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Curling up with a good book must surely be one of life's simplest pleasures and one that, as a busy mum-of-two, I unfortunately don't get to do as often as I would like, sigh! So, when I do find a fabulous new book and can retreat to the sofa for a few moments of uninterrupted escapism, I want to be transported to a different place; want to spend time in somebody else's life. OK, I also want to avoid the ironing, but it's mainly about the books!
This blog, 'Off The Shelf', is all about finding that time to enjoy a great book. I will be reading and reviewing my favourites and sharing an insight into the author behind the words. I hope you will discover some new favourite authors and books along the way.
'The Last Letter From Your Lover' by Jojo Moyes (published by Hodder & Stoughton) is an absolute treat of a book, from the beautiful cover to the very last word. If I had to describe the book as an occasion, it would be Afternoon Tea, enjoyed with the finest china and the most exquisite cakes in a beautiful, art deco hotel in Monaco.
The story, which spans over 50 years, starts with Ellie, a journalist who is having an affair with a married man and struggling with her career. She has just uncovered an intriguing archive of old documents and letters from the 1960s. From here, we go back in time to meet the main character, Jennifer Stirling, who wakes up in hospital after being in a car crash and is unable to remember anything about her life; her husband, her home, anything. It's a terrifying prospect.
Sensing that something is missing in her life and ill-at-ease around her husband Laurence, some distant memories begin to stir when Jennifer finds a love letter hidden in a book. It is signed simply 'B'. And so begins her search for the truth about her life.
Set between the Riviera and London society scene of the 1960s and also in modern-day London, the plot moves backwards and forwards in time, twisting and turning between Ellie's life and Jennifer Stirling's life, before and after the car crash.
I loved the character of Jennifer Stirling, finding her very reminiscent of Grace Kelly; oozing style and sophistication of a bygone era. Ellie is also a character I am sure we can all relate to; struggling at work and picking apart cryptic text messages to try and decipher the true meaning behind the abbreviated words.
The book has some brilliantly disguised plot twists (which I didn't see coming and am certainly not going to reveal here). I also loved the whole premise of this book; the wonderfully romantic, almost-forgotten notion of handwritten letters between lovers.
For hopeless romantics and lovers of 1960's Riviera chic, this book is a must. Satisfying on every level, I was sorry to come to the end (and yes, I shed a tear!) I am now looking forward to enjoying Jojo's previous novels and cannot wait to see what brilliance she will craft next.
I spoke to Jojo about her life as a writer.
I was born in London and lived there on and off until I was thirty. I now live near a town called Saffron Walden on a farm in the middle of nowhere. I have three children, 13, 10 and 6 and we have two horses, two dogs and one cat. Before I was a writer I was a journalist for ten years, and before that my jobs included brochure writer for club 18-30 and typer of braille bank statements for blind people.
That's a lot of pets! So, when did you start writing – and why?
I've always written – as a child I filled piles of exercise books with stories about incredibly brave girls with ponies doing death-defying things. But I took it up professionally when I was working nights at The Independent and needed something useful to do with my days. It was that or shopping, and I didn't have the money for shopping…
I know that feeling! So, when was your first novel published and how many have been published since?
'Sheltering Rain' was published in 2001, and seven have been published since. My ninth book, 'Me Before You', will be out in January.
So, tell us what is the most glamorous aspect of life as a writer?
Probably the launch parties, award ceremonies and lunches in nice restaurants with editors and agents. Believe me, when you spend the vast majority of your time alone in a room in your pyjama bottoms wrestling with things that only exist in your head, those events are really welcome!
Hmm, the pyjama bit I'm not so sure about, the launch parties and award ceremonies I could definitely do! Your novels are all set in different periods of history, 'The Last Letter From Your Lover' being set partly in the 1960s and partly in modern times. What is it about history, and this period of history, which inspires you and how do you do your research?
I love that period of the late fifties and early sixties. I've written several books – Foreign Fruit, The Peacock Emporium and now Last Letter partly based in that time. I like it because you still have a lot of the restraint and inhibition of earlier times, which is so useful for fuelling plot, and really good for setting a love affair. Relationships are far more interesting for what stands between the two people, and there was so much stopping people getting together back then. It was also a time when the world teetered on the edge of a change – towards greater personal freedom and a more permissive society – and yet there were plenty of people who would take years to get there.
I do my research a number of ways, but one of the most important is visiting the British Newspaper Library at Colindale. There I go through newspapers of the era and study them – the advertisements, the preoccupations, the stories. I bring home loads of copies and pin them all over my office; you find that the names, the language, and the feel of the era seeps into what you are writing. I love the television series Mad Men, which seems to illustrate a lot of these issues beautifully and subtly. It would be my dream to write for that show.
You heard it here first! So, tough question, but which three words would best describe your writing style?
Oh gosh. Um – emotional, heartfelt, and I'd really hope for intelligent. I try to write characters who are properly complex and I trust the readers to work out some things for themselves.
As a writer, you are obviously an avid reader. Other than your own novels, which book would you love to have written?
I think the first book I really envied was 'Behind The Scenes at the Museum', by Kate Atkinson. A perfect example of a great plot, clevery told, a bunch of really original characters, and more than anything else the most amazing tone. More recently I also loved 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett.
Also two of my favourites. Now, here's a tricky question. If you could choose a celebrity to play any of the characters in your latest novel, which celebrity and which character would it be?
A few people have already suggested them to me. I think the suggestions I liked best were James McAvoy for Boot and January Jones for Jennifer.
It must be wonderful to see people reading your books on the tube or at the airport. Have you ever spotted anyone famous reading your novels?
I haven't spotted anyone, but Jennifer Ehle (Pride and Prejudice, The King's Speech etc) read both 'The Last Letter From Your Lover' and 'Silver Bay' and that made me SO happy. I love her work. Clare Balding read 'The Horse Dancer' and said lovely things about it. She also seems like a lovely person (and I'm not just saying that because she liked the book!)
And finally, because I am impatient and want a bit of a scoop, can you tell us anything about your next novel? Please?!
I'm just finishing the proofs for 'Me Before You'. I can't say too much about it, because it is truly different, but it's a love story about a woman who falls in love with a man who has decided he wants to die, and what happens when she tries to change his mind. It's a real weepie – possibly even more than my previous books – but it also has a lot of humour in it, which is a new thing for me. Every now and then you write a book which just writes itself, and this was one of those books for me. I'm quite nervous about it, as it is a controversial subject, but the people who have read it so far have been passionate about it, so I"m keeping my fingers crossed…
Thank you to Jojo for these fascinating insights into her life and her work. You can say hi to Jojo on Twitter @jojomoyes or visit her website www.jojomoyes.com
'The Last Letter From Your Lover' is available now in paperback, priced £7.99.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Bob's Burgers Marius & Bob Long Sleeve T-Shirt Heather Gray
• Habitat has partnered with the Emmy Award winning Bob's Burgers team to develop a series of custom skateboards, apparel and accessories. The line includes pro-model skateboards featuring illustrations of the Habitat crew interacting with your favorite Bob's Burgers characters.
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Toro Rosso names Daniil Kvyat for 2014 race seat
The F1 world got a surprise this week when Toro Rosso announced Daniil Kvyat, a Russian teenager, as Daniel Ricciardo's 2014 successor.
We reported on Monday that, although Antonio Felix da Costa has been the obvious favourite for the seat, fellow Red Bull junior Kvyat had jumped to the front of the queue thanks to 'a group of Russian sponsors'.
Italy's Italiaracing said one of them is SMP, a Russian group.
Earlier, Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost had said Rome-based Kvyat, who is the first driver to leap straight to F1 from GP3, was too young for 2014.
"I think usually formula one drivers should be at least 20 or 21," he had said.
But now, Tost insists Kvyat is "very talented", having "impressed" the Faenza based team with his F1 test at Silverstone this year.
Portuguese da Costa, meanwhile, wrote on Twitter that Red Bull's decision "hurts", but insisted "it's not over".
The 22-year-old has also struggled at times in the Formula Renault 3.5 series this year, while Dr Helmut Marko insists Kvyat has flourished in his development.
Russian Kvyat remains in contention for this year's GP3 title, and Red Bull's Marko said on Austrian Servus TV he has also thrived in F3.
"Whatever we have put him in, he has performed right off the bat," Marko said late on Monday.
Marko denied that, unlike Sauber's Russian teen Sergey Sirotkin, the fact Russia will host its inaugural grand prix next year has had a direct influence on the choice.
"What he showed in the (F1) testing was remarkable," Marko insisted. "If a young driver shows the talent, the passion and a strong work ethic, we give him a chance."
And the correspondent for the German newspaper Bild, Frank Schneider, added: "It is quite possible Toro Rosso will also get a new sponsor or two."


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EVS provides its customers with reliable and innovative technology to enable the production of live, enriched video programming, allowing them to work more efficiently and boost their revenue streams. Its industry-leading broadcast and media production systems are used by broadcasters, production companies, post-production facilities, film studios, content owners and archive libraries around the globe. It spans four key markets – Sports, Entertainment, News and Media. Founded in 1994, its innovative Live Slow Motion system revolutionised live broadcasting. Its reliable and integrated tapeless solutions, based around its market-leading XT server range, are now widely used to deliver live productions worldwide. Today, it continues to develop practical innovations, such as its C-Cast second-screen delivery platform, to help customers maximise the value of their media content. The company is headquartered in Belgium and has offices in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.


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Nation & World
Mexican's likely execution in Texas reignites dispute over global treaty
When Texas administers a lethal injection to convicted cop killer Edgar Tamayo on Wednesday, it will defy the Mexican government and the U.S. State Department and put Texas once again into a dispute over the rights of foreigners held on death row.
A Mexican national convicted of killing a Houston police officer in 1994, Tamayo, 46, has sought a reprieve from execution for 19 years, arguing that Texas police didn't follow the Vienna Convention that requires them to give foreigners rapid access to consular officials from their home countries when arrested.
His position has won the support of his home government and the Obama administration, which worries that American citizens also might be denied consular access.
"Our consular visits help ensure U.S. citizens detained overseas have access to food and appropriate medical care, if needed, as well as access to legal representation," Secretary of State John Kerry said in a letter to Republican Texas Gov. Rick Perry urging that the execution be delayed.
Perry has rejected any postponement.
"It doesn't matter where you're from – if you commit a despicable crime like this in Texas, you are subject to our state laws, including a fair trial by jury and the ultimate penalty," Perry's spokeswoman, Lucy Nashed, said in an email.
Tamayo's scheduled execution is the latest battle in a long-running dispute over whether Texas and other states must recognize international treaties that give legal rights to foreigners held for crimes on U.S. soil. His case was among those of 51 Mexicans that the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, ordered the United States to review in 2004 because the defendants hadn't been given timely access to consular officials. In Tamayo's case, he wasn't allowed to see a representative of his country until a week before his trial.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled four years later that the White House doesn't have the authority to order states to skirt procedure and comply with the international court ruling. It said an act of Congress would be needed to make the ruling binding on states.
Legislation is pending in Congress that would require the states to respect the Vienna Convention clause on foreign criminal suspects, said Richard C. Dieter, the executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, a Washington-based nonprofit that's critical of the death penalty.
Dieter said an unusual array of agencies and sectors were pushing for the legislation, including the Pentagon, which is concerned about U.S. soldiers at foreign bases who may get arrested, and evangelical missionary groups, which send people to work overseas.
"People don't often connect the dots between a person on death row and their son getting arrested for drugs in Russia," he said.
Death penalty advocates say Tamayo exhausted legal remedies in Texas and shouldn't be granted new standing under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which the U.S. government ratified in 1969.
"This is a guy who pumped three slugs into the head of a police officer in Texas. He got as much due process as he'd get anywhere in the world," said Michael D. Rushford, the president of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy group in Sacramento, Calif., for crime victims and law enforcement.
According to prosecutors, Houston police Officer Guy Gaddis had handcuffed Tamayo, who was in Texas without legal papers, during an arrest. Tamayo removed a concealed weapon and shot Gaddis in the back of the head.
Tamayo, who's from Morelos state near Mexico's capital, wrote to a supporter last week acknowledging that his time had run out.
"The message that I want to give you is that, if they execute me, please ask my countrymen, and all of Mexico, to forgive me for letting them down and returning in a casket," Tamayo said in the letter.
The recipient of the letter, Pablo Antonio Castro, who said he was the president of the Confederation of Associations and Clubs of Morelos in the United States and Canada, said in a telephone interview from Las Vegas that he hoped for a reprieve "in the last seconds because of all the international pressure."
Sixty-one Mexican citizens await execution in the United States, according to Mexico's National Commission on Human Rights.


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No need for such language. I fixed it.
I will follow the rules.
Thank you!!!
Hello Tiger,I'm just interested will you upload F1 race today?Just so I know will I wait or go to bed,tnx
Si, lo siento. Se publicaron casi al mismo tiempo..
how are you doing? I know you are very great in finding us US SPORTS!!
I'll thank you a lot for that!
Now i'm looking for the big MARCH MADNESS Games.
Are you gonna upload some?
I think other will appreciate as well
Hi! Thanks for Copa Libertadores last matches! I want to know much more about South American football because I often write articles about it. If it's possible, can you upload other matches of first or second qualification rounds? It's very difficult to find it. There are only highlights. So thank you for this work. I hope you'll continue to upload Copa Libertadores matches again and again!
I see... well thnks anyway...
Zup dude... I was wandering If u had any clue where can I find last nite Mavs game against Orlando. I can't find it and I haven't seen it in this site.
I'd appreciate If u could help me.
Ok, I take note. Thanks
Junior Member
Senior Member


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|View Poll Results: Accel World - Episode 24 [END] Rating
|Perfect 10
|9 out of 10 : Excellent
|8 out of 10 : Very Good
|7 out of 10 : Good
|6 out of 10 : Average
|5 out of 10 : Below Average
|4 out of 10 : Poor
|3 out of 10 : Bad
|2 out of 10 : Very Bad
|1 out of 10 : Painful
|Voters: 114. You may not vote on this poll
|Thread Tools
|2012-09-22, 09:59
|Link #81
Join Date: Dec 2003
Age: 37
1. This is not a thread to compare Accel World to SAO. This is a thread to discuss Accel World Episode 24.
2. Relevant comparisons to other shows (relevant to the topic of this thread!) require properly-labelled spoiler tags.
A bunch of posts have been removed, and will be processed later today.
|2012-09-22, 13:45
|Link #82
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Haru vs Nomi!
A flying battle, that was pretty cool.
At first I thought Chiyu betrayed him again, but getting the wings back was the best thing that he could' ve hoped for.
Seems like Haru has even cooler version of wings now.
Hope Chiyu will you her power to turn back time for good from now on.
Nomi finally out of Brain Burst world for good.
I'm glad Nomi's personality totally changed after the game disappeared from his head.
|2012-09-22, 13:54
|Link #83
Megane girl fan
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Diagonally parked in a parallel universe.
Age: 51
A very satisfying finish to a very good series.
I really liked that punch chopping Dusk Taker in half. Very impressive! I admit, I also raged a bit when Lime Bell made her move, but I had to remind myself, she has a good reason. Fortunately, she explained herself later.
Seeing Dusk Taker wail and grovel was extremely delicious. However, seeing Happy Nomi, as interesting as it was, still reminded me of how much I hate his voice.
I definitely think there will be a second season. After all, Haru still has Chrome Disaster to deal with.
Endless "Raker, I need you!" Soul
|2012-09-22, 14:21
|Link #85
U mad?
Join Date: Apr 2012
It probably looks different, since he still had Gale Thrusters equipped, given him even further acceleration than usual.
Even then, the extreme acceleration he displayed might not appear again, even if he equipped Gale Thrusters. He kept recharging its gauge constantly, due to the emotions he felt when he got them back.
|2012-09-22, 14:50
|Link #86
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Disappointed in myself for not piecing together the clues about Chiyu's avatar and abilities. Seeing as Chiyu has a desire to return her friendship with Haru and Taku back to when they were children, the clock used with Citron call to reverse time makes total sense.
|2012-09-22, 15:01
|Link #88
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
You know, one thing hit me after rewatching this final episode. I thought the VA for Haruyuki, Yuki Kaji, did a really good job. I remember when I saw the first episode, this was when Guilty Crown was maybe midseason, I thought that Ouma Shu would end up bleeding over to Haruyuki for me, but by the end of the series I definitely forgot they were done by the same person.
Even just by the little differences that Shu's voice is lower by a bit than Haruyuki's really made a difference and a distinction between the two, and I thought it was really well done.
Great series overall, hope season 2 gets announced.
|2012-09-22, 16:32
|Link #89
Join Date: Dec 2003
Age: 37
Just a random comment. Kuroyukihime's transition of emotions after Haru's "confession" are pretty funny. First, she's totally embarrassed, and then she realizes he didn't mean it, and she goes back to neutral "oh he didn't mean it...", to dejected: "too bad".
As a second point, what is it exactly that she did to clear Haru's name? She adjusted the "lost property" list? I think I've forgotten a little bit of the details... how does this clear him?
|2012-09-22, 16:32
|Link #90
Spoiler for Comparison to Guilty Crown:
Last edited by relentlessflame; 2012-09-22 at 16:40. Reason: Added spoiler tags for the more in-depth comparison
|2012-09-22, 17:43
|Link #91
OC Belka Scriptor
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Germany
Age: 35
Nice how they dropped the "Sachan!" at the end. Damn, I totaly stopped being curious about KYH's name but this one braught it all back.
Funny. I totaly hated Nomi, but when he was all amnesiac, happy and unevil, I forgave him.
I will miss this show. I hope for a next season.
And now that I know how the song is called: I always thought the now start playing X-Japan's "The Last Song" whenever the played "Way Home" as BGM. >.<
|2012-09-22, 18:21
|Link #92
Join Date: Oct 2004
The naked flying Haruyuki reminds me about Kid Ikari. When he is about to fall, his naked senpai suddenly appear at his right side and left side. He's able to boost again. The conclusion is "Don't underestimate the power generated by erotic thoght!"
Chiyuri and Kuroyukihime's "secret handshake" kinda bother me. Oh well, it's probably Japanes style. So, it's abridged.
It's also surprising an online game can influence so many people at the end. They are all lost in thought.
Last edited by GundamZZ; 2012-09-22 at 18:36.
|2012-09-22, 18:40
|Link #93
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Malaysia
Age: 25
|2012-09-22, 19:46
|Link #95
Senior Member
I'm thoroughly satisfied with this end.
Ultimately, it really did fall to Haru to defeat Noumi, and I liked that. I'm glad that KYH's impact was just in cancelling out with Black Vice, and providing some cheerleading to Haru.
The final fight between Haru and Noumi did not disappoint whatsoever in either the spectacle department, the choreography department, or in the emotional catharsis department. It delivered in flying colors in all three ways. Unlike some viewers, I even liked it when Noumi turned into a totally pathetic creature shamelessly begging for mercy. I thought it was a poignant moment that showed just how utterly rotten a person Burst Linking had turned him into - When you compare Noumi in his final moments as a Burst Linker to Post-Burst Link Noumi, it's clear how Haru actually did the guy a favor.
It's even as if Haru exorcised the great darkness that had totally warped Noumi's heart and mind, because the Noumi we see later seems as totally harmless and friendly as a member of K-On's light music club.
Then there's how this episode clued up several subarcs, and didn't leave any important subplot hanging. The rationale behind Chiyu's actions were provided, and I have to admit that her plan was an understandable one. Chiyu's plan was risky, but it made some sense, and her heart was in the right place I think. Still, I hope the narrative never makes Chiyu do something like this again, as I'm not sure if her character perception could withstand it well.
We get a brief conversation between the Red King and Pard, which was nice to see as they did play roles in this arc.
And then there was the reunion scene between Sky Raker and KYH - Now that was a real joy to behold; bestill my yuri-loving heart!
A thoroughly satisfying, and in many ways fantastic, conclusion to Accel World. It does raise my estimation of this show some.
10/10 for Episode 24. It really does deserve it, imo.
|2012-09-22, 20:07
|Link #96
Join Date: Dec 2003
Age: 37
So yeah, it was quite satisfying the way everything was cleanly resolved, while obviously leaving the door open for more stories to come.
|2012-09-22, 20:59
|Link #97
Truth Martyr
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Doing Anzu's paperwork.
Age: 33
Just watched the show. I came into this series in the opposite position to SAO (having not read the light novels )... anyway, solid end to the series. I liked how KYH showed up with the reins to control that creature, and watching this ep, I can't help but feel that there was some SAO shoutouts (though they seem to be unconscious to me).
Also liked Sacchan and Fuuko's reconciliation. Friendship end FTW.
All in all, solid series - quite fun, and decently enjoyable. I guess if SAO were a steak, this' be a lamb course? *shrug*
|2012-09-22, 23:26
|Link #99
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Decent end.
Good catch on the startup of the healing is actually a clock turning backwards. I assumed that Chiyu needed to boost her power to restore Haru's wings.
But I just thought she would have another Restore move to learn, but it was just increasing the amount of time to reverse.
Having said that....jeez, Lv4(?) and she's able to reverse like 2 weeks of time? (years in accel world) @ Level 9, Would she be able to reverse Accel World to the very beginning of its existance?
Not really sure what the history between Raker and Kuro is, guess that be known more if there's ever another season.
Glad Haru actually finished Nomi off, was afraid Haru would spare him.
Laughed that Nomi pretty much got brain damage and turned into an infant. Especially when he tried flapping his wings in the dojo. So sad its funny.
The little montage of showing everyone that had any part this whole season was very nice.
Kuro is cool other than her fat fetish with Haru.
|2012-09-22, 23:45
|Link #100
Join Date: Dec 2003
Age: 37
|Thread Tools


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Twenty Most Expensive Places to Get Hitched
(NEW YORK) -- New York City continues its reign as most expensive place to get married in the U.S. with couples spending $76,787 on average, according to the annual Real Weddings Survey by TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com.
The survey revealed that the average amount couples spend on weddings in the country reached a high since 2008 at $28,427, not including the honeymoon. Spending in nearly every category also increased, including money spent on a photographer, venue and wedding planner.
"In general, you're seeing couples a little more comfortable with their pocket books," said Anja Winikka, site editor for TheKnot.com. "Most spending is up across the board. They're adding a few more flowers. They're going for the higher-end dress."
The average amount spent on a wedding dress in 2012 was $1,211, compared with $1,121 in 2011. The average number of guests is 139.
This year, spending per guest increased to $204 from $196 in 2011.
"Couples are concentrating on their guests and creating a holistic experience for guests. It's not just about a dazzling dress and me, me, me," she said.
More couples this past year, one in four, provided shuttles and buses for guests to attend their wedding.
New York City has been the most expensive place to get married in the country since TheKnot.com began asking this question in 2007. The least expensive place to get married is Alaska, with an average of $15,504 per wedding.
Winikka said the amount of spending is likely tied to rent and the cost of living.
"To own and run a business in Manhattan is that much more expensive than in the rest of the country," she said.
New to this year's list of 20 most expensive places to get married are Savannah, Ga. (17th), Sacramento/Reno/Tahoe (18th), and Illinois (20th).
1. New York City (Manhattan)
Average spent per wedding: $76,687
2. Chicago
Average spent per wedding:$49,810
3. New York Metro (Long Island, Hudson Valley and NYC Outer Boroughs)
Average spent per wedding, respectively: $49,002, $46,300, $39,602
4. Northern/Central New Jersey and Southern New Jersey
Average spent per wedding, respectively: $48,496, $35,375
5. Rhode Island
Average spent per wedding: $47,399
6. Santa Barbara/Ventura, Calif.
Average spent per wedding: $42,319
7. Boston
Average spent per wedding: $39,239
8. Philadelphia
Average spent per wedding: $38,369
9. Connecticut
Average spent per wedding: $38,009
10. San Francisco
Average spent per wedding: $35,344
11. Los Angeles
Average spent per wedding: $35,308
12. San Diego and Orange County/Inland Empire, Calif.
Average spent per wedding, respectively: $34,136, $33,848
13. Baltimore
Average spent per wedding: $33,366
14. Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia
Average spent per wedding: $33,118
15. Houston
Average spent per wedding: $31,978
16. Southern Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas)
Average spent per wedding: $31,288
17. Savannah, Ga.
Average spent per wedding: $30,618
18. Sacramento/Reno/Tahoe
Average spent per wedding: $30,458
19. Hawaii
Average spent per wedding: $29,636
20. Illinois
Average spent per wedding: $29,489
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio


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Something new, Every day with your tot! Art for Tots is an one hour program for a caregiver and their toddlers to bond in interactive and creative way. This program is offered every day of the week from 10:00am to 11:00am with different themes. The class will be conducted with 30 minutes theme-of-the-day activity and 30 minutes free artistic play. The class involves the participation of one caregiver, and all materials are provided.
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: February 6Art for Tots
Later Event: February 8Art for Tots


text:
The 1st Annual Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) Student Challenge was held at the AHS Forum 69 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday May 21, 2013. The Challenge was held at 5:30 p.m. in the exhibit hall during the Industry/Exhibitor Reception.
The MAV Student Challenge pitted five student-researcher teams in a competition for up to $3,000 in prizes sponsored by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. The teams included two from the University of Maryland and one each from the University of Texas at Austin, Arizona State University and The Pennsylvania State University.
UT Austin's Phoenix V team won a $1,000 prize for Best Manual Challenge Execution, which entailed flying line of sight to a target and then doing a sensor-guided, remotely operated hover over target. Penn State's Gnittany Gnat team won the Best Poster Presentation Award of $500.
Prizes not awarded this year will be reserved to encourage practical and technological pursuits by next year's competitors.
The competition was conducted by AHS International's Unmanned VTOL Aircraft & Rotorcraft Committee. The committee hopes that the annual MAV Student Challenges will lead to advances in this area and help to develop increased expertise by students and universities.
The competition was designed to award both "form" and "function" of the MAV. With respect to "form", teams with unique, innovative and robust VTOL MAV air-vehicle design were awarded points. With respect to "function", teams that demonstrated the best flight and autonomy capabilities received points. See the MAV Student Challenge rules for the details.
Update -- October 24, 2013: The rules for the 2nd Annual MAV Student Challenge have been posted! Check them out.
(Photographs by Jason L. Pereira.)


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Warning: WordPress.com's Falling Snow Feature May Make Your Site Inaccessible
Yesterday, I explained how to make it snow on your website if you have the Jetpack plugin activated. After publishing the article, Mark Root-Wiley commented with a link that explains why the snow animation on websites is not a good idea. According to the website After Gadget which is hosted (more…)


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Lync conference February 19-21, 2013
You are invited to the first-ever Lync Conference to learn about the Lync platform futures, and connect with the Lync engineers, consultants, partners, and attendees. Event takes place in San Diego, California. Visit the conference website to register.
Newly available Lync 2013 exams
· 70-336 Core solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013
· 70-337 Enterprise voice and Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013
Courseware mapped to these exams is in development and scheduled to go live in the coming months:
· Course 20336: Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013
· Course 20337: Enterprise Voice and Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013
Deploying Lync Server 2010?
Take Practice Accelerator for Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Enterprise Voice to get best practices and reusable tools that can help you enable customers to communicate from anywhere in a cost-effective and secure manner. Use your Microsoft Partner Network benefit – 5 partner advisory hours – to participate in this training.


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looking for musicians/bands to provide a track to open One More Distraction's podcast.
We will just play the track for the open, tell everyone the name of your band, and where to find you and your music.
We will play a different band every week
If we really dig the music we will have you on the show in the future.
check out one more distraction on stitcher, google play and iTunes or listen directly
@onemoredistraction on facebook


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Teacher resources and professional development across the curriculum
Teacher professional development and classroom resources across the curriculum
Private Universe Project in Science
Workshop Five: "Can We Believe Our Own Eyes?"
Section 1 - About Workshop Five:
This video is currently not available.
What is the theme of this workshop?
The theme of Workshop Five is "the origins of student ideas."
Whom do we see in the video?
Richard and Karen, eighth graders, and Conor, a fifth grader, are three students who constructed many of their ideas from personal experience, television nature specials, and classroom activities. Conor blends the various resources and constructs rich and imaginative explanations of light and vision; Richard vacillates between scientific and non-scientific ideas, even after instruction; and Karen never waivers from her personal construction about vision.
What happens in the video?
Students of various ages discuss their ideas of how we "see." Their ideas, many of which seem to come from sources outside of school, often differ from those accepted by scientists. Where do students' ideas come from and can (or should) they be changed?
What problem does this workshop address?
Although mirrors are among the most common of scientific devices, they remain enigmatic. The average adult in the United States may use a mirror 30,000 times in a lifetime. Why is it that, even with all of this experience, so many adults still cannot answer simple questions about the properties of mirrors?
"Can We Believe Our Own Eyes?"
addresses students' "conceptual change," a process by which students replace old ideas when new ones become more acceptable. This workshop explores how students construct ideas from the many sources available to them. Television, radio, books, parents, teachers, and peers all play a role in promoting the ways in which students see and understand natural phenomena. In contrast, seeing often contradicts their understanding and, as a result, seeing is not always believing. What can we learn about children's concepts of light and vision that can shed some light on this problem?
What teaching strategy does this workshop offer?
The role of students' experience can be very powerful in shaping their ideas and beliefs. Does this experience always lead to a better understanding? Teachers learn to confront students' understanding by offering alternative experiences that contradict old ideas.
"Can We Believe Our Own Eyes?" is for teachers and educators who want to recognize and understand the process by which students begin to replace old ideas when new ones become more plausible. This process, called conceptual change, can be difficult and confusing for students. For a time, students may hold both the old and new ideas, switching back and forth between them in different contexts. Understanding conceptual change is an important tool for teachers of all grade levels.
Do you think it is possible for a teacher to control the way a student interprets ideas? Please explain your response.
When teachers see their students espousing non-scientific ideas picked up from television, books, and other sources, often the immediate reaction is to suggest ways to eradicate the sources of "misconceptions" and replace the alternative ideas with the science ideas.
The more experience we have with something, the more difficult it can be to understand. Experience can reinforce or create misconceptions. Experience does not equal understanding.
Should or can we as educators "misconception-proof" the student's world? Explain.
After viewing Dr. Sadler's interview with high school students: Talk about times when you have provided evidence in the form of a demonstration or lab activity and your students still didn't believe the implications derived from that evidence. After viewing Conor's interview about how animals see: Where do Conor 's ideas fit into the scheme of common ideas?
Light allows us to see and yet light itself seems invisible. What activities might we devise to help students in grades K-3 develop concrete images of the abstract concept of light?
You will get the greatest benefit from Workshop Six if you complete the following exercise.
Ask friends or colleagues if it is possible to design a machine that will run forever. If they think it is possible, ask them to explain why and how. If not, ask them to explain why not.
The problem posed for this workshop was: If a mirror is mounted flat against a wall, at least how long (or high) must it be for you to see your whole body in it? Does distance play a role in what you see?
Review the "Mirror..." video clip. Compare and discuss your journal predictions with what you have just seen about mirrors.
The Case of the Penny-Wise Architect Designing a Chain of Clothing Stores
"What is the shortest length of mirror (hung flat against a wall) that can show a body from head to toe?"
Answer at end of chapter.
Use of anchoring examples and bridging analogies are strategies that may be helpful when a student finds a concept especially implausible but thinks that a related concept is obviously true. The concept that the student already accepts becomes the anchoring example. The teaching task becomes to use lab activities, discussion, or other approaches to help the student build a bridge between the anchoring example and the target concept. The pieces of this bridge are called "bridging analogies."
Here is an example with vision for young children.
Many children believe that the role of light in vision is only to "light up" an object, making it visible. They have no idea that the light must be scattered from the object into the eye in order for vision to occur. Many of these children will say that light travels to an object from a light source, such as a lamp, and "just stays there." [Note: When light strikes a very smooth object, like a mirror, light is said to be reflected by the object: the light emerges in a "coherent" way as opposed to the helter-skelter scattering of incident light by rough objects. (Mirrors are good examples of the former, rugs of the latter.)]
The objective here is for children to build an understanding that some light is scattered from (or by) objects, rather than all of the light just stopping (i.e. being absorbed).
In this activity, understanding that light is reflected by "shiny" objects is the target concept and the reflection of light from mirrors is the anchoring example. The demonstration of light scattered by paper (and thence illuminating other objects) provides the bridge.
As with any strategy, this activity will leave some children unconvinced. But those who now accept that light reflects from shiny objects are ready to begin constructing a concept of vision more like that of scientists.
Another Example of a Bridging Analogy
Target Concept: A table exerts an upward force on a book resting on the table.
Anchoring Example: We feel a spring "push up" as we push down on it.
Bridging Analogy: Pushing down on surfaces of various "springiness." For example: a foam rubber pad and a long flexible board supported at both ends.
(See Workshop Six, Section 4 for another example of a Bridging Analogy.)
Companies, publications, and organizations named in this guide represent a cross-section of such entities. We do not endorse any companies, publications, or organizations, nor should any endorsement be inferred from a listing in this guide. Descriptions of such entities are for reference purposes only. We have provided this information to help locate materials and information.
For more information on materials that might be helpful in the classroom, contact the following sources:
Ardley, Neil. The Science Book of Color. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. 1-800-543-1919.
Osborne, Jonathan, P. Black, M. Smith and J. Meadows. 1991. LIGHT. Primary Space Project Research Report, Liverpool University Press.
Burston Distribution Services Unit 2A Newbridge Trading Estate Newbridge Close Off Whitby Road Bristol BS44AX Tel: 011-441-272-7242-48 Fax: 011-441-272-711056
Children's Learning in Science
Center for Studies in Science and Mathematics Education, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT: Full Research Report on Light.The Business Secretary CSSME The University of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT
Light. TOPS Learning Systems
Inquiry based activities on light for upper elementary grades TOPS Learning Systems 10970 South Mulino Road Canby, OR 97013 503-263-2040
Pieces and Patterns. (For grades 5-9) Fresno Pacific College, Fresno, California.
AIMS Foundation PO Box 8120 Fresno, CA 93747 1-209-255-4094
Optics. ESS Publications, Nashua, New Hampshire.
Uses simple materials to explore many concepts in the area of light. Order from Delta Education 12 Simon Street Nashua, NH 03060-3009 1-800-442-5444 Fax: 1-800-282-9560
Light and Shadow: Nashua, New Hampshire: ESS Publications.
A unit for early primary grades in which children explore the origins and nature of shadows. Can be adapted for older children.Order from Delta Education 12 Simon Street Nashua, NH 03060-3009 1-800-442-5444 Fax: 1-800-282-9560
Shapiro, Bonnie L. What Children Bring to Light. 1994. New York: Teachers College Press.
AIDC Distributor 1-800-575-6566
Hammond, Ronald E. What About Human Vision?
Carolina Biological Supply Company 2700 York Road Burlington, NC 27215 1-800-334-5551
Bosak, Susan et al. 1991. Science Is... Ontario, Canada: Scholastic Canada, Ltd.
Cole, K.C. Vision: In the Eye of the Beholder. San Francisco, CA: Exploratorium.
Driver, Rosalind, Edith Guesne and Andree Tiberghien, eds. 1985. Children's Ideas in Science. Philadelphia, PA: Open University Press.
Falk, David, Dieter Brill and David Stork. 1986. Seeing the Light: Optics in Nature, Photography, Color, Visions, Holography. New York: Harper and Row.
Goldberg, Fred 1986. Student Difficulties in Understanding Image Formation by a Plane Mirror. The Physics Teacher 24: 472-480.
Osborne, Jonathan, P. Black, M. Smith and J. Meadows. 1991. LIGHT. Primary Space Project Research Report, Liverpool University Press.
Shapiro, Bonnie L. 1994. What Children Bring to Light. New York: Teachers College Press.
Ramadas, J. and R. Driver. 1989. Aspects of Secondary Students' Ideas About Light. Children's Learning in Science Project: CSSME, University of Leeds.
Andersson, B. and C. Karqvist. 1983. How Swedish pupils, aged 12-15 years, understand light and its properties. European Journal of Science Education 5(4): 387-402.
Anderson, C.W. and E.L. Smith. 1983. Children's conceptions of light and color: understanding the concept of unseen rays. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association.
Asoka, H. 1993. First steps in the construction of a theoretical model of light: A case study from a primary classroom. In Proceedings of the Third International Seminar: Misconceptions and Educational Strategies in Science and Mathematics, J. Novak, ed. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University.
Brickhouse, N. 1994. Children's Observations, Ideas, and the Development of Classroom Theories of Light. Journal of Research in Science Teaching 31(6): 639-656.
Feher, E. and K. Rice. 1987. A comparison of teacher-student conceptions in optics. In Proceedings of the Second International Seminar on Misconceptions and Educational Strategies in Science and Mathematics, J. Novak, ed. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University.
Guesne, E. 1985. Light. In Children's Ideas in Science, R. Driver, E. Guesne and A. Tiberghien, eds. Philadelphia: Open University Press.
Sadler, P. 1991. Projecting Spectra for Classroom Investigations. The Physics Teacher 29(7): 423-427.
Shapiro, B.L. 1989. What children bring to light: giving high status to learners' views and actions in science. Science Education 73(6): 711-733.
Stead, B.F. and R.J. Osborne. 1980. Exploring science students' concepts of light. Australian Science Teacher's Journal 26(3): 84-90.
Watts, D.M. 1985. Students' conceptions of light-a case study. Physics Education 20: 183-187.
© President and Fellows of Harvard College
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© Annenberg Foundation 2017. All rights reserved. Legal Policy


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My summer vacation is over. But, in a few days, I will celebrate the first day of school. It's an exciting time for me. The beginning of the school year is filled with hope and possibility. I'm psyched and ready to put my all in this work that satisfies, that frustrates, that tires, opens doors, and means so much.
I imagine the children are also feeling somewhat giddy and anxious. I'll bet some have already gone out with their parents to buy a new book bag, pencils, notebooks, and many other school supplies that are so fun to play with (before they're actually used for schoolwork.) Some are probably thinking, "I wonder what the teacher is like? Will there be lots of homework? Will I have friends?"
I also know many of my new students are not looking forward to school with the same enthusiasm. These are the kids who are missing something – food, love, security, self-confidence, or the basic skills to be successful in school. For these children, school is a worrisome place. I hope to change this.
I welcome each and every one of these children to our class. I've prepared it with lots of care. The desks are all set up. On top of them, I've placed colored pencils, scissors, notebooks, rulers, the reading text, and many other supplies so that we can start working right away. We have everything in our school. We lack for nothing. I've even put curtains on the windows, plants on the sills, and cinnamon/apple Plug-Ins in some of the outlets to make us feel like home.
The door is open for learning.
Bilingual thoughts on life, language, learning, and all things Latina.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Looking forward to the first day of school
2 comments:
- Bingolady said...
I remember every school-year start, I was waiting for it very much after the long summer holiday :)
It could be exciting to be on the other side of the desk and feel the same :)
P.S. Thanks for your comment on my site, I enjoyed very much this post's spanish mirror :)
Have a great day at your first day at school :)
- September 2, 2008 at 3:40 PM
- Mel Avila Alarilla said...
It's a big privilege to mold the character and intelligence of your students. Guide them to the eternal verities in life. Thanks for the post. God bless you always.
- September 3, 2008 at 3:34 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Simple chicken teriyaki bento
This recipe is very easy and fast to cook, because it requires ready-made teriyaki sauce. Still, it's a really tasty alternative to sausages and pork, and chicken made in teriyaki style is juicy, tender and full of aroma! It also takes just few minutes, because the meat is first fried quickly, and then glazed with sauce. Fast food like a boss ;-)
Teriyaki salmon bento
I think life is too short to keep the frozen salmon in the fridge! :-) So I made a teriyaki salmon bento, which was so fast to cook, that I had too much idle time in the morning... Just be careful not to overcook the teriyaki sauce, because it may have a burnt taste. Also, optional lotus root slices will keep the fish tender and juicy for the time when you can finally devour every last bit of it ;-)
Teriyaki pork strips with shallots bento
This simple recipe requires only 3 ingredients: sliced pork loin (already mentioned minute steaks or easy steaks), shallots and teriyaki sauce. It's also one of the lazy recipes — part of it you can prepare evening before, and finish it quickly before serving or packing your bento box. Plus, marinating for a long time allows increased flavors to transfer easily across the meat!
Marinated beef and pasta bento
Bento is not only rice, but also other ingredients, like... pasta. This recipe came to life when I had some uncooked beef left-overs and just wondered what to do with them. Cooking them as a part of bento was a great idea!
Vegetarian bento
Today was one of these days that my coffee needed a coffee... And I really couldn't make myself cook in the morning. So, the vegetarian bento was made! It's fast, it's simple, and it tasted great. Consider that a fancy salad for lazy days.


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U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission
Grand Rapids Dental Company Refused Woman Reasonable Accommodation for Osteoarthritis, Federal Agency Charged
DETROIT – A Grand Rapids, Mich., manufacturer of dental products violated federal law by firing an employee because of her disability, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed today.
The lawsuit (EEOC v. Ranir, LLC,Case No.1:10CV965) filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, alleges that Judith Fuller worked successfully for Ranir as an assembler for more than 12 years. In February 2008, Fuller returned to work following a medical leave of absence related to osteoarthritis. As a result of her arthritis, Fuller had trouble standing for long periods of time or walking long distances.
In an effort to perform her job duties, Fuller requested the reasonable accommodation of being permitted to use a four-prong cane in order to travel the long distance from the time clock to her work station. Ranir flatly refused. In March, Fuller was forced to take leave because of the pain caused by unassisted walking, which worsened her medical condition. Ranir fired her a week later, citing an exhaustion of leave time.
Such alleged conduct violates the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits employers from terminating employees because of such medical conditions. The agency seeks to recover monetary compensation for Fuller in the form of back pay and compensatory damages for emotional distress, as well as punitive damages. The EEOC filed suit after first attempting to reach a voluntary settlement.
"Ms. Fuller had already proven her worth to the employer, but the management chose to terminate a long-term employee despite a proposed accommodation that would have permitted her to continue working," said EEOC Indianapolis Regional Attorney Laurie Young, whose jurisdiction includes Michigan. "The EEOC will pursue vigorously violations of the ADA when employers shirk their responsibilities."
The EEOC is responsible for enforcing the nation's laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.


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Fertility and infertility – Assisting couples and individuals
It is the choice of each individual and couple, within their own sense of conscience, to determine if they intend pregnancy, and if so, the size of their family unit and the timing of when to have a child or children.
If fertility problems arise, interventions can be attempted from simple fertility awareness methods to more advanced methods associated with in vitro fertilization. These interventions are scientifically innovative; and, they have revolutionized concepts of generational identity, family, and human reproductive potential.
Definitions and terminology of infertility and key issues
Definitions and terminology impact many of the key issues associated with subfertility and infertility. Consistency in use of definition and a standardized methodological diagnostic tool will be required in order to define the true global burden of disease – in men and women.
Generating evidence-based guidelines - Challenges, controversies and innovative solutions
Generation of WHO evidence-based guidelines and recommendations are based upon systematic reviews and GRADING of available clinical, epidemiological and operations research as well as systematic analysis of existing and recently developed evidence-based guidelines. Subsequently, clinical manuals will be developed which will recommend best practice. Despite challenges and controversies surrounding provision and access to assisted reproduction, innovative solutions are being found.
Global burden of infertility
One in every four couples in developing countries had been found to be affected by infertility, when an evaluation of responses from women in Demographic and Health Surveys from 1990 was completed in collaboration with WHO in 2004. The burden remains high. A WHO study, published at the end of 2012, has shown that the overall burden of infertility in women from 190 countries has remained similar in estimated levels and trends from 1990 to 2010.
Selected publications
* UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction has been widely known for many years by the abbreviation (HRP)
Infertility can lead to shame, stigma, anxiety, depression, low feelings of self-esteem and guilt. While there are now many options to treat infertility, many still can't access these due to the cost of treatment and lack of services, which leaves them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Listen to the message of Dr Tedros, as he speaks about WHO's work on addressing the burden of infertility to help countries provide people with safe, effective and affordable services.


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MACHESNEY PARK - Authorities on Tuesday identified Sherry Brock, 40, of Rockford, as the wife and mother killed in a tragic Sunday afternoon crash on Illinois 2.
Brock was travelling with her 37-year-old husband and 7-year-old son about 4:40 p.m. Sunday on Illinois 2 near Latham Road northwest of Machesney Park. Their Chevrolet Trailblazer fishtailed, struck a snowbank and rolled over, partially ejecting Brock who was not wearing a seat belt.
Her husband and son suffered injuries that were not believed serious. Brock was declared dead at the scene.
Winnebago County Sheriff's Police are investigating the crash but said it appears to be weather related. Blizzard-like conditions with what was periodically heavy snow fall, rapidly dropping temperatures and gusty winds were reported Sunday afternoon and evening.


text:
Website Done. Easy!
As easy as sending an email! Doesn't matter if you're a PRO or never built website before. Try it (it's free) - and Never Look Behind!
Intuitive and easy to use Admin Area
You will manage your website here1Drag and Drop!
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Blog? Gallery? Easily added to any subpage with few clicks!3Add More Subpages!
Need more subpages in your website menu? You couldn't have done it easier! Click, type subpage name and new subpage will be instantly added, and waiting for the best contents you can add, like text, photos and more!4Save Changes for Instant Effect!
Typing new content went easy? Want to see your new subpage with photos or videos? Click save button to see your work. Done Easy!5Customize Your Template!
The way your website look is up to you! Change static parts of your website (a template) easily, replace header images or choose perfect color scheme from over 60 color schemes available!6Find Help!
Building your page is easy, but what if you have stuck with something? Built-in help center is here to help you with additional information, demos and tips!7Add More Features!
WOW, your website looks great, but you still want more, don't you?! Unlock hidden features and professional modules like Forms Builder, Newsletter, Calendar or Shopping Cart which you can use as Products Catalogue. Or buy professional Royalt-Free photos directly in your admin area, to make your website look more pretty and professional!
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Your new website will look great on desktop, but also on iPhone, iPod and iPad!1Desktop Friendly
Build your website on your own computer, no additional software is required. Use modern browser like Chrome, Safari or Firefox for the best experience!2Mobile Friendly
Website you build on your PC (or Mac) will also look well on mobile devices, like iPod, iPhone or iPad!
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Think They're Organic? [smirk]
Ok, class, time for your anatomy lesson - Cake Wrecks style.
This is your brain:
This is your brain slurping spaghetti and trimmed with white icing:
(Ok, maybe not. I'm told it's supposed to be a kidney.)
I'm not sure this next one is professional, but I didn't have the heart to cut it:
And this last one is reeeallly gross, so don't scroll down unless you have a LOT of intestinal fortitude.
I mean it, now, this sucker is GROSS.
What, you still wanna see it? Ok, but don't say I didn't warn you!
[averting eyes] I would say something clever here, but I have to go vomit now. Won't you excuse me?
Maren A., Louise F., & Monique R., my diet plan thanks you.


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Round 1
(Pictures will be bigger than usual because I had to use another camera and forgot to change it, but they're not bigger than some)
Lt. Kirsten's Eagle - Lord Mercat
The Eagle pushed forward full speed and prepared to fire, unable to get in range for now.
Col. Sharane's Darkstar - Ham
The Darkstar turned and flew in the direction of the Dominator, avoiding the line of fire of the Eagle.
"Fire the missiles."
One headed for the Eagle, another for the Mastercutor.
The missile approached the Eagle...
But Lt. Kirsten managed some defensive maneuvers (heroic feat)...
This caused the missiles' targeting systems to overload and explode prematurely. The explosion still shook the ship a little, but no true damage was done.
The other Mk. 2 still flew for the Mastercutor however...
Finally the squadron of fighters left the bays.
Dominator - RobotMonkey
The Dominator plotted a course behind it's bigger brother, getting out of line with the Darkstar's main cannon.
"All weapons on standby, sir."
Another ship was appearing!
"Captain, an unindentified vessel is appearing behind us. The Immortals sent a distress call. Perhaps it attracted pirates, or...?"
"Inquistadores! Those weren't supposed to be here."
Secret faction activated - Dragonhead-class 'Knight of Santiago', commanded by me.
"Greetings, lady Darkstar. I am Admiral Santiago, temporary Legionary General of the 6th Legion. You are our only hope at keeping things together and continuing this invasion successfully. When I heard of what happened to the council I immediately sped your way. It seems we've arrived just in time."
"What a surprise. I was convinced many of your people thought the exact opposite. We might have to reconsider your 'temporary' status, after we get out of this."
"Thank you, my lady."
Things didn't start well for the Inquistadores: a pilot crit-failed firing the missiles and overkill damage caused the double missile launcher to blow. Admiral Santiago had meanwhile increased the vessel's accuracy for the round, but that doesn't help against critfails.
Amazingly, the second pilot critfailed as well, and damage was yet again high enough to cost me one of my missile launchers Of four attempts, only one missile left the ship... My pilots suck. Luckily Santiago at least crit succeeded his feat, doubling the ship's movement for a round.
The missile was on it's way to the Eagle, but the Mastercutor was in danger of being hit by it regardless.
As the Dragonhead moved, it attracted the Dominator's response fire.
But thanks to the cruiser's temporary increased speed, the missiles failed to lock on and flew wide.
They also exploded prematurely (so much fail this round).
Captain Victoria's Mastercutor - Theblackdog
The Mastercutor crept forward and fired the anti-matter laser and Mk. 2 launchers.
Damage sucked, the shields dealt with it.
The missiles are well on their way of hitting the Darkstar though.
Notice how the Mastercutor also sent out her fighters.
Mission No. X (Round 1)
They're all the rage
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text: PREM Group is an International Hotel Management Company operating over 45 properties across 5 countries. Established in Dublin in 1996, we specialise in operating hotels and serviced apartments across Ireland, England, Belgium, France and The Netherlands. Our portfolio combines a mix of owned, leased and managed assets across all hotel sectors from budget to 4 star, city centre to country resort.


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Online system aims to cut teacher license backlog
DENVER (AP) – A Colorado education official says a new online application system should help reduce a backlog in processing applications for teaching licenses.
Jami Goetz of the Office of Professional Services and Educator Licensing says a new system is on track to be fully implemented by July.
She told the state Board of Education last week that her office is evaluating more than 40,000 applications each year with eight employees. The backlog for initial teacher licenses is about six months.
She says the backlog came as the downturn in the economy led more people to return to teaching or apply to become substitute teachers, and recent legislation now requires more fingerprint-based criminal background checks.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.


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Foreclosed Homes and Pre Foreclosure Listings in Florida Counties, Cities, and Zip Codes
Florida Foreclosures and Pre Foreclosure Listings
Find pre foreclosure listings, bank foreclosed homes, cheap homes for sale and other Florida foreclosure listings here. Any search for low cost and discounted housing must include foreclosed homes. HUDforeclosed.com maintains an extensive database of fresh Florida foreclosure listings.
Pre foreclosure listings in Florida give home buyers an opportunity to identify discount property before it is formally listed for sale. Whether the pre foreclosure is a Notice of Default or a Lis Pendens, it will be included in the current pre foreclosure listings in Florida. These homes may be good candidates for short sale as well. Although pre foreclosures may not be immediately available for sale or occupancy, by engaging on them early in the foreclosure process, bargain home buyers can gain an edge over the competition to buy a discount home in Florida. HUDforeclosed includes all types of houses currently classified as pre foreclosure listings, including single family homes, townhomes and condos.
Florida foreclosures currently listed for sale offer excellent opportunities to buy a home at great savings. HUDforeclosed.com includes bank foreclosed homes in the current inventory of Florida foreclosure listings. Banks are motivated to sell their foreclosed properties quickly. All reasonable offers may be considered on Florida foreclosures.
A wide variety of home sizes may be available in the current inventory of Florida foreclosures, from small condominiums up to large estates. HUDforeclosed updates all pre foreclosure listings, foreclosed homes and listings of other cheap homes for sale regularly. Check the latest inventory today for the best selection of low cost homes in Florida.


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Triggers when someone "likes" a new tweet on an account being watched.
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Triggers when a new message is received.
Triggers when someone retweets a tweet from a user being watched.
Triggers when a new tweet is posted from an account being watched.
Triggers when someone fills in a form being watched .
Triggers when a new form is added or updated.
Parses a CSV file.
Sends data to the source.
Posts a new tweet.
Removes a posted tweet .
Returns tweets that meet specified criteria.
Sends a new private message to a selected user.
Merges selected text items and returns them in the CSV format.
Merges selected text items and returns them in the CSV format. Employs Data structure to define CSV columns in the resulting CSV file.


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Song List
Show Review
Artist Bio
Our friends at Cutty Sark recently invited us to capture an evening of ecstatic happenings at Brooklyn Bowl as part of the inaugural Cutty Sark Presents Series....
After the smash success of the last Cutty Sark showcase we were able to attend at Brooklyn Bowl, we were primed for the second of those evenings....
Roanoke rockers Eternal Summers is a collective that maintains the goal of their band name. Summer, sun, and other synonyms for beautiful weather remains engrained in their sound and has made their music such an enjoyable experience for the past years....
About this Video
© 2019 Baeble Media. All rights reserved.


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San José Fire Department (SJFD) is committed to serving the community by
protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention and
José was founded in 1777 and is located in the South San Francisco Bay area
within Santa Clara County, CA. It is the 10th largest city in the US and the
3rd largest in California. SJFD serves the city-proper and other Santa Clara
County areas with a total population that exceeds 1 million.


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(Note: I went ahead and corrected capitalization's in his emails for better ease in reading -Jeff)
From: Craig Medred, November 27, 2009.
I read the entire account on your website, along with the old newspaper a week ago. and the quote we used was pulled from that website, which I linked to in hopes you could sell a few books.
Now....what's there doesn't appear to be the same. Did it change recently? Is there another website pirating clicks looking for your book, which might account for the link in the dispatch story not working?
Whichever, though, doesn't really matter. water under the bridge. the real question I have is this: how exactly would you suggest we reword the dispatch story for future editions to suit your belief?
"Soapy Smith died in a struggle over a gun with either Frank Reid or Jesse Murphy?" "Soapy Smith is now thought to have died in a struggle over a gun with Jesse Murphy after a confrontation with Frank Reid, who was later blamed for Smith's death?"
Some other variation? We're just trying to get the story right instead of presenting it as a Skagway version of the "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral."
From: Jeff Smith, November 27, 2009.
Dear, Mr. Medred.
Although I do very much appreciate the fact that you linked your story to my website, so that it might help sales, the misrepresentation of my content is what I am more interested in. The facts about how my great-grandfather actually died has been an on-going mystery that had its start in 1898. In my 24-year research endeavor I have successfully uncovered enough first-hand evidence to clearly show Frank Reid was not the man who actually killed Soapy Smith, although it has been passed down that way for over one-hundred years.
You mention changes in my website. The only changes I have made in the last six months have been to the page advertising the book. The pages showing the history of the gunfight have not been changed that I can recall. The mystery and evidence about the gunfight have been known in my family for several decades so this is nothing new that would require changes in the website.
You ask,
"The real question i have is this: how exactly would you suggest we reword the dispatch story for future editions to suit your belief?"
You were kind enough to send some examples but to be honest I am far too busy to write that portion of the story for you. The only thing I can suggest is to carefully read the website. It is vague so even better would be to find a copy of the book, which is well footnoted in regards to "my beliefs."
I did rather enjoy your last comment. "We're just trying to get the story right instead of presenting it as a Skagway version of the "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral."
In truth, it was better than the "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral." I don't pretend Soapy was one of the "good guys." But reality is that he died a very brave death. While in his saloon he was handed a note basically telling him that the vigilantes were having a meeting at the end of the Juneau Company Wharf. He draped a rifle over his shoulder and walked six blocks with about seven of his men in tow. At the entrance to the wharf four vigilante guards could be seen 60 feet into the wharf making sure Soapy did not interrupt the meeting that was deciding his fate. He told his men to stay put and approached the four men alone. Whether you like him or hate him you have to agree that facing those four men alone was one-hell-of-a-brave act. It cost him his life.
From: Craig Medred, November 27, 2009.
Don't take this harshly, but I'd have to save brave or crazy. Every account I've ever read of what happened has Soapy going to confront a group of people plotting against him.
As a factual matter, that's a bold act. As to motive, well, it was either brave or crazy or both. But it certainly doesn't appear Soapy went down the wharf planning to get in a gunfight. If you're planning on going to a gunfight, you don't leave your backup behind and walk in alone. That wouldn't be brave or crazy; that would be stupid. Nothing I've ever read painted Soapy as stupid. And yet every account of his death seems to have him going into this confrontation alone. In reading your accounts, I have to wonder if anyone really wanted to get into a gunfight at all. The Public Safety committee [the Citizens Committee -J.S.] might have been plotting against Soapy, but they weren't exactly headed down the street to get him. And Soapy, as you note, left his posse behind.
The whole things seems a lot like what, unfortunately, happens here in Anchorage on an all too regular basis these days. Some armed people get in a pushing match. Somebody loses their temper and pulls a gun, and somebody gets shot. It may be that the more Alaska changes the more it stays the same.
I'm sorry that you feel your content was misrepresented. I linked to your sight hoping people interested in Soapy might go there and find out more about an interesting guy in an interesting place. I am sorry if in trying to quickly summarize the shooting in Skagway I relied too much on what has sort of come to be the official version of events. How about we just agree to blame the "Skaguay News" for all of this. Damn media couldn't get it right then either!
From: Jeff Smith, November 28, 2009.
Dear, Mr. Medred.
My book illustrates numerous instances throughout my great-grandfather's life in which he exhibited great amounts of bravery. Whether he was in the right or wrong when applying that wondrous human trait is irrelevant.
It is apparent by Soapy's actions on the night of the shootout on Juneau Wharf that he was not interested in shooting it out with the vigilantes. What the intentions of the four guards were is unknown and can't really be assumed by their actions, or lack thereof.
You write that you are sorry that "I feel the content was misrepresented." There is absolutely no question that you misrepresented my content, by taking content out-of-context thus changing how readers view my conclusions. By leaving out key portions from my website and book contents regarding the gunfight you in essence, have people believing that I conclude that Frank Reid shot and killed my great-grandfather. This is simply not true. Had you included my information correctly your argument that Sarah Palin was wrong about Soapy Smith and the shootout with vigilantes would be incorrect.
The solution? I ask that you write up an official correction of error which would include an apology to me for not taking the time to read my website. It would have taken very little effort on your part to do so. In fact, if you go to my website home page you will see a link in large letters that reads "MURDERED: Click for more information" which takes you directly to the information you needed. You were willing to read the 1898 Skaguay News for information and that is commendable, however you did not quote the newspaper, you quoted me, not taking a few minutes to read what my content actually said.
From: Craig Medred, November 28, 2009.
Dear Mr. Smith:
Are you familiar with the history of the explorer Frederick Cook? In 1903 he undertook what might have been the most extraordinary expedition ever launched in this state, an overland circumnavigation of the McKinley massif. It was an incredible feat that nearly killed him. Later, he made an attempt to become the first to climb McKinley and failed, but claimed he had made the summit. As evidence, he provided a photo of himself there. It turned out to be bogus. It has only become more bogus over time, but a group of his heir's hold to the claim he made the summit. This is sad because instead of Cook being celebrated for what he did do in Alaska, he is now -- because of all the focus placed on the McKinley fiasco -- dismissed by almost everyone as a crackpot and a phony. This despite the fact that in my years in Alaska I doubt I've met a but a more or two who could do what Cook said. Which brings me back to this exchange on which we have now spent too much time. I asked you for some draft language you might find acceptable to summarize fairly the difference between the historical record and what you believe really happened. Instead you've decided we should have this fruitless argument about whether I misrepresented "your content." In fact, I quoted word for word from "your content" because I thought you did a nice job of summarizing the accepted historical account as to what happened between Soapy Smith and Frank Reid. You believe that historical account is wrong. You have a different version of what happened. I found it interesting, which is the reason I linked to your site so that people interested in more than just the accepted historical account could go there and read your take on this thing.
I think you make an interesting argument that Soapy was, as you put it, "murdered." I will also so say, flat out, I don't buy it. When you take a gun and go looking for trouble and you get it, well, that ain't murder, and no Alaska prosecutor, even today, would try to prosecute it as such.
Soapy didn't walk into an ambush. He didn't even go down to the Juneau dock to meet some people who'd called him to a shoot out. He went down for a confrontation. He got it. It obviously went beyond what he expected, and he got shot. All that is known. The rest involves a fair part of conjecture from many angles, the chief ones being the reliability of the witnesses at the time and you now. I'm not even going to begin to try to sort that out, although you have convinced me of one thing that is wrong. That claim of "vigilantes," where did that come from? These guys might have been on the verge of becoming vigilantes -- "one who takes or advocates the taking of law enforcement into one's own hands" -- but there is no indication they were such when Soapy got shot. As "The Skaguay News" reported, they met to "devise ways and means of ridding the city of lawless elements." Those ways of means might easily include lawful means, which is exactly the opposite of the "taking of law enforcement into one hands." They might have decided to call in the military, or form a city government to hire police. So what I'm going to do is rewrite the Dispatch entry to say what follows, and ask Tony to remove from the website all links to you or any of your material:
"Jefferson Soapy Smith did not die" in a shoot out with a vigilante gang." He was shot in self defense by surveyor Frank Reid, according to a coroner's inquest at the time. "The Skaguay News" reported that Reid and some community leaders were meeting to discuss what should be done about Smith and other supposed outlaws in Skagway. Smith marched down to the Juneau dock to confront the men at that meeting. He was packing his rifle. He and Reid got into a struggle over the rifle. Shots were fired. Smith was killed. Reid was wounded and died later. Smith's great grandson has since argued that there is evidence to indicate that Smith was not shot in self-defense by Reid, but murdered by another man at the meeting. But the official record stands."
And now I'm done with this. I honest to God thought I was doing you a favor in trying to plug your website, let you get your version of the story out there, and maybe sell some books. Instead you want to go on about my misrepresenting your website and demand official apologies. Would I have linked to your website if it was my intention to misrepresent it? I've never made any claims to be the brightest guy in Alaska, but I'm not that big of a moron.
As I said, I quoted -- accurately I might add -- from "your content" a concise summary of what has come to be the accepted historical account. And then I linked, so people could see your somewhat different take on things. Obviously, that offended you. For that, I am truly and deeply sorry. But the rest of this is a crock, and the claim that I did not take "a few minutes to read my content" is just flat-out wrong. I read it. It is interesting. And unless one is a speed reader, which I am not, it takes more than a few minutes. Now, with all of that said, I'm also willing to say this: You might be right about someone other than Reid shooting Soapy. You might even be right about Soapy being tempted (lured would be to strong of a word given the evidence) to confront a meeting where someone was likely to shoot him. It is possible you could make a case for manslaughter. And if you were to get a some sort of legal entity to hold a hearing to consider overturning the findings of the original jury at the coroner's inquest, I would love to attend it as a reporter. In fact, if you were even to get a mock jury to look at this -- as was done with Cook at UAF back in 1996 -- I'd be happy to attend and report on that.
As I said, I find some of your information concerning the possibility someone other than Reid shot Smith interesting, but murder? I don't think so, even if that claim were being made by an impartial investigator. Maybe manslaughter, but not murder. But you're not an impartial observer. Be reasonable sir, you have a dog in the hunt.
Now, if I have misspelled anything or used any words wrong in this missive, please forgive me for that, too. It has been a long day, and I have reached the point where I don't have either the time or the energy to proof read another e-mail about this matter. I'd suggest we could agree on one thing -- that your great grandfather was an interesting fellow -- but your behavior has led me to believe you'd probably chose to disagree with me on that, too.
Good luck with the book,
I did not bother responding to everything he said. It would obviously fall on deaf ears. Oh how I wanted to write more...but here is what I sent.
From: Jeff Smith, November 29, 2009.
Dear, Mr. Medred.
Yes, you linked to my website. I thanked you in the beginning and I thank you again now. However, that does not wipe the slate clean from taking my research "out-of-context" for your personal agenda, and then not correct it. By doing so every person who reads what you wrote, regarding my research, will come away thinking I believe what you wrongly wrote. I do not understand how you cannot see what you did wrong?
Your exact words:
"Here's the account from the author of 'Alias Soapy Smith: The Life and Death of a Scoundrel': "Apparently Soapy made an attempt to strike Reid with the barrel of (a) rifle, but Reid raised his left arm and the rifle barrel cut Reid's arm. Reid was able to grab the barrel with his left hand and forced it away from his body. As the two men fought for control of the rifle, Reid pulled out a pistol and began to fire. At that same instant, Soapy jerked his rifle back towards Reid and returned fire. When the shooting had ceased, Soapy Smith was dead and Frank Reid lay badly wounded." There was no shootout with any gang, but the fight with Reid did start after Smith went to confront a group of vigilantes who were meeting to decide how to shut down his corrupt Skagway businesses."
ANYONE reading that will come away with the mistaken impression that my beliefs, my book, and my website state that Frank Reid was the only shooter and that no other members of the vigilante guards were involved. This may be ok with you but it is certainly not ok with me. Most any professional newspapers in the nation would opt to print a correction and an apology. You on the other hand wish to punish me. You sir are not a professional and you give the newspaper you work for a bad name.


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No products in the case.
Trinadad & Tobago
188 Durham St South, Christchurch Phone: 03 3655134 Open Hours: 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday Closed public holidays
© 2019 Vino Fino Ltd, An approved and licensed liquor merchant of New Zealand. Liquor Licence 60/OFF/29/2018
Website by Strategus
You need to be aged 18 or over before you can shop online with Vino Fino.


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Well, since its another weekend, I let go alittle today, cooked her favourite dinner and a cake for her breakfast tomorrow. (Anyway, she took a big piece before she went to bed...haha!)
An Orange chiffon but played with some cocoa powder for the marble effect. The effect turns out quite nice and I'm satisfied with it. (not to mention about the texture and taste...its super soft!) This was actually inspired my Ann from Anncoo Journal's Orange Chocolate Cake. Hers turn out so beautiful and I was wishing mine turns out like hers before baking. Somehow, it was a big difference...;p
Again this recipe was adapted from Kevin Chai's (Chiffon cake is done) Orange Chiffon Cake. I just changed alittle here by adding the cocoa powder.
Here's my version....
Egg yolk batter:
7 egg yolks
40g sugar
4 tbsps corn oil
1 tbsp orange rind
60ml orange juice
110g self raising flour
** 2 tsp cocoa powder
Egg white foam:
7 egg whites
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
120g sugar
~ Beat egg yolks and sugar until blubbly, add in oil, orange juice, orange rind and mix well.
~ Add in flour and mix well until forms a batter. Divide into 2 equal portions. Keep aside.
~ Add in 2 tsps cocoa powder in one of the egg yolk batter, mix well and keep aside.
~ Whisk egg white and cream of tartar until forms soft peak, add in sugar gradually and beat at high speed until stiff peak forms.
~ Divide egg white foam into 2 portions and add into the egg yolks batter separately.
~ Spoon into a 9" tube pan by sequence. Gently shake the pan alittle to even the top.
~ Bake at 170'C for 40 minutes. Invert pan immediately and let cool before slicing.
I can't resist myself, and took a big piece right after cutting it. Hopefully I don't take another piece after finish posting this....LOL!!


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Try this as an accompaniment with your favorite warm apple dessert.
You'll need an ice cream maker.
MAKE AHEAD: The ice cream base needs to be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes. The ice cream can be served right away, but it's best after at least 30 minutes' chilling time in the freezer.
Makes 3 cups (6 servings)
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise in half (reserve the remaining half for another use)
8 large egg yolks
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
Combine the milk, cream and 1/2 vanilla bean in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then immediately remove from the heat.
Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a separate medium saucepan. Slowly, gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture (or egg curds will form), then place over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for a few minutes to form a slightly thickened custard. Immediately pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a mixing bowl; discard the solids, including the vanilla bean. Refrigerate until well chilled, with plastic wrap directly on the surface to keep a skin from forming.
Pour the chilled ice cream base into an ice cream maker; process according to the manufacturer's directions.
Serve right away, or, better yet, transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid and freeze for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving: 280 calories, 22 g fat, 12 g saturated fat, 340 mg cholesterol, 45 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrates, 0 g dietary fiber, 14 g sugar, 6 g protein.
(Recipe adapted from Willowsford culinary director Bonnie Moore)


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Kia is exploring what might happen if you turbocharged the dancing Hamstars with the Track'ster concept car for next week's Chicago auto show.
The Track'ster is based on the Soul. Changes include bigger wheels and a narrower, sporty window opening along the side.
Kia says it could see a 247-hp engine under the hood. That compares with 164 hp from the production Soul's 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine.
Kia also let drop that it is still considering putting the Soul'ster convertible into production.


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Search Results
skip to main content
Colma Neighborhood
The Town of Colma is a diverse community on the San Francisco peninsula that maintains that "small town" feel despite being so close to major cities. The Colma BART Station is close to residential neighborhoods and shopping areas. Colma is perhaps best known for its 17 cemeteries, which comprise approximately 73% of the town's land area. The town incorporated in 1924 primarily to protect this land use. Colma's cemeteries represent numerous religious beliefs and nationalities, and include structures and districts which are historically significant on local, state and national levels.
Search Results


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see all my first timer videos right now for free
okay, here it is. i started this site cause i couldn't find anything out there that i liked so i figured the best thing to do is start my own and share it all with you. i got a camera and went in search of gay curious boys looking to call good on their fantasies. well as you can see not all are up for the immediate challenge and i have to work them in slowly. check it out as these two guys do some exploring. enjoy!!!
you won't believe what some of these young amateurs do to each other
cum see 100's of real virgin boy getting their tight asses penetrated!!!


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P0420 OBD-II: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold
Get diagnosis and repair information for trouble code P0420
What Does OBD-II Fault Code P0420 Mean?
OBD-II Code P0420 is defined as a Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold
P0420 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light will illuminate
- In most cases, there are no adverse conditions noticed by the driver
- In some cases, there may be some performance problems noticed by the driver such as a lack of power from a restricted and/or damaged Catalytic Converter
Common Problems That Trigger the P0420 Code
- Inefficient Catalytic Converter(s)
- Defective Front or Rear Oxygen Sensor(s)
- Misfiring engines
Common Misdiagnoses
- Oxygen Sensors
Get it diagnosed by a professional
Polluting Gases Expelled
- HCs (Hydrocarbons): Unburned droplets of raw fuel that smell, affect breathing, and contribute to smog
- CO (Carbon Monoxide): Partially burned fuel that is an odorless and deadly poisonous gas
- NOX (Oxides of Nitrogen): One of the two ingredients that, when exposed to sunlight, cause smog
_ Notes _
- Volkswagen , Audi , Dodge and Toyota have extended their catalytic converter coverage on many of their vehicles. To find out more about this information on RepairPal.com, enter P0420 followed by your vehicle make in the search bar above, for example, P0420 Audi.
- Most Toyota vehicles need an OEM Catalyst, especially if there is a Catalyst-related software update required. Toyota vehicles usually re-set the P0420 code unless an OEM catalyst is used as a replacement. It is common for mechanics to replace all the Oxygen sensors only to find that the Toyota vehicle required an OEM Catalyst.
- Most of the aftermarket Converter companies are re-working their designs so they can be certified for use in OBD-II vehicles in California
- If you call a dealer to inquire about the warranty, have your VIN code ready to be checked in the manufacturer database, if you just call to ask about what is covered, typically the dealership will only tell you the minimal coverage. You need to be proactive and ask a Service Writer, not a phone receptionist, to check your VIN code for the most up to date warranty information.
The Basics
The Catalytic Converter looks like a muffler. It is typically a stainless steel housing over a ceramic honeycomb core. The catalyst itself is made of platinum, palladium, or rhodium, all rare metals, which is why Catalytic Converters are so expensive. These elements reduce the toxicity of harmful exhaust gases that are expelled from the tail pipe. Catalytic converters are quite efficient, but if engine maintenance is neglected or an engine is allowed to "run rough," damage could occur, resulting in costly repairs. To replace the Catalytic Converter, the vehicle is raised to gain access to its underside. The converter is removed from the exhaust system and the new Catalytic Converter is installed.
Want to Learn More?
The Catalytic Converter is a sophisticated after-burning device designed to complete combustion of the exhaust gases that pass through it. It is a stainless steel container with an inlet and outlet pipe that looks similar to a muffler. Inside, the Catalytic Converter is a ceramic monolithic structure that has honeycomb-like passages running though it. This structure has several sections called beds that are thinly coated with rare metals, which react with the compounds in the exhaust gases to complete the combustion process, thereby cleaning the exhaust of harmful emissions.
- The first section of the Catalytic Converter is called the reduction bed and is coated with rhodium. It is called the reduction bed because its purpose is to reduce the NOx gases back into harmless nitrogen and oxygen.
- The next section of the Catalytic Converter is the oxygen storage bed, which is coated with cerium. Its purpose is to maintain an ideal level of oxygen for use by the rear of the converter. It does this by storing and releasing the oxygen that gets released from the reduction of NOx in the previous reduction bed.
- The oxygen is then available for use in the final oxidizing bed, which is coated with platinum and palladium. The purpose of the oxidizing bed is to complete the combustion of CO by adding oxygen. The oxidizing bed also uses oxygen to burn any of the raw HCs that still remain in the exhaust gases.
P0420 Diagnostic Theory for Shops and Technicians
The P0420 code is set when the Catalyst monitor sees a decrease in voltage from the rear Monitoring Oxygen Sensor(s) and an increase in switching activity—from rich to lean to rich, etc.—that closely resembles the front Oxygen Sensor(s) during the time the computer is activating the Catalytic Converter monitor test. The voltage threshold is usually a minimum of 650 millivolts, which indicates a low level of oxygen. When the voltage goes too far below the 650 millivolt minimum, it indicates a higher level of oxygen. This means that not all of the oxygen is being consumed by the combustion process or by the afterburning effect of the Catalytic Converter. When the oxygen level gets too high, it means that the Cerium or Oxygen storage bed has degraded to the point where it is no longer able to store oxygen created by the reduction of NOx (nitrogen and oxygen). This oxygen is essential for the rear Oxidation bed to complete the conversion of CO into CO2 and HCs into H20 and CO2.
Common Tests for Diagnosis of the P0420 Code
- Retrieve the code and write down the freeze frame information to be used as a baseline to test and verify any repair.
- If there are any misfires, ignition, fuel and/or intake problems, these must be repaired before the Catalyst code is addressed. Any misfire, ignition, and/or fuel system problem will quickly ruin a Catalyst. They are often the cause for code in the first place.
- Test drive the vehicle at or near the freeze frame conditions to verify that the rear Catalyst Monitoring Oxygen sensor is either mirroring the front Oxygen sensor and/or is not reaching the 650 millivolt threshold during 55–60 MPH cruise conditions. If either of theses conditions can be easily verified, then the Catalytic Converter is defective.
- If there is any doubt about the condition of the front and/or rear Oxygen sensors, then check the Mode 6 data for all the Oxygen sensor monitor tests. If any of the front or rear Oxygen sensors barely pass their Mode 6 tests, then clear all codes and perform a drive cycle to see how well the front and rear Oxygen sensors pass their Mode 6 tests. They need to pass the Mode 6 tests with flying colors or they will confuse the OBD-II diagnostic software and possibly trigger a false code P0420. This is an important concept because if the front Oxygen sensor is slow and barely passes its monitor tests, it can fool the computer into thinking that the Catalyst has failed because the computer just watches how closely the switching speed of the front Oxygen sensor compares to the switching speed of the rear Monitoring Oxygen sensor. If the rear Monitoring Oxygen sensor is losing bandwidth and not able to easily reach the 650 millivolt threshold—but still barely passes its monitor tests—then it, too, can fool the computer into setting a P0420 code.
- If the Catalyst has failed, be sure to check for any software updates for the powertrain computer. Many of the OBD II-equipped vehicles require software updates whenever the Catalyst is replaced.


text:
I am delighted you want to check out my personal website, however
please talk to my agents about commissions as they handle all of that for me.
I look forward to working with you.
Growing up in South Wales, Hannah Davies is happiest near the sea and still lives in the region. During a textiles course in Swansea, she discovered illustration and it has become her passion. As well as being a fantastic decorative illustrator working in advertising, fashion and editorial, she also makes a range of items using her textiles skills. She loves warm weather, walking her dog on the beach, and playing boules.
Give us a few details and we'll get back
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