text:
Checking Seed Viability - Seed Starting Basics
Use Your Leftover Flower and Vegetable Seeds
If you're like many home gardeners, you probably have a bunch of opened seed packets stored away. Maybe you grew some vegetables from seed last year, or you have flower seeds that you loved so you carefully saved some for this year's garden. But how can you tell if the seeds are still good?
Testing seeds to see if they can still grow or germinate is called testing seed viability. "Viability" means life - is there enough life left inside those seeds so that they will germinate or sprout? Testing your open seed packages for viability is very easy. Before spending the time and effort of planting an entire package of garden seeds, test seed viability using this simple at-home method. For frugal gardeners and those who need to save money on their gardening practices, using what you have on hand before racing out to buy new seeds will save you money.
How to Test Your Stored Garden Seeds
To test seeds that you have leftover from last year, you will need the following materials:
- Seeds
- A plastic zip lock bag big enough to hold a folded paper towel
- A paper towel
- Magic marker to label the bag
Count out an even number of seeds from the open package you wish to test. For example, count out 10 or 20 seeds. Moisten the paper towel and place your seeds on one quarter of the paper towel. Fold the towel so that the seeds are nestled between the moist folds of the paper towel. Slide the paper towel into the plastic bag and zip it sealed, gently pressing air out of the bag. Use your magic marker and label the baggy with the date and name of the seeds you are testing.
Place the sealed bag in a warm area. It's not necessary for it to receive sunlight; just keep it warm. Some people place it on a windowsill near a radiator, or perhaps on top of the refrigerator where the motor generates some heat. Either method is fine. You want the package at room temperature or slightly warmer.
After two days, open the bag and unfold the paper towel. Count how many seeds are showing signs of life. Look for green shoots or the seeds splitting and cracking while the tiny new leaves emerge. If you used 10 seeds and 4 sprouted, you have a germination rate of 40%, which isn't great but not bad. If none sprout, you can try your test again if you have extra seeds or just throw the open seed package away - it's not likely you have many seeds in the package that will sprout.
You can use this method to test any open package of flower, herb or vegetable seeds. Some seeds are very tiny, however, and will be difficult to see or test. This test works best with many vegetable seeds such as beans, pumpkin, cucumbers, squash, corn and similar vegetables - large seeds you can see easily.
Storing Vegetable Seeds and Flower Seeds
Most home gardeners need only a percentage of the seeds in every seed package. After all, if you buy a package of tomato seeds, there are about 30 seeds in the average package - and you may not have room for 30 tomato plants. There are certain ways of saving vegetable seeds, flower seeds and herb seeds over the winter to improve the potential for successful germination the following year.
- Keep seeds dry. Moisture helps them germinate; dry temperatures keep them stored.
- Store them in airtight containers with tight-fitting lids. Many seeds are tasty treats for pests such as mice. I use old coffee cans or similar containers to store my seeds and keep critters out of them.
- Cool or cold temperatures also help keep seeds viable longer. Some gardeners store them in the basement of their homes, which generally has a steady 60-65 degree temperature for most homes.
Be sure to keep your original seed packages. These contain helpful planting tips including germination times, planting times, and more.
© 2012 Jeanne Grunert
No comments yet.


text:
Unsubscribe from our emails
Simply enter your email address below to request removal from JobSeeq emails including invitations, notifications and job alerts.
Please select a reason for unsubscribing. (Optional)
I am employed
I am no longer looking for a job
I found a job on JobSeeq
I found a job from another job site
I received too many emails from JobSeeq

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Bert Ancell is president of New Mexico Cattle Growers Association and general manager of the Bell Ranch in San Miguel County.
He's asking area residents join the cattle growers in celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on Thursday.
"There are people from 190 countries and 1 billion people taking this day to recognize the importance of all the magnificent wonders and natural resources that is loaned to us from the Earth," he said.
To read the entire article, link here.


text:
Brazil's Supreme Federal Tribunal has convicted 20 of 38 defendants in a vote-buying scheme that is dredging up questions about former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's administration.
These questions revolve around congressmen, members of the governing party, and senior officials who worked directly under Lula.
For example, Lula's former chief of staff Jose Dirceu de Oliveira e Silva was among those convicted. And this includes his conviction for organizing the whole scheme. Prosecutors in the case say Dirceu oversaw the channeling "of funds from state companies to the governing Workers Party, while monthly payments were also made to lawmakers of various parties to buy their votes in the federal legislature."
Lula is denying any knowledge of the vote-buying scheme, but the investigation is far from over.
The justice overseeing the trial, Joaquim Barbosa, has referred to the vote-buying scheme as "the most daring and outrageous corruption scheme and embezzlement of public funds ever seen in Brazil."
Prosecutors in this case are already comparing the cover-up to Watergate.


text:
We had a very special guest on The Broadcast this morning - comedian Rob Schneider! This guy had us in stitches - no doubt the folks who head to the Addison Improv to see him tonight will be rollin'! Better yet, he dropped some knowledge on some not-so-funny topics - I was thoroughly impressed with his stance on pharmaceuticals (overuse) and vaccines. Check out clips at www.thebroadcasttv.com.
|c. Paul Stofer


text: Born in Osaka in 1940. He moved to contryside in Tokyo in 1969 and while recreating scenes and words from his very rural life, he also painted nature, animals and children. With his strong painting style, he worked prolifically producing pieces such as 'Drop a Stone and Forget' and 'Ball in the Grass'. He has won many awards including the BIB Golden Apple Award for 'Chikara Taro' in 1969, and the Bologna International Book Fair Graphic Prize for 'Fly, Grasshopper!' in 1989. He has recently been putting his writing ability to good use and is actively involved in environmental issues.


text:
In March 2010, we held our second regional water forum and invited a wide group of community members and stakeholders
The forum yielded important feedback on future water planning. The approximately 70 people who participated showed clear support for the increased use of recycled water, stormwater harvesting and continued conservation efforts.
We've collated and published participants' feedback from the forum, and present it here. The report is presented in 2 parts:


text:
Today I've continued questing. This time I've done a few gnome related quests, aswell as the Agility skill. The Gnome Tree took me hours to finish, and meanwhile I've done the Tree Gnome Village.
When I landed in Karamja I decided to explore the island before I'd go on with the quest - the area looked quite interesting. May I remind this first quest was The Gnome Tree.
After that, I found myself stuck in the quest as I didn't have the required level of Agility to go on, and so I have started and finished Tree Gnome Village meanwhile - the lvl 112 warlord was no match for me. I got my lvl 58 Attack from that quest!
Later on, I trained my Agility level to 25 and I finaly passed the 900 total level milestone. A great achievement for me, as I was stuck in the 800 milestone for a very long time when I was a freeplayer.
Then I just went on with the quest, figured out how to go down to the dungeon from Glough's house, and fought his demon. I was actually the highest level monster I've ever killed, so far.
And so ends the day, quest completed! I've leveled quite a few levels today from questing. It was a good day, membership is being fun.


text:
What color can best reflect the beauty of charm? What combination of the most stressed mystery and magic? What kind of design will make you memorable? Perhaps this time, the Swiss beauty meter can give you the answer. Inspired by the famous art buildings – the Royal Albert Hall, the United States degrees Bruner series "when partial core" automatic mechanical watch this year to bring interesting color combinations, taste the color, time, style of new possibilities . M024.444.16.051.00 watch people feel more surprised, although the United States has always been daring to challenge the color of the challenge, this is the red and black this attractive presentation, in the autumn and winter gave us a touch of bright color.
In 2008, the United States on the basis of the original series, with a wealth of creativity, the introduction of a stylish Swiss-quality fake watches series – Bruner series, the series to Chrysler Building for the design of the source, Watch a unique and personalized signs. In 2015, the United States of degrees from the table Royal Albert Hall, the towering circular roof design inspiration, launched the popular Bruner II series, and committed to innovation, subvert the traditional pointer instruction design, not only increase the small second hand , While completely changing the hour hand and the large second hand of the traditional dial position, once again designed to Bruner series deeply rooted.
Dial on the "red and black"
This year, the United States on the color replica watch a lot of different, with the personalized and fashion elements more and more popular, the United States and the table in the design and color selection more younger. This new 2016 Bruner series of the United States, "when partial core" automatic mechanical watch, in the classic black main colors to bright red, dotted with large small seconds and small seconds dial scale. 10 o'clock position thick strip dotted silver pointer can read the dark gray hour hand minute hand dial, 4 o'clock position was thin striped red pointer scale black seconds dial, this is a bold attempt, but also more in line with the characteristics of young people – do not rigidly adhere to the traditional, perverse and not reckless, unique. At the same time, the dial using a unique window-type calendar instructions, both practical, but also take into account the disk layout.
It is worth mentioning that in 2015 the United States and the ingenuity of the small dial to enlarge the size of almost the same time as the main dial, which is extremely rare in the traditional watch, and quickly became a popular trend, as a unique way to show personality one. This year the new large and small seconds after the red dotted, very impressive, when we used to pay attention to time when the disk, often overlooked the importance of seconds, and the degree of this design, to a large extent, our attention, The new focus. As in life, and then small things, should not be skipped.
The pursuit of quality made in switzerland
In the impression of the people of Switzerland, the Swiss manufacturing is a representative of the quality of international standards, this impression is not out of thin air, when people maintain confidence in a country when the country will definitely need to give absolute protection. From the financial, pharmaceutical, communications, chocolate to mechanical replica watches, Swiss-made high-quality people are assured. US degree watch hope that through the product, the quality of this concept, so that the Friends of the table to personally experience.
Mercerized polished 316L stainless steel case
Brushed and polished surface treatment case
Dynamic design lug shape
Watch case made of 316L stainless steel, corrosion-resistant, low allergic, polished and mercerized, showing a unique metal color changes and fine texture. Under the modern watch aesthetic standards, the fake watches presents a smooth and natural curved case side, the one made of the casting case, this line of beauty has been extended to the lug and strap.
Charm of the red and black strap
Black leather strap red line
If you feel that the red dial on the dial is not gorgeous, then the black leather strap neat red line, with a block of red lining, will give you a strong visual impact. Not everyone can control the red, she is not any hubris of the color, the so-called charm and wild, but just the soul of the impact, and just Bo your eyes. True personality tension, never destroy the aesthetic, but will push the United States rose to a higher level, not words.
Red lining strap with folding clasp
Mido replica watches red and black strap, with a folding safety clasp, easy to operate, comfortable to wear, easy to fall off, and the disk surface texture with the hours of each other, highlighting the dynamic characteristics of the watch.
Automatic movement "time" source
Mido's unique 2825-2 self-winding movement
Each automatic movement, is an "intelligent" time machine, they can through the internal clever device, the people arm swing force, driving winding deformation and storage, and then a steady stream of transmission to the watch Energy division mechanism to achieve a balanced second hand travel time. Mido "when the partial core" watch built-in UMC's unique 2825-2 self-winding movement, not only to achieve the stability and accuracy of travel time, but also with the dial eccentric special design style. After a transparent gem glass bottom cover, these sophisticated mechanisms to enable us to touch.
Summary: "inspiration from the building", the United States degrees Bruner series "when partial core" automatic mechanical watch clever and quite charm of color red, black color match, rendering this piece of architectural art fake watch mysterious, young, dynamic , Vibrant unique temperament. Excellent design gives the dial a clear effect when reading, both artistic style, jump out of the traditional design of the shackles, so that time presents a way to become a symbol of quality and quality of life.


text:
This week, I discuss a little known but important Windows 2000 (Win2K) feature called Windows File Protection and a related utility known as the System File Checker (SFC). Windows File Protection prevents applications from overwriting or deleting important system files, and SFC ensures that your system files are up to date.
What Are System Files?
In previous versions of Windows, applications often overwrote shared .dll files and .exe system files. (If you've worked with any version of Windows, you're probably very familiar with the term "DLL hell.") When installation programs mess with.dll, .exe, .sys, .ocx, .fon, and .ttf system files, your system becomes unstable, and troubleshooting the problem can be a nightmare. And if you think that only third-party applications are guilty of overwriting your system files, think again: Many of Microsoft's applications are notorious for overwriting system files—even files that other Microsoft software uses.
The problem is that many applications (and Microsoft's are no exception) don't check existing system-file versions before overwriting the files. Most vendors are interested in ensuring that their software runs without problems, and the software you installed most recently probably works flawlessly—but it might work at the expense of other applications. For example, if you install audio applications from competing vendors, the one you install last will have the best chance of working properly. Frankly, developers aren't solely to blame for these system-file problems—several other factors are involved, including OS limitations.
How Windows File Protection Works
The OS stability is more important than application stability, something Microsoft addresses in Win2K with Windows File System. Windows File System runs in the background and ensures that Win2K setup programs don't delete any important system files. By default, Win2K enables Windows File Protection.
When a program attempts to delete or move a protected system file, Windows File Protection checks the digital signature of the file to ensure that it's a correct version. If it is not the correct version, Windows File Protection copies the file from the Win2K CD-ROM or from the %systemrooot%\System32\Dllcache folder. Sometimes the system can't locate a file, so it prompts you for the location.
System File Checker
SFC is a command-line tool that lets you scan your system and verify that the versions of your protected system files are up to date. If a protected system file has moved or has disappeared, SFC automatically replaces the file with the correct version from the Dllcache folder. The tool also lets you set the Windows File Protection cache file size. You must log on as an administrator or be a member of the Administrators group to run SFC.
As Screen 1 shows, you can type
sfc /?
to see the options available to you with the SFC utility. What if the file cache in the Dllcache folder becomes corrupted? Sfc /scannow immediately scans the system files, sfc /scanonce scans the system files once, and sfc /scanboot scans protected system files every time you reboot your computer. If you've scheduled a scan and you change your mind, sfc /cancel cancels the scan. If you don't want the SFC to prompt you about each file that it intends to replace, use sfc /quiet.
SFC gives you a couple of switches that let you manipulate the Windows File Protection cache. Sfc /purgecache purges the file cache and scans all system files immediately. Sfc /cachesize configures the size of the Windows File Protection cache. For example, to restrict a cache size to 2MB, type
sfc /cachesize=2048
Finally, to return to the default Windows File Protection operation, type
sfc /enable
In this mode, SFC automatically prompts you to restore the correct system file version whenever it detects that an application has overwritten a file. Don't forget to enable this option before you exit the command prompt window.
For more information about Windows File Protection and SFC, see the second of Mark Russinovich's three-part series about Win2K reliability enhancements.


text:
Why should I refer to Vision Australia?
People with vision loss are three times more likely to suffer depression, and twice as likely to experience a decrease in their social independence1.
The allied health team at Vision Australia complement the work of eye care professionals. Our vision loss experts help people use their remaining vision to navigate their environment safely, prevent falls and get back to social activities.
Our NDIS and My Aged Care funding experts make it easy for people to navigate these schemes to get the most out of their packages.Download a transcript of the above video (Word, 15KB) or view an Audio Described version.
When should I refer to Vision Australia?
When vision loss starts to impact daily living, it's time to refer to Vision Australia. We use existing vision to help people continue to do the things they love, whilst preparing for future changes. We can provide these services upon diagnosis and during medical treatment.
When to refer:
- upon diagnosis of a permanent, non-correctable or progressive eye condition; and/or
- when vision loss starts to impact daily activities such as getting around safely or reading; and/or
- when glasses no longer correct vision or when they need support adjusting to vision loss.
Vision Australia services
We exist to help people who are blind or have vision loss to live the life they choose. Our services include:
- aids and equipment via our shop
- technology training on phones, computers and tablets
- specialised support to remain independent and get around safely
- specialised children's services
- access to social and recreational groups
- education and employment support
- audio materials for learning and leisure
- NDIS and My Aged Care support
Free vision loss resources
We provide valuable resources to help medical and health professionals and their support teams care for people who are blind or have low vision. These free resources can also be helpful in communicating with families and carers. You can download most resources or complete an order form to receive free printed copies.
Referral pad
In addition to referring online, Vision Australia provides free printed referral pads for medical and health professionals.
Download a printed referral form. (PDF, 667KB)
Download an order form for printed referral pads. (PDF, 505KB)
Fact sheets
Vision Australia has a large range of free eye condition fact sheets including: age related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, keratoconus, optic atrophy, retinitis pigmentosa, stroke, and more.
Click here to view and download eye condition fact sheets
Large print brochuresVision Australia provides a range of free large-print service brochures including: help when vision starts to change, audio books and library services, children's and adult's services, and our social and recreational groups, to name a few.
Click here to view and download large-print brochures
Download and complete an order form (PDF, 505KB)
Simulation glasses and DL cards
Vision Australia can provide disposable glasses that simulate five eye conditions: Cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
We also provide a DL card that simulates all five of these eye conditions. Both give sighted people a very brief insight into what vision may be like with these eye conditions. The DL cards are free. The glasses are free but orders of 25 or more cost $1.50/pair.
To order, email your request to email@example.com
More vision loss resources
1 Centre for Eye Research Australia, Clear Insight: The Economic Impact and Cost of Vision Loss in Australia, Aug 2004


text:
DENVER (CBS4) – A fatal stabbing just blocks from the state Capitol has the neighborhood on edge.
The attack happened after 2 a.m. Friday in the 1300 block of Pennsylvania. The victim has been identified as Ryan Haldeman, 28.
The stabbing took place outside Pub on Penn. It's filled with 20- and 30-year-olds who form a community. They also live in the neighborhood. Many who frequent the bar expressed anger and grief over who they say was a sweet soul who would give the shirt off his back.
"He is the definition of a sweetheart. He is the one you always wanted to be around," Pub on Penn employee Heather Plambeck said.
Haldeman's friends at the Pub on Penn were so overcome with grief, many could not talk on camera, but the people who served him did.
"I just immediately got sick," Plambeck said.
They were deeply saddened over the fatal stabbing of a friend, just one block away from the pub.
"I was honestly scared to leave my house and that's not a good feeling when you can't go out in your own neighborhood," Plambeck said.
Plambeck said Haldeman cared deeply about others.
"It was cold and he let me wear his jacket all the way home. He didn't even ask for it back when he had to walk even farther," she said.
Pub on Penn employee Renee Bussenger said Haldeman always turned the conversation away from himself.
"He was more of the person that asked about you. He didn't give you much about him. He was very like, 'How are you doing, how are you feeling?' " Bussenger said.
"He had an enormous amount of empathy and compassion," Haldmen's sister Lauren Haldmen said over the phone from Iowa.
Lauren Haldmen said he had travelled to South America to help children.
"He spent some time volunteering in Brazil to teach children down there English and when he wasn't there he was working with children in Denver," she said.
"He would've turned around and told that guy, 'Take the clothes off my back. You can have anything you want,' " Plambeck said.
The suspect is described as a black male anywhere from 20 to 45 years old, 6 feet tall, 180 pounds with a dark complexion and salt-and-pepper facial stubble. He was also wearing a blue or black coat with white pants. Anyone with information is asked to call Denver police.


text:
How can a SAP calculation help me value engineer my project?
SAP is a compliance tool. It works out the carbon dioxide usage of a proposed building and compares it to the carbon dioxide usage of building with fixed characteristics. By 'ringing the changes' of the proposed building, e.g. changing the insulation, the means of heating, introducing Low Carbon Technology the cost of a compliant building can often be lowered.
How will I know which insulation type and thickness I need to comply?
This is solely dependent upon what U value is required for each building element to achieve a SAP pass for a given building. Until the SAP calculation is completed the U values are unknown, making it impossible to advise on insulation. Once the U values are known and have been calculated, we can offer guidance on suitable products to achieve the required performance for compliance.
Are there any new products or systems that could make compliance easier?
The simple answer is yes. Our on-going research and development has resulted in a number of innovative solutions which provide the required performance with ease, along with other benefits. Examples are – Insulslab, a complete foundation to finished floor, offering significant cost savings over traditional methods and typical U values of 0.10-0.12 W/m2K.
What is the difference between a psi value and a U value?
A psi value indicates the loss of heat at a junction between two planes, such as a wall and a floor and a U value indicates the loss of heat at a plane surface such as a wall.
Is there a cost difference between CfSH level 6 and Passivehus standard?
Rough generalization building passive houses costs a few percent more than level 6 buildings. Passive houses do, however, make for a lower overall cost after only a few years, due to the reduced expenditure on energy. However this will depend on the specific project.
Does SIG360 offer 'supply and fix'?
For the majority of fabric insulation it does not, however with certain renewable items it does. For example Heat Pumps and PV cells. This is because for the homeowner to be able to claim government financial incentives (such as Feed in Tariffs) the installer needs to belong to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
During construction can I change the fabric specification after the 'as designed' SAP has been calculated?
Once construction has begun, changes in product specification are often false economy. Even minor alterations can have a detrimental effect on overall building performance within the SAP. This may result in an "as built" SAP failure upon completion, along with the associated costs of remedial measures. At design stage, we will calculate the most cost-effective means of compliance overall, taking a holistic view of your specific project. The resulting specification needs to be closely adhered to in order to realise overall savings and eliminate risk.
Can I trade off fabric performance against renewables or vice versa?
Fabric must always come first but renewables can play an important role. The SAP process is a delicate balancing act with almost endless permutations. Therefore, striking the right balance between fabric and renewables yet doing so cost effectively can be a complex. Our expertise in this area enables us to quickly determine the right choice at the right cost to your specific requirements.
I can't find the answer to my question?
If you need further guidance, please contact us.


text:
In a large frying pan over medium heat, heat the oil to 375 degrees F, or until a small bread cube sizzles on contact. Fry the tortillas and all the chiles until crisp, 10-15 seconds. Remove with tongs and place in a food processor or blender. Add the onion and garlic to the oil and fry until browned, about 2 minutes add to the processor. Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of the oil and toast the almonds until golden brown. Add to the processor. Add 1 cup of stock to the processor and process the tortillas, chiles, onion, garlic and almonds to a puree, adding more stock if needed. Pour the puree in a medium saucepan and add the remaining stock, the tomatoes and raisins. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce the heat to medium and simmer 1 hour and 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the chocolate, maple syrup, cinnamon, cloves, and lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and simmer another 15 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Brush the tuna with olive oil on both sides and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill for 2 minutes on each side. Place tuna on a serving plate and spoon the mole around them.
Cook potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, drain and keep warm. In the meantime, place 1/2 cup of the almonds and milk in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let steep 30 minutes. Drain the milk into a bowl and discard the almonds. Mash the potatoes with the almond milk and butter until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the remaining almonds and parsley.
Yield: 8 servings
1999 by Bobby Flay. All Rights Reserved.
Check Out Our
Get a sneak-peek of the new Food Network recipe page and give us your feedback.See it Now!


text:
As sidebar widgets are a very important function for WordPress websites that makes your site more attractive and information highlighted, you may want to add images to them to increase the functionality. For those who are not knowledgeable enough about how to manage and optimize WordPress sidebar with images, we now prepare this tutorial for help.
As for the approaches to add an image to sidebar widgets, there are two ways: manual adding and adding though Image Widget plugin. And this tutorial will introduce the two ways step by step.
Adding Images Manually
Adding an image manually sounds time-consuming and low-efficient, but actually, it does not. Just through the few steps presented below, you can get the task done easily.
Upload Images
In order to add images to a widget, first of all, you need to upload an image to the website. When you log in your dashboard, you may find many sections under "Dashboard", one of which is "Media". Then, you should click "Media" and select "Add New", through which you can drop an image to upload. But all websites have file size limitation, you should have that in mind. If your image is larger than the maximum file size, it cannot be uploaded.
When the image file is uploaded successfully, you can find an "Edit" link on the upload page. Clicking on the link, you can see detailed information about this image including file name, title and so on. But you should focus on "URL" because that is the location of the image, which plays the similar role as your ID card. Through the URL information, your website can find that particular image and makes it show along with the widget. Now, just copy that URL. Make sure that you have copied the complete URL information.
Add the Image to a Sidebar Widget
Now, you should go to "Appearance" under "Dashboard" and choose "Widgets ". Then you need to select "Text" under "Available Widgets" and drag it to the sidebar. In the text box, you should use the code below to display your image.
<img src="ImageURL" alt="eCommerce" />
This code consists of src and alt tags. The former tag is used to locate your image and you should paste the URL you copied to replace "ImageURL". The later one is used to describe the image. For example, this example image is used to state that this image is about eCommerce, so the alt tag is "eCommerce". After editing the text widget, you just need to click "Save" and then your image is added to that widget.
Add the Image Through Image Widget Plugin
If you do not like the manual adding process, that's OK. Just let the Image Widget plugin help to ease procedures. There are less steps through plugins and quick to reach the goal.
Install and Activate Image Widget Plugin
If you want to save trouble by using plugin, you can install the plugin in the WordPress dashboard directly. You need to go to "Plugins" under "Dashboard". Click "Add New" and search the plugin. Then, you just need to click "Install Now", and you can find the plugin is installed successfully.
Add an Image Widget
After activation, when you go to "Appearance", you can find an "Image Widgets" under "Available Widgets". Just drag that widget to sidebar, which is the same as manually adding.
Upload Images
Now, things are much easier. You don't need to go to "Media" to upload image and copy URL. Right under "Image Wiget", you can upload images through "Select An Image".
After that, your image is previewed on the page with some settings under the image. Here you can add the image title, alt tag, caption, and give some other configurations. Just set your image and click "Save" then. Done!
Both approaches are easy to use. After all, they are not as complicated as web hosting technologies. Just a few steps, your image is added to sidebar widgets. So, you just need to choose an approach that suits you better.


text:
Congratulations wedding letter is written to convey best wishes to an individual on his/her marriage or wedding in his/her family. The letter is used to express you heartfelt joy for the occasion. The mood and format of the letter will depend on the association between the two parties.
It should be warm, convey your genuine feeling of happiness and express your praise. The letter can be used to congratulate the individual after the event is complete if you could not be present during the occasion personally or in anticipation of the same.
Table of Contents
Congratulations Wedding Letter Writing Tips:
- Start the letter by thanking the person for the marriage invitation.
- Mention that you are writing this letter to convey your heartfelt congratulations.
- Convey blessings to the couple to be married.
- Mention details of your plan of arrival for the wedding or if you might miss the occasion due to other pressing commitments, mention them in short.
- End by mentioning that you are looking forward to being there and enjoying the occasion.
Congratulations Wedding Letter Template
_____________ ( your address)
_____________ ( address of the person the letter is addressed to)
Date: _________________ ( Date of which letter is written)
Dear __________ (name of recipient of letter)
I received the invite for …. (mention whose wedding it is) and thank you for the same. It is with great pleasure that I am writing this letter to convey my heartfelt congratulations to ….(mention whom you want to congratulate)…. on the occasion of marriage to …..(mention bride's/groom's name) on ….(mention date of wedding). May god bless them.
I ….. will be there to attend the wedding …(if you are not attending, mention the same)
I am eagerly waiting to be there and enjoy the occasion with you and your family.
With warm regards,
__________ (your name)
Congratulations Wedding Letter Sample, Email and Example/Format
Dear Vivian,
I received the invite for your sister's wedding and thank you for the same. It is with great pleasure that I am writing this letter to convey my heartfelt congratulations to you and your family on the occasion of your sister's marriage to Mr. Stefan on 25September2013. May god bless them.
I have managed to avail leave for two days and will be there to attend the wedding with my wife. I could not have missed the occasion more so because we have enjoyed our childhood together for fifteen long years.
I have made arrangements for my stay and will reach the venue in time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you.
I am eagerly waiting to be there and enjoy the occasion with you and your family.
With warm regards,
Congratulations Wedding Letter Generator
Try our letter generator to write professional, concise and quality letters within seconds.


text:
This post is part of the US-China: Measuring decline and rise debate thread. To read other posts in this debate, click here.
8 February 2012 11:11
This post is part of the US-China: Measuring decline and rise debate thread. To read other posts in this debate, click here.
Robert Ayson is Director of Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University, Wellington.
The recent Interpreter debate over the relative power of China and the US is important in its ambition but questionable in some of its method. The problem is the assumption that we can decide whether the US really is in relative decline on the basis of an economic comparison with a growing China, and on then finding some way of determining how that material power makes for influence.
Even if we were to agree on the same metric for measuring that economic power, we would still have a variable where each unit of power is equal. But power is about relationships (what I can do to you?; what do you think I can do to you?; what do others think I can do to you and to them?). It is not about comparisons (am I bigger than you?; do you think I am bigger than you?; do others think I am bigger than you?). We are doing too much of the latter sort of analysis.
Because it is about social relationships, power is as much about perception as it is about concrete capacity: I don't perceive you as powerful simply on the basis of your size or other material factors (compare Japan and Israel for a moment). And because it is about perception, power is lumpy rather than smooth (as Thomas Schelling might say). Some units of power are much more equal than others. Changes in power status do not simply appear gradually and cumulatively. Large symbols of change, which shock and otherwise alter our perceptions, are often more important than a collection of small concrete ones.
Let us take as an example Britain's decline in Asia. Unlike today's debate over what China's rise means for America's influence, this example of decline is incontestable.
Britain's economic exhaustion after the second of two world wars in the first half of the century was part of a relative economic decline that was both systemic and perceptible. But, at least looking backwards, people are less inclined to remember the 1967 sterling crisis than the physical withdrawal of British forces east of Suez. Like the failure of Britain's Singapore strategy a generation before, this was a huge, lumpy, change which affected others. It was symbolic of that wider systemic weakness, but that weakness was not enough on its own to guarantee it. It took a political decision: an act of will.
So much of the current debate is about the search for signs of those underlying and slow-moving systemic trends (as if we really can detect them properly) rather than the critical dimension of real decline: the political inability or unwillingness to sustain influence.
Of course, this can happen when material power has run out: the sheer will to use power is not enough if there is not going to be anything to wield. But it can also be caused by a reluctance to influence others even when there is material power there to utilise. And this seems to me to be the big question: not how the US and China measure up materially, but how they measure up politically and psychologically.
This leaves open the possibility of a shock even if our economy-watching is as good as it gets. I think its an open secret that both the US and China will have massive and globally important economies in a generation's time and more. But that only gets us so far. And if it is unwise to extrapolate China's recent growth rates it may be even more hazardous to apply a similar linear logic to Mr Obama's pivot in Asia.


text:
The Women's Major Maverick Boot is the non-conformist in casualwear. This free spirited boot is incredibly comfortable thanks to its removable molded EVA footbed with a textile knit top cover that offers exceptional cushioning. The canvas lining is soft and breathable, and the heel is wrapped in leather. The oiled suede and leather upper brings a rugged, unique style to your look. No need to worry about slipping and sliding in wet weather as the rubber sole gives excellent traction. It's all in the detail with the Maverick. The suede and leather lace-up offers a close fit and looks great with jeans, leggings, tights, or nothing at all. You can march to the beat of your own drum all day in these comfy, cushy boots.
Products on Sale are Discontinued Styles or Colors.


text:
October 23, 2017 at 8:30 AM EDT
Washington Gas Expects Winter Bills to Increase and Encourages Customers to be Prepared for Heating Season
"We are dedicated to providing natural gas service that is safe and
reliable to communities throughout the region, and that helps our
customers to stay warm during the upcoming winter season," said
"Washington Gas employees are committed to delivering dependable service
to our customers," said
Winter Preparation Tips
Customers will see a fluctuation in their bill amounts as seasons
change, with more energy from natural gas being used in the coldest
months of winter.
Always Safe
Understanding Your Bill
Since utility bills can be difficult to navigate,
Instructional videos that provide education on how to better understand your bill can be found on washingtongas.com (search: Understanding your charges).
As a regulated utility,
Payment Plans
To help manage energy costs,
For additional information about energy assistance, the budget plan, energy efficiency, safety and more, visit washingtongas.com.
About WGL
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171023005091/en/
News Provided by Acquire Media


text:
Consumer sentiment in U.S. fell in August to nine-month low
American consumer confidence unexpectedly declined in August to a nine-month low, repressed by gloomy wage perceptions.
The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary sentiment index dropped to 79.2, the lowest since November, from 81.8 in July, according to data issued today. It was lower than any economist surveyed by Bloomberg projected and represented the biggest negative surprise in a decade.
The retreat in confidence was paced by mounting concern about the economic outlook as households said earnings would probably not climb as fast as prices. That bolsters Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen's argument that there remain pockets of labor-market weakness that require the central bank to maintain monetary stimulus into 2015.
"The median household doesn't think it will be able to beat inflation over the next year," said Dana Saporta, director of U.S. economic research at Credit Suisse in New York, who projected sentiment would drop. "Chair Yellen specifically cited pessimism over household income as one of the headwinds that's impacting the U.S. economy right now, and these figures would seem to underscore her point."
Another report today showed factory production increased in July at the fastest pace in five months as capital spending climbed and motor vehicle demand surged, indicating manufacturing is helping propel the U.S. economy.
Production Jumps
The 1 percent gain at manufacturers followed a 0.3 percent increase in the prior month that was more than initially estimated, figures from the Federal Reserve in Washington showed today. Total industrial production, which also includes mines and utilities, advanced 0.4 percent for a second month in July.
Stocks fell, trimming a weekly gain for the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, after escalating tensions in Ukraine boosted demand for haven assets. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index dropped 0.5 percent to 1,946.33 at 11:52 a.m. in New York.
The median projection in a Bloomberg survey of 63 economists called for an 82.5 reading. Estimates ranged from 80 to 85. The index averaged 89 in the five years before December 2007, at the beginning of the last economic slump, and 64.2 during the recession.
The median forecast hadn't overestimated the confidence reading by this much since May 2004.
Gloomier Expectations
The Michigan sentiment survey's measure of expectations six months from now decreased to 66.2, the lowest since October, from 71.8 the prior month. The current conditions index, which measures Americans' assessment of their personal finances, rose to 99.6 this month, the highest since July 2007, from 97.4.
While Americans expected an inflation rate of 3.4 percent over the next year, they projected incomes would rise 0.4 percent over the same period, according to Saporta.
"There's real pessimism about the extent to which consumers will achieve wage gains," she said.
Recent figures show greater employment opportunities haven't translated into the income levels needed to invigorate American consumer spending. A Commerce Department report this week showed retail sales were muted in July, the weakest performance in six months, after a 0.2 percent advance in June. Gains in sales of clothing, groceries and personal-care goods were offset by declines at department, electronics and furniture stores.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, reported stagnant same-store sales in the second quarter and cut its earnings forecast for the year, as foot traffic in its supercenters slowed.
Wal-Mart Sales
"Stronger sales in the U.S. businesses would have helped our profit performance in the quarter," Doug McMillon, the company's chief executive officer said on an Aug. 14 earnings call.
The retailer hasn't posted a same-store sales gain for six quarters, and customers are making fewer trips to big-box retailers. Cuts in government assistance also are leaving low- income shoppers with less money to spend.
"The global economy remains challenged, which means the customers also stretched," added David Cheesewright, who heads Wal-Mart International. "Price remains a critical factor in our customers buying decisions," he said on the call.
Inflation-adjusted average weekly earnings dropped 0.2 percent in the 12 months through June, the worst performance since October 2012, according to Labor Department data.
Yellen's View
Yellen is among policy makers concerned that slack in the job market, including stagnant wages and elevated long-term unemployment continue to suppress the world's largest economy.
Some recent data illustrate an improving job market. Payrolls rose by 209,000 workers in July, while job openings rose in June to the highest level in more than 13 years, according to Labor Department data.
Many of those gains were in part-time and low-wage jobs, and a "strengthening" jobs picture still shows long-term joblessness at "exceptionally high levels," Yellen told lawmakers July 15, deeming labor market progress uneven.


text:
Think-tanks of various political persuasions, both in Australia and overseas, play a vital role in the battle of ideas and the development and evaluation of public policy.
Given recent events such as Kevin Rudd's education revolution, it is a good time to establish a conservative, independently minded think-tank. The reality is that the majority of Australian think-tanks are left-of-centre in their outlook and education in Australia suffers from provider capture.
In order to provide balance, as well as an alternative viewpoint, it is important that a diversity of voices contribute to the public debate and the development of policy.
ESI welcomes support from those individuals and organisations committed to an education system based on standards, equity, diversity and choice.
If so inclined, please feel free to contribute via the form below. (ESI is a trading name for Impetus Consultants Pty Ltd, ABN 73 737 609 643.)
Sign in and have your say
Latest Blog20th September 2015
Depression is an ever growing problem but there is a way to cope - as I explain in my book 'Taming the black dog' and the Herald Sun comment piece below. To beat the black dog of depression, yo...
$20.00 plus $6 postage
Latest NewsCurriculum review endorsed
20th September 2015
The state, territory and commonwealth education ministers appear to have accepted the majority of the national curriculum review's recommendations - I co-chaired the review last year. ...


text:
Facebook's Privacy Breach- or Their Outcry to the World
Labels: Experiment, Facebook · Posted by Josie Anne at 4:06 PM
Researcher's couldn't have possibly ignored that possibility, I mean what if everyone is focused about the wrong thing in this situation?
It's understandable though why researchers conduct an experiment anyway without getting a consent.
My Odd Writing Process, What's Yours?
Labels: writing · Posted by Josie Anne at 6:30 PM
So as I write the first draft of my novel this month I just realized how odd I act as I am holed up in my room listening to music and writing. I mean how can you not go crazy sitting for hours on your computer writing your brain out and having it be at least mildly good. I know I can only tolerate human isolation for so long.
So here is my writing routine I do almost everyday:
|This is me after I write for the day
- I sit on my bed for comfort with my laptop, water, and a notepad.
- I turn up random radios on Spotify.
- I check Twitter first.
- Then Facebook.
- Then YouTube.
- Then my email.
- I check Twitter again.
- I start to drink water. Then I realize how good the ice is so I start chewing on the ice for a while.
- I open up my word processor and create the chapter title
- I check twitter again. (because people have been tweeting as I drank water and wrote my title)
- I actually start to write some paragraphs to the chapter.
- I start to lay down and stretch my legs by pulling my right leg to my face. (I'm a dancer)
- I realize how pretty my foot is when it's pointed.
- I start to stretch and dance on my bed imagining me as Maddie on Dance Moms.
- I tell myself to start writing again.
- As I get a little tires after 20 minutes writing I check all my social media again.
- Since there's a mirror in front of my bed I start to lip sync the songs in front of myself imitating singers
- I start to play with my hair for the rest of the time.
- I wish I could cut my long hair.
- I write a little bit more for the chapter.
- I start to dance randomly in front of my huge mirror not aware that all my windows are open
- I drink more water.
- I wish I had ice with it
- I write a little bit more than before
- I actually start to keep writing non- stop
- Realizing I lost my momentum I go over to my social media for comfort
- Repeat steps 1-27
So yeah, that is what I do when I am in my room alone and writing. If you didn't notice when I ACTUALLY write it's only about 1/4 of this whole process. Tip: Don't write in a place where you can easily access WiFi. You'll end up like me.
So What's your writing process? What do you do when you write? I want to know! Comment below, or you could just tell me how ashamed I should be from my writing process...
We're teens who write, you can't just judge us- Click to Tweet
-josie :)
Dear all Teens with Big Dreams... Start Now!
· Posted by Josie Anne at 4:29 PM
teenage life with trying to pursue your overall life dream at the same time.
Now some of you may think that you are too young to even start in what you want to like write, sing, or perform, but in truth we are all in the same playing field here no matter what age and all you need to do is just start!
Well how are we supposed to start? You may ask, "I don't have time to start!" That is called procrastination my friends. If you don't know what that word means I ave the link to dictionary dot com for you bright ones HERE.
I'm not going to doubt that as teens we all have extremely busy schedules but in t
hose down times you have in between when your just watching TV, going on Facebook for the next hour, doing stupid stuff on the internet, sleeping for more hours than you need on the weekend, you could actually be doing productive things! Surprise, surprise huh?
Here's another problem I bring to the table after all the volleyball practices, the musical rehearsals, the homework,the classes, and the amount of energy being spent on hanging out with friends, all you would want to do is just do exactly what I described as procrastination, do crap the whole day as you recover from all the teenage craziness.
I don't blame you, as teens procrastination is our thing we can't just not do it. We refuse to start things if we have reasonable excuses for them like "I don't have time between all my activities", or "I'm so dang tired I just need to rest!"
I just want you to know that all the things I'm describing right now I have also said and done myself MANY times before.
I guess what I'm really trying to say as teens we have so much potential to be doing other things also! It's difficult to follow our dreams and goals when our stereotypical teen- self gets in the way every time.
I'm asking you fellow teens with big dreams to trust yourself to start making your goals happen. Be proactive in the community you want to be a part of and NEVER be ashamed of what you really want to do.
If you want to write a blog? Go ahead, I'm right behind you and other thousands of bloggers who want you.
You want to make YouTube videos? Do it because I know you can believe in yourself to be stunningly amazing in front of a camera, I'll follow you man.
You want to be a singer or performer when you grow up? Let everyone else know your true talent and you'll never have stage fright again.
Start here at your age and start now. Even if it is a little intimidating at first I'll be right there with you. I know what it feels like to feel alone and embarrassed to be starting what you want to do but be aware there are so many more kids out there who are thinking the same thing too.
Be that leader who starts off a whole new movement of writing blogs, YouTube videos, dances, music, or anything else in your school and community! There is a fire inside you and you are just a spark waiting to happen. Light yourself on fire! (Haha, I'm funny...) Don't be afraid to be really good at what you want to do.
And remember I'm on the same boat as you. I'm right behind you and I believe all of us kids and teens can create something amazing. If not amazing then something life changing.
- Josie
Follow @josiereadsalot ***********************************************************************************
Comment me what you want to do or start, I want to know! Hey, I love YouTube videos, blogs, and all that good stuff send me a link if you want. :D
photo credit: ashley rose, via photopin cc
photo credit: Dia™ via photopin cc
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Belliveau Construction has a loyal, professional and knowledgeable staff that is able to take on all aspects of the building trade. As a general contractor and builder we have the ability to see a job through from start to finish including design and project management.
Belliveau Construction has a dependable and courteous office staff that assists in the initial meeting of a potential customer. A scheduled appointment is carried out, in most cases at the location of the project, a return visit with additional professionals may be required such as engineering, design, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, all of which Belliveau Construction can oversee leaving peace of mind with the customer that all aspects of the project has been considered. A detailed written proposal is then sent to the customer.
Bickell Built Homes Ltd. is a fully custom home building company. Our family oriented company was formed in 1987. We bring you 25 years of quality experience in and around the St. Marys area.
At Chris Otten Carpentry, our goal is creating your own beautiful custom look on any project
your house needs, no matter how large or small.
We specialize in many aspects of your home, and aim for the highest standard of quality.
We work with many great trades that share our passion for quality.
We have been serving Southwestern Ontario since 2008, and would love to help you build
your dreams into reality!
Earth Park Developments is comprised of a team of four successful local homebuilders. Gus Morschauser, Louis Veenstra, Adam Belsky and Paul Stencek bring their individual talents and years of experience together to form a development company devoted to creating visionary communities throughout South-Western Ontario.
As a developer and builder, Earth Park is able to enforce and control architectural specifications and building standards throughout each and every site we develop. Site selection, product design, and landscaping plans, as well as preservation of existing conservation lands are all taken into consideration in order to select the ideal locations for which to build. These strict guidelines are a key factor in producing desirable, thriving, superior neighbourhoods where community connects, and purchasers aspire to live for years to come.
Visit any one of Earth Park's active communities today to view complete product selection and finishes.
Right from the start, each and every one of our projects have been designed with experience and built with confidence. We have completed many custom homes, renovations and commercial projects in recent years. With knowledge of construction engineering, we are familiar with structure, style and regard every plan with the utmost priority.
At Feeney Design Build we stand for:
Quality – We use superior finishing that suits your style and budget.
Integrity – We take pride in being an honest and reliable company.
Accountability – We build it right the first time, and always put our customer's priorities first.
Our newest model showcases true craftsmanship and variety. From a custom maple kitchen to modern tiled bathrooms, with plenty of space for living and storage – we are your builder and we take it all into consideration. After all, a home is for LIVING! We would love to work with you, give us a call today! (519) 301-1502
Founded in 1986, FDB LTD is a full service construction company
we focus on industrial, commercial, and institutional projects
in southwestern ontario. We provide general contracting,
project management, and design build solutions. We also provide
skilled trade services including carpentry, masonry, excavation and trucking.
In 1954 a talented young plastering contractor named Harold Freure decided to build a complete home. With an eye for detail he found his homes to be very popular with the growing families in Waterloo County. From that first home on Suffolk Street over 59 years ago, the company that Mr. Freure founded has continued to grow and has built over 12,000 new homes. Freure Homes has also built schools, churches, shopping centres, offices, and factories.
Home building is a tough business, but our longevity is a testament to our commitment to quality and to customer service. We now have customers who are buying their second and third home from us. Drop in and visit one of our communities in Kitchener, Cambridge, Komoka and Stratford. We think you will find our sales people friendly and helpful while the quality of our product will speak for itself.
At Hyde Construction Ltd., we are building a reputation of Excellence.
From new home to Commercial construction, our experienced team will build to meet your needs.
We work with our clients to make your construction dreams a reality. We bring the jobs in on schedule and in budget. With Hyde Construction Ltd., you can rest assured that your building project is in professional hands.
Lang Contracting Company Limited has gained a reputation for outstanding creativity and superior craftsmanship by focussing on the finished product, an esthetic whole that marries exterior curb appeal with breathtaking interiors. Floors, walls, ceilings, doors and trim creatively blended to create a harmony of colors, light and textures. The result is at the same time modern, functional and authentic.
Lang Contracting Company Limited further feels that the beauty of our surroundings greatly enhances our quality of life. They are thus dedicated to creating a home environment, which is both technically state of the art and a pleasure to behold.
Established in 1999, Pinnacle Quality Homes has become a prominent builder in Stratford. The staff at Pinnacle Quality Homes aspires to its motto "The Peak of Excellence." They pride themselves on building a quality product without cutting corners. Whether you choose a modest semi or a custom built home you are going to receive the same quality service.
President, John Meinen brings to the company over 30 years of building experience. He has a wealth of knowledge that is shared with the home buyers and trades alike.
Being on the Board of Directors of the OHBA (Ontario Home Builders Association) board he is up to date on all building aspects. John is also on the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association Advisory Council.
Each and every Riverstone Original custom home is a clear reflection of our clients' accomplishment, lifestyles, dreams and a testament to their discernible tastes and interests. Unlike most custom homebuilders, we don't start with a handful of existing models and simply customize them to suit your tastes. Rather, we start with your ideas and aspirations and then work together to design and build a home that is as unique and one of a kind as you and your family. That is the difference between an original home and a custom home.
While our building techniques and attention to detail are all that you would expect from a company that's been building high quality custom homes for over 20 years, we believe what makes us the right partner to build your custom home is the process we work through to ensure your finished home is truly all that you wished it to be.
From humble beginnings in 1994 in a shed at his childhood home to relocating to 201 Griffith Road in 2010, Teahen Construction continues tremendous growth through excellent customer service. We utilize a diversified team holding over 180 combined years of experience in the industry. From initial thoughts of a new build, addition or renovation, your complete general contractor needs are met through superior quality, impeccable style and exemplary communications. We have been involved in small projects to complete property transformations. With the addition of Teahen Design Group in 2012, we are involved in every step of your renovation or build dreams.
The Tricar Group has been developing and managing award winning multi-family high-rise buildings for almost 30 years.
Our name has become synonymous with a luxury standard that distinguishes us from other builders. We are different in what we build, how we make a difference in the community and in the overall customer home ownership experience. Committed to revitalizing downtown cores, fostering relationships within the communities where we build and providing exceptional customer service is who we are as a responsible builder.
Tricar has an impressive portfolio that has grown to over 5000 quality homes across Southwestern Ontario including both high-rise apartment rentals and luxury condominiums in London, Sarnia, Woodstock, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph. Our innovative and quality craftsmanship have earned us numerous awards for architecture and design excellence and our personal, dedicated attention to customer care has earned us the honour as Builder of the Year by Tarion Warranty Corporation.


text:
.ASD File
File extension:
File type:
Automatic Backup
Notes about the ASD file extension:
Incorrect file associations could be the result of underlying issues within your PC system. As such it is highly recommended to scan your PC for invalid registry entries, unused processes and other unfavourable system settings to identify slowdown issues.
The ASD file type is primarily associated with 'Word' by Microsoft Corporation. Office Word is an authoring program that gives you the ability to create and share documents using a set of writing tools.
Detailed information for file extension ASD:
Primary association:
Microsoft Corporation
Related links:
Recover a Lost File in Word 2007 or 2003
Other applications associated with file type ASD:
Advanced Streaming Format (Description)
Microsoft Corporation
Advanced Streaming Format is an open file format specification for streaming multimedia files containing text, graphics, sound, video, and animation. Advanced Streaming Format (ASF) does not define the format for any media streams within the file. Rather, it defines a standardized, extensible file container that is not dependent on a particular operating system or communication protocol, or on a particular method (such as HTML or MPEG 4) used to compose the data stream in the file. An ASF file consists of three objects: a Header object containing information about the file itself, a Data object containing the media streams, and an optional Index object that can help support random access to data within the file. The ASF specification has been submitted to the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) for consideration. Windows Media Encoder no longer supports .ASD files. If you attempt to load an .ASD file, you will be asked to create a .WME file.
(Stone Drawing)
Alphacam is a leading CAD/CAM software solution for the Woodworking industry. The core product of the company is Alphacam and is used in the manufacture of many types of components, from simple routed parts to complex, 5-axis furniture components. This association is classified as CAD/CAM.
ASD Archiver (Compressed Archive)
ASD is an old compression program by Tobias Svensson. This association is classified as Archive. The identifying characters used for this association are - Hex: 41 53 44 30 31 1A , ASCII: ASD01
Astound Presentation
(Audio Analysis File)
Ableton AG
Live is the result of musicians wanting a better way to create, produce and perform music using a computer. An analysis file is a little file that Live creates when a sample file is brought into the program for the first time. The analysis file contains data gathered by Live to help optimize the stretching quality, speed up the waveform display and automatically detect the tempo of long samples. These files have the same rootname as the audio file and must be in the same folder.
Lotus Screen Driver
This was a Lotus product. Lotus was bought out by IBM.
(Embroidery Design)
Origins Software Technologies, Inc.
The working file for Origins is an .ASD file extension. When you generate stitches from an image, Origins creates outlines from the image which become the basis for the stitches. These outlines stay with the design in the .ASD working file. This allows you full editing options when it is brought back into the program. (Origins is a trademark of Tacony Corp.) This association is classified as Graphic.
'Identifying characters' used on FILExt.com are
provided by Marco Pontello from his TrID database
Invalid file associations could be the result of underlying issues within your Windows PC. It is highly recommended that you scan your PC for invalid registry entries, unused processes and other slowdown issues.
Technical data
To view technical data on file-extension ASD
click this link
to expand/hide the additional area.
System Info for File Extension .ASD
The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and
information FILExt collected directly
from user systems.
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder, FileType: ASF Stream Description File, AppName: Microsoft NetShow Rex
EXEFile: NSREX.EXE
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder, FileType: ASF Stream Description File, AppName: Windows Media Encoder
EXEFile: NSREX.EXE
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MI1933~1\Office10\NSREX.EXE %1
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MICROS~1\Office10\NSREX.EXE %1
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MICROS~1\Office\NSREX.EXE %1
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MICROS~2\Office10\NSREX.EXE %1
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MICROS~2\Office\NSREX.EXE %1
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MICROS~3\Office10\NSREX.EXE %1
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MICROS~3\Office\NSREX.EXE %1
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MICROS~4\Office10\NSREX.EXE %1
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\NETSHO~1\Tools\nsrex.exe %1
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\WINDOW~4\Tools\nsrex.exe %1
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: D:\MICROS~1\Office10\NSREX.EXE %1
ProgramID: ZipZag.asd
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ZipZag\zipzag.exe %1
ProgramID: Asf.CodificadorTiempoReal
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MICROS~2\Office\NSREX.EXE %1
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\NSREX.EXE %1
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MICROS~4\Office\NSREX.EXE
ProgramID: Asf.RealTimeEncoder
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\WI15DA~1\Tools\nsrex.exe
To Top
Did this entry help you? Next time avoid the search engines and
come directly to FILExt
How To Use FILExt
Tell Us About an Extension
Privacy and Cookies Policy
© Copyright 2000-
FILExt - All Rights Reserved. Microsoft is a trademark of the Microsoft group of companies


text:
Scoopys notebook
G.O.P. tax break: The mayors announcement of a sales-tax-free week from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6, on articles of clothing and footwear costing less than $110, when the Republican National Convention will be in town, has set some Democratic teeth on edge. Its an outrage, said Kathy Kinsella, Democratic district co-leader from Chelsea. The R.N.C. was supposed to bring all this revenue to the city and here theyre getting a break on the 8.25 percent sales tax and at a time when a lot of New Yorkers will be out of town.
Head for the hills: Fearing the potential for terrorism, as well as violence from W.T.O.-style protesters bent on wreaking havoc and thousands of other protesters frustrated at not being allowed to rally in Central Park, Downtowners plan to flee the city in droves during the four-day convention, reports Chad Marlow, president of Village Independent Democrats. Its like a one-two punch. Its like a powder keg, Marlow said of the mix of fear of terrorism and protester violence. Theres a large number of people who are getting out of town, he said, and, frankly, I havent decided if Im going to be one of them. Marlow said local politicos who evacuate can be excused if theyre not involved with the convention [protest], as long as they make it up during the rest of the year.
Satire versus satire: It seems the Billionaires for Bush have a new foil. Communists for Kerry, a new street-theater satire group, was launched last weekend in Union Sq. Park, where they got in a spirited debate with the radical No Police State Coalition that ended amicably as both sides agreed to disagree. Like the Billionaires, the Communists actually a bunch of young conservatives backing Bush through a 527 tax-exempt organization always act in character. Jason Sager, 30, an audio-video consultant from Brooklyn Heights, who goes by J.F. Che, said the Billionaires partly inspired their group. The idea is were having fun, he said. Were just showing the hypocrisy of the left and what theyre doing. The Communists plan to return to Union Sq. this Saturday from 1-6 p.m., Sager said, because that is definitely the belly of the beast.
Bush and his agenda: For last years peace marches, art designer Thomas Gallagher created the World Says No to War signs and banners for United for Peace and Justice. But at U.F.P.J.s Aug. 29 march and rally, hell be handing out his own The World Says No to Bush signs. Because a nonprofit isnt allowed to advocate the election or defeat of candidates in an election year, U.F.P.J., a coalition that includes a number of nonprofit groups, is going with the less personal The World Says No to the Bush Agenda, instead. Gallagher says hes got nothing against U.F.J.P., just the law affecting protest signage.
Convention camping: East Village activist John Penley wants to make his position absolutely clear on the issue of a campout in Tompkins Sq. Park during the R.N.C.: I will not encourage, nor will I discourage anyone from moving into the park, Penley told The Villager. However, if they decide to do that, I would demand that they show respect for the park. Thats the peoples decision, he added, regarding whether anyone decides to bed down in the park or on the sidewalks around it, for that matter. In March, Penley and Aaron Yippie Pie Man Kay applied for a two-week camping permit for the park for 2,500 people, but the Parks Department rejected it. Meanwhile, Phil Hartman, executive director of the HOWL! Festival, which opened yesterday and runs until Aug. 24, met with Penley last week to get his assurances that any potential campout would not interfere with the festival and to talk about the next three weeks in general, Hartman said.
Flaked-out film critic: Fans of the Film Forum were perplexed at the snarky column by Suzy Hansen in last weeks Observer in which she ridiculed audience reaction to the currently showing The Corporation and, in general, to whatever
unabashedly leftwing film the theater offers. Hansen derided the Film Forum crowd for what she called cineaste superiority and liberal self-consciousness and progressive movie crowds for their self-conscious guffaws, sighs, groans and mutterings and too-loud laughter. Well, The Villager saw The Corporation at Film Forum last Saturday night and the audience seemed perfectly normal to us. Commented Rick Wray, a manager at the W. Houston St. theater, Maybe she had a bad day.... People are spoiled by home video. They cant even tolerate someone eating popcorn next to them.
View our previous issues
Report Distribution Problems
The Villager is published by
Community Media LLC.
The Villager | 487 Greenwich St., Suite 6A | New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212.229.1890 | Fax: 212.229.2790
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Written permission of the publisher must be obtainedbefore any of the contents of this newspaper, in whole or in part, can be reproduced or redistributed.


text:
B103 invites you to the oldest and largest pumpkin patch in Lancaster County at Roca Berry Farm in Roca, Neb!
Harvesting memories since 1980, Roca Berry Farm features over 30 activities, including: pumpkin picking, hayrack rides, racing slides and a corn maze. Plus, they don't just have a haunted house…they have a whole haunted farm!
Tickets on sale now at HERE. Listen to win tickets by being the 13th caller at 402-873-3842 when you hear the B103 Halloween Sounder, and you'll win a family four pack of tickets!
Celebrate the fall season and Halloween at Roca Berry Farm with River Country's Contest Leader, B103!


text:
Building dashboards with performance in mind
1. Overview
When designing a dashboard, it's important to keep performance concerns in mind. Many simple steps taken during the design phase will dramatically improve performance and reduce the overall time to completion. A well-designed dashboard will not only run smoothly for end users, but will also minimize server load. This article provides a set of guidelines and tips for making high performance dashboards.
2. Data storage
By using data storage, you can reduce querying times. Typically, most of the time during loading is spent on querying data. Note that if you are displaying "live" or real-time data, you should not use data warehousing.
Dundas BI supports two types of data storage:
- Warehouse - stores data in a database
- In-memory - stores data in server memory
Using the Warehouse option, your data cubes are queried on a schedule of your choosing. The data cube is queried and the result is kept in the Dundas BI Warehouse database. Any requests for the data cube's data then comes directly from this database. This option is particularly useful for data cubes that need to use expensive queries (for example, with many large joins).
You can check the Performance Measurements if you want to determine how long it took a query to complete, or if it's pulling data from your original data source or from the warehouse.
3. Data management
3.1. Remove unused columns
When creating your data cube, un-select the columns that you do not need as early as possible.
3.2. Aggregate early
If the granularity of your raw data is higher than the data you intend to display, aggregate it to the smallest granularity you need. For example, you may have data down to the second but only intend to show data by day, month, and year. Aggregate the raw data into daily data in this case. This can reduce thousands of rows of data into a single row.
3.3. Filter early
Filter data as early as possible. For example, if your dashboard only ever shows data for a certain time range, a specific set of regions, etc., using the Filter transform as early as possible in the data cube can help performance, since it may avoid unnecessary and costly joins.
3.4. Location of data, server, and client
Try to keep your data sources, Dundas BI's server, and the client as close to each other as possible. Network latency can have a major impact on performance if the data you need is on the opposite side of the planet. Warehouse and in-memory storage can help reduce this impact.
4. Developing dashboards
4.1. Simplify your Dashboard
More data visualizations on the dashboard does not always mean better. Each data visualization (control) will need time to query data and to render, so find the right balance between the number of data visualizations and acceptable dashboard performance.
4.2. Limit the initial number of data
It is a good practice to set a default filter value. Try to avoid using "All" as a default filter value, especially if there's a lot of data involved.
5. See also
- Understanding the Dundas BI Data Model
- Data Cube Storage Types
- Data source options for a data cube
- Performance Measurements


text:
Collection Items
MapLloyd's map of the southern states showing all the railroads,... Signed in ms: "Millard Fillmore 1862." LC Civil War maps (2nd ed.), 29 LC Railroad maps, 138 Description derived from published bibliography. Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image. Vault
- Contributor: Lloyd, James T. - Fillmore, Millard
- Date: 1862
MapRailway and county map of the Southern States; embracing the ... Map of the southern United States showing drainage, county boundaries, cities and towns, canals, roads, and the railroad network. [From published bibliography]
- Contributor: Mendenhall, Edward
- Date: 1864
MapSouthern Mississippi and Alabama showing the approaches to Mo... Map includes part of west Florida and shows drainage, place names, roads, and railroads.
- Contributor: United States Coast Survey
- Date: 1863


text:
The software tools are used by an engineer to get things done easy and fast. In this blog topic, we mentioned below the important and essential software tools which should be learned during your bachelor course in mechanical engineering.
AutoCAD ( A fundamental CAD software for designing and draftinging purpose)
2. Pro/Engineer Complete parametric 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software)
3. C Language (Programming language)
4. ANSYS (A software for analysis or simulation.
It is drafting software which requires drawing 2D objects as well as 3D modelling.
In the process of being a Mechanical engineer, one has to submit final year project which involves experimental or fabrication work or theoretical analysis. To take any project, one must use at least one software or more.
Pro Engineer
It is a complete package of drawing, modelling and analysis. Its design package has 2D drawing, 3D models and an assembly. It also functions like 2D CAD, 3D CAD, Data exchange like IGES and other formats, Dynamics publishing, engineering calculations, Visualization and mock up etc.
C Programming Language
If you are mechanical student, then you must know the great importance of C language as when you need to learn computational subjects, and the calculations for a number of numerical methods. There are many programming languages but C is one of best. If you use MATLAB, it will need more memory but fewer skills, FORTRAN is also competitive to C but if you know the C language, you don't need to learn the rest and even it is required, you could learn easily as all programming languages are very similar.
Finite Element Method or FEA is one of the numerical methods in science that deals with approx numerical solutions of problems like structural, thermal, fluid or fluid structure interface. Generally for problems with thermal and fluid, software packages like FLUENT and GAMBIT is popular. To mention, the latest ANSYS versions include FLUENT.
Hence, without the software, it is impossible to work or do research in the areas of Mechanical Engineering. So, be attentive in your classes during the bachelors and learn the various software tools as you need them at regular basis.
Hope you liked this discussion.
Are you looking for CAD CAM certification in Pune? Well if you want to do CAD CAM training courses, then our CRB Tech Solutions has a nice name in this field for you to take up for enhancing your skill in AutoCAD programs and grow in your career. Our CAD training courses are much upgraded and our CAD CAM institute has earned a niche for itself.
We also offer mechanical design engineer courses with our a well structured program in view of offering training for mechanical engineering students
So if you are looking good opportunities for CAD Cam jobs, join our CAE Institute in Pune which gives the best cad training courses through our mechanical design engineering courses.


text:
Bed Bug Spray
Bed Bug Spray is free HD wallpaper. This wallpaper was upload at June 14, 2018 upload by admin in Bed.You can download it in your computer by clicking resolution image in Download by size:. Don't forget to rate and comment if you interest with this wallpaper.
Description wallpaper for Bed Bug Spray
- Title: Bed Bug Spray
- Author:
- Upload:
- Link: http://www.bedbugsupply.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/temprid-bed-bug-spray.jpg
- Tag:
- Category: Bed
- View: 22681 Views


text:
HALL OF FAME COACH DON SHULA AND '72 MIAMI DOLPHINS PLAYERS CELEBRATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF PERFECT SEASON AT SHULA'S STEAK HOUSE AT WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN HOTEL The NFL's winningest coach, Don Shula, will celebrate the 40th...
Posted by Debra Martin Koma on November 7, 2012 1:26 PM
If you use an RSS reader, you can subscribe to a feed of all future entries tagged 'Mercury Morris'. [What is this?]
Other tags used on this blog:


text:
From cold and flu germs to more dangerous bacteria, Coverall North America franchises are taught how to reduce the spread of bugs at offices, medical clinics and retail stores.
It's that health focus that attracted Betty Whitaker, a registered nurse, to buying a Coverall franchise with her husband, who retired a few years ago from Pratt & Whitney in Palm Beach County.
Whitaker said Coverall's cleaning system uses the same practices as a hospital. Coverall combines hospital-grade disinfectants with microfiber pads color-coded for a specific use, from a computer keyboard to the restroom. Microfiber cloths tend to capture and remove more dirt than rags or paper towels, according to Coverall.
"Instead of a mop, you have a color-coded pad that will cleanse the floor. A mop just keeps spreading germs," Whitaker said.
South Florida franchisees say Coverall's cleaning protocols and its franchise-owner training and support system set it apart. For 14 years, Coverall North America has been named a Top 200 franchise by Franchise Times. And USA Today named it a Top 50 franchise for veterans — about 10 percent of the franchisees are veterans, the company says.
More companies are "cleaning for health rather than appearance," said Anthony Trombetta, sales director for ISSA, a cleaning industry association near Chicago. "There's a movement toward a system that tries to remove bacteria and dirt," he said.
Coverall employs 60 people at its Deerfield Beach headquarters. The franchise company has 9,000 franchises worldwide with revenues of $400 million in 2012.


text:
:: Yes, at last, a game report! You will see it's quite a lot more condensed than the old one, and it starts a few sessions later (the players decided they really wanted to get back to pirate hunting, and a little bit of Deus Ex Machina was employed to see that happen). However, this covers about six sessions of gaming and outlines a full "chapter" of their story. Enjoy!::
(12/8/1472) 18:40 – 19:10 arrive in Draxian tower trapped within magic circle. Mages bring it down. Secret doors located and opened. iron golems attack. Jaeger sneaks through the battle and to one of the doors leading from outer area. Hears low chanting from beyond. Other rooms searched. Scrolls recovered and Remove Affliction Elixirs. Group move to door and opening it (after removing a bit designed to exhaust its targets) , see only utter darkness.
19:10 – 19:30: The darkness is lowered by Thatari, and a flight of stairs is seen. A trap glyph is located in the ceiling, and the group can see that darkness still shrouds the lower steps. This too is lowered, and another glyph removed. More darkness..and again, it is removed. However, as this falls, so a room is seen beyond, within which stand two draxian apprenta, arms raised as they call on their power, a translucent mephit of steam and shadow darting around them.
A battle immediately ensues. Caught up in the fight, the group forget that there may be a final trap, and an Infernal Transposition Glyph is triggered, turning a stretch of the stairs and chamber into a zone of hellish terrain. This wounds the apprenta as well as the group, although the warlock manages to force reality back to where it belongs with the brute manipulation of the local dimensional fabric (He also marvels at the dimensional locks that must be in place on the tower to prevent such a transposition ripping reality open in this area of wounded reality).
19:30 – 19:35: The battle is tough but the group are victorious. There are three portals leading from the area, and the apprentices each bear a sigil that seems to be the key to opening them. However, concerned that they may be forced into a battle they should avoid, and worried by their increasingly weary state, the group decide to leave these chambers be, and head through the secret door.
19:35 – 19:45: Another flight of bloodmarble steps, which widens as it enters a huge ornate circular chamber of polished bloodmarble. In the middle of the room stand four floor to ceiling columns carved from onyx. These have been crafted to depict humans and daemons involved in sickening sexual acts, and a bloody light oozes from them painting the room in shadowy radiance. Either side of the room, two rune scribed portals lead elsewhere, whilst dead ahead a huge pair of gold and obsidian doors, bound in cold iron and worked with warding glyphs, leads...outside perhaps? However, the group's attention is taken up by the massive thing - a flesh golem, though made from the unnatural parts of daemons rather than mortals - that snarls and roars between the pillars, flexing its malformed, clawed hands, and whipping, sting-tipped tail. It stands just over 12' tall, and has a mass of hideous heads stitched directly to its chest.
The daemonflesh golem leaps to attack, unleashing a blast of raw chaotic power amongst the group. Hitting hard, the Chaos Hammer stuns Varracuda and Shnecke, dazes Jaeger and Thatari, and misses Grigori. An epic battle unfolds, in which the group's resources are all but depleted. The golem however is eventually destroyed through cunning as much as strength of arms, for whilst the battle rages,the assassin examines the ornate doors. Almost at once he recognises the layers of deadly spells woven into it, and with this in mind - and being reluctant to try and disable the complex, interwoven glyphs, he hatches a plan. The golem is lured close to the doors, and then hurled against them by the swordmage. As it hits the doors, so its massive bulk forces them apart, triggering a maelstrom of destruction as the wards trigger. Shredding, clawing power evaporates the golem, its destruction sending echoes of wild magic through the hall, and the doors vanish in the apocalypse of released might, revealing the storm blasted streets beyond. From somewhere nearby, a thickly accented voice howls with rage, and the group decide to head out of the tower whilst they can.
19:45 – 20:05: The island is in the midst of an unnatural storm - both a physical and metaphysical storm. Buildings lie destroyed, and bodies are strewn everywhere. The group make their way to a nameless inn, and find it almost deserted, the only inhabitants being a gibbering sailor driven mad by the sights he has seen (he is quietly drained of his blood by Grigori and Shnecke), and a sobbing, but sane, red-haired barmaid named Beth.
20:05 – 06:00 (13/8/1472): The group settled into the Inn, availing themselves of the profits and the best alcohol in the house, and then spend some times settling in. The assassin finds an antique shield brooch, which he recognises as an ancient Silver Guard symbol - enchanted to absorb force damage. Outside the storm rages, the only living soul they witness being a man - naked and bleeding - running howling through the slashing rain, vanishing in the stinging fogs. At about 03:00 the storm stops as if turned off, and eerie silence envelops the island, punctuated now and then by distant screams or the crackle of unleashed magic.
06:00 – 10:40: Beth is offered a place on board the SC, which she accepts. The group set about trying to find some additional supplies in the city, whilst the assassin heads down to the docks to see if the SC is still moored there. (The group realise that the Geas has ended on them, as technically, they have fulfilled their part of the bargain - the portal is now closed by their hand).
The harbour is choked with wreckage, the ships that were moored there smashed in the unleashed power of the planar collapse. Several ships are fused with the cliff sides over looking the harbour. None appear to be the SC.
The assassin also spots a Draxian - almost certainly the one who's tower they trashed - stalking along the harbour front, his fury shimmering around him in a nimbus of bloody shadows. He senses that something unseen and impossibly foul follows the diabolist, and knowing that he would be killed were he to be spotted, he slinks back to the inn.
Grigori enacts a ritual and makes contact with Caleph. He is heartened to learn that the SC has survived, though it is damaged and listing hard to port. Caleph agrees to bring the ship back to what is left of the Carrion Port, in order to collect the group.
Out at the edge of his vision, the assassin notices a small, armoured ship cutting through the waters towards the port. Straining his eyes, he sees it's name - "The Soliloquy".
10:40 – 11:10: Returning to the group, it is decided to head down to the northern side of the island, and to try and locate a boat, to sail out to meet the SC. it is also decided that the group will stop by the Swaervar'Tritul temple to see if Rodag is there. They move through the streets, disgusted by the swarming flies and screaming seagulls that feed on the bloating bodies of those slain in the upheavals, and soon locate several small rowing boats that have weathered a devastation, ideal for sailing out to meet the SC.
11:10 – 11:55: The group heads to the temple of Swaervar'Tritul, and find it empty; the icon of the Sea God warped by whatever power briefly lay here - its once noble features corrupted by horn-like eruptions of weeping coral, that ooze and fester in the still heat. A cleric lies dead and bloated; pecked by seagulls and swarming with maggots, in the entrance, though it is not Rodag.
A search of the temple shows it to be empty. However, as they wait there, a group of sailors arrives - one of them wounded, their foot bloated and discoloured. The group approach them, and Grigori mends the wounded man's foot. They agree to join the crew of the SC. Three are Vaedanci sailors, the last, a Dohr'Khustan.
11:55 – 22:30: The group await nightfall. From the bell tower (where a single bell tolls morosely in the unpleasantly warm, death-scented air), Jaeger scans the island from signs of life. Where the shift mines were, a brilliantly glowing chasm now yawns, beams of radiance reaching into the skies like burning spears.
As night falls, only a few lights shine in the black ruin of the Carrion Port, one of them being the bloody, smoky energies that rise over the blade and thorn studded tower of the Draxian. The group wait for the moon (only a few days from being full) to rise before they head out into the streets, glad that the night has at least brought some relief from the gulls and flies - though rats now gnaw on the dead and chase foully through the shattered streets.
22:30 – 23:15 The group make their way to the shore without incident, and with their new allies rowing, soon meet with the SC - though she is far more wounded then the group imagined she would be; listing hard to port, the cannons there almost facing down into the waves.
23:15 – 00:30 (14/8/1472): They immediately meet with a weary Caleph, who has managed to keep the crew loyal to the group, and tells the party of several individuals that have tried to usurp their authority (although he warns many are commenting on the ill favour that seems to follow this vessel).
Principle amongst these is a so-called missionary of the Goddess Rithuen'Ardana named Vensk.
Vensk it seems is a manipulative snake-oil salesman of a man - always talking of his great power, but exhibiting only charlatanism, fake healing, and suggestion. This has not stopped him gaining a small following amongst the displaced of the crew, and he has, of late, voiced some rather less than friendly opinions of the group.
It is decided that he will be watched and then disposed of, the assassin assuring the group that he can make him vanish with disturbing silence.
The group's attention then turns to the matter of what to do next. It is decided that the first task will be to get the ship patched up, so it can make the dangerous journey to the next nearest port - the "black port" (pirate / lawless port) of Scarathane. Scarathane is a violent, anarchic port located within the corpse of a rumbling, dormant volcano, known by local pirates as Isola degli dei ruggente (Island of the Roaring God). Controlled by a syndicate of three powerful organisations (the Cult of Zargor, the pirates of the Feccia Del Mare (scum of the sea) and the surface dwelling, psionically potent Dwaer'Syth of lost Athrandia).
However, to get there, the ship must pass through a deadly region of islets inhabited by pirates, who's water teem with daemonically infused Sahuagin. In order to stand a chance, the SC must be patched up – at least enough that she can bring her port armaments to bear. It is therefore agreed that the ship will seek out an island somewhere nearby, so that temporary repairs can be made.
The ten most trusted crew members are also singled out and given the task of keeping an eye on the mood and morale of the crew and the refugees. They agree to do so, becoming the ships chosen men.
14/8/1472 – 18/8/1472) A course is set, and the SC heads out. Jaeger shadows Vensk, but after a few days is unable to find him. During his search for him, he discovers that several other refugees are missing, and he tells the rest of the group.
11:00 – 14:00: A thorough search of the ship is made, and no sign of the con man found. All that remains is his copy of "Common Prayers for the Adventurer", his holy symbol and his boots. Realising that he can solve the mystery quite easily, Grigori enacts a ritual to read the psychic vibrations of Vensk's holy book – and makes a chilling discovery. The last person to speak to him was none other than Beth.
14:40 – 15:15: Grigori and Shnecke arrange to meet with Beth in the captain's quarters, the assassin lurking in the room, masked by his shadow magic. Although not in the chamber, both Thatari and Varracuda lurk nearby, ears pricked for even the slightest hint of trouble.
Beth arrives, and when asked about the fake holy man seems to grow angry and frustrated. Grigori, realising something is wrong, but unsure of what, tries to calm her, but her rage grows with each second. Then, before the horrified adventurers, she leaps at the priest, her beauty shredding as her true form – that of a sag titted, twisted old woman with huge claws, a hooked nose, and glowing yellow eyes – rips free.
"HAG!" screams the priest, summoning his magic. "Fools!" Screams the hag, "You had to meddle didn't you?"
Within moments, the luxurious splendour of the captain's quarters is reduced to ruin as the group battle the Brine Hag. She is a truly deadly foe, and it takes almost everything they have to even draw blood. By this time, the room is awash with corrosive slush, poison tipped urchin spines and other manifestations of fey magic, and each adventurer is almost at their limit. Luckily, as soon as her warty, sagging flesh is actually cut, the hag seems to lose any stomach for the battle, and with a shriek of rage, she transforms into briny water, and flows through the floor, escaping the group, and fleeing to who knows where...
Word spreads quickly through the ship, and morale takes another hit. People mutter about the SC being cursed, and dark tales spread like a sickness through the crew as they tell ever more wild tales about the party and past events.
(18/8/1472 – 21/8/1472): Grigori and the chosen men work hard to calm the raw emotions, and manage to reassure many. However, there remains an undercurrent of fear and foreboding, which hangs over the crew like a cloak.
22:15 – 22:35: However, as night draws up her hood, so the source of the glow becomes apparent – a flotilla of impossible, huge chunks of burning, frozen fire, floating in the sea; huge glassy things, who's upper reaches blaze with an almost colourless flame, the waters of the ocean seething and boiling where they touch them. Worse, creatures of elemental fire can be seen dancing and fighting within the infernos atop the "firebergs", and it is feared that they may try and attack the SC should it draw too close to them. The heat coming from them is horrific, and an emergency meeting is called to decide how to proceed.
The meeting is tense, with arguments for going around the elemental hazard and for going through. Eventually however, it is decided that it would be safer to try and wend through the strange phenomena, rather then risk skirting too close to uncharted, possibly deadly waters.
23:00 – 05:20: All non-crew are confined to their quarters (where once again, the muttering begins about the SC being "cursed"), and the crew grimly prepare to act on the orders of their bizarre captains. It takes them roughly six hours, but incredibly, the ship manages to move through the "fireberg" flotilla with barely a scorch, despite falling chunks of frozen fire, errantly lobbed fireballs, and surging bursts of superheated water.
(26/8/1472): 10:05: Four more days pass, and land is spotted!