with the retailers. Big publishers are pricing their books too high.
If we're talking about the indie authors and small presses, I think indies are more savvy about pricing than big publishers. The data above supports this. They're closer to their customers. With nearly 100,000 Smashwords books to choose from at Barnes & Noble, customers are voting for $2.99 as the median price and our books are priced very near that.
Are retailers better at pricing than indie authors? My guess is yes, simply because retailers have real-time access to store-wide data. But this gap in intelligence is rapidly decreasing. Indie authors are getting faster access to information, and there's even greater opportunity ahead for distributors such as Smashwords to start sharing more information with both authors and our retail partners. Such information sharing will help better align the interests of authors and retailers, and the end result will be pricing that is more responsive to the needs of customers.
Who Should Control Pricing?
In the end, I think authors and publishers should have the freedom to decide their pricing.
I have no idea how the DoJ will lean in their rumored lawsuit. I also don't know the negotiation plans of the publishers and Apple. The DoJ declined to share any details of their investigation with me.
I trust now that whatever decision the DoJ makes, they'll make it with the full knowledge of how it will impact indie authors. As I expressed to the DoJ, indies are the future of publishing.


text:
Associated Press
Barack Obama is cruising into the presidential debates with momentum on his side, yet he's still struggling to revive the passion and excitement that propelled him to the White House. Mitt Romney is grasping for his last, best chance to reboot his campaign after a disastrous September.
The fierce and determined competitors in the tight race have a specific mission for the three debates, the first of which is Wednesday night in Denver.
Obama, no longer the fresh face of 2008, must convince skeptical Americans that he can accomplish in a second term what he couldn't in his first, restoring the economy to full health.
Romney, anxious to keep the race from slipping away, needs to instill confidence that he is a credible and trusted alternative to the president, with a better plan for strengthening the economy.
"The burden in many ways is heavier on Romney," says Wayne Fields, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis who specializes in political rhetoric. "What we see right now is an uncertainty about whether he's ready for the job."
For all the hundreds of campaign appearances, thousands of political ads and billions of dollars invested in the race, this is a singular moment in the contest. Upward of 50 million people are expected to watch each of the debates, drawing the largest political audience of the year.
Forty-one percent of Americans reported watching all of the 2008 debates, and 80 percent said they saw at least a bit, according to a Pew Research Center poll.
That intense interest tends to crowd out everything else for a time, adding to the debates' importance. With polls indicating that Obama has been gaining ground steadily in the most competitive states, the pressure is on Romney to turn in a breakout performance.
The Denver debate, 90 minutes devoted to domestic policy, airs live at 9 p.m. EDT, with the two men seated side by side in elevated director's chairs. Romney and Obama debate again Oct. 16 in Hempstead, N.Y., and Oct. 22 in Boca Raton, Fla. Vice President Joe Biden and Republican Paul Ryan have their lone debate Oct. 11 in Danville, Ky.
With early or absentee voting already under way in more than half the states, any first impressions created in the debates could well be last impressions. What the candidates say is sure to matter immensely, but how they say it may count for even more.
"We remember visual impressions from debates more than we remember specific words," says Alan Schroeder, a Northeastern University professor who's written a history of presidential debates.
Whether the candidates smile or grimace, strike a confident or defensive pose, speak with a resonant or strained tone of voice, it all matters. That may be particularly true for the all-important undecided voters and those still open to changing their minds.
Staunch Democrats and Republicans may well be firm in their choices, says Patti Wood, an Atlanta-based expert on body language, but if less partisan voters are "frightened in general about their lives, if they're insecure, they're going to pick the most charismatic person."
Both candidates have challenges to overcome on that score, according to Wood.
Obama, 51, has been sounding "very tired and very strained" lately, she says, and Romney, 65, "has a problem with appearing superior and cold."
Overall, she says, "Romney is looking a little bit younger than Obama right now," in terms of energy if not wrinkles.
Both candidates are experienced and competent debaters. But each, setting the judgment bar high for his opponent, is working overtime to puff up the skills of the other guy and play down his own debate credentials.
Romney recently described the president as "eloquent in describing his vision" during the 2008 debates. But the GOP nominee added that Obama "can't win by his words, because his record speaks so loudly in our ears."
Obama campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki stresses that Romney has been preparing for the debates with "more focus than any presidential candidate in modern history." Sketching sky-high stakes, Psaki says the Republicans fully expect the debates to be "their turning point" in the campaign.
The president himself mocked the idea that Romney still can alter the campaign dynamic.
"Every few days he keeps on saying he's going to reboot this campaign and they're going to start explaining very specifically how this plan is going to work – and then they don't," he said last week while campaigning in Virginia.
For all their positioning, both candidates will use the debates to try to surmount the same challenges that they long have confronted.
Romney, frequently criticized for shifting his positions to sync up with the politics of the moment, needs to project "a kind of character, a kind of maturity that allows him to be presidential," says Fields.
Obama, an incumbent who's shown himself to be comfortable in the media glare, "doesn't have to prove that part," says Fields. "He has to prove that he has real answers to problems that have not been solved in his first term, and for which there is a great deal of unrest."
Romney is sure to be questioned anew about his caught-on-video comment dismissing the 47 percent of Americans who don't pay federal income tax as victims who won't take responsibility for their lives.
Former President Bill Clinton, offering a bit of unsolicited advice to the opposition, says Romney would be wise not to "double down on that 47 percent remark."
"That will cause difficulties, because we now know that the overwhelming number of those people work and have children," Clinton said recently. He added that the most important job for Romney is to "find a way to relate to more people in these debates and speak to more of them."
On Saturday, the Obama campaign posted a Web video urging debate viewers take Romney's claims of private-sector experience with a grain of salt. "Remember, it wasn't about creating jobs," the video says. It includes testimony from steel- and paper-plant workers laid off after Bain Capital takeovers.
Also Saturday, the Romney campaign announced plans for his wife Ann to speak at a rally Monday in Henderson, Nev., where Obama is planning three days of private debate preparation. And Romney points to Syria, Libya and Iran to criticize Obama's foreign policy as "one of passivity and denial" in his weekly podcast.
Meantime, there's no shortage of advice swirling around the two candidates: loosen up, study up, be aggressive, don't overdo it, admit mistakes, don't apologize, project confidence, ooze emotion, use humor, make eye contact, get more sleep.
It's enough to paralyze even the most skilled orator if not kept in perspective.
"That's what so tricky about this," says Schroeder. "Debates themselves are this kind of interesting blend of the choreographed and the spontaneous. … What you want is for the candidate to be prepared but not to overlook those opportunities to improvise when you see an opening."
The stakes are lower for the debate between Biden and Ryan. It offers the prospect of a looser and more entertaining discussion between two candidates with vastly different styles and personalities.
In 2008, Biden's debate with Republican Sarah Palin attracted 70 million viewers, easily topping the 63 million high-water mark for the presidential debates that year.
Read more: http://www.9news.com/news/politics/291896/166/High-debate-stakes-Romney-looks-to-gain-momentum


text:
Myelomeningocele is a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth. The condition is a type of spina bifida.
Normally, during the first month of a pregnancy, the two sides of the spine (or backbone) join together to cover the spinal cord, spinal nerves and meninges (the tissues covering the spinal cord). Spina bifida refers to any birth defect involving incomplete closure of the spine.
Myelomeningocele is the most common type of spina bifida. It is a neural tube defect in which the bones of the spine do not completely form, resulting in an incomplete spinal canal. This causes the spinal cord and meninges (the tissues covering the spinal cord) to stick out of the child's back.
Myelomeningocele may affect as many as 1 out of every 800 infants.
The rest of spina bifida cases are most commonly:
Other congenital disorders or birth defects may also be present in a child with myelomeningocele. Hydrocephalus may affect as many as 90% of children with myelomeningocele. Other disorders of the spinal cord or musculoskeletal system may be seen, including syringomyelia and hip dislocation.
The cause of myelomeningocele is unknown. However, low levels of folic acid in a woman's body before and during early pregnancy is thought to play a part in this type of birth defect. The vitamin folic acid (or folate) is important for brain and spinal cord development.
Also, if a child is born with myelomeningocele, future children in that family have a higher risk than the general population. However, in many cases, there is no family connection.
Some theorize that a virus make play a role, since there is a higher rate of this condition in children born in the early winter months. Research also indicates possible environmental factors such as radiation.
A newborn may have a sac sticking out of the mid to lower back. The doctor cannot see through the sac when shining a light behind it. Symptoms include:
Other symptoms may include:
Prenatal screening can help diagnose this condition. During the second trimester, pregnant women can have a blood test called the quadruple screen. This test screens for myelomeningocele, Down syndrome, and other congenital diseases in the baby. Most women carrying a baby with spina bifida will have a higher-than-normal levels of a protein called maternal alpha fetoprotein (AFP).
If the quadruple screen test is positive, further testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Such tests may include:
Myelomeningocele can be seen after the child is born. A neurologic examination may show that the child has loss of nerve-related functions below the defect. For example, watching how the infant responds to pinpricks at various locations may reveal where he or she can feel the sensations.
Tests done on the baby after birth may include x-rays, ultrasound, CT, or MRI of the spinal area.
Genetic counseling may be recommended. In some cases where severe defect is detected early in the pregnancy, a therapeutic abortion may be considered.
After birth, surgery to repair the defect is usually recommended at an early age. Before surgery, the infant must be handled carefully to reduce damage to the exposed spinal cord. This may include special care and positioning, protective devices, and changes in the methods of handling, feeding, and bathing.
Children who also have hydrocephalus may need a ventricular peritoneal shunt placed. This will help drain the extra fluid.
Antibiotics may be used to treat or prevent infections such as meningitis or urinary tract infections.
Most children will require lifelong treatment for problems that result from damage to the spinal cord and spinal nerves. This includes:
Follow-up examinations generally continue throughout the child's life. These are done to check the child's developmental level and to treat any intellectual, neurological, or physical problems.
Visiting nurses, social services, support groups, and local agencies can provide emotional support and assist with the care of a child with a myelomeningocele who has significant problems or limitations.
A myelomeningocele can usually be surgically corrected. With treatment, length of life is not severely affected. Neurological damage is often irreversible.
New problems within the spinal cord can develop later in life, especially after the child begins growing rapidly during puberty. This can lead to more loss of function as well as orthopedic problems such as scoliosis, foot or ankle deformities, dislocated hips, and joint tightness or contractures.
Many patients with myelomeningocele primarily use a wheelchair.
This list may not be all inclusive.
Call your health care provider if:
Folic acid supplements may help reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as myelomeningocele. It is recommended that any woman considering becoming pregnant take 0.4 mg of folic acid a day. Pregnant women need 1 mg per day.
It is important to remember that folic acid deficiencies must be corrected before becoming pregnant as the defects develop very early.
Prospective mothers may be screened to determine the amount of folic acid in their blood.
Spina bifida; Cleft spine
Kinsman SL, Johnston MV. Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 592.
Reviewed by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine (11/2/2009).
Notice: The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


text:
Asscher Lab Diamond 18K Rose Gold Vortex Ring
This enchanting ring has a lovely Asscher lab diamond as the centrepiece and a row of pretty diamonds embedded along the shoulders of the beautiful 18k rose gold band in a vortex fashion, creating a spectacular show of sparkle. The centrepiece is secured neatly in a four-clawed platinum mount, which gives a charming contrast against the splendid rose gold band. This ring with a spiralling row of diamonds is perfect for daily wear.
- Certificate: IGI Certified Diamond
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- Style: Vortex Shoulder Set
- Centre Setting: Four-Prongs
- Band width: 2.20mm
Additional information: This ring is wedding ring friendly, and will fit most standard wedding bands. All our jewellery is hallmarked in line with the Hallmarking Act 1973.
Product information
The Stone Lab are proud to offer Free Worldwide Delivery.
All parcels are shipped via our nominated couriers and are fully insured to your postal address, every parcel requires a signature upon delivery.
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For urgent orders, get in touch with our customer care team and we'll do our best to accommodate an expedited order.
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Bespoke items specially commissioned can be returned within 7 days of receiving your order. These are items that CAN'T be purchased through this website. Bespoke items are not fully refundable.
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This refund is only available if the item is unworn, in a saleable condition and is returned with its original packaging and certificate(s). You should also include proof of purchase. Please note that all jewellery returned will be checked by our experts to ensure it is as originally sent, by us to you, before a refund is processed.
For items such as create your own ring, 3 stone ring, earrings and pendants (these are items that are made from a diamond and setting), we offer 30 days to change the design. Any difference in cost between the setting designs will be charged.
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Ordering with The Stone Lab is quick, easy, and secure. Once you have selected your Stone Lab jewellery, simply follow the below steps:
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We have a head office in Manchester and offer virtual consultations.
During your virtual consultation you'll be able to inspect a selection of our beautiful fine jewellery and a member of our jewellery consultancy team will be on hand to answer all your questions.
We are committed to our customers and our knowledgeable team of jewellery consultants work hard to ensure the highest quality service possible.
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The Stone Lab are honoured members of the National Association of Jewellers, the UK's leading jewellery trade association. As a member we have been assessed by the association and abide by a strict code of conduct.
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We are passionate about ensuring that all our customers are one hundred percent satisfied with their ring and therefore offer a one-time free ring resize service (not including postage) on all ring purchases within 30 days of receiving your order.
Please note that it takes approximately 5-10 days to resize your ring.
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We do however hallmark all our jewellery in line with UK regulations. Each hallmark includes a sponsor mark, fineness mark and assay office mark, indicating the piece's creator, precious metal content, place & year the jewellery was hallmarked. This hallmark isn't visible when worn and is engraved in extremely small text on the inside of the ring's band.


text:
Put down the club, honey, I'm just joking. Really. Now put it down.
(click to enlarge)
A Blog detailing the insanity of my medical practice and the stupidity of everyday life.
Snopes has an interesting article about that graphic.
Keep a little club soda on hand at all times to settle his stomach after a stressful day at work. As a plus, the soda can dissolve those pesky lipstick stains you keep finding on his collars.
Well, that's awful 16 ways to Sunday but I have to admit I like the 3rd bullet point, "Be a little gay..."
Wow. Just... wow.
I especially like #3.
You do like to live dangerously.
So, I work more hours away from home than my husband (and earn more money). Do you think turn about is fair play?
I want that good wife to take care of my needs
Good sir...next time Mrs. Grumpy reads the blog, I will pray for your safety. I agree, hilarious. And, really ridiculous. Alas, us menfolk can laugh, while the ladies always have to prove themselves to society.
Like I said, good luck Doc Grumpy. Thanks for bloggin.
Captcha: peevi
LMAO!!! I'd seen this before, but not in a long while ~
thanks for the laugh!!!
All is not as it appears. Notice how the freshly spiffed-up darling little kiddos savagely scuffle over Dad's briefcase. They're trying to glom his pack of Lucky Strikes.
The Guide may be apocryphal, but we all want to know who made those underlines on the copy, don't we.
More awesomeness from the advertising archives (including the original of the 'Good Wife' illustration) here.
(Captcha: "Whumsa". As in: "When Dr G unwisely gave Mrs G the 'Good Wife's Guide,' she went all Whumsa on his ass."
Will someone please tell me where I can find a woman like this?
My MIL actually HAS A COPY OF THIS!!!!!! She showed it to me once and I asked her how she kept from choking to death the first time she read it! lol
So even in the 50's men wanted their wives to be a little bit gay to keep things interesting.
Gotta run, I need to put a ribbon in my hair and run a dust cloth over the tables before Tobie gets home from school...
there is a man who lives a life of danger.....
Its not such a bad comment (on the 1955 instruction). Everyone should know their job expectations-requirements (their place).
The husband in 1955 assumed to be employed, had to take CRAP from the boss to keep his job. Just like today.
If the husband was making money, taking out the garbage etc. He knew his place and fulfilled his role in the family.
That phrase works for both husband and wife.
Get pissed off at Capitalism if you don't know/like your place.
Will someone please tell me where I can find a woman like this?
Try the clone vats of Alpha Centauri. No place around here that I know of.
Anon 6:36 uhhh....yeah. You live in your Mom's basement don't you?
I'd read this a long time ago online. Ironically enough, the next day I went out to the shooting range for some 9mm practice. I got expert that day....
Wow, what doucherocket wrote this?
And she hasn't murdered you yet?
Better check that life insurance policy.
"Hey, little girl, comb your hair, fix your makeup, soon he will walk through the door....
Just because there's a ring on your finger doesn't mean not to try anymore.
Wives should always be lovers, too, run to his arms whenever he comes home to you..."
And that song was on the radio much more recently than this guide was published!
Makes me sad that I went to college and was in the Army and all that when I COULD'A been a Stepford Wife if I'd JUST been born sooner...
Pattie, RN
Hey Dr. Grumpy, when was Prozac invented (Valium wasn't until the 1960s, yes?)? Because these 1955 women must be on buckets of it. Mother's little helper!
Prozac was 1987.
Damn, I ran out of ribbons to put in my hair....
They drank a lot back in the '50s. My MIL gave me the straight poop when I asked her how she handled life back then. (In the mid 1950's my FIL was military, she was home alone with my SIL in El Paso, TX away from friends and family) She smiled and said that when her husband came home, he made her a Manhattan. Cocktail hour was a nightly ritual for them.
Here's the rebuttal, writtenby Judy Syfers: I want a wife!
Yes, I remember, I was a kid in the 50s and cocktails were a very big deal. For adults that is!
wv: singl and happy about it!
I fear for your safety Dr Grumpy.
re : before Valium question
Amphetamine psychosis LINK
Why is this woman tied? Advert for Dexedrine
I thought before valium were barbiturates?
The part I really don't like in this essay is the Orwellian overtones. The husband takes the role of Big Brother and will notice a fleck of dust or dirty little finger and actually CARE about it enough to lower his opinion of his wife because of it. The wife is stressed out over all these fanthom job requirements and the husband is stressed out over having to be this Larger-than-Life persona that really pushes him away from being emotionally attached to anyone in his household. I can't imagine anyone actually being happy......
Now, where is that cage of rats?????
I am totally going to send that to my wife. Wait, does this apply if she makes more than me?
Just reading that list pisses me off.
I believe miltown was the drug of choice then...
Quite honestly, there are quite a few things on this list I really aspire to. You know what? It really helps! I think that, all joking aside, if more wives were like this, more marriages would be happier. Secretly, there are many men who would love just half of this stuff from their wives on even a weekly basis.True, huh, most of you husbands out there?
19lt70, maybe more marriages would be happier if more husbands were like this. D'ya ever think of that?
Secretly, there are many women who would love just half of this stuff from their husbands on even a weekly basis. True, huh, most of you wives out there?
If I decided to "be a little gay" I'm sure my husband would be very startled. If I decided to do ALL these things he would be terrified


text:
High-level option handling with GetOpt
I've used Haskell to create various command-line utilities for unix-like systems. In the process I developed a simple yet powerful and flexible technique for processing program options.
Sven Panne's GetOpt module does a fine job at parsing command line options. It has a simple, easy to use interface, handles short and long options, abbreviated options and most needed option argument modes (no / optional / required argument). It can even produce a nice usage info from option descriptions.
(Documentation and example code using this module can be found at http://www.haskell.org/ghc/docs/latest/html/libraries/base/System-Console-GetOpt.html)
However, I checked over half a dozen serious programs written in Haskell and saw that in most of them the code responsible for option handling is quite ugly, repetitious and error prone (of course there were exceptions, see below). Saying 'option handling' I don't mean the work of analyzing the command line, but rather how supplied options influence program's behaviour, how error situations are handled, etc.
(The exception is Wolfgang Thaller's VOP program. Wolfgang used a nice, but a little lengthy technique there. There are probably other ,,exceptional programs out there).
I think there are two major reasons of the current situation. The first reason is that option handling is rarely of primary concern to the programmer. Often there are not that much options to handle in the beginning and it seems that the simplest solution will do. Alas, if the program is evolving and its users ask for new functionality, new options appear, and the initial design starts to be an obstacle.
The other reason is lack of good examples. The example delivered with GetOpt shows how to use the library, but it doesn't show that there are other, better ways to use it. I don't propose to introduce more advanced techniques to this example, because it would make it rather heavy. But it would be nice if there would be a pointer for interested users.
About typical use of GetOpt
In a typical use of GetOpt module (like in the example) there is a definition of a sum datatype with data constructors corresponding to individual command-line options. Options with no arguments are represented by nullary constructors, and options that must or can have arguments - by unary constructors. For example, below is a slightly modified example from GetOpt's documentation:
data Flag = Verbose -- this option has no arguments
| Version -- no arguments
| Input (Maybe String) -- optional argument
| Output String -- mandatory argument
| LibDir String -- mandatory argument
GetOpt uses 'ArgDescr a' datatype to specify argument modes of options:
data ArgDescr a = NoArg a
| ReqArg (String -> a) String
| OptArg (Maybe String -> a) String
Because every constructor of Flag datatype has one of types Flag, (String -> Flag) or (Maybe String -> Flag), they can be given verbatim as first arguments to appropriate constructors of 'ArgDescr Flag' datatype.
Used in this way, getOpt parses a list of strings to a list of Flag values. It also separates options from non option arguments, signals unrecognized, ambiguous or improperly used options.
But after all, it is not that big step. There is still much processing of this Flag list to do. One has to check if specific options are there in the list, some options have to be combined, etc, etc.
Advertised technique
Imports for the full program
( Because I wanted it to be a fully functional Literate Haskell program, here come the required imports )
module Main (main) where
import System.Console.GetOpt
import Control.Monad
import System.IO
import System.Exit
import System.Environment
Analysis of options typing
Let's look at program options not from the command-line side, but rather from program(mer)'s side. How to encode them? What would be the best way to present them to the programmer. How should they influence program's behaviour?
'Verbose' could be an easily accessible Bool value, False by default. 'Version', if supplied, could just print the program's version and exit. 'Input' could just yield a String, either from stdin or from a specified file. 'Output' could just take a String and do something with it.
We need some kind of a fixed-size polytypic dictionary of option values - a perfect application for Haskell's records.
data Options = Options { optVerbose :: Bool
, optInput :: IO String
, optOutput :: String -> IO ()
Note that I didn't place optVersion in the record. We will handle this option differently.
There is one special combination of options, the start (or default) options:
startOptions :: Options
startOptions = Options { optVerbose = False
, optInput = getContents
, optOutput = putStr
Threading the options through the program
But in the end we would like to get the record reflecting the options given to the program. We do this by threading the Options record through functions processing single options. Each such function can change this record. Why not just put such functions in ArgDescr and OptDescr datatypes? Here we benefit from first-class citizenship of functions.
I won't use a pure function with type (Options -> Options), but rather an effectful function in the IO Monad, because I want to easily perform side effects during option parsing (here only in 'version' and 'help' options, but I could also check validity of input and output files during option processing). You may prefer to use a pure function, a State+Error monad, a State+IO monad, or something different...
options :: [ OptDescr (Options -> IO Options) ]
options =
[ Option "i" ["input"]
(\arg opt -> return opt { optInput = readFile arg })
"Input file"
, Option "o" ["output"]
(\arg opt -> return opt { optOutput = writeFile arg })
"Output file"
, Option "s" ["string"]
(\arg opt -> return opt { optInput = return arg })
"Input string"
, Option "v" ["verbose"]
(\opt -> return opt { optVerbose = True }))
"Enable verbose messages"
, Option "V" ["version"]
(\_ -> do
hPutStrLn stderr "Version 0.01"
exitWith ExitSuccess))
"Print version"
, Option "h" ["help"]
(\_ -> do
prg <- getProgName
hPutStrLn stderr (usageInfo prg options)
exitWith ExitSuccess))
"Show help"
The main
functionmain = do
args <- getArgs
-- Parse options, getting a list of option actions
let (actions, nonOptions, errors) = getOpt RequireOrder options args
-- Here we thread startOptions through all supplied option actions
opts <- foldl (>>=) (return startOptions) actions
let Options { optVerbose = verbose
, optInput = input
, optOutput = output } = opts
when verbose (hPutStrLn stderr "Hello!")
input >>= output
Voila! As you can see most of work is done in option descriptions.


text:
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We currently offer quick shipping to Canada and certain European Countries. Rates are calculated at checkout based on weight. We utilize USPS Carriers. We are happy to accept returns within 10 days of your original purchase date. All items must be in new, unworn condition with all original tags still attached.
General Shipping Notes
Orders generally ship within 48 hours of purchase, we take pride in our processing speed. If you shop as a guest you will only receive one notification. For registered customers your order tracking will also be found inside My Account. Shipping days are Monday-Friday, but at peak times and holidays we also ship Saturdays.
Return and Exchange policy FAQ
Frequently asked questions about returns, refunds, and exchanges. Your satisfaction is our top priority. To exchange or return visit our returns center via https://dungeonforward.returnscenter.com/ . We accept returns for exchange or refund up to 10 calendar days after delivery of the product.
How do I return?
- Visit our returns center via https://dungeonforward.returnscenter.com/
- Enter your order number and email address to start
- Follow the instructions and select the items you want to return
- Once your request is approved, you will get a confirmation email with shipping guidelines
What items are returnable?
- Within 10 days from the date of delivery - Must email if out of window
- In unused and resellable condition. Items must not show signs of wear, damage or smoke in any way.
- In the original packaging with all the tags intact
- Items can also be returned if the fit is not satisfactory or if there was a quality issue.
What items are non-refundable?
The following items cannot be returned:
- Gift cards
- Discounted items (if applicable)
- Mask
The item I received is damaged!
If the purchased product is faulty, reach out to us within 10 days of the delivered date.
Can the items be exchanged?
We allow the exchange of purchased items for selectable variants. Once the exchange request is approved, the replaced item will be shipped to you.
What are the refund options?
The following refund options are supported:
- Refund to the original payment method
- Refund to store credit (if applicable)
How do I ship back the items?
For instructions on how to ship the returned products, refer to the email received after placing the return request.
How soon will I get my refund?
Once your returned item is received and inspected, you will be notified via an email. You will also be informed about the approval or rejection of your refund request. If approved, the refund request will be processed within 5 - 7 working days after approval.
My question is not addressed...
If you have any queries regarding return or refund, reach out to us.
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Customer Support: (954) 933-8297


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I leave my plate on the table, yell goodbye to the family as I run out the door. I race down the road, and onto the freeway.
I get to the hospital. I pull into one of the special "doctor emergency" slots by the ER entrance. I wave to Willy, the security guy who's been sitting there watching the lot for the last 40 years (he's rumored to be the last surviving veteran of the Spanish-American War of 1898).
I run in. I meet with the family as the patient is being wheeled to CT. He comes back. I look at the CT and call the radiologist. I examine the patient and go over the checklist for TPA, and explain the risks and benefits to them.
The family and patient are willing to throw the dice. The volatile drug is given as we watch. I re-examine him every few minutes. We get a bed in the ICU, and the patient is wheeled off. I write further orders and make phone calls to an internist and cardiologist.
Only time will tell.
And I walk out to my car, hoping to get home before the kids are asleep, and to have some dinner.
(click to enlarge)


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"Stomach Flu"
Article Translations: (Spanish)
Many people talk about the "stomach flu" when they're feeling sick to their stomachs. It isn't the same as influenza, or the flu. Stomach flu is an illness called gastroenteritis (say: gas-tro-en-tuh-RYE-tus), which is usually caused by a virus.
Someone with gastroenteritis may have stomach cramps, diarrhea (say: dye-uh-REE-uh), a fever, and nausea (say: NAW-zee-uh), and might throw up. He or she will probably feel pretty sick for a day or two but will then get better.
There is no vaccine or cure for gastroenteritis. If you have it, you'll want to rest until you feel better. If you're throwing up, don't eat solid food. Instead, sip fluids, such as water, or try a popsicle. Your mom or dad also might give you an oral rehydration (say: ree-hye-DRAY-shun) solution. That's a fancy name for those special fruit-flavored drinks that contain carbohydrates and electrolytes — stuff your body can get low on when you're dehydrated from diarrhea or throwing up.
Once you stop throwing up, you can try other kinds of clear liquids like chicken broth and juices. When you start to feel better, try eating bland foods like gelatin, toast, pretzels or crackers, bananas, rice, and plain noodles. As your digestive system returns to normal, you can gradually go back to eating what you usually do.
Gastroenteritis is contagious (say: kun-TAY-jus), which means that someone who has it can spread it to other people. It's spread by close contact with the person who is sick or by eating food that's contaminated. That's why it's important to wash your hands, especially before you eat and after going pee or poop!
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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From The Hamilton Beach Test Kitchen
Added by Pat
Recommended Hamilton Beach® Product: Waffle Maker
Serves: 6
Test Kitchen Tips:
Homemade waffle batter may take longer to cook than packaged pancake and waffle mix. The packaged mix waffles are done in about 5 minutes. Made from scratch recipes take a few minutes more.
The Belgian waffle grid holds more batter than a traditional grid. These recipes give a range of batter to use, for example, 2/3 to 3/4 cup. The larger amount should be used for a Belgian waffle grid.
Waffles can be frozen and then reheated. Make a large batch ahead of time and let cool on a cooling rack. Freeze in airtight storage bags then heat in an oven or microwave.


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XtGeometryResult XtMakeResizeRequest(w, width, height, width_return, height_return)
Widget w;
Dimension width, height;
Dimension *width_return, *height_return
Otherwise, XtMakeGeometryRequest returns the resulting value from the parent's geometry manager.
Children of primitive widgets are always unmanaged; thus, XtMakeGeometryRequest always returns XtGeometryYes when called by a child of a primitive widget.
The XtMakeResizeRequest function, a simple interface to XtMakeGeometryRequest, creates a XtWidgetGeometry structure and specifies that width and height should change. The geometry manager is free to modify any of the other window attributes (position or stacking order) to satisfy the resize request. If the return value is XtGeometryAlmost, width_return and height_return contain a compromise width and height. If these are acceptable, the widget should immediately make an XtMakeResizeRequest and request that the compromise width and height be applied. If the widget is not interested in XtGeometryAlmost replies, it can pass NULL for width_return and height_return.


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As he slashes his campaign schedule and lays off about one-third of his staff, 2012 Republican presidential Newt Gingrich is mounting a "big-choice convention strategy" that he hopes will end with Republicans turning to him to be their nominee, NPR's Don Gonyea tells our Newscast Desk.
The former House speaker "is counting on Mitt Romney going into the [August GOP] convention short of the delegates needed to win the nomination on the first ballot," Don reports. "After that, he plans a hard sell to get the convention delegates to select him."
It takes 1,144 delegates to become the Republican nominee. Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, currently leads with an estimated 464. In second place: former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, with 205. Gingrich has 135.
Gingrich communications director Joe DeSantis tells Politico that the campaign also has a new manager. According to Politico, "Michael Krull, a former advance man and a college friend of Callista Gingrich's who took over the campaign after a staff exodus in June, was replaced last weekend by Vince Haley, who has worked for Gingrich for nine years and currently is deputy campaign manager and policy director."
The Gingrich campaign has been counted out before and come back. As NPR's Brian Naylor has reported, "his campaign bottomed out in June [2011], when most of his staff quit. There were the revelations about his line of credit at Tiffany's, and a sense that he was a vanity candidate, running for office as a way to plug his books and movie projects." Over time, Gingrich recovered and briefly led in polls of GOP voters.
He has only won primaries in two places, however: his home state of Georgia, and neighboring South Carolina.
For its part, the Romney campaign has been making the case that their candidate has the momentum and is the inevitable nominee.
Copyright 2016 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.


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Department of Homeland Security spending questioned as debt looms
| Washington
The Homeland Security Department paid for an underwater robot in a Midwest city with no major rivers or lakes nearby, a hog catcher in rural Texas and a fish tank in a small Texas town, according to a new congressional report highlighting what it described as wasteful spending of tax money intended for counterterrorism purposes.
Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., said in his 54-page report that while much of the spending for the department's Urban Area Security Initiative appeared to be allowed under the program's rules, it was still inappropriate in an age of budget austerity and as the federal government faces a $16 trillion national debt.
"Every dollar misspent in the name of security weakens our already precarious economic condition, indebts us to foreign nations, and shackles the future of our children and grandchildren," Coburn said.
The report focused on UASI spending in the last few years in Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, Oklahoma and the National Capitol Region, which includes Washington and parts of Maryland and Virginia. Among the projects Coburn found questionable were:
—$21 for a fish tank in Seguin, Texas, a small town outside of San Antonio.
—$98,000 for an underwater robot in Columbus, Ohio, where there are no major rivers and few lakes nearby.
—$24,000 for a "latrine on wheels" in Fort Worth, Texas.
—A "BearCat" armored vehicle bought with a $285,933 grant in Keene, N.H., a small New England town that is home to an annual pumpkin festival that draws up to 70,000 people.
—$250,000 for security upgrades, including $9,000 in signage, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The grant program stems from the 2001 terrorist attacks when the federal government pledged to help equip local governments to prevent future attacks and respond if they occurred. DHS has pumped billions to states over the past decade under the program that puts states in control of how the money is ultimately spent.
The security program is the department's most popular grant, and guidance for how money can be spent has evolved over the years. During the past decade there have been other examples of questionable homeland security grants, including infamous snow cone machines bought by Michigan officials last year. The department has no way of tracking how the money is spent and has not produced adequate measures to gauge what states and communities actually need, Coburn said.
DHS spokesman Matt Chandler said the department "fundamentally disagrees with the report's position on the value of homeland security grants and the importance of investments in our first responders on the front lines and the development of critical capabilities at the local level."
Chandler said the department's grant programs are evolving and changes proposed by the Obama administration reflect "a more targeted approach" to how federal money will be spent in the future.
Sen. Joe Lieberman, the retiring chairman of the Senate homeland security committee, said while Coburn's report "makes some good points" the program's benefits outweigh its flaws.
"The grants, for example, have helped improve first-responder communications between different jurisdictions and levels of government — a lesson learned from the 9/11 attacks when scores of New York City fire fighters died because of poor communications," said Lieberman, I-Conn.
Congress regularly complains about the lack of accountability of the grant programs but lawmakers are happy to have the federal dollars spent in their districts. And almost from the beginning the program has operated with political considerations.
In 2004, then-DHS Secretary Tom Ridge told a congressional panel asking about allotments to various cities that he was looking for a formula that get "218 votes in the House or 51 votes in the Senate, in order to get it done."
Coburn wasn't shy about shouldering some of the blame for the program's failings.
"Any blame for problems in the UASI program ... also falls on Congress, which is often more preoccupied with the amount of money sent to its cities than with how the money is spent, or whether it was ever needed in the first place," Coburn said.
Associated Press writer Eileen Sullivan contributed to this report.


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These buttery little cookies are so cute—and you know how we love cute!
"Hi!" said my friend Beth.
"It's about time you called."
"I've practically gobbled up half this cookie dough already. Talking to you is the only way I'm going to stop eating it!"
This dough really is good, and the baked cookies are even better. While I adore a good butter cookie—and am constantly amazed by the number of bad butter cookies out there—I've never been much of a shortbread fan. And maybe it's just me, but shortbread recipes often seem rather fussy.
This dough comes together in less time than it takes the oven to heat up, and there's no patting anything into a pan or making decorative designs with a fork.
These cute little cookies are a like scrumptious cross between butter cookies and shortbread, combining the best qualities of each. They go well with mugs of hot coffee or cold glasses of milk, would make a dainty addition to an afternoon tea tray, and travel well so they're perfect for toting to picnics and potlucks.
I usually make my cookies extra large, but after doing some experimenting, I've decided that these taste best when small. I also applied my More, More, More philosophy, upping the mini chocolate chips and toffee bits, but ultimately reduced the amount called for in the original version. That way you taste more of the buttery cookie.
Like most shortbreads, these will keep for several days (which makes them a wonderful choice for holiday goodie boxes mailed to faraway loved ones), and I think they taste better the day after baking. They also freeze beautifully. Pack them in little cello bags tied with a colorful ribbon for handy gifts, perhaps tucked into oversized cappuccino cups. Everyone loves them.
I have no idea if they're good warm from the oven, because by the time they've finished baking I'm always way too full of batter to want one.
Baby Shortbread Cookies with Mini Chocolate Chips and English Toffee Bits
Makes about 4 dozen 1¾-inch cookies — Adapted from the kitchn
**Click here to print this recipe**
The original recipe has you shape dozens of spoonfuls of dough into tiny balls and then press them lightly onto the baking sheet to flatten the bottoms. I don't have that kind of patience, so I just use a little scoop instead.
I also skipped the part where you dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate because I've never been able to do that without making a big mess, plus my chocolate never seems to completely dry. If you want a fancier looking cookie you might try it, though I think they're perfectly fine without.
I'm a sucker for any recipe that calls for English toffee bits, but these would also be good made with all mini chocolate chips or mini chips and finely chopped pecans. And for shortbread purists, I bet they'd be very nice without anything extra added at all.
1 cup (2 sticks/8 ounces) organic butter (I use salted), softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups organic all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup English toffee bits, such as Heath (the ones without chocolate)
Heat the oven to 350°.
With a hand held electric mixer, cream the butter and powdered sugar until smooth, about 1 minute. Beat in the vanilla, and then add the flour and salt. Reduce the speed to low and mix in the mini chocolate chips and toffee bits.
With a small stainless steel scoop (these are so handy; for this recipe I use one that's 1¼" across), drop cookies onto a heavy duty baking sheet lined with unbleached parchment paper. (I love my commercial half sheet pans and have been using some of them for 20 years, for everything from baking lemon scones to roasting Brussels sprouts. Two dozen of these cookies will fit on one sheet, so the whole batch will bake on two trays. Unbleached parchment paper is wonderful stuff, and you can reuse each sheet several times.)
Bake until the edges are just starting to brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and store in an airtight container or freeze.
Still have a sweet tooth? You might also enjoy these:
Cookies and Bars
Molasses Ginger Spice Snaps
Chocolate Biscotti For Beginners
Toasted Almond Chocolate Chip Biscotti
Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Raisin Cookies (and how to hug a sheep)
Yip Yap Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Banana Snaps
Choco-Oat-Butterscotch-Coconut Crazy Cookies
Blueberry Breakfast Bars
Just Peachy Blueberry Breakfast Bars
Apple Blueberry Crumble Bars
Muffins and Scones
Spicy Pumpkin Pecan Raisin Muffins
100% Whole Grain Bran Muffins (four different flavors)
100% Whole Grain Ginger Pear Bran Muffins
White Whole Wheat Scones with Currants and Oats
Cakes, Tarts, and More
Autumn Pear and Apple Crisp
Quick Emergency Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Babycakes
Easy Orange Yogurt Loaf Cake
Heavenly Lemon Coconut Quick Bread
Chocolate, Cinnamon & Banana Mexican Monkey Cake
Really Raspberry Tartlets
Still hungry? You'll find links to all of my sweet and savory Less Fuss, More Flavor recipes in the Farmgirl Fare Recipe Index.
© FarmgirlFare.com, the dessert first foodie farm blog where we sometimes start the day by eating cookies for breakfast—with a big glass of milk to make them healthy of course.


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Selected Oral Quinolones/Selected Oral Cations Interactions
This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.
Medical warning:
Moderate. These medicines may cause some risk when taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.
How the interaction occurs:
Your medicine contains aluminum, iron, lanthanum, magnesium, and/or zinc minerals. These minerals are 'cations' that may bind to your antibiotic in the digestive tract, preventing your body from absorbing the antibiotic.
What might happen:
The blood levels of your antibiotic may be decreased, which will decrease the effectiveness in treating your infection.
What you should do about this interaction:
You should time when you take your antibiotic and your other medicine so that you do not take: ---gatifloxacin for at least 4 hours before oral cations. ---gemifloxacin for at least 2 hours before or 3 ours after oral cations. ---lomefloxacin for at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after oral cations. ---moxifloxacin for at least 4 hours before or 8 hours after oral cations. ---prulifloxacin for at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after oral cations. ---trovafloxacin for at least 2 hours before or after oral cations.If you are taking lanthanum, your doctor may tell you to follow the above timing instructions or different ones, or your doctor may tell you to skip doses that you would normally take at the same time as your antibiotic.If you are not sure which antibiotic you are on, if you do not see your antibiotic listed, or if you have questions about the timing of doses of your medicine, contact your healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor or pharmacist). They may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
- 1.Tequin (gatifloxacin) US prescribing information. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company January, 2006.
- 2.Factive (gemifloxacin mesylate) US prescribing information. Merus Labs International, Inc. October, 2018.
- 3.Maxaquin (lomefloxacin hydrochloride) US prescribing information. Pfizer Inc. January, 2005.
- 4.Avelox (moxifloxacin hydrochloride) US prescribing information. Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation October 18, 2018.
- 5.Trovan (trovafloxacin mesylate) US prescribing information. Roerig April, 2000.
- 6.Fosrenol (lanthanum carbonate) US prescribing information. Shire US Inc. May, 2020.
- 7.Mallet L, Huang A. Coadministration of gatifloxacin and multivitamin preparation containing minerals: potential treatment failure in an elderly patient. Ann Pharmacother 2005 Jan;39(1):150-2.
- 8.Vinceneux P, Weber P, Gaudin H, Boussougant Y. Decreased absorption of pefloxacin by gastric antacids. Preliminary study. Presse Med 1986 Oct 18; 15(36):1826.
- 9.Lober S, Ziege S, Rau M, Schreiber G, Mignot A, Koeppe P, Lode H. Pharmacokinetics of gatifloxacin and interaction with an antacid containing aluminum and magnesium. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1999 May; 43(5):1067-71.
- 10.Allen A, Vousden M, Porter A, Lewis A. Effect of Maalox on the bioavailability of oral gemifloxacin in healthy volunteers. Chemotherapy 1999 Nov-Dec;45(6):504-11.
- 11.Pletz MW, Petzold P, Allen A, Burkhardt O, Lode H. Effect of calcium carbonate on bioavailability of orally administered gemifloxacin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003 Jul;47(7):2158-60.
- 12.Allen A, Bygate E, Faessel H, Isaac L, Lewis A. The effect of ferrous sulphate and sucralfate on the bioavailability of oral gemifloxacin in healthy volunteers. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2000 Aug;15(4):283-9.
- 13.Lehto P, Kivisto KT. Different effects of products containing metal ions on the absorption of lomefloxacin. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1994 Nov; 56(5):477-82.
- 14.Shimada J, Shiba K, Oguma T, Miwa H, Yoshimura Y, Nishikawa T, Okabayashi Y, Kitagawa T, Yamamoto S. Effect of antacid on absorption of the quinolone lomefloxacin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1992 Jun; 36(6):1219-24.
- 15.Stass H, Bottcher MF, Ochmann K. Evaluation of the influence of antacids and H2 antagonists on the absorption of moxifloxacin after oral administration of a 400mg dose to healthy volunteers. Clin Pharmacokinet 2001;40 Suppl 1:39-48.
- 16.Stass H, Kubitza D. Effects of iron supplements on the oral bioavailability of moxifloxacin, a novel 8-methoxyfluoroquinolone, in humans. Clin Pharmacokinet 2001;40 Suppl 1:57-62.
- 17.Stass H, Wandel C, Delesen H, Moller JG. Effect of calcium supplements on the oral bioavailability of moxifloxacin in healthy male volunteers. Clin Pharmacokinet 2001;40 Suppl 1:27-32.
- 18.Jaehde U, Sorgel F, Stephan U, Schunack W. Effect of an antacid containing magnesium and aluminum on absorption, metabolism, and mechanism of renal elimination of pefloxacin in humans. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1994 May;38(5):1129-33.
- 19.Lazzaroni M, Imbimbo BP, Bargiggia S, Sangaletti O, Dal Bo L, Broccali G, Porro GB. Effects of magnesium-aluminum hydroxide antacid on absorption of rufloxacin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1993 Oct;37(10):2212-6.
- 20.Granneman GR, Stephan U, Birner B, Sorgel F, Mukherjee D. Effect of antacid medication on the pharmacokinetics of temafloxacin. Clin Pharmacokinet 1992;22 Suppl 1:83-9.
- 21.Minami R, Nakamura C, Inotsume N, Nakano M. Effects of aluminum hydroxide and famotidine on bioavailability of tosufloxacin in healthy volunteers. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1998 Feb;42(2):453-5.
- 22.Teng R, Dogolo LC, Willavize SA, Friedman HL, Vincent J. Effect of Maalox and omeprazole on the bioavailability of trovafloxacin. J Antimicrob Chemother 1997 Jun;39 Suppl B:93-7.
- 23.Unidrox (prulifloxacin) HK prescribing information. Lee's Pharmaceutical (HK) Limited.
- 24.Phansalkar S, van der Sijs H, Tucker AD, Desai AA, Bell DS, Teich JM, Middleton B, Bates DW. Drug-drug interactions that should be non-interruptive in order to reduce alert fatigue in electronic health records. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2012 Sep 25.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.


text:
Charlie Sheen Reveals Steroid Use While Shooting 'Major League'
Long before he dabbled in tiger's blood, Charlie Sheen was taking substances that would be embraced by a generation of baseball stars.
The former 'Two and a Half Men' star has admitted he took steroids while shooting 'Major League.'
Sheen, a well-known baseball fan, tells Sports Illustrated, "Let's just say that I was enhancing my performance a little bit. It was the only time I ever did steroids. I did it for like six or eight weeks."
Sheen, who gained immortality in the 1989 film for his portrayal of Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn, said the 'roids added about six miles per hour to his fastball. Of course, Sheen did add taking the steroids had a negative impact on his behavior. Hmm — Charlie Sheen acting weird? Who can picture that?