text:
Official Press Release
The Silver Sponsors for Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) feature a whole new selection of forty-eight books for the comic book industry's top annual event, Free Comic Book Day, scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 at participating comic book shops. FCBD 2014 marks the largest ever FCBD event with 60 books to choose from. The comics include incredible titles from forty publishers featuring fan-favorite,and new comic book characters that encourage readers to explore the fun and excitement that comics have to offer.
Chosen by retailers on the FCBD Committee, there's a free comic book for everyone's taste from the Silver Sponsors: from Sonic the Hedgehog and Teen Titans Go!, to Scratch 9, Rocket Raccoon, The Smurfs, Grimm Fairy Tales and more!
"There's an incredible depth to this year's Silver Sponsor offerings," said FCBD spokesperson, Dan Manser. "The publishers have created a real opportunity for comic book fans-and those new to comic books-to come in and sample a wide variety of genres and stories. We are sure that fans will be pleased with the line-up and look forward to seeing them during Free Comic Book Day at participating comic book shops across the nation and worldwide."
A complete listing of all sixty FCBD titles, including the twelve Gold and forty-eight Silver comic books, can be found in the January issue of Diamond Comic Distributors' PREVIEWS catalog, on sale at all comic book shops December 31, 2013 or by visiting the comics section of the Free Comic Book Day website.
SkywArd / Midnight TigER FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W/A) Jeremy Dale, Ray-Anthony Height, Dewayne Feenstra
Behold the Berserkers! Quinn and crew find themselves facing uncomfortable truths as sins of the past come back to reveal themselves. Fans old and new won't want to miss the first look at what's on the horizon for Quinn and Jack! And in Midnight Tiger, sometimes all it takes to become a hero is an unfortunate incident and a single split second decision. The origin of Midnight Tiger!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Zombie Tramp / EHmm Theory FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) Dan Mendoza, Brockton McKinney (A), Dan Mendoza, Larkin Ford
(CA) Dan Mendoza
Are you bold enough to take a ride with Janey the Zombie Tramp?!? If you pick her up, she might just share the story of how she came to be the street walking dead! Be brave so you can be ready for her all-new series following this special issue! You also get a mind-shattering sneak preview from the second volume of the coolest comic series you haven't read yet... Ehmm Theory!
32pgs, FC FREE!
FUBAR: Ace of Spades FCBD 2014 Edition
(W) Chuck Dixon (A) Jeff McComsey, Steve Becker
(CA) Steve Becker
It's 2003 and the hunt is on for Saddam Hussein. The men of Operation Urgent Surprise think they've found the Butcher of Baghdad but instead uncover weapons of mass destruction in the form of ZOMBIES! Shock and awe turns to bite and claw on the bloody sands of Iraq in this full-length FUBAR Spec-Ops spectacular.
32pgs, B&W FREE!
Steam Wars #1 FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W/A/CA) Fred Perry
A not so long time ago, in a galaxy relatively close by, an epic struggle plays out on a world seized in the grip of an evil Victorian empire. Only a ragged alliance of rebels opposes the Emperor and his black guard, and hope is fading. While fleeing from the steam-driven war machines of her Imperial pursuers, Duchess Imoen stumbles across the home of the last Dragoon: the legendary Storm Foil Warriors of ancient lore! This new (but strangely familiar) steam-fantasy epic will give thrills that haven't been felt since 1977!
32pgs, FC FREE!
The Intrinsic Volume 2 FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) O'Reilly Sean, Chris "Doc" Wyatt (A/CA) TBD
The Philosophers are an ancient secret order of magic-users who protect the Earth. One of their number, Ishmael Stone, known as Philosopher Rex, has assembled an elite team, called The Intrinsic to deal with the most serious threats from the outer realms. But how will The Intrinsic react when they are called not to protect the Earth, but to protect themselves from it?
32pgs, FC FREE!
Sonic the Hedgehog/ Mega-Man FLIPBOOK FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) Ian Flynn (A) Patrick "SPAZ" Spaziante, Jennifer Hernandez, Lamar Wells, Rick Bryant, Gary Martin, John Workman, Jack Morelli and Matt Herms
(CA) Ben Bates
Its TWO free comic books in ONE! Hot off the heels of the ultra-successful Sonic/Mega Man crossover event, "Worlds Collide", comes a showcase issue of the hottest new storylines in both characters' universes - exclusively for Free Comic Book Day! Somic stars in "Blast to the Past" and the origin of his Freedom Fighters! Then, on the flipside of this issue, get ready for the "Mega Man X" crossover event with this primer story!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Worlds of Aspen FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W/A) Peter Steigerwald, Mirka Andolfo, Vince Hernandez
Aspen's popular zero issues return, and only in this exclusive FCBD issue featuring two all-new stories by Aspen's finest! Vince Hernandez, creator of Charismagic and Trish Out of Water, offers his latest creation, the upcoming fairy-tale adventure series Damsels in Excess, along with brilliant series artist Mirka Andolfo (Trish Out of Water) in this special zero issue prelude - just in time for its summer release! Then, superstar colorist and creator Peter Steigerwald (Fathom, Soulfire), takes a journey into the furthest reaches of the universe in his first all-new Aspen series, The ZooHunters! Coming this fall, this new action-adventure series will redefine what it means to voyage beyond your wildest imagination! Get an exclusive first look with these thrilling zero issues, only available in Worlds of Aspen 2014!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Hatter M: Far from Wonder #1 FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) Frank Beddor, Liz Cavalier (A) Ben Templesmith
(CA) Vincent Proce
Put to rest any delusions or disinformation you have of the tea-guzzling madman of faux literary history and prepare to expand your consciousness as the saga of Hatter Madigan and his relentless search for the lost Princess of Wonderland unfolds in Issue 1 of the Hatter M series!
32pgs, FC FREE!
(W) J.R. Rothenberg
(A/CA) Jason Badower, Annete Kwok
A peaceful alien race secretly inhabiting Earth suddenly begins to flee when a satellite intended to eliminate nuclear war is launched. Meanwhile, a boy in Colorado, a lovestruck rebel without a cause, believes he's going insane; his mind replaying a single message: "remember who you are... or this world ends."
32pgs, FC FREE!
Bleeding Cool Magazine FCBD 2014 EDition
Bleeding Cool Magazine celebrates FCBD and the launch of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 film with an all-new issue dedicated to introducing new fans to comic books! We packed this special issue full of features that will turn FCBD visitors into comic shop regulars. This year's issue is the perfect tool for local comic shops to introduce new fans to the hobby, with features on collecting, shopping, preservation, and developing their collections. It's a must-have for every Free Comic Book Day attendee! It's not just cool... it's Bleeding Cool!
32pgs, FC FREE!
ÃœBER: The First Cycle FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) Kieron Gillen (A) Caanan White
An ideal entry point into the world of Ãœber! Kieron Gillen and Caanan White, the creative team that revolutionized the super soldier genre, presents this special FCBD edition, Ãœber: The First Cycle! This special issue recaps the events of the first two story arcs, weaving them into real-World history, along with new writing from Gillen, unseen art, and sneak-peaks of upcoming pages. This issue also sets the stage for the summer 2014 Ãœber story arc that promises to be the biggest and most shocking yet!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Mouse Guard, Rust & Other Stories: A FCBD Hardcover Anthology
(W/A/CA) Various
When Archaia released their first hardcover FCBD offering two years ago, it was a rousing success with fans and retailers alike. Now they're doing it again! Readers will get original, all-ages content from a powerhouse lineup of Archaia creators. Plus, the debut of Farscape comics under the Archaia imprint!
HC, 6x9, 48pgs, FC FREE!
The Adventures of Jellaby FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W/A/CA) Kean Soo
Capstone celebrates Jellaby, the award-winning series by Kean Soo! In this Free Comic Book Day 2014 special, ten-year-old Portia Bennett and her beloved purple monster, Jellaby, head to the great outdoors in two comic shorts, including the exclusive, never-before-in-print adventure "The Knot." Also featuring a monster load of bonus materials: creator Q & A, pinup art, super-secret previews, and much, much more!
32pgs, FC FREE!
(W) Mark Evanier, Fred Van Lente, Gene Luen Yang, Chris Roberson
(A) Sergio Aragones, Ryan Dunlavey, Gene Luen Yang, Various
(CA) Cully Hamner
For over 25 years, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has fought to protect your right to read, and this year we bring our mission to Free Comic Book Day, with a light-hearted look at a serious topic. Explore censorship of comics with some of today's most talented creators!
32pgs, FC FREE!
(W) Meryl Jaffe PhD (A) Matthew Holm
(CA) Raina Telgemeier
CBLDF's publication, Raising a Reader!, answers parents' and educators' questions about using comics: What skills do they offer kids? What resources are available for using graphic novels in education? How do you teach reading with a comics page? How can graphic novels create reading dialogues? And much more! Text with illustrations.
16pgs, FC FREE!
(W) Tyler James (A) Matt Zolman, Fico Ossio
(CA) Fico Ossio
After a freak experiment gives teenager Eric Ardor incredible powers, he does what anyone would do... he puts on a costume and becomes Epic! Super strength, speed, flight, optic blasts... it's a fanboy's dream come true. Unfortunately, he's just discovered he has one weakness... pretty girls! And while most boys his age lose their cool around the hotties, Epic loses his powers!
32pgs, FC FREE!
SCAM: Crosswords #0 FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) Jason Ciaramella (A/CA) Joe Mulvey
Spinning out of the pages of the super-powered con-man series, Scam, Eisner-nominated writer Jason Ciaramella (The Cape) and "the most dangerous man in comics" Joe Mulvey bring you an explosive one-shot featuring Scam's ultimate villain: Crosswords! After being exiled from "Sin City", Crosswords makes a power grab in Europe, using extreme means to take what he wants!
32pgs, FC FREE!
PROJECT: Black sky FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) Fred Van Lente (A/CA) Michael Broussard
When a biological weapon is hijacked from a secret facility in Nevada, the president calls in two of his top guns: Captain Midnight and Brain Boy! Will the two disparate heroes, a time-displaced inventor from World War II and a snotty psychic Secret Service agent, be able to work together to stop the threat released from Block 13? And what does the mysterious rogue agency Project: Black Sky have to do with it?!
32pgs, FC FREE!
(W) Sholly Fisch, Merrill Hagan
(A) Ben Bates, Jorge Corona (CA) Daniel Hipp
This FCBD issue is the perfect place to start reading the sensational series based on Warner Bros. Animation's hit animated show featured on Cartoon Network's DC Nation Saturday morning programming block! Join Robin, Starfire, Beast Boy, Cyborg and Raven as they display their unique brand of hi-jinks, mayhem and justice! But giant pizza monsters aren't the only dastardly and delicious villains on the menu... so dig in, Titans! Includes two exciting, action-packed stories that readers of all ages will enjoy!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Shigeru Mizuki's Showa: A History of Japan FCBD 2014 Edition
(W/A/CA) Shigeru Mizuki
Shigeru Mizuki's Showa: A History of Japan FCBD 2014 will offer a rare preview of the 2,000-page masterpiece on the history of modern Japan. The D+Q series will be published in four separate volumes throughout 2014 and early 2015 and this special FCBD edition will offer an excerpt of the harrowing period covering World War 2 and beyond. Mizuki is one of the early pioneers of manga and is one of the most beloved creators in Japanese comics.
24pgs, B&W FREE!
Magic Wind FCBD 2014 EDTION
(W) Gianfranco Manfredi (A/CA) Pasquale Frisenda
With a shard of metal in his brain allowing him limited access to his past memories, and able to foresee the future through visions and premonitions, Ned Ellis is no ordinary man. Once a U.S soldier, he is now a Sioux Shaman who goes by the name of Magic Wind. This FCBD edition will give you an exciting extended preview of the thrilling upcoming graphic novel!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Entropy FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) Davor Radoja (A/CA) Well-Bee
A society divided into two classes: the Haves and the Have Nots. Controlled by a government that has banned and destroyed any form of media that it feels will corrupt the human mind. Yet there are those who hold secrets, who hold meetings, and who are prepared to fight for a better future. This special sneak-peak of the upcoming SF graphic novel also features two complete short comics: Crosses and Vegetable!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Hip Hop Family Tree Two-in-One FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W/A/CA) Ed Piskor
Hip Hop Family Tree Two-In-One by Ed Piskor is the perfect introduction and bridge to Piskor's fun and crtitically acclaimed 5 volume book series! This full-color comic book offers two self-contained stories form Hip Hop Family Tree Volumes 1 & 2 as well as new guest pin-ups and content just for FCBD! Lovingly produced and designed in homage to Marvel Comic's beloved Marvel Two-In-One-Make mine Hip Hop!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Overstreet's Comic Book Marketplace FCBD 2014 Edition
(W/A) Robert M. Overstreet, Various
A stunning visual representation of Batman's 75th anniversary, a look (way) back at the origins of The Winter Soldier, a 20th anniversary chat with Billy Tucci about Shi, a look at the long and sometimes hidden history of Archie's "Red Circle" line, a forgotten first appearance, and much more are featured in this FCBD 2014 issue of Overstreet's Comic Book Marketplace!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Graphix Spotlight: The Dumbest Idea Ever! FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W/A/CA) Jimmy Gownley
Graphix (publishers of Bone, Smile, and the Amulet series) makes its FCBD debut with this stand-alone excerpt from The Dumbest Idea Ever! Renowned comics creator Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!) shares his real life adventures of becoming a teenage comic book artist! Called "an inspirational book that could help launch the next great cartoonist" by Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) this is the perfect book for anyone who loves comics . . . and any kid who dreams of someday making comics of their own.
32pgs, FC FREE!
Scratch 9 FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) Rob M. Worley (A/CA) Joshua Buchanan
He's back for Free Comic Book Day! The world's greatest superhero cat returns in this all-ages, all-cat, all-free funny-book featuring all-new stories! Scratch is an ordinary cat who can summon his nine lives to get himself and his pet posse out of a jam. This new edition is a direct lead-in to the summer's monthly Scratch9 series: Cat of Nine Worlds! The fur starts flying here!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W/A) Russell Keaton, Murphy Anderson, Howard Chaykin
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, the first, best and original sci-fi hero, is supporting Free Comic Book day with a special re-print of one complete Sunday story, "Prophet of the Fire Demon," by fabled artist Russell Keaton! This story has been painstakingly digitally-reconstructed to perfection, and looks better than the original newspaper Sundays! Hermes Press' Buck Rogers FCBD issue will also offer bonus material and tons of surprises!
32pgs, FC FREE!
(W) Jonathan Maberry (A) Alan Robinson (CA) Kevin Eastman
New York Times best-selling horror author Jonathan Maberry presents the chronicle of the first Vampire War in V-Wars! This all-new tale leading into this summer's ongoing V-Wars series offers the first salvo in the battle between humans and hundreds of new species of vampires!
32pgs, FC FREE!
(W) Joe Caramagna (A) Adam Archer
(CA) Ron Lim, Richard Isanove
Spotlighting Marvel's BIGGEST star! No, we're not talking about Iron Man! Not Captain America! Not Thor! It's Rocket Raccoon! The madcap mammal takes on the cosmos in an all-new FREE COMIC BOOK DAY adventure!
32pgs, FC FREE!
The Tick FCBD 2014 EDition
(W) Jeff McClelland (A/CA) Duane Redhead
The Tick returns for FCBD 2014 in a brand-new, full-color, 24-page, full-length adventure for fans of all ages! Plus more! The Tick and Arthur face off against the Hoarder, a galactic alien menace who hi-jacks The City and the millions of citizens The Tick has sworn to protect! Great for fans new and old!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Courtney Crumrin #1 FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) Ted Naifeh (A/CA) Ted Naifeh, Warren Wucinich
A full-color Courtney Crumrin adventure for all ages! Holly is new to the creature-filled and magic-made town of Hillsborough and her classmates all agree on one thing - Courtney Crumrin is bad news! Will Holly heed their warnings or will Courtney finally find a friend?
32pgs, FC FREE!
The Smurfs FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W/A) Peyo
The Smurfs return to Free Comic Book Day! This year's offering features never-before-seen comic stories from Peyo starring everyone's favorite blue bombshell: the Smurfette! It's Smurftastically Free!
32pgs, FC FREE!
PREVIEWSworld FCBD 2014 Spectacular
(W) Dan Manser, Marty Grosser, J.C. Vaughn
(A) TBD (CA) Skottie Young
There's no place like your favorite local comic shop, and every month Previews celebrates the cool comic books and merchandise available in stores! Now the team behind Previews and Previewsworld.com takes an enthusiastic look at the worlds of FCBD and your local comic shop in this FCBD 2014 special! First, you get a primer on Previews with our comics story on how to use the Previews catalog and buy through your local comic shop's subscription service. Plus, a "FCBD & Collecting Comics" story from the folks behind the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide on what makes reading and collecting comics so cool! Finally, we'll take you behind the scenes of 2014's FCBD titles with interviews with some of this year's creators, including FCBD 2014's Commemorative T-Shirt artist, Skottie Young! And we top all of that off with invaluable info on online resources, 2014 convention dates, cool contests to enter and more - all for FREE! Features a cool, Skottie Young cover celebrating FCBD!
32pgs, FC FREE!
(W/A) Various
The Galaxy's Greatest SF anthology returns to FCBD with this stellar line-up of stories! Dredd races to save a fellow Judge in "The Badge" from Matt Smith & Chris Burnham; Sláine stars in "Lord of the Beasts" by Pat Mills & Rafael Garres; Rogue Trooper recounts his bloody past in "Glass Zone" by Gerry Finley-Day & Dave Gibbons; and Psi-Judge Anderson faces a magical monstrosity in "Golem" by Alan Grant & Enric Romero! Plus: D.I. Harry Absalom (by Gordon Rennie & Tiernen Trevallion), Durham Red (by Leah Moore, John Reppion & Jan Duursema), Future Shock (by Henry Flint), and classic Dredd newspaper strips by John Wagner & Ron Smith!
48pgs, FC FREE!
Atomic Robo and Friends FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) Brian Cleavenger, Jay P. Fosgitt
(A) Jay P. Fosgitt, Scott Wegener (CA) Scott Wegener
Unanimously heralded by fans, creators, retailers and critics as the perfect first comic to give to a non-comic-reader! Atomic Robo has defeated the greatest foes of the last century, but his latest discovery has reduced him to a mere plaything for the Yonkers Devil! Plus, an all-new adventure from mischievously-lovable Bodie Troll and previews of 2014 Red 5 favorites and new faces!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Giant-Size 4-Pack Bundle FCBD 2014 EDITIOn
(W/A/CA) Various
A GIANT-SIZE four-pack of GIANT-SIZE #0 Issue Specials!
ACTION! Wayward Sons-The spin-off to the legendary Webcomic series, this series follows the adult children of beings who were once worshipped as Gods; Tesla-At the turn of the century, Nikola Tesla and his trusty side-kick, Mark Twain, join forces to battle the Illuminati, led by the nefarious Thomas Edison!
FANTASY! Duel Identity-The world's greatest superhero is actually the world's greatest assassin! Pandora's Blog-When a young girl moves to a new town, she blogs about the strange things she sees, and gets some unwanted attention as a result.
ADVENTURE! Magika-A young boy discovers a magical world filled with strange mystical creatures who come into our world through a mound in his grandparents' backyard! The First Daughter-The President's daughter learns her destiny when she is pulled into a secret, supernatural enclave beneath the White House.
THRILLS! Darchon-Enter a dark world of supernatural threats that can only be handled by one man - but is he what he claims to be? Shadow Children-Children are brought to another realm, where they acquire supernatural powers and become members in an army of darkness.
Four Pack, FC FREE!
Finding Gossamyr: Way of the Bladeslinger FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) David Rodriguez, Paul Allor
(A) Sarah Ellerton, Thomas Boatwright
Return to the fantastic world of Finding Gossamyr as Th3rd World's critically acclaimed series continues in a brand new FCBD adventure that leads into the upcoming Volume 2! Also featured in this issue is a preview of the new Th3rd World Studios series, Past the Last Mountain, in which a trio of fantastic creatures escapes human imprisonment to seek a fabled sanctuary known only as "Dragon Lake".
32pgs, FC FREE!
Top Shelf Kids' Club FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W/A) Eric Orchard, Rob Harrell, Top Shelf Crew
(CA) Eric Orchard
Here at Top Shelf, we're celebrating Free Comic Book Day 2014 with friends old and new - the latest lineup of the Top Shelf Kids Club! This FREE comic book contains an extensive preview of the upcoming Maddy Kettle by Eric Orchard, as well as other stories by Monster on the Hill's Rob Harrel, and the rest of the Top Shelf crew. Come on in and join the party!
24pgs, B&W FREE!
Sherwood, TX / BOONDOCK SAINTS DOUBLE FEATURE FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) Shane Berryhill, Troy Duffy, J.B. Love
(A) Daniel Hillyard, Toby Cypress (CA) Andrew Robinson
After the same biker gang who murdered his father leaves Rob Hood for dead, he returns to seek revenge on an epic, blood-soaked scale. Combining the biker gang epic with Spaghetti Western sensibilities, Sherwood, TX retells the legend of Robin Hood as a modern day, noir-action opus. Hood is joined on his quest by Padre Elvin Tuck, Will Scarlet, and Little John, as they take on the crooked Sheriff of Nottingham, TX and his partners in crime, The Nobles biker gang and their leader John Prince.
32pgs, FC FREE!
Street Fighter #0 FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W/A) Ken Siu-Chong, Jim Zub, Chris Sarracini, Joe Ng, Takeshi Miyazawa
UDON's Street Fighter comics are back, and bigger than ever! Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, and all of the hadoken-hurling action you love fills the pages of this oversized (8" x 11") comic book! Created especially for FCBD, this issue includes brand-new stories for hardcore SF fans, and a stand-alone chapter from Street Fighter Origins: Akuma - the perfect introduction for newcomers to the SF universe!
32pgs, FC FREE!
Les Miserables: The Fall of Fantine FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W/A) SunMei Lee
In 2014, UDON Entertainment brings Victor Hugo's classic novel Les Miserables to comics in a bold new graphic novel adaptation! In this special stand-alone FCBD chapter, learn the story of Fantine, the beautiful, fragile, doomed heroine of Les Miserables. She will fall into poverty... and worse... and she will find salvation in the deeds of a stranger named Jean Valjean! Printed in UDON's standard manga size of 5 ¼" x 8 ¼", it features 48 pages of gripping story and brilliant artwork!
48pgs, FC FREE!
(W) Robert Venditti, Matt Kindt, Joshua Dysart, Fred Van Lente, Peter Milligan
(A) Doug Braithwaite, Bryan Hitch, Clayton Crain, CAFU, Clayton Henry, Diego Bernard
(CA) J.G. Jones
The "Armor Hunters", a group of the universe's fiercest warriors, have come to destroy the X-O Manowar for the good of all. What horrible secrets does the armor hold? And how many armors have they destroyed before this one? These answers and more are revealed in the Valiant Universe event of 2014 - and it all starts right here with exclusive previews, character designs, and interviews from the biggest guns the Valiant Universe has to offer!
32pgs, FC FREE!
(W/A) Various (CA) Lewis LaRosa
The Valiant Universe from A to Z! Discover for the very first time the untold origins and secrets of Valiant's heroes and villains, all in one place! Everything you need to know about the Valiant Universe in 2014 and beyond can be found right here in the first official Valiant Handbook release... ever! Featuring artwork from a "murderer's row" of comics brightest talents: Doug Braithwaite, Bryan Hitch, J.G. Jones, Esad Ribic, Clayton Crain, Clayton Henry, and more!
32pgs, FC FREE!
All You Need is Kill / Terra FormaRs FCBD 2014 Edition
(W) Hiroshi Sakurazaka, Yu Sasuga (A) Lee Ferguson, Kenichi Tachibana
Now a major motion picture starring Tom Cruise! When the alien Mimics invade, Keiji Kiriya is one of many recruits shoved into battle armor Jackets and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn to fight and die again and again. He receives a message from a mysterious ally - is she the key to Keiji's escape or his final death? The official graphic novel adaptation based on the original novel! Also, in Terra Formars, the colonization of Mars is an epoch-making event, but an unintended side effect of the terraforming process unleashes a horror no one could ever have imagined...
32pgs, FC FREE!
Grimm Fairy Tales #0 FCBD 2014 EDITION
(W) Joe Brusha (A/CA) Anthony Spay
Extinct for millennia, the most powerful and terrifying creatures to ever exist in the Grimm Universe have now returned! They are the Bloodhunters, and their sole purpose is to hunt down and exterminate Highborns, and they have their sights set on their first prey since returning...Professor Sela Mathers! This special FCBD edition of Grimm Fairy Tales ties directly into GFT #100 and the upcoming "Age of Darkness" Grimm Universe event!
32pgs, FC FREE!


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Ligao City
Ligao City is in the province of Albay in the Philippines.
Get in[edit]
Philippine National Railways is currently unavailable for use, Most of the trains are dilapidated.
By plane[edit]
Legaspi City Domestic Airport is an hour away from the city, Philippine Airlines flies daily from Manila to Legaspi vice versa, Cebu Pacific flies daily from Manila to Legaspi vice versa.
By bus[edit]
Buses operate daily from Manila to Legaspi V.V, Try Cagsawa Tours, Penafrancia Tours, RSL Tours, Alps or any of the dozen more bus companies.
By boat[edit]
Get around[edit]
By bicycle,car,tricycle and many more vehicles roam the city.
See[edit][add listing]
Malison Spring Resort is located in Bonga, Ligao City one can get a full view of the majestic Mayon Volcano and Malison Lake. One can go swimming, fishing and boating.
Buy[edit][add listing]
Check out the local market and small shops. Shopping is not at par with the bigger Legaspi market but there are items of comparable quality, and sometimes, the prices may even be a bit lower. The following products are not exclusively available in Ligao, but are widely available and regarded as of high quality.
Woven fibre products made of Abaca, Hemp, Banana fibres etc. made into items like Mats, Bags, Totes, Screens, etc.
Eat[edit][add listing]
Craving late night food? Looking to bust that hangover? Check out noodle and congee stands near the bus terminals, try the Pansit(noodles with hard-boiled eggs and a splash of chili and vinegar), balut (boiled fertilized duck eggs), or Goto (rice congee with ginger, chicken and an optional boiled egg, served with patis or fish sauce and some cracked peppers). Or Feeling like shopping for grubs? Head straight to the city market, previously busy on Thursdays and Sundays but recently more accessible and pretty much open from mornings until the evening hours all week. For the more adventurous traveller who is not squeamish about trying street food, it would be worth the adventure to seek out the following food favourites in this city:
Jollibee, a popular national chain serving burgers, fried chicken, spaghetti and quick fastfood fare.
Kuyang's Grill,run by Marcelo Garcia, is a full dining restaurant with an al fresco patio and banquet area, a large kitchen ,a menu of local food favorites.
Mexita Pizza Parlor
Berman Ice Cream Haus and Halo-Halo,ice cream,(ice cream sandwich),(banana split),halo-halo,tapsilog,pancit are available.Come and visit this place
Sleep[edit][add listing]
Stay safe[edit]
Get out[edit]

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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This article that the chronology of Egypt needs to be reduced by centuries, bringing the 12th dynasty down to the time of Moses and the Exodus.
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Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.


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Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.6GHz Dual-core Intel i5 with Retina Display
Originally released October 2013
13.3-inch (diagonal) Retina display; 2560-by-1600 resolution at 227 pixels per inch
8GB of 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
512GB Flash Storage1
720p FaceTime HD camera
Intel Iris Graphics
Apple Certified Refurbished Products
Quality products at great prices
Rigorous prior to sale
Covered by Apple's one-year limited warranty This will open a new window.
AppleCareThis will open a new window. product can be purchased
Engraving and gift wrap not available for refurbished products
Supplies are limited
What's in the Box
Refurbished MacBook Pro with Retina display
60W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter
AC wall plug
Power cord
Retina display. Multimillion-pixel view.
When you pack so many pixels into a display — over 4 million on the 13‑inch model — the results are positively stunning. The pixel density is so high, your eyes can't discern individual pixels. Images take on a new level of realism. A spectacular 2560-by-1600 resolution on the 13‑inch MacBook Pro let you see more of your high-resolution images with pixel-for-pixel accuracy. And text is so sharp, you'll feel like you're reading email, web pages, and documents on a printed page.The Retina display reduces glare while maintaining incredible color and quality. Its high contrast ratio results in blacker blacks and whiter whites. And everything in between is rich and vibrant. IPS technology gives you a wide, 178-degree view of everything on the screen, so you'll see the difference at practically any angle. And you're going to love what you see.
802.11ac Wi-Fi. The new definition of fast.
Meet the ultimate mobile creative studio. With an emphasis on mobile. Equipped with the latest 802.11ac Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology, you're free to unplug and still stay connected — to your network, to your wireless peripherals, and to the world. With AirPlay and Apple TV, you can wirelessly play video, show off photos, and enjoy music from your MacBook Pro on your widescreen TV. And when your MacBook Pro connects to an 802.11ac Wi‑Fi base station, such as AirPort Extreme or AirPort Time Capsule, your wireless performance is up to 3x faster.4
Thunderbolt 2.
Thunderbolt is the most advanced and most versatile I/O technology there is. The new MacBook Pro features the latest version — Thunderbolt 2. It delivers twice the throughput, providing up to 20Gb/s of bandwidth to each external device. So you're more than ready for the next generation of high-performance peripherals and displays. You can connect massive amounts of storage and add a PCI expansion chassis. And since each Thunderbolt 2 port allows you to daisy-chain up to six peripherals, you can go all out by plugging in up to 12 external devices via Thunderbolt alone.
Mac OS X
Includes iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Maps, iBooks, Safari, Mail, FaceTime, Messages, Calendar, Contacts, Reminders, Time Machine, Photo Booth, iTunes, Game Center, Preview, Notes, Mac App Store, and more.
Iris Graphics. A flawless onscreen performance.
The 13‑inch MacBook Pro with Retina display features Intel Iris Graphics, which boost performance by up to 90 percent2 — so it can handle both everyday tasks and graphics-intensive creative apps. Scroll through large photo albums with ease. Play games with amazing detail. Even connect an external display or two. It's just another way this 13‑inch MacBook Pro is small on size and big on performance.
Faster all-flash storage.
You'll notice a difference in whatever you do — starting up takes seconds, apps launch quickly, even navigating the desktop feels incredibly fluid and responsive. It's all thanks to the new PCle-based flash storage with even faster read and write performance — up to 60 percent faster than the previous-generation MacBook Pro.3 So you can import huge photo libraries into Aperture in no time flat. Flash doesn't have any moving parts, which makes it superdurable and quiet. And flash storage is extremely energy efficient, which means your MacBook Pro also has the ability to stay in standby mode for up to a month, without plugging in. So whether it's been 1 day or 30, your all-flash MacBook Pro will spring to life, right where you left off.
Long-lasting battery. Up to a 9-hour charge, 30-day standby time.
The 13‑inch MacBook Pro now lasts up to 9 hours between charges. That's impressive battery life for any notebook. But for a high-performance notebook with an ultra-high-resolution display, state-of-the-art processors and graphics, and a superslim design, it's absolutely remarkable. The built-in battery gives you up to 1000 full charge and discharge cycles and up to 30 days of instant-on standby time.5
Tech Specs
2.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz) with 3MB shared L3 cache
8GB of 1600MHz DDR3L onboard memory
512GB flash storage1
Intel Iris Graphics
Dual display and video mirroring: simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560x1600 pixels on up to two external displays, both at millions of colours
720p FaceTime HD camera
MagSafe 2 power port
Two Thunderbolt 2 ports (up to 20 Gbps)
Two USB 3 ports (up to 5 Gbps)
HDMI port
Headphone port
SDXC card slot
Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter (sold separately)
Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (sold separately)
Stereo speakers
Dual microphones
Headphone port
- Support for Apple iPhone headset with remote and microphone
- Support for audio line out (digital/analog)
802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking;4 IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compatible; Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology
Size and weight
Height : 1.8 cm (0.71 inch)
Width : 31.4 cm (12.35 inches)
Depth : 21.9 cm (8.62 inches)
Weight : 1.57 kg (3.46 pounds) 6


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Two Wabash Sophomores Head Special Olympics Effortby Wade Coggeshall • December 20, 2005 Share:
Volunteerism is nothing new for Chris Geggie.
The Wabash College sophomore assisted a Special Olympics program through his Los Angeles high school. His Wabash fraternity, Sigma Chi, has been coordinating a state basketball tournament for special-needs children the past three years. So it's only natural Geggie would want to continue helping. But as this year's events coordinator, he wants to make the program bigger and better. But he'll need a little help.
Wabash hosts a basketball tournament Feb. 11 that features more than 400 athletes from all over Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. This is the third consecutive year Sigma Chi has coordinated and the college has hosted the event. Expansion within the program comes in the form of a swim meet Feb. 25 and a track-and-field day April 8.
"Our fraternity and Wabash College — we have so many resources and facilities," said Geggie, a Latin, Greek and English major. "I feel we can do a whole lot more for the competitors."
To get three major competitions organized will take volunteers and donations. Specifically Geggie and Josh Day, his fraternity brother and the one who arranged last year's basketball tournament, are looking for philanthropy in the form of food, trophies, money and of course, free labor.
"I've already spoken with the PRIDE group at Crawfordsville High School," Geggie said. "They said they'd be more than willing to help us out. Still, I'd rather have an excess of volunteers than not enough."
Geggie said just seeing the joy and spirit exuding from the athletes is reward enough, and it's something everyone should be exposed to.
"I've done lots of work with children and people of special needs, and it's an amazing experience to see them win or do good at something," he said. "It's difficult to put into words. I'd like to have a whole lot more people experience that, to know that they're doing something to have this outlet. It's this physical manifestation right in front of them of their good work, their good deeds, to see the happiness on this kid's face."
Day echoed that sentiment.
"It's just a good experience to get into," said the sophomore psychiatry major. "It's rewarding not only for the athletes in general but for people to actually help others. I guess a lot of people overlook just how powerful that is. One thing we hope this can do is start a domino effect, where other schools, other places in Crawfordsville will want to get involved and take it upon themselves to host other things. That's only going to get accomplished through people coming and doing these things, thinking it's really cool and wanting to do more."
"Ultimately the goal is to make this an institution — not only at Wabash College, not only for the Sigma Chi fraternity, but for Crawfordsville in general," Geggie said. "It's a way the community can get together and support each other."
To volunteer your time and/or donate to these Special Olympics events, e-mail Geggie at firstname.lastname@example.com or Day at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Coggeshall is a reporter for the Crawfordsville Journal Review.
In photo: Chris Geggie.


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European Commission
Michel BARNIER
Member of the European Commission responsible for Internal Market and Services
Making European copyright fit for purpose in the age of internet
Launch event of the CEPS Digital Forum Taskforce on Copyright in the EU Digital Single Market / Brussels
7 November 2012
Enter Ladies and Gentlemen,
First of all, allow me to thank CEPS, Karel LANNOO, Staffan JERNECK, and also Giuseppe MAZZIOTTI, for this invitation.
The European Single market is celebrating its 20th anniversary. This should not be a pretext for nostalgia.
On the contrary, it is an opportunity to assess and improve the way it works:
Is the Single Market working to unlock the potential of the digital economy to the benefit of all ? This is an example of the questions we must ask ourselves.
When it was created in 1992, one million computers were connected to the internet worldwide. In 2016, that number will be 10 billion: 10 000 times more!
In 1992, we never imagined that one day we would be able to read our favourite newspaper, discover new music or watch a film anytime, anywhere, on any device - a laptop, a tablet or a phone.
We could not imagine the opportunities. Or indeed the challenges that would arise. In particular from a European perspective.
Copyright is at the heart of these opportunities and challenges.
Because it is the engine behind the diversity, the creativity and the innovation which can be delivered to all of us though internet.
Therefore we must ask ourselves: it is fit for the digital age?
Our legal framework has of course evolved since 1992, including for copyright. The Information Society Directive of 2001 introduced copyright rules for the digital age. And it remains largely valid today.
Does this mean that we have found the optimum balance between:
I do not think so.
I am aware of the problems and the frustration of EU citizens when trying to access content on line.
Consumers are not the only ones facing difficulties.
How long will it take the next Spotify or Deezer to obtain the licences they need to launch an online music service?
And what about tomorrow's European equivalent to Netflix? Will it know where to start to get the online rights for all those European films which are gathering dust on a shelf somewhere?
Do not get me wrong: I am not in the business of blaming copyright for everything that does not work in the Internet.
I am also not in the business of denying that rules need to be modernised and adapted where the evidence is there.
What I want is a more rational debate.
A frank exchange to identify practical and sustainable solutions to precisely-identified problems.
We all know that there are many reasons for these problems. Many have nothing to do with copyright: inadequate broadband capacity, the commercial choices of service providers, the cost of payment services are only a few.
But I am determined to ensure that copyright is not among the obstacles. Copyright cannot be a barrier. It must be an enabler.
I want to ensure that it remains a modern and effective tool:
What do I mean by this ?
I want a copyright framework that facilitates the access of all Europeans to their heritage.
The Internet is a unique chance for a "second life" for works which are simply "out of distribution".
Just think of the "Europeana" project, which went from 2 to 19 million items digitized between 2008 and 2011.
We can make the dissemination of these works easier. We can do it by a combination of limitations to rights – when justified – and easier licensing. Notably via collective management.
Member States should also play their role.
Together with my colleagues Neelie KROES and Androulla VASSILIOU, we have worked to make sure that the key building blocks are there:
I continue to encourage Member States and stakeholders to make use of these building blocks.
I also believe that arrangements similar to the Memorandum of Understanding are the way forward to facilitate access to the thousands of European films that are forgotten because they are out of distribution.
I want a copyright framework that passes the "Single Market test", making more content available to more citizens, cross-border.
Let's face it: the digital revolution has not yet lived up to expectations in the European context.
The online offer varies greatly. It depends on the sector – compare the offer of music or games with the offer of films – and it depends on the Member State.
And consumers are often denied access or redirected to their local websites when they try to access content across borders.
But again, let's not be naive. There are numerous reasons behind this lack of cross border access, starting with the commercial strategies of Internet distributors and platforms.
Some of these strategies may be legitimate. Others, as underlined by the Court of Justice in the "Premier League" case, are not.
In any event, the territoriality of copyright, and the complexities of licensing, should not constitute a barrier – or a comfortable excuse – for anyone.
We have taken a very important step forward with our July proposal for a Directive on the collective management of rights.
This directive will address one of the most severe copyright-related difficulties for the cross-border provision of content : the licensing of music rights by collecting societies.
The current fragmentation affects not only music service providers but all those using music as part of their services: broadcasters, providers of online film streaming services, etc. They all need multi-territory licences.
The ball is now in the court of the co-legislators. The European Council asked for swift progress. And rightly so: a Single market cannot be based on a purely national administration of rights.
But we need to push further to improve European citizens' cross-border access to content and the portability of the services they subscribe to at home.
This is a complex issue. But we need to act on it.
I am not here to tell content providers how to run their business. And I am very mindful of the deep complexities linked to the financing of certain premium content such as films.
But it is unacceptable that Europeans are confronted online with the borders we have been dismantling in the physical world for 50 years. As Single Market Commissioner, I cannot accept this.
This is why I want to work with all relevant stakeholders to find concrete solutions on the ground.
I have also asked my services to start assessing whether there is a need for further legislative intervention in this area.
We also need to look at the full implementation of other important Single Market instruments such as the Services Directive.
I want a copyright framework that provides the right incentives for those that create and invest in content and that ensures the right balance with other policy objectives such as education, research or innovation
We need an equilibrium. Copyright enables rights holders to function in commercial markets. Removing rights goes quite far: it removes rights holders ability to authorise the use of their content, or to gain reward for their investments. So when can a limitation on these rights be justified? And when should users better acquire a licence to use others' rights for their own commercial gain?
I am open to discuss this and to evaluate the need to update our system of limitations to copyright.
I have already done this with the Orphan Works directive. I continue to do it at international level in the context of the current negotiations on a Treaty for the benefit of the visually impaired.
Going forward I want to see if more harmonisation is needed to update the existing limitations and to ensure their cross border effect. For instance does it still make sense that a European library cannot lend a book to someone just because he or she happens to be across a border?
But let me be crystal clear:
I do not share the view of those that think copyright protection should be weakened so others can develop new commercial services free of cost. This would simply amount to legislating for free-riding: shifting wealth from the content industries – many of which are based in Europe creating jobs and paying taxes here – to other industries. This cannot be right.
We need to ensure that bargaining power and the capacity to invest and innovate remain fairly distributed along the value chain. If this is not the case, we all lose, in the end.
The right balance between rights and limitations is one that preserves the necessary incentives for licensing.
Again, I want to discuss with all stakeholders how to create win-win situations. To develop innovative services while respecting copyright and the market opportunities it provides : from "one click" licences for small users to model licensing clauses for text and data mining.
Fourthly, and finally,
A copyright framework that continues to provide incentives must include meaningful enforcement.
With the crisis it is more than ever necessary to eliminate illegal business models that are based on IP infringing activity. This is how we can pave the way for legal offers, especially by innovative start-ups and SMEs. This is also how we transform "informal" economy jobs into real, sustainable job opportunities.
So this is my vision,
A vision in which copyright supports creation, and creation supports distribution and innovation.
To make progress, there can be neither taboo subjects nor miracle solutions: modernising the regulatory framework is not a taboo subject in the same way that exceptions to the exclusive rights of authors are not miracle solutions.
The resolution of many of the problems I have referred to remains in the hands of the main actors in the market. I want to work with industry, and I want industry to work together. To redouble our efforts. This is why I will propose to launch a new partnership with industry, "Licensing Europe": to deliver concrete progress. From mapping the problems to delivering pragmatic solutions.
We want to guarantee European citizens' access to quality content.
We want to make it possible for creators to make a living from their work and for service providers to propose innovative business models.
To achieve this we must base our proposals on precise data and serious analysis. And we must engage all parties concerned in the process, in a spirit of partnership.
So I very much welcome the CEPS initiative to set up a task force on copyright in the digital single market. I am convinced that it will be a very relevant input in our work and I will closely follow the course of its discussions.
We will also be discussing these issues soon with my fellow Commissioners. We need to agree on the best way forward between now and the end of our mandate.
So my recommendation at this point is simple: watch this space!
Thank you for your attention.
Side Bar


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Phew….last week was so busy! It was nice to just relax & lay low over the weekend. This week should be relaxing for the most part, too. We don't typically go out on New Year's Eve. Heck, I don't know the last time I stayed up until midnight! LOL! The kids are still out of school this week & we only have 2 extracurricular activities going on, so dinners should be fairly straight forward.
The GF CF Cookbook is hosting this week's gluten-free menu swap. The ingredient of the week is leftover ham. We don't have anymore leftover ham, but we did and we used it in a varieties of ways. Grilled ham & cheese sandwiches, ham & cheese omelettes and salad with chopped up ham in it.
Sunday – Rotisserie Chicken, baked sweet potatoes, green beans & salad.
Monday – Tacos, black beans, corn & salad
Tuesday-Baked Ziti, zucchini & salad
Wednesday-Salmon, red quinoa, mixed veggies & salad
Thursday – Filet Mignon, baked potato, asparagus & salad
Friday – Pork & Sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, broccoli & salad
Saturday – Pizza or leftovers
Baked Goods
Pamela's Bread
Banana Bread (have some bananas that need rescued STAT!)
Here are a couple pictures from our Christmas. Someone lost her 2nd front tooth on Christmas Eve! All she wants for Christmas is her 2 front teeth!
My sister, Kelly, Greg & Noah
Hope you all had a great holiday! Do you have any New Year's Eve plans?
Filed under: Family, Gluten-Free, Gluten-Free Recipes | 10 Comments »


text: Maximizing your developers' effectiveness and efficiency is key to enabling growth and positioning your IT Infrastructure as an asset within your organization. Making certain you have considered all the angles is crucial in your Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) success. The following checklist will help you assess your needs and possible business impacts to aid in your decision process for choosing which PaaS will benefit your developers, your infrastructure team, and your business.


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Eliot Spitzer launched into an expletive-filled tirade rife with personal attacks on Hank Greenberg and his son, Jeffrey, in 2004, an explosive new court filing reveals.
Spitzer, then in his second term as state attorney general, spewed "derogatory, deeply personal and highly inappropriate expletive-laden comments about [Hank] Greenberg and his son Jeffrey" in front of several assistants, Dennis Vacco, Spitzer's predecessor, claims in a court filing.
Spitzer's comments proved to Vacco that Spitzer's case against Greenberg "was motivated by some unexplained personal animus," the former Republican law enforcer said in the filing.
Vacco met with Spitzer, then known as the "Sheriff of Wall Street," behind closed doors. At the time, Vacco was representing a non-Greenberg owned insurance broker in an unrelated case.
Vacco, according to the filing, believed Spitzer's tirade was in response to Greenberg's previous statement that the attorney general's office was engaging in "unprofessional" conduct and engaging in `'over-prosecution'' of minor infractions at insurance businesses of the Greenbergs, including AIG and Marsh & McLennan, headed by Greenberg's son.
Spitzer filed charges in 2005 against Greenberg and others.
So far, the suit has resulted in no convictions.
Of the eight charges filed by Spitzer against Greenberg and others, all but two have been dismissed. Greenberg was ousted from AIG in 2005 over the uproar.
The two remaining charges could be tried this summer.
Meanwhile, Greenberg's legal team has been trying for five years to get its hands on private Spitzer e-mails said to be used by the then-AG to carry out official state business.
A judge recently ordered current AG Eric Schneiderman to turn over the e-mails. The issue is still being fought out in court.
Greenberg's legal eagles hope to find evidence in the personal e-mails to fight the remaining charges.
Schneiderman's office said it is not its job to search for or obtain e-mails of former employees when those e-mails are not within the possession or control of the government.
Spitzer's office did not return requests for comment.


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Want to connect with the expat community of South Africans in Ireland? Looking for South African compatriots to help you with your questions on expat life? Or are you looking for other South African expats to go on an excursion to the most heavily touristed area around Dublin Bay with?
InterNations Ireland offers everything you might need as an expat, no matter whether you already live in Ireland or are still in South Africa planning your upcoming foreign assignment. InterNations is the leading platform among expatriates and global minds in all countries around the world. Needless to say, our community of South African expats in Ireland is going very strong, with members having roots all across South Africa - from Durban, over Johannesburg to Cape Town.
Attend our monthly events and activities for South Africans expatriates to get to know like-minded expatriates in real life.
Get trustworthy advice and local insights from fellow South Africans in our Ireland expat forums.
Obviously, expat life in Ireland goes well beyond shipping your belongings and taking care of red tape. Socializing with fellow South Africans is an important facet of living abroad and can be a huge stepping stone in getting to know the Irish mentality and way of life. South Africans in Ireland are a part of our community, calling cities such as Cork, Limerick, Dublin, and many others home. You can use InterNations to look for fellow South Africans in Dublin, for example.
Wondering where to shop for South African delicatessen, want to discuss your national team's latest match, or simply talk to someone in your native language? Become a member of the Irish InterNations Community!
From the most heavily touristed area around Dublin Bay to the green panoramic vistas of the west, you can meet supportive and friendly South African expats in Ireland on InterNations.
Additionally, InterNations hosts regular expat events and activities in Ireland. Our get-togethers are sure to cater to your taste as well: as a member, you can partake in cozy gatherings to enjoy some Irish Irish stew, join one of our huge expat celebrations with hundreds of participants in Dublin's best locations, and much more. Want to discover Ireland? Go on a weekend trip with your fellow expats to see the scenic and rainy Southwest and other beautiful landmarks.
Our meet-ups and activities offer many wonderful opportunities to mingle with expatriates hailing from South Africa and dozens of other countries in a casual setting. Just sign up for your InterNations membership and you'll soon hear a cordial Siya namkela nonke, welkom, isibingelelo from our South Africans living in Ireland!


text:
Game clips and screenshots are stored by your Xbox One's game DVR system.
To capture gameplay, press the Xbox Home button, followed by:
The X button to record gameplay (use the View button to configure duration and quality).
The Y button to capture a screenshot of your current screen.
Copyright © 2019 TrueGaming Network
Ltd, All Rights Reserved
Xbox, Xbox Live, and all other Xbox Live specific terms are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
TrueAchievements is a proud member of the Xbox Community Developer Program
Concept, Design, Programming and Server Stuff by Rich Stone
aka TrueAchievement
Site version: 5.1.3, also available on Mobile


text:
What is diversity? In the sciences, it's the variety of interdisciplinary fields that we often combine to solve complex biomedical problems; it's the mathematician, biologist, neurologist and physicist working together. Diversity is also an array of human characteristics that differ among us and shape our experiences.
A current problem in today's biomedical work force is the underrepresentation of certain groups— namely minorities (such as African-Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Hispanic/Latino Americans and U.S. Pacific Islanders) and individuals with disabilities.
Figure 1 shows that there is a disparity in the proportion of underrepresented minorities (URMs) versus Caucasians in the sciences. While URMs represent approximately 29 percent of the U.S. demographic, they represent only approximately 4 percent of the National Institutes of Health R01 biomedical research grant holders. This same downward trajectory is not seen with Caucasians, whose representation is at or greater than parity at the noted levels. The underrepresentation in the sciences we see for URMs also holds true for individuals with disabilities: They represent 11 percent of the Bachelor of Science holders but only 1 percent of the population with scientific doctoral degrees.
You might wonder whether it really matters who is doing science as long as good science is being done. It does matter; research shows that diverse teams are better at solving complex problems (1). On homogeneous teams, unquestioned assumptions remain unquestioned, and everyone gets stuck in the same place. If we only listen to people who agree with us, we cease to grow. In the words of writer Walter Lippmann, "Where all men think alike, no one thinks very much."
Representation does not mean mere numbers or even a quota. It means having qualified individuals from various backgrounds, perspectives and influences to strengthen our ability to solve complex scientific problems. In doing this, diversity is not just a feel-good issue or simply the right thing to do; it benefits everyone through improved outcomes.
Additionally, scientific researchers are better able to relate to the general public when the scientific work force has adequate minority representation. Remember the Tuskegee syphilis experiment and the 40 years of unethical treatment of African-American men that left a lasting legacy of distrust of the medical/research community? It's that distrust that is an underlying reason why many African-Americans are not organ donors and do not participate in clinical trials. Furthermore, for the majority of this country, the autonomy of the individual in agreeing or disagreeing to participate as a research subject is paramount. But for some communities, especially some American Indian tribes, autonomy of the group outweighs that of an individual. When scientists do not reflect various communities they intend to study, there can be rampant mistrust and/or an underappreciation of certain cultural value systems.
To increase the diversity of the scientific work force, the NIH requires all applicants for its predoctoral and postdoctoral institutional research training (T32) grants to submit a plan to recruit and retain individuals from underrepresented groups. At the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, we take a very serious look at these plans and their outcomes. The plans to enhance diversity are first considered by the initial review group, then by the National Advisory General Medical Sciences Council and finally by an administrative staff committee. Applications with unacceptable diversity plans are barred from funding until an updated plan is acceptable, regardless of the priority score.
NIH also provides research supplements to promote diversity in health-related research. Those "diversity supplements" provide funds to an existing NIH research grant to support an underrepresented student or postdoctoral fellow to work in a grantee's lab. Each NIH institute or center, much like academic departments, has different policies or practices for program implementation. At NIGMS, we allow more than one student or postdoctoral fellow per NIGMS grantee for this program. This encourages principal investigators to bring multiple underrepresented participants into their labs. Also unique to NIGMS is that, beyond the college level, we expect PIs to indicate how they will foster the transition of their underrepresented graduate student or postdoctoral fellow over to traditional funds. We think of the diversity supplement program as a hand up, not a handout or entitlement, and we expect our mentors to aid in transitioning their trainees to mainstream training mechanisms.
There are several ways you can help increase diversity in the biomedical sciences:
1. Take on a leadership role in the diversity debate. You can "lead from below" until the "tone at the top" of your institution is as committed as you are to increasing diversity in the sciences. Organize campuswide discussions on diversity issues.
2. Participate in the NIH diversity supplement program and other underrepresented-student development programs supported by the NIGMS Minority Opportunities in Research Division.
3. Attend national minority-oriented science student conferences, such as the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students and the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science meeting, to recruit underrepresented students. More than 2,000 URM students attend each conference annually to present scientific research. A good way to interact with students is as a judge.
4. Establish partnerships with academic institutions that have high concentrations of underrepresented students. The partnerships can be used to both recruit students to your program and better prepare students for your programs. For example, talk to students and faculty at minority-serving institutions about what it takes to be competitive enough to enter your graduate program.
5. Establish partnerships with local organizations that hold health and science fairs where underrepresented groups are prevalent. These efforts go a long way to help establish trust of the medical research community.
• NIH T32 training program: http://bit.ly/4GxEUQ• Frequently asked questions about NIH T32 required recruitment and retention plan to enhance diversity: http://bit.ly/7AF80m• NIGMS Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research: http://bit.ly/6PGZCe
• NIGMS Minority Opportunities in Research Division programs: www.nigms.nih.gov/Minority
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students: www.abrcms.org• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science: www.sacnas.org
• Department of Education: For details on historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions and tribal colleges: www.ed.gov/index.jhtml
• Appalachian College Association: www.acaweb.org
• Gallaudet University (for deaf and hearing impaired undergraduates): www.gallaudet.edu
6. Contact the office of disability services on your campus or at your company and ask officials for advice on how to make science more accessible.
7. Google "recruit student disabilities," and tons of useful information will come up to help you reach out to these individuals.
8. Ensure that your Web sites, brochures and other marketing materials have welcoming and inclusive language. Do you include images of people from diverse backgrounds? Instead of saying "Persons with disabilities are welcome to apply," try "People with disabilities are valued members of our institution." In order to reach out to others, look inward and ask questions like: What is our message? Is our program/institution welcoming and accommodating? What is our track record? Who is delivering our message?
9. Update your business cards to include Braille; this is a great way to showcase an inclusionary spirit.
10. Publish your findings on diversity issues. Describe your approaches and conclusions regarding issues of diversity. Web sites like Diverse Issues in Higher Education (http://diverseeducation.com/home.html) or Inside Higher Ed (www.insidehighered.com) are useful sources to accomplish this.
1. Scott E. Page (2007) The Difference: How the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools and Societies. Princeton, NJ and Oxford: Princeton University Press, , pp. 448.
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Paso Robles: Outstanding food scene for a small town
Two years ago I made a scouting trek through Paso Robles on a road trip that included stops in Carmel, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Compared to those places, the town seemed like a sleepy country cousin.
At that time, the restaurants seemed a little staid - even Artisan and Thomas Hill Organics, the two places that get the most publicity for their creative cooking and use of organic ingredients.
Yet, in a short time the situation has changed significantly, particularly for a town of fewer than 30,000.
Artisan has moved into new quarters with a handsome bar and a more modern decor that features recycled window frames cut into the wall between the kitchen and dining room, a nice alternative to the completely open kitchen.
In June, Fish Gaucho opened with a slick interior and a Baja-inspired menu, and last year Santos MacDonal, who owns the upscale Il Cortile, opened the more casual La Cosecha that taps into his Honduran heritage.
Paso Robles is also blessed with something not readily found in other Wine Country destinations: an unjaded, small-town quality that makes visitors feel appreciated. Waiters servicing outside tables will converse with visitors strolling by. When we walked in front of the Pony Club and took iPhone photos of the impressive stone building and patio, the manager came out and said, "Hey, what's with the photos?" and then smiled to show he was joking. The wine bar was closed, but he encouraged us to come back for a drink in the evening when it was open.
Yes, in the past few years things are looking up in Paso Robles. Plus, there are more food-centric businesses in the works, making me want to return.
Here's a selective rundown of the dining options in Paso Robles and surrounding areas. It's only the tip of what you'll find; there are noteworthy established places like Bistro Laurent, Il Cortile and Thompson's Organics, but the following spots top my list.
Artisan has been in business since 2007 but moved to the new location a little more than a year ago. Chris Kobayashi, the chef, and his brother Michael source their products locally. It shows in the salads, whether it's a tailored blend of lettuce with a garlicky ranch dressing and Parmesan bread crumbs ($9) or a more complex combination with pickled beets ($11), lettuce in a creamy vinaigrette, shards of Parmesan and soft balls of warm goat cheese dusted in nuts and bread crumbs.
At lunch, the casual fare includes several sandwiches such as the meatball hero ($13), Cubano ($13) and turkey BLT ($14) with avocado. At night, Kobayashi offers boar tenderloin with fennel risotto ($32); a more classic chicken saltimbocca with mushrooms ($28); and cedar-planked shrimp with grits ($27).
Pizza, with a puffy, breadlike crust, is available at all times, although in my experience it's not the main strength of the kitchen.
843 12th St., Paso Robles; (805) 237-8084. www.artisanpasorobles.com. Lunch and dinner daily.
Fish Gaucho
On a warm day - and at this time of year that's a daily occurrence - it feels like a cooling reprieve to head to this Mexican restaurant for a margarita, chips and snacks.
If you stop in during happy hour (3-5 p.m. weekdays) the Gaucho margarita is $5 (regularly $9), and there's even an excellent watermelon margarita ($10/$7 at happy hour). It has the flavor of the fruit but isn't masked with too much agave syrup.
It makes sense that the bartenders respect the spirit; the list contains more than 85, and includes flights of Tequila and Mezcal.
As for food, there are spicy jalapeño-glazed chicken wings ($13), the bright red sauce looking like Christmas what with the drizzle of poblano crema drizzled over the top. There's also a daily changing ceviche ($14) served with chips that would be better if they were thinner. In addition there's an excellent pork posole ($6.50/$15) and chicken poblano enchiladas ($16) with mild roasted tomato sauce.
The restaurant has the polished look of a place that could be a chain in the making.
1244 Park St., Paso Robles; (805) 239-3333. www.fishgaucho.com. Lunch and dinner daily.
La Cosecha
This second restaurant from chef Santos MacDonal concentrates on the food of Spain and Latin America. His first is Il Cortile, which is good but has a more staid and expected Italian menu. From my experience at both places, it feels as if his heart is in this much more casual restaurant that offers outdoor seating and has windows that open onto the downtown street.
MacDonal is from Honduras, and one of the must-order items is the Honduran empanadas ($12), which are beautifully crisped, filled with beef and potatoes and topped with shredded lettuce, a slice of tomato and crumbles of soft cheese.
I was there during the World Cup when he offered a Brazilian stew in honor of the occasion; it's this type of dish that sets the restaurant apart. Another highlight is the paella of the day ($19 at lunch); on our visit it was bright yellow with turmeric and filled with plump shrimp, mussels and clams.
While the chef also offers some Italian specialities such as flatbread and chicken Parmesan with spaghetti ($14), the most interesting lunch items include braised and grilled pork spare ribs glazed with achiote honey ($13); roasted pork medallions with chile verde ($13); and chilaquiles with carnitas ($15).
835 12th St., Suite A, Paso Robles; (805) 237-0019. www.lacosechabr.com. Lunch and dinner daily.
Pony Club Bar
While there's a handsome zinc horseshoe bar inside the Hotel Cheval, the place to be this time of year is on the patio under the umbrella of what looks like a century-old oak tree.
It's a place you can while away hours, lulled by the breeze, soothed by the reasonably priced glasses of wine and stimulated by the live entertainment on Fridays through Sundays.
There are always featured wine flights, including one called Behind the Vines that showcases local producers. Recently it was Cass Winery; the Roussanne, Grenache and a Rhone blend was available for $14.
This isn't the place to have a full-blown dinner; the menu is limited to pates, dips, cheese and a few other snacks. But it's the ideal place to begin or end a relaxed evening.
1021 Pine St., Paso Robles; (866) 522-6999. www.hotelcheval.com. Open nightly; happy hour 5-7 p.m.
Cass House
Few restaurants so dramatically juxtapose a historic inn and traditional dining room with a totally modern approach to food. Opposites magically attract in this case. It's one of those out-of-the-way places those of us who love food dream about, and in this case the dream is a reality.
Chef/owner Jensen Lorenzen takes local to an extreme, and with fewer than two dozen seats he's able to grow many products in the beds around the property to serve on his 14-course tasting menu. Here's how he describes his sourcing on the website: "There are times when our menu is vibrant and diverse; dishes are filled with the evidence of a bountiful spring harvest. If we have a large amount of produce ready to pull from our garden, our vegetable menu will be the star for the evening. During the winter months, we struggle to work with what we are afforded by our surroundings, and our menu develops a darker character."
The food is both enlightening and satisfying, starting with a shot of carrot ginger juice to begin the meal and the same ingredients used in a sweet gelee to end it. In between are such things as crisp house-baked cornmeal chips dotted with onion dip, arranged on a wood block; abalone fritters that look like river rocks, served on a bed of rocks; a broth of pea dashi with fresh brioche rolls; and a basil and pea risotto.
On our visit, the main course was a choice of braised lamb with rich soubise with the texture of whipped cream, or white salmon wrapped in seaweed, with the medallions served atop gnocchi.
The fixed-price menu is $85; wine pairings are an additional $40. It's an experience that stands up to the best in the Bay Area.
222 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos; (805) 995-3669. www.casshouseinn.com. Dinner Thursday-Monday; starting in September, it's Friday-Sunday).
The Range
You gotta love a place that calls the Wedge "The Original Man Salad." Iceberg lettuce from Salinas ($10) is doused in blue cheese dressing made with creme fraiche and stacked high with rings of red onions, cherry tomatoes, croutons and bacon.
The low-slung stucco building has an Old West vibe, with the head of a longhorn painted above the shiny copper door, horns extending the length of the stucco building. Inside, the door is lined with brown and white cowhide. Country album jackets provide the focal point of the walls.
Portions are hearty, as you'd expect, but it feels like an unlikely place to find such pristine local ingredients and wine list.
Aside from several excellent salads, the menu includes such items as crawfish cakes with pickled okra ($14) and beef carpaccio with greens, grana Parmesan, capers and Olea olive oil from nearby Templeton ($12).
Main courses include coffee-crusted rib eye with a Wild Turkey peppercorn cream sauce ($33) and roasted chicken breast ($22) that sits atop garlic mashed potatoes, surrounded by snap peas, cauliflower, yellow squash and carrots, and topped with a frizzle of fried potatoes and a generous sprig of rosemary.
Two things to remember: Bring cash, because it's a credit card-free environment, and no reservations are accepted.
22317 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita; (805) 438-4500. Dinner Tuesday-Sunday.
Michael Bauer is The San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic. Find his blog at http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com and his reviews on www.sfgate.com. E-mail: email@example.com Twitter: @michaelbauer1


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Wyne and Blair focus on the casual daily clothing that are easy to wear, timeless and elegant yet affordable for every modern woman. Every each of Wyne and Blair clothing pieces has been lovingly designed from from curated ideas and perfected from sketch to finish.
This item ships from Jakarta
Sizing & Fit:


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Medium Purple Amethyst Twisted Spider #PA03
This Twisted Spider has an amethyst body and a faceted black glass head and silver metal bead caps. The legs are accented with purple, silver, and black glass beads. It can be finished as a pin, magnet, necklace or ornament. *****YOU MUST SPECIFY HOW YOU WANT THE SPIDER FINISHED BY SELECTING YOUR CHOICE FROM THE DROP DOWN LIST BOX. ORNAMENTS COME WITH ONE OF OUR "S" SHAPED ORNAMENT HOOKS.***** The spider measures about 2.5 inches in diameter. Twisted Spiders is a patented design, U.S. Patent D0629471.
Medium Twisted Spiders can be made into ornaments, pins, magnets, and necklaces. Put them on windows and car mirrors. In gardens and plants. On You!!
Thank you for choosing Twisted Spiders!! Remember to Like us on Facebook at TwistedSpiders


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£4,490 | Hyundai i20 1.2 Classic 5dr1 OWNER, ONLY 33K FROM NEW
Key factsPrint summary
Here we have a lovely condition 2013 Hyundai I20 Classic 1.3 petrol 5 door in White with only 33k from new and 1 owner from new with full main dealer service history and MOT until Oct 2020. Only £30 road tax per year. We are a small family run business based in Lyneham, Wilts approx. 15 minutes from junction 16 of the M4. , White, 1 owner, FAMILY RUN BUSINESS, CALL NOW FOR FINANCE QUOTE OR TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE 01249 247277, £4,490 p/x considered
This car comes with
15in Steel Wheels, 4 Speakers, Air Conditioning, Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Ashtray, Body Coloured Bumpers, Centre Rear Seat Belt, Childproof Rear Door Locks, Cigarette Lighter, Cloth Upholstery, Deadlocks, Drivers Airbag, Drivers Seat Height Adjustment, Electric Front Windows with One Touch Down Drivers Window Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Front Cup Holders, Front Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners, Front Side and Full Length Curtain Airbags, Glove Compartment with Cooling Function, Head Restraints, Height and Reach Adjustable Steering Column, Passengers Airbag with De-Activation Switch, Power Assisted Steering, Rear ISOfix Child Seat Anchorage (Outer Seats Only), Remote Central Locking, Split Folding Rear Seats (60/40), Stereo RDS Radio/CD Player with MP3 Compatibility, USB and AUX Connections, Temporary Spare Wheel, Thatcham Approved Immobiliser, Third Brake Light, Trip Computer
- 201910042941502
- 2013
- 63
- £4,490
- 449
- 33,000
- Cars
- nxC4D8UU9Yc=
Technical specifications
Vehicle summary
|Body style
|Engine size
|1248 cc
|Fuel type
|Number of doors
|Number of seats
|Gearbox type
|CO2 emissions
|114 g/km
|Insurance group
|Standard manufacturer's warranty (miles)
|No details available
|Standard manufacturer's warranty (years)
|5 years
|Standard paintwork guarantee
|No details available
Performance & economy
|Fuel consumption (urban)
|46.3 mpg
|Fuel consumption (extra urban)
|67.3 mpg
|Fuel consumption (combined)
|57.6 mpg
|0 - 60 mph
|12.7 seconds
|Top speed
|104 mph
|Engine power
|84 bhp
|Engine torque
|88.51 lbs/ft
|1490 mm
|Height inclusive of roof rails
|No details available
|3995 mm
|2525 mm
|1710 mm
|Width including mirrors
|No details available
|Fuel tank capacity
|45 litres
|Minimum kerb weight
|1083 kg
|Interior features
|Exterior features
|4 Speakers
|15in Steel Wheels
|Air Conditioning
|Body Coloured Bumpers
|Temporary Spare Wheel
|Cigarette Lighter
|Cloth Upholstery
|Drivers Seat Height Adjustment
|Electric Front Windows with One Touch Down Drivers Window Control
|Front Cup Holders
|Glove Compartment with Cooling Function
|Height and Reach Adjustable Steering Column
|Split Folding Rear Seats (60/40)
|Stereo RDS Radio/CD Player with MP3 Compatibility, USB and AUX Connections
|Trip Computer
|Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
|Centre Rear Seat Belt
|Childproof Rear Door Locks
|Drivers Airbag
|Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
|Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
|Front Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners
|Front Side and Full Length Curtain Airbags
|Head Restraints
|Passengers Airbag with De-Activation Switch
|Power Assisted Steering
|Rear ISOfix Child Seat Anchorage (Outer Seats Only)
|Remote Central Locking
|Thatcham Approved Immobiliser
|Third Brake Light
Please note
This includes MPG figures which are calculated under European Standards, in test conditions, and will vary under normal driving conditions. The information displayed above describes the typical specification of the most recent model of this vehicle. It is not the exact specification for the actual vehicle being offered for sale which may vary. Specifications for older models may also vary. Please contact us prior to purchase to confirm the exact specification of this vehicle.
Cozens Cars Ltd
Based on 25 customer reviews
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The Social Brand Value of the World's Leading Brands
The Social Brand Value of the World's Leading Brands infographic from Sociagility.
In November 2011, we looked at the social brand value of 50 of the world's leading brands, creating a revised top 50 ranking according to their social media performance, as measured by our PRINT Index™ KPI.
The PRINT system compares brands on five key dimensions or 'attributes' of social media performance – popularity, receptiveness, interaction, network reach and trust – across multiple platforms. The Sociagility Top 50 report analyses the social brand value of the world's leading brands and the competitive influences that determine their social media performance. Here's a visual representation of just some of the report highlights.
I really like both the topic, and the design of this infographic. The colors are bright, and appealing. In the Top 20 Brand Leaders, I suggest that using the actual brand logos would have made the bar chart easier to understand. It's interesting that beyond the first section, the actual values aren't shown along with the visualizations. I really like the circles comparison of the three attributes of each brand.
Also, "Legends are Evil". The color coding by market is at least a secondary level of data, but the legend still makes the reader work harder by looking back-and-forth to understand the meaning behind the colors. It's even harder as you move down the infographic, because the color coding continues, but the legend is way up near the top. You could put icons or the text into the color bars themselves, and the reader would figure out the color coding scheme.
At the bottom, a copyright and the URL of the original infographic would make it easier for readers to find the original posting. Some credit to the designer would be nice as well.
Found on DR4WARD.


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REALPATH(3) NetBSD Library Functions Manual REALPATH(3) NAME realpath -- returns the canonicalized absolute pathname LIBRARY Standard C Library (libc, -lc) SYNOPSIS #include <sys/param.h> #include <stdlib.h> char * realpath(const char *pathname, char resolvedname[MAXPATHLEN]); DESCRIPTION The realpath() function resolves all symbolic links, extra ``/'' charac- ters and references to /./ and /../ in pathname, and copies the resulting absolute pathname into the memory referenced by resolvedname. The resolvedname argument must refer to a buffer capable of storing at least MAXPATHLEN characters. The realpath() function will resolve both absolute and relative paths and return the absolute pathname corresponding to pathname. RETURN VALUES The realpath() function returns resolvedname on success. If an error occurs, realpath() returns NULL, and resolvedname contains the pathname which caused the problem. ERRORS The function realpath() may fail and set the external variable errno for any of the errors specified for the library functions chdir(2), close(2), fchdir(2), lstat(2), open(2), readlink(2) and getcwd(3). SEE ALSO getcwd(3) HISTORY The realpath() function call first appeared in 4.4BSD. BUGS This implementation of realpath() differs slightly from the Solaris implementation. The 4.4BSD version always returns absolute pathnames, whereas the Solaris implementation will, under certain circumstances, return a relative resolvedname when given a relative pathname. NetBSD 6.0 August 13, 2005 NetBSD 6.0
You can also request any man page by name and (optionally) by section:


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Legends Of Runeterra -- How Does The League of Legends Card Game Work?
The Witcher 3 Nintendo Switch Review - Wind's Howling
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United States
News facts:
Fujitsu today announces the FUJITSU Server PRIMEQUEST 2000 line-up, a brand new series of high-end servers that offer unprecedented x86 performance and memory expandability. The introduction of innovative mission-critical functionality guarantees business continuity, with availability levels equivalent to those of UNIX systems — but with the cost advantages of an x86-based architecture.
The new PRIMEQUEST 2000 series sets new levels of performance and system resilience that are unrivalled on any other x86 system. Fujitsu delivers a rock solid data center infrastructure foundation for organizations focusing on transforming their ICT into business-intelligent solutions, through the adoption of applications that use in-memory technology, such as the SAP HANA platform.
The new Fujitsu PRIMEQUEST line-up also includes 8-way servers with extra-large memory capacities of up to 12TB, with the PRIMEQUEST 2800B model ideally suited to handle bigger memory-intensive applications. The range-topping Fujitsu PRIMEQUEST 2800E model also sets a new performance world record eight-processor result running on Windows on the two-tier SAP Sales and Distribution (SD) standard application benchmark1.
Non-stop runtime at x86 cost efficiency
With the introduction of the PRIMEQUEST 2000 series, an x86-based solution is for the first time able to match both the performance and resilience of a Unix system, while convincingly winning the price-performance argument. As a result, Fujitsu presents enterprises with an alternative path for mission-critical computing deployments, where unplanned downtime is not an option. Complementing the launch, Fujitsu is also offering enterprise customers turnkey professional services to make migration from legacy systems a simple and trouble-free path – with the Fujitsu Global Delivery Center network able to remotely manage and monitor installations around the clock2.
Fujitsu gave top priority to non-stop runtime for mission-critical applications when designing the new PRIMEQUEST series. Systems feature self-healing advanced reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) components that have a built-in resilience to faults that may develop during runtime – but which can otherwise cause servers to shut down. PRIMEQUEST is able to detect and automatically compensate for these faults, ensuring that systems keep on running.
The top-of-the-range Fujitsu PRIMEQUEST 2400E and 2800E models also introduce another industry first: A new Dynamic Reconfiguration feature allows online replacement of system boards and therefore enables on-the-fly re-partitioning while the system is still up and running. Workloads can be shifted from one partition to another on a running server, therefore avoiding the need for any planned downtime or even operating system restarts.
PRIMEQUEST: Trusted around the world
With the introduction of the 2000 series, Fujitsu is now extending the PRIMEQUEST family as its flagship x86-based infrastructure solution. Thanks to their outstanding performance and reliability, generations of Fujitsu Server PRIMEQUEST are already trusted around the world for mission-critical applications by customers such as the Moroccan telecommunications firm Méditel, the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia (GACA), as well as the Brazilian telecommunications company VIVO and the Brazilian banking and financial services provider Banco Bradesco.
Supporting quotes
Hans-Dieter Wysuwa, Executive Vice President Products Technology and Channel, International Business, Fujitsu
"The server computing market is going through revolutionary times. Our new PRIMEQUEST infrastructure solution presents enterprises with a new choice of platform for running their mission-critical applications, while also providing the perfect building block for incorporating disruptive technologies like in-memory computing. PRIMEQUEST is capable of meeting new demands where existing data center technology just is not up to the mark, such as hugely increased requirements for memory combined with mission-critical levels of uptime. The new Fujitsu PRIMEQUEST 2000 series is the first x86-based server technology able to match UNIX systems for their RAS capabilities while also providing a compelling argument in terms of both system pricing and operational cost."
Shannon Poulin, Vice President of Marketing for Intel's Data Center Group
"With the introduction of the new Fujitsu PRIMEQUEST series that takes advantage of the recently introduced Intel Xeon processor E7 v2 product family, Fujitsu's customers will be presented with a unique mission critical solution for their most data demanding workloads. Intel has worked hand-in-hand with Fujitsu to combine world-class performance and high availability at a lower total cost of ownership that alternative UNIX based systems simply can't compete against. We're also pleased to see new innovation including Dynamic Reconfiguration that enhances PRIMEQUEST's value proposition as a leader in resilient mission-critical solutions."
Jim Totton, Vice President and General Manager, Platform Business Unit, Red Hat, Inc
"Since PRIMEQUEST's introduction in 2005, Red Hat and Fujitsu continue to collaborate on enterprise features in Red Hat Enterprise Linux, delivering a reliable and flexible platform needed for running and maintaining mission-critical operating environments. The PRIMEQUEST 2000 series provides a hardware partitioning solution, runs Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and offers new approaches to maintaining system uptime while delivering a flexible computing resource pool with features like Dynamic Reconfiguration. This ability to scale infrastructure capacity on the fly as business requirements fluctuate showcases Red Hat's and Fujitsu's continued commitment to delivering robust, scalable and reliable solutions for the most critical of business systems."
Nils Brauckmann, President and General Manager, SUSE
"Customers have long counted on Fujitsu to provide dependable, highly efficient infrastructure for data centers. Fujitsu and SUSE have optimized SUSE Linux Enterprise Server to deliver maximum performance per watt on the Fujitsu PRIMEQUEST server platform, ideal for enterprises modernizing their data centers with reliable, scalable energy-efficient solutions."
Pricing and availability
The new FUJITSU PRIMEQUEST 2000 series is available to order from later this month. At launch, Fujitsu is offering three different PRIMEQUEST models. Pricing is according to region and specification. PRIMEQUEST is sold directly and via Fujitsu's global Select Circle partner network.
Notes to editors
1 The PRIMEQUEST 2800E (8 processors / 120 cores / 240 threads) achieved the leading 8-processor result on the two-tier SAP SD standard application benchmark, as follows: 47,500 SAP benchmark users. This was achieved running SAP enhancement package 5 for the SAP ERP 6.0 application, SQL Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012. The SAP certification number was not available at time of publication. Further information can be found at www.sap.com/benchmark. Results as of February 18, 2014.
2 Service offerings vary by country, see
Online resources
Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 162,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.8 trillion yen (US$46 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. For more information, please see: http://www.fujitsu.com.
Press Contact - FAI
Phone: 224 545 2705
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Company: Fujitsu America, Inc.
Finn Partners
Phone: 212 593 5844
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Company: Finn Partners
SAP, SAP HANA and all SAP logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries. All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice
Date: February 18, 2014
City: Sunnyvale, CA
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The helium cliff?
The semiconductor industry and other tech companies are lobbying Congress to take quick action to reauthorize one of the nation's vital but little-known natural resource stockpiles: the helium reserve.
Congress has just a dozen legislative days before the reserve gets shut down as part of a long-planned government withdrawal from the sector. Industries that rely on the gas fear they'll face shortages and skyrocketing prices if the closure goes ahead, and they're asking lawmakers to extend the life of the reserve. They've even coined a phrase for their dilemma: the "helium cliff."
Story Continued Below
The little-known stockpile provides nearly half of the country's supply of helium, which plays a vital role in industries that include semiconductors, the building block of most electronics. Chipmakers use helium for cooling during the manufacturing process. Companies that produce optical fiber — the backbone of the global telecommunications infrastructure — use it to prevent impurities. And the gas is a core resource for medical tech firms like MRI providers.
"This is one of those issues where you scratch your head, and you can't figure out why we can't get it resolved," said Jon Hoganson, senior director of global government affairs for Micron Technology. "Why can't we get this done? It's a little bit amazing."
The looming deadline is a byproduct of a 17-year-old law that sought to phase out the reserve, which has existed since the 1920s, when the gas was a hot commodity for airships. Over time, the reserve generated a roughly $1.4 billion debt to the U.S. Treasury — a financial thorn Congress sought to eradicate in 1996 when it voted to use sales from the reserve to pay down the debt, ultimately shutting it down when the debt was paid off.
That's expected to occur on Oct. 7 even though there are billions of cubic feet of helium left unsold that would just sit untapped in the natural reserve. The Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management, which oversees the reserve, will have to start shutdown procedures earlier than the actual deadline if Congress doesn't take action.
Intel, Samsung, Siemens, Qualcomm and General Electric are among the companies lobbying Washington on the issue this year. Industry associations, like the Semiconductor Industry Association and the Information Technology Industry Council, have been meeting with and writing lawmakers from both parties and the Obama administration, underscoring what they say are real consequences waiting for not just the tech sector but the U.S. economy as a whole.
"Semiconductors are embedded in and play a vital role in our cars, our computers, our health devices, our cellphones, our weapons systems, everything, and at some point, there will be an impact on the price and even the availability of these products," said David Isaacs, SIA's vice president of government affairs.
It's not like Congress has completely ignored the issue: The House overwhelmingly passed a bill to extend the reserve's life in April, and the Senate cleared a similar measure out of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee just before the August recess. But the legislation — which is competing with issues like immigration reform, the debt ceiling and now Syria for lawmakers' attention — hasn't advanced to the full Senate.
The tech sector is pushing Congress to act in the handful of legislative days left before the helium spigot gets turned off. Lawmakers started the process for approving the Senate bill through unanimous consent before recess, but a handful of senators blocked it — mostly over disagreements about what should be done with future revenue generated by the reserve. Those concerns are being cleared up, said Energy Committee press secretary Keith Chu.
"Based on those conversations, there's every reason to think this bill gets done in time to stop the U.S. from going off of the helium cliff," he said. "The goal is to do it by [unanimous consent] or voice vote."
But Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office didn't respond to a request for comment on whether the helium bill was being teed up for an increasingly jam-packed September.
The Senate bill, if it passes, will have to be reconciled with the House's version. The House measure would use revenue generated by continued helium sales to pay down the deficit, while the Senate bill would use some cash for deficit reduction and some for other projects, like securing rural schools. Hill aides and industry lobbyists say they have confidence that those differences could be smoothed out in conference.
For now, tech interests continue to work in overdrive to push Congress across the finish line.
"We are definitely all hands on deck," said Debra Waggoner, director of global government affairs for optical-fiber maker Corning Inc. "Everybody's here; everybody's pushing; and we're not gonna rest until it's done."