text:
C++ Streams: The first function represents the simplest CRC function. The file is opened using the C++ stream classes
(ifstream). This function uses nothing but standard C++ calls, so this function should compile and run using any C++ compiler on any OS.
Win32 I/O: This function is more optimized in that it uses the Win32 API for file I/O;
CreateFile, and ReadFile. This will speed up the processing, but by using the Win32 API the code is no longer platform independent.
Filemaps: This function uses memory mapped files to process the file. Filemaps can be used to greatly increase the speed with which files are accessed. They allow the contents of a file to be accessed as if it were in memory. No longer does the programmer need to call
ReadFile and WriteFile.
Assembly: The final CRC function is one that is optimized using Intel Assembly. By hand writing the assembly code the algorithm can be optimized for speed, although at the sacrifice of being easy to read and understand.
Those are the four main CRC functions. But there are actually two versions of each function. There are two classes,
CCrc32Dynamic and CCrc32Static, each of which have the above four functions for a total of eight. The only difference between the static and dynamic classes is the CRC table. With the static class the CRC table and all the functions in the class are static. The trade off is simple. The static class is simpler to use, but the dynamic class uses memory more efficiently because the CRC table (1K in size) is only allocated when needed.
// Using the static class is as easy as one line of code
dwErrorCode = CCrc32Static::FileCrc32Assembly(m_strFilename, dwCrc32);
// Whereas there is more involved when using the dynamic class
CCrc32Dynamic *pobCrc32Dynamic = new CCrc32Dynamic;
dwErrorCode = pobCrc32Dynamic->FileCrc32Assembly(m_strFilename, dwCrc32);
delete pobCrc32Dynamic;
Whenever you calculate a CRC you need to take into account the speed of the algorithm. Generating CRCs for files is both a CPU and a disk intensive task. Here is a table showing the time it took to CRC three different files. The columns are the different file sizes, the rows are the different CRC functions, and the table entries are in seconds. The system these numbers were captured on is a dual Pentium III at 1 GHz with a 10,000 RPM SCSI Ultra160 hard drive.
As expected the C++ streams is the slowest function followed by the Win32 I/O. However, I was very surprised to see the filemaps were not faster than the Win32 I/O, in fact they are slower. After I thought about it some, I realized memory mapped files are designed to provide fast random access to files. But when you CRC you access the file sequentially. Thus filemaps are not faster, and the extra overhead of creating the "views" of the file are why it's slower. Filemaps do have one advantage that none of the other functions have. Memory mapped files are guaranteed to be able to access files up to the maximum file size in NT which is 264 or 18 exabytes. Although the Win32 I/O may handle files of this size, none of the documentation confirms this. [Note: The largest file I have CRC'ed is 40 GB, which all eight functions successfully CRC'ed, but took over 10 minutes each.]
If anyone who reads this article knows a way to improve the speed even more, please post the code or email me. Especially if you know of a speed improvement for the assembly code. I will bet there are further optimizations that can be made to the assembly code. After all I don't know Intel Assembly very well, therefore I'm sure there are optimizations I don't know about.
This article has no explicit license attached to it but may contain usage terms in the article text or the download files themselves. If in doubt please contact the author via the discussion board below.
A list of licenses authors might use can be found here

#include <fstream.h>

#include <fstream>

using namespace std;

file.open(szFilename, ios::in | ios::nocreate | ios::binary, filebuf::sh_read);

file.open(szFilename, ios::in | ios::binary);

// stdafx.h
#pragma once
#include <iostream>
#include <tchar.h>
#include <windows.h>
// crc32.cpp
#include "stdafx.h"
#define POLY 0xEDB88320
#define SEED 0xFFFFFFFF
DWORD CRCTable[256];
int _tmain(int argc, _TCHAR* argv[])
{ DWORD crc32;
/* The following __asm block needs some comments.
** One quote from "AMD Athlon™ Processor x86 Code Optimization Guide", 22007H/0—June 2000.
** "Loops can be unrolled completely, if all of the following conditions are true:
** * The loop is in a frequently executed piece of code.
** * The loop count is known at compile time.
** * The loop body, once unrolled, is less than 100 instructions, which is approximately 400 bytes of code."
** As far as all conditions are met, the loop for char's bits is completely unrolled.
** This block seems to be the fastest procedure for CRCTable filling (less then 5200 CPU clocks on AMD Athlon XP™,
** ~21 clocks for 36 instruction in the loop only!!!).
__asm ; CRCTable filling.
{ xor ebx, ebx ; bl - CRCTable entry index. Init with 0.
mov ecx, POLY ; Load polynom into ecx for speed
CRCTableLoop: ; Head of CRC table calculation main loop.
mov eax, ebx ; Load index into eax.
xor edx, edx ; edx = 0
shr eax, 1 ; Carry Falg = LSB of eax.
cmovc edx, ecx ; edx = (eax & 1) ? POLY : 0
xor eax, edx ; eax = (eax & 1) ? eax ^ POLY : eax
; The same with other bits
xor edx, edx
shr eax, 1
cmovc edx, ecx
xor eax, edx
xor edx, edx
shr eax, 1
cmovc edx, ecx
xor eax, edx
xor edx, edx
shr eax, 1
cmovc edx, ecx
xor eax, edx
xor edx, edx
shr eax, 1
cmovc edx, ecx
xor eax, edx
xor edx, edx
shr eax, 1
cmovc edx, ecx
xor eax, edx
xor edx, edx
shr eax, 1
cmovc edx, ecx
xor eax, edx
xor edx, edx
shr eax, 1
cmovc edx, ecx
xor eax, edx
mov CRCTable[4*ebx], eax ; Fill the current table entry.
inc bl ; Move to the next table entry.
jnz CRCTableLoop ; If index < 256 Then continue CRCTable values
; Else Table is full.
for(int i = 1; i < argc; ++i)
{ HANDLE hFile = CreateFile(argv[i], GENERIC_READ, FILE_SHARE_READ, NULL, OPEN_EXISTING, 0, NULL);
if(hFile == INVALID_HANDLE_VALUE)
{ printf("Error opening\t%s\n", argv[i]);
HANDLE hMap = CreateFileMapping(hFile, NULL, PAGE_READONLY, 0, 0, NULL);
if(hMap == NULL)
{ CloseHandle(hFile);
printf("Error creating map\t%s\n", argv[i]);
LPVOID pBuffer = MapViewOfFile(hMap, FILE_MAP_READ, 0, 0, 0);
if(pBuffer == NULL)
{ CloseHandle(hMap);
printf("Error MapViewOfFile\t%s\n", argv[i]);
DWORD dwSize = GetFileSize(hFile, NULL);
{ mov esi, pBuffer ; esi = buffer pointer.
mov ecx, dwSize ; ecs = buffer size.
mov eax, SEED ; Init CRC.
CalcCRC: ; Head of buffer CRC calculation main loop.
movzx ebx, byte ptr [esi] ; bl = next char, other ebx bits = 0
xor bl, al ; /Calculate
shr eax, 8 ; | current
mov ebx, CRCTable[4*ebx] ; \CRC value.
xor eax, ebx ; eax = current CRC value.
inc esi ; Move to the next char.
dec ecx ; Decrement of remaining bytes counter.
jnz CalcCRC ; IF counter > 0 THEN continue buffer CRC calculation.
not eax ; eax ^= 0xFFFFFFFF
mov crc32, eax ; save CRC
DWORD t3 = GetTickCount();
printf("0x%-08X\t%-8d\t%s\n", crc32, dwSize, argv[i]);
return 0;
General News Suggestion Question Bug Answer Joke Praise Rant Admin
Use Ctrl+Left/Right to switch messages, Ctrl+Up/Down to switch threads, Ctrl+Shift+Left/Right to switch pages.


text:
COMPUTEX TAIPEI, June 4, 2013 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, today announced that it has further expanded its trusted and broad solid state drive (SSD) portfolio with the addition of three new models – the high-performance SanDisk Extreme® II SSD for technology enthusiasts and gamers, as well as two new OEM SSDs designed to enable cutting-edge notebooks and tablets.
All of the new SSDs introduced by SanDisk today are built with the company's advanced 19 nanometer (nm) manufacturing process technology and rely on SanDisk's intelligent flash memory architecture. This combination enables SanDisk to create SSDs that are exceptionally responsive, reliable and energy-efficient1. SanDisk will be showcasing its full SSD line-up at the company's booth at COMPUTEX TAIPEI on June 4-8, 2013 (booth number N0804).
"Today, we again raised the bar by bringing our latest technology innovations to a new generation of SSDs that address the most demanding computing needs," said Kevin Conley, senior vice president and general manager of Client Storage Solutions at SanDisk. "The SanDisk Extreme II SSD, our fastest and most responsive SATA III SSD to date, is a great option for gamers, PC enthusiasts or any consumers who want to get the most from their computing experience. And, we've enhanced two of our most popular OEM SSDs to enable PC makers to push the boundaries of computing even further. These new SSD products reaffirm the standard set by SanDisk for performance, reliability and flexibility."
The blazing fast SanDisk Extreme II SSD significantly improves data-transfer, application launching, and boot-up and shut-down times for notebook computers and desktops1. Leveraging SanDisk's advanced 19nm flash memory and proprietary high-performance tiered system architecture (which includes the company's exclusive nCache™ acceleration technology2), the SanDisk Extreme II SSD brings a fast and enjoyable user experience to data-intensive multimedia applications, such as digital music and photography experiences. For gamers, the SanDisk Extreme II SSD enables quick game loading and enhances gameplay.
SanDisk also today broadened its line-up of advanced SSDs for PC makers. Bringing advanced 19nm technology to SanDisk's industry leading form factors and computing capabilities, the SSDs are designed to bring nimble performance, robust capacity and advanced power management to ultra-thin notebooks and tablets. The new SSD products and form factors include:
The new mSATA version of the SanDisk X110 SSD is also now available through the company's worldwide distribution channel, "SanDisk for Business". SanDisk for Business offers OEM and enterprise-grade SSDs to value-added resellers (VARs), system integrators and direct market resellers (DMRs).
SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) is a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, from research and development, product design and manufacturing to branding and distribution for OEM and retail channels. Since 1988, SanDisk's innovations in flash memory and storage system technologies have provided customers with new and transformational digital experiences. SanDisk's diverse product portfolio includes flash memory cards and embedded solutions used in smart phones, tablets, digital cameras, camcorders, digital media players and other consumer electronic devices, as well as USB flash drives and solid-state drives (SSD) for the computing market. SanDisk's products are used by consumers and enterprise customers around the world.
SanDisk is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 and Fortune 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States. For more information, visit www.sandisk.com.
© 2013 SanDisk Corporation. All rights reserved. SanDisk and SanDisk Extreme are trademarks of SanDisk Corporation, registered in the United States and other countries. SanDisk iSSD and nCache are trademarks of SanDisk Corporation. Other brand names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their holder(s).
1 As compared to 7200 RPM SATA 2.5" hard drive. Based on published specifications and internal benchmarking tests.
2 nCache™ acceleration technology is a large Non Volatile Write Cache, a unique feature in SanDisk SSDs that improves random write performance and ensures an improved user experience.
3 Up to stated speed. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon drive capacity, host device, OS and application. 1 megabyte (MB) = 1 million bytes.
4 Approximations based on SanDisk internal metrics, that quantifies how much data can be written to a SSD in its lifespan expressed in terabytes written (TBW). Data is written using typical PC transfer size, written at a constant rate over the life of the SSD and data is retained for at least 1 year upon TBW exhaustion. Based on SanDisk internal measurements, a typical client PC user writes 4 GB/day.
5 Five year warranty in regions not recognizing limited warranty. See http://www.sandisk.com/wug.
6 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user capacity less.
7 MSRP for United States. Actual pricing may vary.
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including expectations for market share, market growth, product sales, industry trends, future memory technology, production capacity and technology transitions and future products that are based on our current expectations and involve numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include among others: the market demand for our products may grow more slowly than our expectations or our products may not be available in the capacities that we expect or perform as expected, or the other risks detailed from time-to-time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q and our annual report on Form 10-K. We do not intend to update the information contained in this press release.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Russian icons at Knights of Columbus Museum
Orthodox Christians revere Russian icons as sacred devotional pieces. But to others around the world, they are magnificent treasures, collected and cherished for their beauty, artistry and history.
Simply put: The appeal of Russian icons is international, extending beyond religious or ethnic background.
With this in mind, the museum at the Knights of Columbus' international headquarters in New Haven (where the organization was founded) has mounted "Windows into Heaven: Russian Icons & Treasures," which will be on view for more than a year -- through April 27, 2014.
The exhibition has opened in time for Orthodox Easter on Sunday, May 5. Many Orthodox Christian churches, including the Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox churches, celebrate Easter Sunday based on the Julian calendar.
The exhibition features about 325 icons and liturgical pieces, most of which are on loan from a private collector who has requested that his or her identity be withheld. A few pieces are from the museum's permanent collection.
Museum Curator Mary Lou Cummings said the exhibition is visually stunning no matter how one views iconography.
More InformationIf You Go: Knights of Columbus Museum, 1 State St, New Haven. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission and parking are free. For more information, call 203-865-0400 or visit kofcmuseum.org.
The exhibition points out that iconographic customs have endured for more than a millennium and "offer a story of spirituality, tradition and cultures, shaped by the triumphs and struggle of Russian Christians through their country's 12 centuries," according to information provided in the exhibition.
"Orthodox Christianity, adopted from the Byzantine Empire in Constantinople (now Istanbul), was instituted as the state religion in Kiev (modern Ukraine) by Prince Vladimir in 988 AD and spread across all of Russia. One of the most important elements of the Orthodox faith that followed from Constantinople was the sacred art of iconography," the museum said in a statement.
"These highly venerated images spread across Russia ... fostering religious understanding and devotion among the people of Kievan Rus in present day Ukraine, Belarus and northwest Russia ... with nearly every home having a sacred (or prayer) corner containing one or more icons. ... Iconographers historically prayed or fasted before and during the creation of an icon," the museum added.
Prayer to, and veneration of, icons "was understood to be an encounter with God, his saints and angels," according to the exhibition's introductory text.
Members of the Orthodox faith consider icons as conduits for prayers or "windows into heaven" and "are not created to be artwork," Cummings added. Many of the icons on view are centuries old, thus predating the Bolshevik Revolution of the early 20th century, she said.
"Icons have been synonymous with Christian prayer and practice for centuries," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "One of the great traditions of Eastern Christianity, icons are less well known here, and we are pleased that this exhibit will enable residents of the Northeast to grow in their understanding of the history and religious significance of these windows into heaven."
"Traditionally, icons were painted in egg tempera on wood and often accented with gold leaf or covered with ornately gilt metal covers called rizas. Rich in symbolism, they are still used extensively in Orthodox churches and monasteries, and many Russian homes have icons hanging on the wall in a beautiful (or prayer) corner. Today, Russian Orthodox icons are renowned throughout the world," according to the museum.
Cummings said the exhibition is presented in four distinct sections, each devoted to specific icons: Christ, Mother of God, Saints and Angels and Divine Liturgy.
Associated events
In conjunction with the exhibition, the museum will offer three free Saturday lectures, each at 2 p.m., by local iconographer Marek Czarnecki.
On the schedule are: "Iconography of the Mother of God," Saturday, May 25, and "Iconography: Tradition & History," Saturday, June 29.
email@example.com; http://www.twitter.com/PhyllisASBoros; www.ctpost.com/boros/
Knights of Columbus Museum, 1 State St, New Haven. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission and parking are free. Call 203-865-0400 or visit kofcmuseum.org.
firstname.lastname@example.com; http://www.twitter.com/PhyllisASBoros; www.ctpost.com/boros/


text:
Fissler Vitavit Comfort Pressure Cooker
Expedite meals like stews and braises up to 70% faster with a pressure cooker. Complete with two cooking levels, and a green/yellow/red display to indicate when to adjust heat levels, the auto-locking lid has a color-coded indicator to ensure a safe, secure closure.
- Made of 18/10 stainless steel, with an extra-thick, 6mm aluminum base for even heat distribution.
- Auto-locking handle audibly clicks into place and features a visual indicator that changes from red to green when securely locked.
- Pressure cannot build until the lid is properly locked and visual indicator is green.
- Green/yellow/red display indicates when stovetop temperature needs to be turned down.
- Two adjustable cooking levels, low for cooking delicate foods and high for hearty meats, beans and vegetables.
- Includes perforated inset and tripod for steaming.
- Made in Germany by Fissler, founded in 1845.
Dimensions & More Info
6.4 Qt.
- 6.4-qt. cap.
- 8 3/4" diam., 9 1/2" high
- 11 1/2" long including handle.
- 9 lb. 13 oz. with lid and insert.
- Insert: 8" diam., 2 1/2" high.
8.5 Qt.
- 8.5-qt. cap.
- 10 1/4" diam., 9" high; 14 1/4" long including handle.
- 12 lb. 8 oz. with lid and insert.
- Insert: 10" diam., 2 3/4" high.
Additional Information
- Easy-to-position lid: metal tab makes it simple to place lid in correct position.
- Adjustable steam discharge function allows you to precisely control the escape of steam.
- Removable stay-cool handle plus safety-loop handle.
- Interior measurement markings marks with maximum/minimum levels make it easy to gauge correct ingredient quantities.
- Silent and steam-free operation under pressure.
- Ideal for use on any type of cooktop, including induction.
- Made in Germany.
Use & Care
- Ideal for use on any type of cooktop, including induction.
- Hand-wash removable valve and handle; lid and base are dishwasher safe.
- Rinse the control valve under running water after use.
Shipping Information
UPS can deliver most in-stock items within 3–5 business days. UPS is unable to deliver to P.O. boxes.
Shipping Rates
The shipping rate varies depending on your order total and shipping destination. View Shipping Options and Charges.
Next Day Delivery
For an additional charge of $26 per address, we can expedite delivery to most destinations. This service is not available for some oversize items, items shipped directly from the supplier (including perishable and custom-manufactured items), out-of-stock items and items to be shipped outside the contiguous 48 states.
Orders received by 9:00 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday will arrive the next business day; orders placed Friday through Sunday will arrive on the following Tuesday.
Return Policy
At Williams Sonoma, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction are our priority. Upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage; we will arrange for a prompt replacement.
If within 30 days, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value. An original receipt or gift receipt is required for all returns and exchanges. Returns with a gift receipt will be refunded in the form of a Merchandise Credit for the amount indicated on the gift receipt. Returns with original receipt will be refunded in the original form of payment, cash and check refunds over $100 will be issued as a company check (may take 14 business days from time of request).
For all cutlery returns (knife sets, single knives, cutting boards, knife sharpeners and knife storage), please contact us at 888.922.4108 to initiate the return.
We cannot accept returns on monogrammed, personalized, special-order items, custom upholstery, food, items shipped direct from the vendor or on items damaged through normal wear and tear. Final sale items ending in .97 or .99 cannot be returned.
Made to Order and Final Sale Furniture items are non-returnable and cannot be cancelled once the order is placed.
For returns of items purchased from your Williams Sonoma Gift Registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later. View Full Returns Policy.
Fissler Vitavit Comfort Pressure Cooker
|Delivery Surcharge
|Fissler Vitavit Pressure Cooker, 6-Qt.
|Sugg. Price $310 Our Price $199.95
|Fissler Vitavit Comfort Pressure Cooker, 8 1/2-Qt.
|Sugg. Price $310 Our Price $279.95


text:
We are going to use 5 components, also called objects.
- a label as a title (lbltitle)
- a text box (txtuser) where the user enters a the time he wants to countdown in seconds
- another label (lblremain) where the remaining time is displayed
- a timer (tmr) which is the "heart" of the application
- a comand button (cmdstart) which starts the countdown
The 1st label (lbltitle) just tells the user to enter the user the time he wants to countdown. Put as a caption in its properties something like "Enter time to countdown.
Leave the text box (txtuser) blank and do the same to the second label (lblremain).
Use the following code for the command button (cmdstart)
Private Sub cmdstart_Click() If Not IsNumeric(txtuser.Text) Then MsgBox "Enter a value." Else tmr.Enabled = True tmr.Interval = 1000 lblremain.Caption = txtuser.Text End If End Sub
I use an if statement which says:
If the text in the text box (txtuser) is not a number then a message box shall appear telling to enter a value.
If the previous statement is not true then it will enabel the timer (tmr) and it will change the Invertal of the timer (tmr) to 1000 (1 second) and will also change the caption of the remainig time to the same value as the user has entered in the text box (txtuser). Don't forget to end the if command.
Use the following code for the timer component (tmr):
Private Sub tmr_Timer() If lblremain.Caption = 0 Then tmr.Enabled = False MsgBox Text1.Text & " sec are up!", vbInformation Else lblremain.Caption = lblremain.Caption - 1 End If End Sub
This if statement says: If the caption (the characters) in the label (lblremain) eqals to zero (0) then the timer stops. Aftre that a meggasge box appears and stays that the values the user had entered in the text box (txtuser) is over. If the previous statement is false then it will remove one from the label. Because the timer is set to repeat its task every second it will do that until the value reaches zero.


text:
How to be more competitive
tagged competition, strengths
Choose your favourite digital supplier and buy your copy of RECHARGE
by Alan Hargreaves
Click here for more information and to download a FREE sample chapter!
Looking for an interesting speaker with real world knowledge?
Find out more on how to Recharge your conference by clicking here


text:
3-in-1 Waist Boot Cut Pantoh030
Product Details
Ocean Lily's full length 3 in 1 boot cut pants come in four inseam lengths from short (30") to a super long extra tall (36") so you can be assured of a custom fit. These sleek pants have the fabulous 3-in-1 waist band for comfort and support. The double layer waistband is a full 8" tall and is very stetchy. Do you like to keep your belly covered under loose or short shirts? No problem, the waist band will come up over your belly button and provide mild support. Need stronger support under the belly? Fold the waist band under one or two times for a supportive lift. Before you are showing and post partum you can fold the waist band in half and the pants look great for any occasion. We loved the 4 way stretch nylon/lycra fabric for ease in movement and the flat seams which avoid rubbing irritations. These hip pants are long and slimming. They work great for yoga, kicking around, and they even dress up nicely. Made with a premium non-absorbant SUPPLEX material that helps to wick away moisture and keep you dry. They have a light satin hand. Made to fit during and after pregnancy.


text:
Q. What does filter media do for my water garden? – Debbie in Illinois
Keep It Clean
With all of the pads, balls and nets in this blog you might think The Pond Guy has hung up his waders and opened a sporting goods store. Not to worry pond guys and gals, we are of course talking about filter media in your water garden.
Hey! Nice Pad!
When you look inside your filter, whether it's a waterfall filter or pressurized filter, you may notice there are assortments of pads, balls, etc. These are called filter media. This filter media serves a vital purpose in any water garden.
Filter media are specifically designed to help colonize a ton of natural bacteria in a small area. As fish excrete waste, ammonia levels began to rise. Without enough natural bacteria, ammonia levels can become so high your fish will become stressed which can eventually to death. Natural bacteria will grow in a water garden without filter media, but unfortunately it is very minimal and never enough to keep up with high ammonia levels.
Less IS More
Many pond owners often think that a clean filter pad will lead to a cleaner pond. This is not the case. As it takes several weeks for nitrifying bacteria to colonize, many pond owners often clean their filter media as soon as it gets dirty. This unfortunately defeats the purpose of the biological functions of the filter media. Some of our readers have written in telling us that this buildup is even blocking or restricting water flow. It is most likely debris or algae being picked up from the water, not the bacteria causing this issue. If necessary, to clean filter media we highly suggest removing the filter media from the filter and placing into a bucket of "pond water" and gently swish the media back and forth. Do not scrub, or use tap water to clean the filter pads. Again, this will cause a loss in natural bacteria. If you accidentally do clean your filter pads, you can use PL Gel on your filter pads to colonize the bacteria faster. It is known throughout the pond industry to reduce colonization by up to 80%!
To prevent blockages to your biological filters use a pump pre filter or a skimmer which includes a net or debris basket along with its own filter pad. This will prevent large debris from getting to your filter. Vacuuming will pick up debris and muck from the pond floor also preventing clogs. Placing these "pre-filters" as buffers will ensure a shorter, easier cleaning time as well as make certain that your beneficial bacteria are left alone to flourish and protect your water garden.
POND TALK: How have you tackled filtration in your water garden? How often do you find yourself cleaning your filters?
Filed under: Season-Long Control, UV Filter, Water Gardens & Features, Water Quality Issues, Waterfall | Tagged: filter media, Filtration, Water, Water Quality, Waterfall |


text:
Reflections of a life lived
Album 1
on photos below to enlarge.]
[April 29, 2014]
Send a link to a friend
In the weeks prior to the grand opening of the
Lincoln Heritage Museum, Lincoln College President John Blackburn,
museum director Ron Keller and his assistant director, Anne Moseley,
opened the doors of the museum to allow media a private tour of the
new facility.
The museum is divided into two
distinctive parts. The downstairs features beautiful displays
of many of the items that are familiar from being on display at the
former museum. The difference is in how they are displayed.
With specially designed cases standing like columns throughout the
room, guests can roam at their leisure from display to display,
learning about the life of Abraham Lincoln and admiring the vast
collection of artifacts the museum is proud to own.
The tour begins in the entryway at the front desk area. Guests will pay a small admission
fee for the new museum. Part of the entryway lobby is
dedicated to a gift shop area with a collection of books,
items suited to kids and traditional souvenir-like items such as
Lincoln busts.
Pictures by Nila Smith and Jan Youngquist
Click here to go to Album 2.
Back to top


text:
Cancer: I Will Kill It Dead
I have bad news and I have good news. You should probably read both.
Bad News: I have been diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 36.
Good News: We caught it very early and the cancer is small enough that a surgical procedure will get rid of it. My doctors are optimistic about my prognosis and all of my insane middle-of-the-night librarian research tells me the same thing. This is highly survivable thanks to catching it early in a regular exam. My friends and family have been extremely supportive and I am thankful for all of their positive energy and snarky humor that's helping me get through this difficult time.
One of the things that helped me feel less scared between my biopsies and "finding out I had the BIG C" was remembering the experiences of Xeni Jardin a little over a year ago. Jardin decided to live-Tweet her first mammogram, after which she was told that she had breast cancer. She's since Tweeted and blogged her experiences with cancer very openly. What she did was one of the first things that came into my head and she helped me to realize whatever happened, I could beat this. I obviously have a much smaller readership than Jardin, but I want to pay it forward and do the same thing.
I will be having surgery next Thursday afternoon. I will be Tweeting (and cross-posting to Facebook for friends there) about my experience. I also plan to live-Tweet during the surgery, as I will be awake for it.
If by being an open book I can help make people less scared about cervical cancer, encourage other women to get screened and tested regularly, I want to do that. If I can turn this negative situation into a positive one for someone else, all the better.
Yes, I'm scared. But don't worry. I'm going to be okay.


text:
Sistas Shines a Light on Love and the Value of Friendship
In Tyler Perry's The Oval We Trust
Copwatch America Holds Law Enforcement Accountable
Fans Will Not Be Happy About This Male R&B Singer Calling Out Beyoncé, SZA And Cardi B
Hip-Hop Reacts To The Tragic Death Of Leah LaBelle
French Montana: The American Dream
Made You Look: During The Rise Of Hip Hop's Most Extravagant Era, A New Star Was Born — The Video Vixen | VIXEN.
How To Win An Oscar: We Ask Black Hollywood's Biggest Stars
Producer Will Packer On The Set Of 'What Men Want'
Karrueche Attends Her First Ballet With Victor Cruz And They Show Up Looking Like Red Carpet Royalty
Watch Cardi B Slay A Sexy Trench While Nailing Her Role As A Personal Assistant For Amazon
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New hepatitis C testing guidelines criticized
Anyone who has ever used injection drugs should get tested for hepatitis C, according to new draft health guidelines released today.
The guidelines are an improvement according to critics, but don't go far enough. The guide from the U.S. Preventative Task Force failed in not recommending testing for baby boomers, people born from 1945 to 1965, according to the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already recommends baby boomers get a one-time test for hepatitis C. That age group of Americans accounts for 75 percent of the hepatitis C cases in the United States.
The CDC estimates that if everyone born from 1945 to 1965 were tested, more than 800,000 cases would be identified.
But the task force guidelines say there is only "small benefit" for testing baby boomers.
Most people with hepatitis C do not know they have it. Yet they are at increased risk for liver cancer, liver disease and death. The leading cause of infection is IV drug use.
The U.S. Preventative Task Force is seeking public comment on its draft guidelines.
The National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable is a coalition of more than 200 organizations dedicated to reducing infection and death from hepatitis.
An estimated 3.2 million Americans have hepatitis C, and about 2 million of those are baby boomers.


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You have a lot of good reasons to look to Fireplace Installation Guys for your requirements involving Fireplace Installation in Norfolk, NE. Our materials are of the very best quality, our cash saving techniques are practical and efficient, and our customer support ratings cannot be beat. We are aware of your preferences and goals, and we are available to help you with our skills. Contact 844-244-6166 if you need Fireplace Installations in Norfolk, and we are going to work with you to successfully finish your job.


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Watch CBSN Live
Credit: AMC
Left: Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys play Soviet-era KGB agents clandestinely living in the U.S. suburbs in "The Americans."
Each year, the AFI Awards honor 10
outstanding films and 10 outstanding television programs deemed to be culturally
and artistically representative of the year's most significant achievements.
The awards jury consists of AFI members
and trustees, scholars, film and television artists, and critics.
Credit: FX
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Thanks to a string of Comic-Con character posters and an all-too-brief teaser "button" at the end of Captain America, we already basically know what The Avengers are going to look like come May 4th, 2012. Basically.
However, if that wasn't enough, now we have actual pictures of Chris Evans on the set of The Avengers in his entire modern-day Captain America costume - as well as some shots of a strange weapon and explosive (literally) pandemonium.
These on-set shooting details could provide MILD or MEDIUM SPOILERS for The Avengers. If you are attempting to avoid spoilers altogether, please be advised to turn away now – you have been WARNED.
Still here? Here we go...
First, check out the images below, courtesy of Celebrity-Gossip, Coming Soon, and Medical Mutual of Ohio and Its Family Companies:
The mask looks a tad goofier (or maybe that's just Chris Evans' smile in that picture) and more stilted than it did in Captain America: The First Avenger. Otherwise the costume looks excellent. The boots, gloves, and underarms are pure Ultimate Captain America, while the wings on the mask are more First Avenger. Everything else seems like a quality mish-mash of 616, Ultimate, and First Avenger - with a little individualized flavor to boot.
The big question is, what is that alien-looking hardware? It looks like some sort of Men in Black weapon – not like anything we've seen in Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, or Captain America. Do these pictures confirm the rumors that aliens – for example, the Skrull and/or the Kree – are at the heart of The Avengers conflict?
Additionally, there's a guy covered head-to-toe in motion capture thingys, indicating that the creatures wielding the weapons (?) are going to be made entirely of CGI. Is that because they're so monstrous and – dare we say it – extraterrestrial that no amount of practical effects can do them justice?
Speaking of extraterrestrials, an extra on the set told Comic Book Movie that an "invasion of aliens or some force" was the cause of the pandemonium in the scenes. Check it out below:
"Today was my first day of work as an extra on the movie [The] Avengers. There was a great deal of sitting around, but it was thrilling during the street scene. We were running and screaming from the invasion of aliens or some force."
The Daily Mail seems to back up the "aliens are the bad guys" report as well, so those fans who were hoping for an Ultron, Kang the Conquerer, Thanos, or The Beyonder five-way-battle are probably going be disappointed.
A Skrull Impersonating Captain America in Secret Invasion
Marvel is banking quite a bit on The Avengers being one of the most awesome and successful superhero movies ever. Despite his fervent supporters, hiring Joss Whedon was a pretty massive risk – the one feature film he directed wasn't financially successful and the last two TV shows he was involved in were canceled pretty quickly. And while the first of those shows, Firefly, was and is beloved, the second, Dollhouse, was not so much, to say the least.
Still, the man has skills, and if Avengers ends up being the most awesome and successful superhero movie ever – or even just, you know, really awesome – Marvel's bet will have paid off and then some.
How do you guys think Chris Evans looks in the new Captain America costume? And what's your opinion of aliens potentially being the bad guys? Let us know in the comments.
The Avengers hits theaters May 4th, 2012.
Sources:Celebrity-Gossip [via Comic Book Movie], Coming Soon, and Medical Mutual of Ohio and Its Family Companies [Thanks to our reader Aaron for the heads up!], Comic Book Movie, Daily Mail
Follow me on Twitter @benandrewmoore.


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This is a Kelly green broadcloth. It is light-weight, permanent press, preshrunk and color fast. The thread count is 110 X 76. A quantity of one gets you one doubled and rolled bolt. Each bolt is 20 yards long. The price is $4.60 per yard.
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Bassett Furniture
Hours And Locations for Kansas
Category: Furniture-Dealers-Retail
Bassett currently operates more than 100 retail locations in the
United States, Puerto Rico and Canada and is rapidly expanding
sales on bassettfurniture.com. We are passionate about developing
fashionable and innovative home furnishings at a great value, as
well as offering a number of exceptional services to meet your
needs. Our custom solutions make it easy to express your
unique sense of style with a variety of options, including
upholstery, beds, dining, home storage and home entertainment...more
About this locat
There are over 300 Bassett Furniture locations in the US.
Bassett Furniture Hours And Locations for Kansas
6327 West 119th St
Hours — Thu: 10:00am-7:00pm
Hours — Thu: 10:00am-7:00pm
Locations currently open are Green and those currently closed are Red.
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The stealthy / powerful ninja robot master Shadow Man gets a design upgrade in Jeffrey Cruz's new Mega Man 3 fan art. Bring on the frogs!
Related Rampages: - X - | Jump Jump JUMP | Venom (More)
Shadow Man by Jeffrey Cruz / lastscionz (deviantART)</
Need your daily fill of geek eye candy? If so, head over to Justin Page's Rampaged Reality and get your fix. Republished with permission.


text: Rats aren't only problem in Tehran. These were running free over the weekend in Luton, England. Barcroft Media/Barcroft Media /Landov hide caption toggle caption Barcroft Media/Barcroft Media /Landov The Two-Way Reports: Snipers Deployed To Kill Tehran's Cat-Sized Rats March 4, 2013 The rodents have been a big problem in Iran's capital for years. Efforts to poison them may have run their course. So, according to local reports, sniper teams have been deployed. Some of their targets are quite large — weighing about 11 pounds.


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German city left behind by unification finds a spot in the movie business
Kerstin Gosewisch was walking the dark cobbles of her hometown's medieval lower market, discussing the hard times familiar in so many parts of what used to be East Germany, when she paused and pointed at a window several stories up.
"Jackie Chan jumped out of that window," she said. "In 'Around the World in 80 Days,' he jumped out of that window into a hot air balloon. Of course, the balloon was added in the studio. Here he jumped out hooked onto a crane."
If Gosewisch's conversation seemed incongruous, it was no more so than the ancient city around her. Frequently called Germany's most beautiful city, Goerlitz also is almost tragically empty. The fall of the Berlin Wall 25 years ago saw thousands of jobs in railway manufacture and textiles here vanish. Unemployment still sits above 15 percent.
Today, in the silver anniversary year of the event that led to the creation of the unified German economic juggernaut, Goerlitz is a former East German city in crisis. The population, a booming 100,000 during the East Germany days, is down to 55,000. Thousands of apartments and homes, lovingly restored as financing became available, sit empty. Wages remain 25 percent under the national average.
And yet the city has never looked richer – on the silver screen, where its untouched veneer has made it a star in dozens of movies needing a quaint European setting. Last year, the city even trademarked the nickname "Goerliwood" (pronounced "Girlywood").
The city has been featured in Hollywood films such as 2008's "The Reader" and last year's "The Book Thief." "The Grand Budapest Hotel," set for release March 7, was filmed almost entirely in Goerlitz. The city has been a stand-in for postwar Italy, Heidelberg in the 1950s, 19th century Paris and many more.
Georg Rittmannsperger owns the Hotel Borse, where many in the cast and crew of the "The Grand Budapest Hotel" stayed during filming. He's told German newspapers in the past that housing a piece of the movie business was thrilling. He didn't want to go home at nights, it was so exciting.
But on a recent February day, he seemed barely able to remember those days.
"Look at the square outside," he scoffed, waving his hand at a black cobbled stretch between historic buildings, which has been featured in many films but was simply chilly that afternoon. "It's empty. It's empty again. That was chaos. I guess this is normal."
He's hardly the first to discover that the movies are glamorous, but glamor is only skin deep.
But if Goerlitz redefines the notion of "nice house, nobody home," it is worth noting that it is a stunning house.
The city boasts a rich collection of architectural styles dating back to the Holy Roman Empire, when it was a wealthy merchant center along the Via Regia trading route.
The Gothic spires of St. Peter's Church tower over the city. The Renaissance Rathaus (city hall) serves as the town center. Street after street is lined with baroque apartment blocks, with an occasional art deco facade sprinkled in.
Perhaps most remarkably, almost none of it was destroyed during World War II, when so many German cities and towns were leveled as Allied forces destroyed the Nazi regime. Its centuries of obvious wealth made it antisocial during the communist years after the war, and it was largely ignored, a shameful relic of a merchant past.
But it's back.
"Goerlitz has never been as beautiful as today," former Oberburgermeister (mayor) Joachim Paulick said in an interview with a German newspaper. The head of the German Foundation for Historic Buildings says simply, "Goerlitz is the most beautiful city in Germany."
That's partly the result of a pathologically anonymous donor. In 1995, the still-secret donor gave a million deutschemarks (about $700,000 then; Germany has since replaced the deutschemark with the euro) to restore the beauty of the city. The same donation arrives every year, 500,000 euros, or about $685,000 at today's exchange rate. But he's instructed his attorneys that if his name ever becomes publicly attached to the city, the money is to stop.
This is the 20th anniversary of the donations, and town officials are holding their breath over whether the money will continue to arrive.
All told, private and public investors have pumped half a billion euros ($685 million) into remaking the place.
Karina Thiemann, a city guide who specializes in film tours, knows that the movies will not save her city.
"Real growth has to come from elsewhere," she said.
Still, she said that in the last couple years, there is a sense that the city has stabilized. The number of empty apartments and homes remains above 3,000 (and by some counts close to 6,000), but their ranks don't appear to be growing, at least not by much.
"Call centers and the software business are our future," she said. "Film is very nice, but it can't be a pillar of economic development. Film will always be an extra."
Kerstin Gosewisch is the city's official film industry liaison. She says about a third of her job revolves around helping moviemakers, while the rest focuses on one of several city history museums. She said there is no complete list of films made in the town, though the six made here last year are about the average.
She says she still gets the same thrill when she sees her home in film, a thrill she first experienced while watching "Around the World in 80 Days" after it was released in 2004.
"The films love this city," she explained. "They find real substance here. They don't have to build a new world. But to me, in these films, the city is always the star. It needs attention, and it deserves that attention. But attention alone is not enough."
McClatchy special correspondent Claudia Himmelreich contributed to this story.


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Photo Challenge: Take a Seat
Evening/When the Smoke Clears by Mike Melnotte.
We're making this photo challenge all about chairs! Inspired by this week's featured Story of the Week: Take A Seat by Mike Melnotte
Do you have a special chair in your life? For the next three weeks keep your camera handy and focus in on any colorful, stylish, or occupied chair.
Closed April 23, 2012
RSS for photos in Photo Challenge: Take a Seat


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Yes! Some good advice here! The beginning of the year does always feel like a whirlwind. My biggest help as a teacher has been guidance from seasoned teachers. I think there is a wealth of knowledge from these more experienced teachers as well as those who have been teaching just a few years. Learning from others mistakes and borrowing effetive management tools to get a handle at the first of the year helps me set the stage for the show to be all about my students and their learning.
Blogs About Reading
Sound It Out
Dr. Joanne Meier
Along with her background as a professor, researcher, writer, and teacher, Joanne Meier is a mom. Join Joanne every week as she shares her experiences raising her own young readers, and guides parents and teachers on the best practices in reading.
Feeling overwhelmed?
As the new school year starts, the reality of the classroom really sets in. The kids and their personalities, the mounds of paperwork and homework, and all the careful watching and listening easily adds up to a 50 hour day! I clearly remember how overwhelmed I felt during my first year of teaching.
If you're feeling this way, know that you're not alone! Over on the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) blog, Mary Bigelow provides advice to a new middle-school teacher who is feeling overwhelmed. Her guidance is solid, and is applicable to all teachers who may be feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
There are reminders for your physical and mental health, as well as advice about prioritizing your planning time with a focus on what enhances instruction. That translates to not worrying too much about your bulletin boards, pacing yourself when it comes to committee work and establishing classroom routines that take some of the burden off the teacher.
Other advice for new teachers:
- Don't reinvent the wheel but try to use the resources that are available to you, at least for right now. When things settle down, you can go back and create your own.
- Stay organized! Use clipboards and checklists to help you keep track of things. Work to plan ahead, even if it's only one day at a time right now.
- Ask for help. Seriously. Don't go it alone! Ask for help.
- Last, remember what's important! Be there for your students. Clear your head and make a connection with a child. Read a book to your class that you love. Make a child laugh and listen to the sound. You've got all year together, and it will be far more enjoyable for everyone if your classroom is a welcoming, safe place to be.
Many, many more First Year Teacher resources available here (they're great for ALL teachers too!).


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8.0m² in Mannheim
190,90€ / month
Step 1. Reservation
Fill in the form on the right to reserve your storage space free of charge.
Step 2. Pickup Date
We will give you a call to confirm your reservation and make an appointment for your free pick-up or your delivery at the warehouse.
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After we have contacted you, you will receive a link to add a payment method of your choice. By adding a payment method, you confirm your booking.
Reserve this storage unit
Mannheim / 8.0m² / 190,90€
Free cancellation / Up to 10% discount on top / Free pick-up
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"Even though I booked on short notice, everything worked out perfectly. The guys that picked up my stuff were very nice and especially fast. Great service, highly recommended!"
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The Right Length for a Financial Checklist
A financial advisor should tailor the length of a checklist to the situation in which it will be utilized. It may be long or short, depending on the time constraints of the task, and how frequently the advisor is called upon to do it. Key is that it should not slow down the process it is applied to.


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Hello Friends! How have y'all been lately. I am just finishing up an anniversary vacation week on Hatteras Island which is where the y'all came from:) Those little southern contractions are just so infectious especially when you hear them all week from one the best islanders Miss Kathy!
Kathy owns Changing Tide in Frisco, NC, an amazing repurposed furniture shop. She is the sole inspiration for me opening a shop of my own and has been a mentor to me since the first time I walked in her shop 2 years ago. She continues be a mentor and true friend and if you ask her about me she will try to turn that story around but this is the true story.
She of course had a project all ready for me to go when I got down here which I gladly took on because we all know I can't go a full week without painting something!! I would be institutionalized if I couldn't paint furniture people. Even on vacation. Even on an anniversary vacation.
So this is the lovely credenza that was in need of some Amy love. One problem! I brought no supplies with. No paint brushes, paint, wax, nothing. I don't know why, I guess I just figured I could get what I needed down here. Thank you ACE Hardware for being on the island. I picked up everything I needed in a pinch.
As you can see, it's a little drab and little dated looking but my goodness look. at. those. details!!! I mean those squares and geometric shapes alone are phenomenal.
The first thing I had to do was obviously pick what color I wanted. I just felt like a nice blue-ish grey was the way to go on this piece because I knew I wanted to do some sort of metallic accent and grey goes great with all metallics in my eyes.
I first sanded the whole piece with a medium grit sanding block to rough up the existing surface a little. I washed the piece down with a warm water and vinegar mixture and then started painting. The ACE man recommended Clark & Kensington paint so I gave it a whirl. The color I chose is called "old soul". What a great name for a paint color.
Here is what one coat looks like. Pretty impressed so far.
I did a light second coat and let that dry overnight.
I then took my same medium grit sanding block and distressed all of the edges as well as on the flat surfaces to make it look extra worn.
Now it's time for the gold!!!! I found this bright gold paint at ACE that I never saw before. It looked interesting and like it was what I was looking for so in my cart it went.
I bought a very small cheap brush, swirled the gold paint around and brushed it on just the edges of the square and triangle details.
This literally took me 5 minutes. I am totally painting everything gold when I get home. Be prepared!!!
I then took my piece outside and sprayed a clear coat of enamel gloss over the whole piece to protect it. Had I had wax on hand I would have waxed this but they don't sell wax down here so spray it was. I did 2 coats and called it a day.
Now whatcha think of this old credenza. I think it looks pretty rad. I actually have one at home in my garage so guess what's getting the same treatment as soon as I get home:) Oh yes this is happening again!
Until then, you can find this lovely piece for sale in Kathy's shop Changing Tide. And if you haven't been to Hatteras Island, its worth the drive folks. Just make sure to leave me a few treasures at Changing Tide for when I come again;)
Have a great week folks


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Mike Atkinson, Kampground of America Inc.'s (KOA) facilities development manager, has been elected to the Recreation Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA) board of directors.
Newnan, Ga.-based RPTIA is a nonprofit trade association that represents and provides information and assistance to all segments of the park model and trailer industry, government agencies, media and product owners or potential owners.
Atkinson, known to KOA franchisees as 'The Lodge Guy,' is considered to be one of the leading experts on park models in the camping industry, according to a news release, and has been facilities development manager for Billings, Mont.-based KOA for three years.
Since 2006, Atkinson has collaboratively designed, engineered, manufactured, marketed and sold a new line of park models specifically for the outdoor hospitality environment, branded the KOA Lodge. Prior to working with KOA, he was a franchise owner himself, as well as a business owner in the construction and engineering fields.
"I am looking forward to sharing a campground perspective that incorporates an understanding of marketing, sales and end-user demands," said Atkinson. "I'm honored to help RPTIA successfully navigate future challenges and leverage exciting opportunities."


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Momentum builds to protect catchers on collisions
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- For Bruce Bochy, the a-ha moment came 10 years ago, when he was managing the Padres. In the bottom of the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium, while scoring from first on a double hit by Fred McGriff, Dodgers outfielder Brian Jordan barreled into San Diego catcher Gary Bennett, leaving him motionless in the dirt.
"I'll never forget looking over at [Bennett] and thinking, 'This is the time to make changes.' It wasn't a cheap shot, [but] I thought he was paralyzed at first, because he really got smoked," Bochy, now the Giants' manager, said Tuesday at the annual Winter Meetings.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- For Bruce Bochy, the a-ha moment came 10 years ago, when he was managing the Padres. In the bottom of the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium, while scoring from first on a double hit by Fred McGriff, Dodgers outfielder Brian Jordan barreled into San Diego catcher Gary Bennett, leaving him motionless in the dirt.
"I'll never forget looking over at [Bennett] and thinking, 'This is the time to make changes.' It wasn't a cheap shot, [but] I thought he was paralyzed at first, because he really got smoked," Bochy, now the Giants' manager, said Tuesday at the annual Winter Meetings.
For Cardinals manager Mike Matheny, whose career was ended prematurely by a series of concussions, the realization dawned more gradually.
"It's something that I probably haven't done a good enough job of really bringing to the forefront," Matheny said. "I never did. I didn't want to be the poster child. But I started thinking about our players and their health. It's something that I want to be part of moving in the right direction."
It has taken some time. But Major League Baseball is about to take its most in-depth look at what can be done to protect catchers from collisions at home plate.
Bochy and Matheny, both former big league receivers, have been invited to speak to the Playing Rules Committee on Thursday afternoon at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort. General managers and managers can attend, and any suggestions they have will be welcomed.
It's unclear how quickly changes can be implemented, but Bochy, for one, hopes they can be in place for 2014.
"I am expecting a change, hopefully before the season starts," he said.
One possible snag is that there doesn't seem to be any real agreement on exactly how catchers should be protected. Bochy suggested something modeled after the collegiate rule.
"I see it along the line of how college does it," Bochy said. "They pretty much become more tag plays. The question is going to be: Can the catcher get in front of home plate and block it with a shin guard? You don't want that either if the runners are there. These are things that all of us will talk about, put our heads together and see if we can come up with the right way, the safe way to do this."
There does, however, seem to be more focus than ever on this issue. Giants All-Star catcher Buster Posey missed most of the 2011 season after suffering a gruesome leg injury in a collision. This offseason, the Twins announced they were moving Joe Mauer from behind the plate to first base to help prolong his career.
"I'm proud of [MLB] for taking a step forward," Matheny said. "I don't know how it's all going to play out. But people who know me know my stance on this. I just believe it's something that we can't turn a blind eye to, what's going on in these other sports. Let's learn from what's going on there and see if we can make our sport better. The way we do that is try to lessen the risk to all of our players. So it's exciting that it's on the docket, and it's on the right page.
"This has been going on for a while. Once again, I don't think it's completely sparked by anything that's happened in baseball as much as what's happening outside of baseball and how it's impacting people and impacting the welfare of each sport. So I think that's something that we've got to take very, very seriously."
Matheny will talk from firsthand experience when he addresses the Rules Committee.
"I think it's maybe just giving them another perspective and bringing it to reality," Matheny said. "We don't see baseball necessarily as a contact sport. But with how often we play, when those contacts do happen, there is usually some pretty negative ramifications that come when you jump right back in the saddle. It's just something that we need to continue to be educated on, and some people's experiences will help move us in that direction."
To be fair, not everyone in baseball feels the same urgency as Bochy and Matheny. Royals manager Ned Yost, also a former catcher, is one.
"I grew up with collisions at home plate," Yost said. "I used to look forward to them a little bit as a catcher. I'm kind of biased on that. I think, you know, that it's kind of like football. ... Football has always been a violent sport. When you try to take some of the violence out of it, it changes the game.
"But with that being said, do I agree with it? I don't really know. But the one thing I do know is that I trust Major League Baseball. I trust the recommendations, and when they've got a reason to do something, it's always well thought out and well planned out. If that's what they want to do, I'll support them."
For Bochy, the issue is simple.
"I don't think the catchers are protected as much as they should," Bochy said. "The size of these runners coming in as fast as they are, I just want to try to eliminate any injuries, severe injuries. Whether it's a concussion or broken ankle, whatever.
"From what I am hearing now, they're open-minded, and hopefully we'll get the plays at the plate changed where we do knock out these collisions. I think most of us feel that isn't a big part of the game anymore. There's been adjustments everywhere, and I think it's time in baseball that we do change the rule and protect these catchers."
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak, for one, is a strong proponent of change and is cautiously optimistic that progress is at hand.
"I think there is some momentum to take a hard look at that," he said. "Obviously, we have Yadier Molina, who is probably the most elite player at that position. And we want to do everything we can to keep him on the field. It does seem a little odd that everywhere else in the game of baseball, you can't [run into the fielder]. But at the professional level, you can. From our perspective, we would like to see that rule change.
"It's just injury risk. I think as payrolls continue to climb, teams realize that so does DL time. Any way you can help to minimize that is worth it. It's not that collisions are happening often. But when they do, they tend to have a more dramatic effect in the injury world.
"I think there would be enough time to do that [for 2014]. You'd have to go in front of the Executive Committee and propose it to the Players Association. I think it could possibly get done. I don't recall seeing a lot of pushback [at the General Managers Meetings]. From just a simple economic standpoint, you know how I'm going to vote."
Paul Hagen is a reporter for MLB.com.


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Old Portland Hardware and Architectural retail store located in Portland, Oregon.
Old Portland Hardware & Architectural is 14,000 square feet of antique lighting, vintage hardware, stained glass windows, and a thousand other funky finds from Portland and across the country.
From the simple to the exquisite, trinkets from the dollar bins to artisan masterpieces, we have something for everybody.
Architectural antiques and salvage are our specialty, but we find it hard to resist anything old, beautiful, odd, well-made, and/or useful, so you never know what you may find!
Whether you have a new home, old home, loft, or apartment, Old Portland H&A has the treasure that will make your living space unique!
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As someone who came of age, academic- and professionally-speaking, around the time people like Bozizé took power, I must admit to nostalgia, perhaps naive, for the intellectual African heads of state of old. Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president, obtained a doctorate in anthropology from the London School of Economics, studying under none other than the originator of the ethnographic method, Bronislaw Malinowski, and wrote several well-received books published by actual presses (as opposed to vanity presses). Will Reno has argued that in the pre-independence and early independence years universities, perhaps especially Makerere and the University of Dar es Salaam, served as intellectual hotbeds for emerging leaders. In West Africa, Mali's Alpha Oumar Konaré had a full, international intellectual career before taking on the presidency.
But others, like Bozizé, prefer the easy route: the honorary doctorate. Consider Namibia's President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who received an honorary doctorate from the University of Namibia last year. Now, as the country debates the features of its new banknotes, the president is insisting that his portrait be graced with the title "Dr." Critics' reminder that, despite holding tens if not hundreds of honorary degrees, Nelson Mandela refuses to use the title (he reasons that he has not properly earned it), have so far not dissuaded Pohamba from his quest.
If I were an economist, I'd do a regression to see what correlates with 'real' and honorary doctorates, respectively -- something along the lines of the famous study showing that the number of diplomatic parking tickets a country racks up corresponds to its level of corruption. What can we say about the governing styles of those who studied for doctorates, as opposed to those who received honorary doctorates, as opposed to those who gave themselves doctorates?
In the case of Bozizé, his honorary doctorate is yet another punch landed squarely on the dreams many, if not most, Central Africans have that their country will become more meritocratic. Centrafrique Presse copes by taking a light tone: "The country is going really badly, but it's still necessary to entertain the people and joke a bit" ("Le pays va très mal mais il faut quand même divertir le peuple et rigoler un peu.") Maybe so. And maybe my harping on this point owes in part to jealousy as I struggle to crank out the never-ending pages of my dissertation. But I see shades of Emperor Bokassa's coronation in Bozizé's hooding, and I wonder what that comparison portends.


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ICommand ICommand ICommand ICommand Interface
Defines a command.
public interface class ICommand
[System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter("System.Windows.Input.CommandConverter, PresentationFramework, Version=18.104.22.168, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35, Custom=null")]
[System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter("System.Windows.Input.CommandConverter, PresentationFramework, Version=18.104.22.168, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35, Custom=null")]
public interface ICommand
type ICommand = interface
Public Interface ICommand
- Derived
- Attributes
RoutedCommand and RoutedUICommand are two implementations of the ICommand interface in Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF).
ICommand in Windows Runtime apps
The ICommand interface is the code contract for commands that are written in .NET for Windows Runtime apps. These commands provide the commanding behavior for UI elements such as a Windows Runtime XAML
Button and in particular an
AppBarButton. If you're defining commands for Windows Runtime apps you use basically the same techniques you'd use for defining commands for a .NET app. Implement the command by defining a class that implements ICommand and specifically implement the Execute method.
XAML for Windows Runtime does not support x
:Static, so don't attempt to use the
x:Static markup extension if the command is used from Windows Runtime XAML. Also, the Windows Runtime does not have any predefined command libraries, so the XAML syntax shown here doesn't really apply for the case where you're implementing the interface and defining the command for Windows Runtime usage.
XAML Attribute Usage
<object property="predefinedCommandName"/>
<object property="predefinedCommandName.predefinedCommandName"/>
<object property="{ customClassName.customCommandName}"/>
XAML Values
One of the predefined command classes.
One of the predefined commands.
A custom class that contains the custom command. Custom classes generally require an
xlmns prefix mapping; see XAML Namespaces and Namespace Mapping for WPF XAML.
A custom command.
|CanExecute(Object) CanExecute(Object) CanExecute(Object) CanExecute(Object)
Defines the method that determines whether the command can execute in its current state.
|Execute(Object) Execute(Object) Execute(Object) Execute(Object)
Defines the method to be called when the command is invoked.
|CanExecuteChanged CanExecuteChanged CanExecuteChanged CanExecuteChanged
Occurs when changes occur that affect whether or not the command should execute.


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Fireman Ed is no more at New York Jets games.
In a guest column for Metro New York, Fireman Ed -- real name: Ed Anzalone -- explained that confrontations with fans at MetLife Stadium, not the Jets' epic struggles during a blowout loss to the New England Patriots on Thanksgiving night, led to his premature exit from his section.
|Ed Anzalone steps down as Fireman Ed but not as a Jets fan. Take a look back.
Anzalone said barbs from unruly fans have become a common occurence, with many people under the mistaken impression that he's on the Jets' payroll. Because of this, he no longer will attend Jets games as Fireman Ed.
"Listen, I went through the Rich Kotite era -- we were 4-28 in that era. Any Jets fan knows this isn't the worst of times; it isn't close," Anzalone told Metro, making a fair point. "It's been about the nastiness. I just think society in general -- you're out in your car, there's no respect at all. I don't want to put up with that from people taking it out on me anymore."
Anzalone said he'll continue to attend Jets home games, but he plans to move to a different section and retire the Fireman Ed persona. For decades, Anzalone has led the famous "J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets" chant at the Meadowlands.
"I'm sure there will be somebody else that takes over," he said. "I wasn't the originator of the chant and I won't be the last one. It's got to end."
Anzalone said he hadn't informed the Jets of his decision.
"I'm not on their payroll," Anzalone said. "I don't owe the Jets anything."
As someone who has attended many a Jets game at the Meadowlands, I can confirm home-team ineptitude, coupled with frothy fermented beverages, can create a rough edge in the crowd. I'm sure Anzalone eventually will don the fireman's hat again, but for now, consider this another ridiculous subplot in another lost Jets season.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.


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This is a feature wherein we celebrate Jose Canseco by creating motivational posters out of his actual tweets. We believe it is in this context that the world can best appreciate our favorite Bash Brother.
I can't decide if Jose is self aware, or something more insidious, but here he is, the alpha and the omega. Everything and nothingness all at once. Hug for u.


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PORTSMOUTH — A portion of the sunken tugboat in the Piscataqua River became visible for the first time in days on Saturday when tow trucks pulled the vessel closer to shore.
The U.S. Coast Guard called the endeavor to relocate the ship Saturday "successful," but reported oil booms were placed around the water to contain some diesel fuel leaking from the ship's hull. Officials stressed the matter is not a major environmental concern.
Timothy Balunis of the Northern New England Coast Guard in Portland, Maine, told Foster's officials are working to secure the vessel, which sank near the Memorial Bridge construction site on Wednesday.
After moving the ship, divers secured the tugboat and weighed it down further into the river floor, in advance of rough weather on the way from Hurricane Sandy. The storm is forecast to strike the area early next week.
Previously, divers installed caps to contain leaking fluids, Balunis said. He noted as of Saturday afternoon, passers-by would be able to see the tugboat peaking out of the water and observe some red-tinted fluid in the area surrounding it. Crews from an environmental clean-up company were still active at the scene Saturday evening, removing plastic bags filled with oil-soaked material.
"Fortunately, it went very well, but we still have a lot of work to do," Balunis said. "The plan for today was to float the tug as much as possible and then to bring it close to shore using the tow trucks ... Those down there will be able to smell diesel, but we're doing what we can to minimize that, to absorb as much as possible. What was released we don't expect to have any impact to the environment."
The tugboat, the Benjamin Bailey, is privately owned by the local towing company Riverside and Pickering Marine Contractors, based out of Eliot, Maine.
Balunis said two people aboard the "moored," or docked, vessel were able to escape when it was pinned against a nearby barge last Wednesday, though specifics on exactly what transpired to cause the accident have yet to be revealed.
The boat's owner is in charge of the salvage operation, according to Carol Morris, a spokeswoman for Archer Western Contractors, though Balunis said the Coast Guard is overseeing the removal as "captain of the port." The boat was being operated under contract with Archer Western Contractors at the time of the initial incident. Officials will work around the clock to free the tugboat entirely from the water, now that it has been removed from the barge. Balunis said officials plan to "dewater," and possibly even remove, the vessel fully Sunday morning.
"Ideally, it will all be done in the next 24 hours," Balunis said Saturday afternoon. "It really depends on our ability, on the condition of the hull, if there are any holes in it, and it also depends on the ability to get the vessel kind of flipped upright to pump all the water out."
Balunis noted the investigation into why the boat capsized last week is ongoing. He said divers previously deployed did not see any holes in the boat.
"We're trying to figure out a safe plan and a timeline … just to take advantage of the weather we have now. That's the other factor," he said, "to get as much done as possible before we start to see some remnants of the hurricane. I just want to emphasize, we had some good success today. Our goal is the safety of the people that are out there, the safety of the environment and then from there, getting the vessel refloated."
At least 20 men were seen standing around the dock early Saturday morning as they strategized the boat's relocation. Several onlookers watched from an observation deck which was closed off to the public later in the day by the Portsmouth Police Department. An official told Foster's the effort was done to ensure the public's safety.
Foster's staff writer Jim Haddadin contributed to this report .
Tugboat moved closer to shore Saturday morning
PORTSMOUTH — A portion of the sunken tugboat in the Piscataqua River became visible for the first time in days on Saturday when tow trucks pulled the vessel closer to shore.


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BT Complaint to CEO
I am honestly at the end of my tether, emailing you is my last option is that I hope that I might finally get a response.
I am a NEW CUSTOMER. I have no been without a telephone and internet connection for five days, that an engineer may come in 5 days time, and that there is no known time for how long before you connect me.
Obviously; please do NOT email me back – I cannot access my email. Please call me on [number redacted].
Trying to call your team puts me through to a call center, who ignore everything I say – and tell me that there is no problem on my line; and put me through to faults.
I know this is not the case, your UK management team told me so. Of course, I have no way to contact them directly.
I'll explain the course of events so far;
Wednesday 29th June – I call to arrange a my telephone being connected and to also connect my broadband at the same time. I'm given a date of the 11th July.
I then call my broadband supplier (Eclipse) and am told I need a DFQ number before broadband can go live.
I phone BT back and ask for this number. I am told I didn't ask specifically enough for a 'Simultaneous Transfer' and have to cancel the order and start again.
This also cancels my appointment, but I given the 18th by Stuart.
I do not know the exact terms that your team use! I complain and Ranjit (Stuart's Supervisor), manages to get a date of the 6th July. I rejoice.
Wednesday 6th July – I move in (very early so I am on time for Openreach) and wait for an engineer to arrive. Engineer does not arrive.
I receive a text message saying that an Engineer did not need to come to my property (so I woke up at 5am for nothing).
I call your normal 0800 number, am told there is no problem, and must be with me. I explain that no engineer came here.
A fault is reported and I am told an Engineer would be sent out Thursday morning instead.
I'm also told that if it is found that the problem is with my line; I will be charged £130.
I argue this, since I am already paying £130 for connection; and no engineer even turned up.
Thursday 7th July – I wait for an engineer to arrive at 8am again, one day after moving house. Engineer does not arrive.
I call up again, many many times and no-one seems to even know of the fault at all.
Many phone calls later and I am told that no Engineer was even sent.
I am told that Mr. Tusumo would call me back later that day.
No-one calls back.
I call back, and no-one has even heard of Mr. Tusumo, and no-one is aware of any problems on my line.
After many more calls I am put through to a 'supervisor' – Pratiksha – who said she would call me back the next day.
Friday 8th July –
Pratiksha does not call back
I call again and surprisingly am put through to Ranjit again! Finally he looks into the problem, and then goes home.
I'm given a call by Atmed that I do need an engineer, no-one from Openreach has connected me, and the earliest he can do so is next Saturday.
I'm very unhappy since this is now 10 days from when Ranjit said my line would be installed.
Saturday 9th July – I call again on the number Pratiksha gives me to check this is all okay and to ask for some compensation or access to BT Fon/Openzone.
It turns out to be the same number, apart from this time it costs me 45p/min to call.
I ask to speak to someone about the on-going problem with my phone line.
I am told that "there are no problems on my line, I will put you through to report a new fault".
I explain that he obviously does not have access to all the notes on my accounts, and could he put me through to their UK team.
I'm told that there is no UK team, but someone would call me back.
Sunday 10th July
No-one calls back! No-one responds to my emails or phone calls. I begin misplacing marbles.
- It seems your call center team is NOT aware of any problems on my line.
- I'm simply put through to report a new fault every time, despite other teams knowing about the problem
- I've been told all of the following from different people;
- the order went through, but is not activated
- the line is active, but not provisioned
- openreachs' website says the order is not finished
- my phone line is active, and there are no problems and do I want to report a fault
- Your management team is aware of a problem, but I cannot contact them in any way, and they refuse to give out a direct number
- I have been told it is Openreach who has not connected me at the exchange – and that an engineer will be coming next Saturday.
- Given that three engineers have not turned up already, I'm not convinced that anyone will arrive
- This will be 17 days after I placed my order before anyone even looks at it
- No-one can tell me when my phone line may work
That leaves me:
- unable to make any phone calls without hanging out of my upstairs window
- my only method of internet is hanging a 3G dongle on a mop handle out of the window, and constantly refreshing pages
- I am completely unable to contact you and find out the status of my problem
- I am spending lots of money on needless phone calls because your staff refuse to call back
- my problem will not even be looked at until next week
- no-one even seems to know what the problem is, and instead are just throwing engineers at the problem, who don't turn up
I realise I have no choice but to wait for your company; since you have such a monopoly on the phone lines.
However, I've paid a lot of money to be connected and this is not happening. I am now without a phone line for more than 10 days, and will soon have to go back home to my parents (over 100 miles away) just to be able to live.
Please can you get someone to call me urgently and;
- explain what the problem is – is it your sales staff, openreach, or a problem here?
- give me a number I can call, to a team who is aware of the problem (and doesn't tell me there is no issue)
- fix my phone line as an urgent matter
I would appreciate some sort of compensation for paying £130 for an engineer not to turn up three times.
I would also appreciate some compensation for the work that I cannot do.
I'm losing £125 a day from my customers, for the minimum of ten days you say this may take, I am out of pocket by £1250, plus the cost of telephone calls to BT using my mobile phone. One month line rental does not even come close to how much you've cost me.
I would also appreciate access to BT Openzone or BT Fon, so at least I can check my emails for urgent problems.
I have been VERY patient with BT but I am honestly now at the end of my tether.
My last option with BT is that I hope that I might finally get a response by contacting you directly.


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Salamanca is the perfect city for browsing. A stroll around the pedestrian streets in its historic centre will take you past its two cathedrals, the House of Shells, the Clerecía church and the university. Don't forget to stop in front of the university building to observe the tradition: try to spot the famous frog hidden among the ornate carvings of the façade, which is said to bring good luck. You'll love the characteristic golden colour of its monuments. Then, why not have a pleasant rest and enjoy some refreshments at one of the terraces located in the famous Plaza Mayor square?
There are a host of different ways to enjoy a leisurely visit to the city: you can experience the silence of its small churches, or stroll in the Calixto y Melibea Garden amid the scent of fruit trees and enjoy views over part of the city. Or if you prefer to be accompanied by a professional guide you can sign up for a guided tour of Salamanca illuminated by night, for example, where you will be regaled with tales of fascinating legends.
Have you found this information useful?


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VSU Names Scott as Head Football Coach
Published date: January 14, 2013
Virginia State University named Latrell Scott as the University's 23rd head football coach on Monday, January 14, 2013.
"I believe this place is special," Scott said at the news conference where he was introduced. "VSU has made a commitment to football."
Scott brings 12 years of coaching experience to the Trojans. Last year, he coached tight ends at James Madison University. At JMU, Scott recruited the Metro Richmond, Williamsburg and Northern Neck areas. He spent the 2008 and 2009 seasons as the wide receivers coach at the University of Tennessee and the University of Virginia, respectively.
Before joining JMU, Scott was head coach at the University of Richmond, where he previously served as wide receiver and assistant head coach. With Scott as position coach, the 2007 Richmond team posted a then-school record 11 wins and the school's first ever appearance in the National Semifinals. The University of Richmond eclipsed 10 team records in 2007, setting new standards for scoring average (34.9 points per game), touchdowns (63) and total offense (5,675 yards).
Scott met with current Trojan players Sunday and together the coach and team reorganized the weight room. Scott said the experience of immediately working together meshes with his philosophy for this year's team. "Our mantra is 'right now,'" he said.
Scott was a three-year starter at tight end at Hampton University, earning All-American honors his senior season. He played on two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship and NCAA playoff teams and also competed in the Gridiron All-Star Classic in Orlando, FL. Scott graduated from Hampton with a sport management degree in 2001 and is a highly-regarded recruiter.
Scott said coming to an HBCU is especially significant. "My first experience with college football was watching the Gold Bowl with my Dad."
VSU President Keith T. Miller said he was impressed with Scott's goals for the team, both athletically and academically. "We're delighted to have Coach Scott as a Trojan," he said. "We're ready to embrace what he wants to do with our football program."
Scott, a graduate of Lee-Davis High School in Mechanicsville, VA, is married to the former Brandi Bradby.


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1. All The News That Is Fit To Print. Think you're going out on a limb by picking BC as your dark horse? The New York Times already beat you to the punch. The Old Grey Lady picked BC to win it all back last fall. Good news since the Times' Midas Touch worked so well on past winners like John Kerry, Martha Burk and Jayson Blair.
2. Sowing Oats Leads To Oates Starting. Despite being arguably the least-talented big man in coach Al Skinner s rotation, John Oates started at center for all of BC's regular season games this year. Oates' best attribute was his ability to stay out of trouble this offseason ... something his counterparts Akida McLain and Sean Williams couldn't do. While all are individually limited, together they combine to form a serviceable center, averaging approximately nine points, eight rebounds, two blocks and 426 fouls a game.
3. Don't Hate BC Because Of The Sports Reporters. On a blog dedicated to exposing jerky columnists, BC must be viewed like one of those Al Qaeda training camps. The Jesuit school is the alma mater of Bob Ryan and Mike Lupica. If BC does well this March, both will surely jump on the bandwagon in time for their Sunday morning chat fest. Don t worry, though; by April they ll be ready to steer ESPN's focus back to 24/7 Yankees-Red Sox talk. — Bill Maloney


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Gold refers both a valuable mineral in Middle-earth (although not nearly as valuable as mithril)[source?] and the golden colour or golden light.
Gold was present in the deeps of Arda since its creation by Eru. It was no doubt discovered by Aulë, the great smith who was the first to make use of it. Afterwards, it was to be used by all speaking peoples of earth particularly the Dwarves who mastered it and by the Ñoldor.
A portion of gold was used in the creation of Tilkal, to construct Angainor. The treasure of Smaug also contained gold.
In Gnomish, one of Tolkien's early conceptions of an Elven language, the word for "gold" is glôr (glôriol means "golden, like gold", and glôrin means "golden, of gold"). The poetic word for "gold" is Culu.[1]
Portrayal in adaptations
1982-97: Middle-earth Role Playing:
- Gold (Mal) is valued by the Dwarves above all other metals, save mithril. Elven smiths mix it with other metals to make strong alloys.[2]
See also
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "I-Lam na-Ngoldathon: The Grammar and Lexicon of the Gnomish Tongue", in Parma Eldalamberon XI (edited by Christopher Gilson, Arden R. Smith, and Patrick H. Wynne), pp. 27, 40
- ↑ Wolfgang Baur (1994), Treasures of Middle-earth (2nd edition) (#2010)


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Last Chance to Win $500 in Our DIY Dollars Give-Away!
Today kicks off WEEK 4—the final week of our DIY Dollars Give-Away—your last chance to WIN a $500 Do It Yourself Home Improvement™ gift card this month. (Entry period for WEEK FOUR is from 12:00 p.m. EST, Friday, February 22, 2013 until 11:59 a.m. EST, Friday, March 1, 2013. See Official Rules below.)
With spring just around the corner, just imagine the major home improvement upgrades you could achieve with an extra $500:
Open the Door. The front door is the first and last thing a visitor sees of your house. With a little extra room in your wallet, you can finally give your entryway the attention it deserves, whether it's a fresh coat of paint or a brand-new fiberglass door.
Go Green. Put the extra cash toward updating your drafty windows, or replace an older appliance with a high-efficiency model. Remember, going green means saving green on your monthly utilities!
Clean it up. If you've been meaning to deep-clean your carpets, now is the perfect time. Rent a carpet cleaner and breath new life into your rooms. You can spend the leftover money towards a top-of-the-line vacuum cleaner.
Update Your Toolbox. Take your toolbox out of 1975 and into the 21st century! Use $500 to get yourself a handy new cordless drill, a laser level, or a magnetic stud finder—or all three.
Jump-start your garden. While it still might be chilly where you live, in a couple of weeks you'll have your hands finger-deep in the garden. Think of how many plants, bushes, and shrubs you could add to your garden with $500!
Be sure to enter Bob Vila's DIY Dollars Give-Away daily to increase your odds of winning. Do It Yourself Home Improvement™ gift cards from InComm are redeemable at thousands of home improvement retailers in the U.S. where Discover cards are accepted, including The Home Depot, True Value, Sears, Sherwin-Williams, Restoration Hardware, Lumber Liquidators and Menard's.
To learn more about InComm, click here.
The "Bob Vila's DIY Dollars Giveaway from InComm" sweepstakes is open only to permanent legal U.S. residents of the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia; residents of Alaska and Hawaii are not eligible. Void in all other geographic locations. No purchase necessary. Contest Period runs from 12:00 p.m. (EST) Friday, February 1, 2013 through 11:59 a.m. (EST) Thursday, February 28, 2013. One entry per household per day on BobVila.com. Alternative means of entry for Drawing is available by faxing your name and address to 508-437-8486 during the applicable Entry Period. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. See Official Rules.


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Donovon focuses on stopping UConn's Napier
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Can Shabazz Napier be stopped?
College coaches have wrestled with that question all season, but now the problem belongs to Billy Donovan and the Florida Gators, who play the Huskies Saturday night (6:09, TBS) in the NCAA tournament's semifinal round.
Napier already trumped them once this season, scoring 26 points -- including the game-winning basket at the buzzer -- at Gampel Pavilion to hand the Gators one of their only two losses.
Fellow Final Four participant Wisconsin, also on its home floor, was the other team to beat the Gators (36-2).
"Shabazz to me is as good as any point guard in this country," Donovan said. "I've got a lot of respect for his leadership. I have a lot of respect for his competitiveness -- the confidence he gives the rest of the guys, his willingness to take big shots and make big shots, his willingness to be unselfish and to play the right way.
"He is a heck of a player and a heck of a talent, as good as anybody in the country."
"(Napier) can beat you with drives," Donovan said. "He can beat you with shots. He can beat you behind the line, and he can also beat you passing the ball."
In the meeting at Gampel, Napier was quite the show closer, converting a four-point play with 33.5 seconds left and then dropping the buzzer beater from 15 feet.
Senior guard Scottie Wilbekin was one of the Gators in charge of stopping Napier, but departed in the final minutes with an ankle injury.
He knows the daunting challenge ahead trying to contain a player averaging 23.3 points in the tournament.
"I think that his ability to pull up from anywhere and the quickness that he pulls up and with the efficiency that he makes difficult shots -- that's what makes him hard to guard," Wilbekin said.
Wilbekin will likely be guarding Napier in the rematch, but he's not focused on 1-on-1 battles, which is something the UConn guard would also tell you.
Napier was not made available during Thursday's player portion on the media session, with UConn senior Niels Giffey serving as the representative.
"I always like guarding guys that are a challenge to guard," said Wilbekin, who was named the South Region Most Outstanding Player and was also the SEC Player of the Year. "But as far as getting another crack at playing them, it's not really about that at all."
Napier might be the national name associated with the Huskies, but Donovan has other worries, including a player he once recruited, DeAndre Daniels.
Daniels (17 ppg in NCAAs) has thrived in the tournament inside and out, where he has hit 42.1 percent (8-for-19) of his 3-point shots, and the Florida coach says he's become "extremely versatile." Also, junior Ryan Boatright is averaging 13.8 points in four NCAA games, and Giffey has made 49.1 percent of his 3-pointers this season.
"I think the way UConn runs their offense and the situations Kevin (Ollie) puts them in, it makes it even that much more difficult dealing with (Napier)," Donovan said. "You can run and just go trap him, but he's going to find one of those guys and you're going to leave someone open for a 3.
"You can try to cover the 3 and someone's going to be rolling to the basket."
Defense has been a specialty of the Gators, who led the SEC and ranked third overall in the country in fewest points allowed (57.6 per game).
Florida starts four seniors along with sophomore Michael Frazier II and has been to four straight Elite Eights, with this being its first Final Four since 2007.
"They are battle-tested," Ollie said. "We are going to have to play hard, we are going to have to play together and we're going to have to have our big-time players step up."
email@example.com; http://blog.ctnews.com/uconnbasketball


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House Republicans will hold a special meeting Monday night to determine their path forward on the debt ceiling, and it'll be crucial for a deal before the Feb. 27 deadline.
Though House Republicans aren't putting up a fight with President Barack Obama and Democrats this time around, there's a simple reason this meeting will be key — time.
As in, there's not a lot of time left before that deadline. The House are only in session for three days this week, before House Democrats go on their annual strategy retreat. The next full day that Congress is scheduled to be in session is Feb. 26 — one day before the "drop-dead date," after which Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has said the Treasury will have trouble meeting all of its obligations.
The irony in this debt ceiling fight is that, unlike almost every other fiscal battle since 2011, House Republicans are actively campaigning against a fight with Obama and Democrats. Even the most raucous members of the caucus are urging leadership to avoid "theatre."
But the lack of a coherent strategy to this point leaves no room for the trial-and-error approach that has accompanied the last few debt-ceiling fights.
"We agree with the conventional wisdom that congressional Republicans are looking for a way to fold, but that path forward remains hazy and it is still possible for them to drown in the glass of water they have poured — and cause economic havoc by failing to raise the debt ceiling in time," Chris Krueger, a D.C.-based analyst for Guggenheim Partners LLC, wrote Monday.
Monday night's meeting will likely determine whether the House could possibly bring a bill to the floor this week, as well as if leadership can earn enough support for a bill with its preferred policy riders attached. (Two that have been discussed are the possibility of attaching a "doc fix" on Medicare doctor reimbursement rates and re-instituting some military benefit cuts from last year's budget deal.)
But if it can't rally enough Republicans behind that plan, it's likely that leadership will have to resort to passing a "clean" debt-ceiling bill without policy strings.
Democrats, for their part, know that Republicans are stuck in a corner they created.
"Republican leaders shouldn't need another meeting to figure out that debt limit brinkmanship doesn't work, because they are even hearing from their own Tea Party members that they should give up and walk back the ransom demands," said Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the chair of the Senate Budget Committee.
"And when even the Tea Party is admitting defeat, it is time for Speaker Boehner to end the drama and uncertainty."
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