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|Attention: DocWiki has reached EOL and will be decommissioned January 25, 2019.
General Troubleshooting
From DocWiki
For general troubleshooting tips, see the following sections:
Failed to Create the Device on Remote Database
Problem: You get the following error message:
Failed to create the Device. Could not create Object: DN= [cn=jctest, ou=CISDevices,ou=CISObjects,ou=configengine,o=cisco [LDAP: error code 50 - no write access to parent]
Solution: To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
1. On the remote directory server machine, stop the OpenLDAP server by entering the following commands:
*In Solaris, enter: /etc/init.d/NetAppOpenLDAP stop *In Linux, enter: /etc/rc.d/init.d//NetAppOpenLDAP stop
2. Open the $CISCO_CE_INSTALL_ROOT/openldap/etc/openldap/slapd.conf file. Then add the following:
# open write permission to support external directory access to * by * write by * read by anonymous auth
3. To start the OpenLDAP server, enter the following commands:
* In Solaris, enter: /etc/init.d/NetAppOpenLDAP start * In Linux, enter: /etc/rc.d/init.d//NetAppOpenLDAP start
CNS-listen Command Failed to Execute
Problem: The cns-listen command failed to execute.
Possible Cause: This problem can occur if the values entered for the CNS Event Bus Service and the CNS Event Bus Daemon parameters do not match the values used in the $cns-listen command.
Solution: To resolve this problem, make sure that you use the same value in the command that you entered for the parameters.
For example:
Enter CNS Event Bus Service Parameter: [7500] 7800 Enter CNS Event Bus Daemon Parameter: [7500] 7900
cns-listen command:
$cd $CISCO_CE_HOME/tools $cns-listen –service 7800 –daemon 7900
Configuring the CNS Event Backup with SSL
The configuration is explained with two servers in the set up. The primary server is imgw-test15.cisco.com and the backup server is imgw-test35.cisco.com. The sample configuration shown below is explained using the terminal enrollment mode.
To configure the CNS event backup with SSL, follow these steps:
1.Create the trust point. This example shows how to create the trust point.
crypto ca trustpoint imgw-test15.cisco.com enrollment mode ra enrollment terminal usage ssl-client crypto ca trustpoint imgw-test35.cisco.com enrollment mode ra enrollment terminal usage ssl-client
2. Enter the Key using the copy and paste method. This example shows how to enter the Key using the copy and paste method.
crypto ca authenticate imgw-test15.cisco.com <Enter the crypto base64 key for imgw-test15> crypto ca authenticate imgw-test35.cisco.com <Enter the crypto base64 key for imgw-test35>
3. Configure the IP host. This example shows how to configure the IP host.
ip host imgw-test35.cisco.com 172.27.250.134 ip host imgw-test15.cisco.com 172.27.117.223 ip host imgw-test15 172.27.117.223 ip host imgw-test35 172.27.250.134 ip domain-lookup
4. Configure the cns password if applicable. For more information, see My test was without cns password.
5. CNS configuration is done. This example shows the CNS configuration.
cns trusted-server all-agents imgw-test15.cisco.com cns trusted-server all-agents imgw-test15 cns trusted-server all-agents imgw-test35.cisco.com cns trusted-server all-agents imgw-test35 cns id hardware-serial cns id hardware-serial event cns id hardware-serial image cns event imgw-test15.cisco.com encrypt 11014 reconnect-time 10 cns event imgw-test35.cisco.com encrypt 11014 backup cns config partial imgw-test15.cisco.com encrypt 443 cns exec encrypt 443 cns image server https://imgw-test15.cisco.com/cns/HttpMsgDispatcher status https://imgw-test15.cisco.com/cns/HttpMsgDispatcher
HTTPD Service Down
Problem: The HTTPD service goes down when the crypto is enabled.
Possible Cause: This problem can occur during the Cisco Configuration Engine set up program and when you use invalid values for the remote key file and the remote certificate file.
Solution: To resolve the problem, make sure that you use valid values for the remote key file and the remote certificate file.
For example:
Enable cryptographic (crypto) operation between Event Gateway(s)/Config server and device(s) (y/n)? [n] y Enter absolute pathname of remote key file: /opt/server.key Enter absolute pathname of remote certificate file: /opt/server.crt
Web Service Deployment Error
Problem: You get the following web service deployment error messages:
Following command failed: see /var/log/CNSCE/appliance-setup.log for details/opt/CSCOcnsie/bin/deploy.config.websvc [-wsdl] Deploying image web services ... Following command failed: see /var/log/CNSCE/appliance-setup.log for details/opt/CSCOcnsie/bin/deploy.image.websvc [-wsdl]
Solution: To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
1. Make sure that the Tomcat and HTTPD status is up.
2. Enter the following command:
wget https://$HostName/cns/services/CEAdminService If the command fails to execute, the domain name might not be set up correctly.
3. Verify the host network settings at:
/etc/hosts, /etc/resolv.conf
Backup and Restore Fails
Problem: Backup and restore is not working properly.
Possible Cause: This problem can occur for the following reasons:
* The time base for the host system is not set to the Universal Time Coordinate (UTC) time zone * The time has changed * The cron job has not started
Solution: To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
1. Connect to the console if you cannot connect using SSH.
2. Log in to the host system as root.
3. To determine whether the time is correct, enter the following command:
# date
4. To determine the state of the cron job, enter the following command:
# /etc/rc.d/init.d/crond restart
Example: # /etc/rc.d/init.d/crond restart Stopping cron daemon: [ OK ] Starting cron daemon: [ OK ] #
Device Status
Problem: After Cisco Configuration Engine set up, the device status changes from green to red in a few minutes. This problem occurs on the Solaris 10 platform, after re-starting the Cisco Configuration Engine services.
Possible Cause: This problem can occur if the TibGate processes shut down a few minutes after starting.
Solution: To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
1. To check whether the TibGate processes are running, enter one of the following commands:
/etc/init.d/EvtGateway /etc/init.d/EvtGatewayCrypto
2. If the TibGate processes are not running, ask your system administrator to disable NISPlus service.
3. If the device status is still red, see the "CNS-Enabled Device Unable to Connect with Cisco Configuration Engine" section for a possible solution.
Backup Job Fails
Problem: The scheduled backup job fails.
Possible Cause: The crontab command is used to schedule the backup jobs. This command requires space in the /var partition to execute. If the /var partition is full, the crontab command fails to execute, which causes the backup job failure.
Solution: To resolve this problem, clean up the /var partition on the system (move some files to the /home/ directory). Then resubmit the backup job from the Cisco Configuration Engine user interface.
Event Gateway Problem
Problem: After setting up the Cisco Configuration Engine correctly, the device is shown as RED or could not be auto-discovered. Why my device is not connecting to the Cisco Configuration Engine?
Solution: To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
1. Make sure that the cns trusted-server, all-agents ce-host, and cns config partial ce-host commands are configured on the device where ce-host is the IP address or the hostname of the Cisco Configuration Engine.
2. Make sure that all the TibGate processes are running by using the command: /etc/init.d/EvtGateway status' and/or /etc/init.d/EvtGatewayCrypto status depending upon its mode (plain-text or crypto) enabled between the Cisco Configuration Engine and the devices. If the TibGate processes cannot be started and with the permission denied error, disable the SELinux by modifying the /etc/selinux/config file, change the status of SELINUX to disabled then uninstall the Cisco Configuration Engine. Reboot the server before reinstalling the Cisco Configuration Engine.
3. If results from the step 1 and 2 are verified and devices are still not in green, change the value of the WAIT_AFTER_CONFIG to a bigger value such as 2 or 2.5, in the $CISCO_CE_HOME/conf/resource.properties' file. Restart the Cisco Configuration Engine by using the command $CISCO_CE_HOME/bin/setup -r.
Device Status in Red
Problem: After setting up the Cisco Configuration Engine correctly, I could see the new port assigned to the device by using the $CISCO_CE_HOME/tools/cns-listen debugging tool. I could not see the device and the device status is in red. However, the device shows up in the device discovery GUI and the connect event is never received by the Cisco Configuration Engine.
Solution To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
1. Make sure that the cns trusted-server, all-agents ce-host, and cns config partial ce-host commands are configured on the device where ce-host is the IP address or the hostname of the Cisco Configuration Engine.
2. If this is a slow network, increase the WAIT_AFTER_CONFIG timer in CISCO_CE_HOME/conf/resource.properties and try the operation again. Increasing the wait timer will impact the overall performance. So, make sure to find a shortest wait time that works in your network environment. 1 means 1 second. 1.5 means 1.5 seconds, and so on.
3. After changing the value, restart the Cisco Configuration Engine by using the command $CISCO_CE_HOME/bin/setup -r'.
Configure Device with Ports
Problem: Can I configure my device to point to the same Cisco Configuration Engine but different ports as the primary and backup Cisco Configuration Engine?
Solution No. The Cisco Configuration Engine can only either be the primary or the backup, but cannot be both.
Config Initial Status
Problem: After I use the port auto-assignment function, I could not get the status of my config initial.
Solution: Command cns config initial ce-host reports the config initial status through Event Gateway (by default). If you are using port auto-assignment function, you should post the status through HTTP. For example, cns config initial ce-host status http://ce-host/cns/PostStatus should be configured on the device.
Device with Same Configuration
Problem: When I push a configuration job to a device, another device got the same config?
Solution: The DeviceID needs to be unique within the Cisco Configuration Engine namespace. Make sure that the two devices do not have the same config Id, event Id, and image Id.
Cisco CE Server Crashes on Linux Server
Problem: On the Linux server, the Cisco Configuration Engine server crashes or the TibGate processes could not start and displays the following error messages:
/ce/ConfigEngine/CSCOcnsie/bin/TibGate: error while loading shared libraries: /ce/ConfigEngine/CSCOcommon/lib/libibmldap.so: cannot restore segment prot after reloc: Permission denied Start Dispatcher TibGate (Event Gateway) process at port 11011 /ce/ConfigEngine/CSCOcnsie/bin/TibGate: error while loading shared libraries: /ce/ConfigEngine/CSCOcommon/lib/libibmldap.so: cannot restore segment prot after reloc: Permission denied Start TibGate (Event Gateway) process at port 11013
Solution: Make sure that the SELinux is not enabled on the Linux as this might be the default option during installation. To disable SELinux, edit /etc/selinux/config, change SELINUX to disabled. Uninstall the Cisco CE, and then reboot the server before reinstalling the Cisco Configuration Engine.
GUI Display Problem in Internet Explorer 6.0
Problem: Discover device option has a GUI display issue in the Internet Explorer version 6.0 for more than 2000 devices.
Possible Cause: When more than 2000 devices are discovered by using Internet Explorer 6.0, then for some of the devices listed in the discover window are not displayed properly. It was just blank.This is an issue only with the Internet Explorer version 6.0.
Solution You can discover up to 2000 devices without any issues. User can click > select 2000 devices at one shot and create them. The other work around will be to use Internet Explorer 7.0 browser.
Accessing Cisco CE GUI
Problem: After I setup the Cisco Cisco Configuration Engine, I cannot access the Cisco Configuration Engine GUI.
Solution Make sure that the firewall on your Linux server is not enabled. To disable the firewall on a Linux server, you can use the following commands: /etc/init.d/iptables save and /etc/init.d/iptables stop.
Device Configuration Problem
Problem: Device got unintended configuration update.
Solution: Make sure to use the correct configuration template and the device ID is unique within the Cisco Configuration Engine namespace. For example, use the hardware-serial or UDI as device ID.


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'Rasta Disasta' is a pumping, larger than life track that is without a doubt going to grab the attention of your audience.
The smooth, soulful introduction is quickly swept away by the huge dub reggae groove with big drums and a massive bass line. These rhythmic elements drive the song with phased-out guitars provided further vibe in the song with sharp and precise strokes. The smooth, confident and passionate vocal melodies and lyrics have a hypnotic effect and the group vocals add to the soothing vibe of this song.
The Rhodes piano is a stand-out in this track as it's soulfulness really lets the song flow along into a space where it is earthly, organic, yearning and reflective. This track is ideal for marketing and advertising any kind of new product and has a wide commercial appeal!
High quality WAV and MP3 versions are in the download. An instrumental version is also available in the download!
Is 'Rasta Disasta' the perfect pitch for your next film, tv or online project?

subset: commoncrawl


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Make the most of your photos with ACDSee Photo Editor 2008! It has all the tools, inspiration and clear instruction you need to turn your digital photos into truly captivating keepsakes. Create personalized greeting cards, scrapbook pages, invitations and more. With Photo Editor's easy to use artistic text, layout and editing features, you'll be amazed at what you can do with your photos.
You don't have to be a technical whiz to create beautiful layouts and gorgeous keepsakes. How-to lessons walk you through common tasks, with detailed and easy-to-follow steps. Antique a photo, apply a vignette, and create dazzling projects with ease. Spend less time guessing, and more time being creative with your photos.
NEW! If you need that extra boost of inspiration to get you started, Photo Editor comes packed with templates by top digital designers Andrea Gold, Maggie Lamarre and Vicki Stegall. You'll be on the fast track to creativity!
"It beats Photoshop Elements in features and ease of use and I think it's the best program I've seen so far for new digital scrapbookers!"
- Andrea Gold, Digital Designer, Utah, USA
Add text to your photos exactly the way you want. Use the drawing tools to create one-of-a-kind text paths that follow elements in your layout, like the hem of a dress or the flow of a river. Select a preset text path to complete your project even faster. Choose from one of a number of interesting designs, including the new Spiral, Bracket, Curlicue, Flower, Star, Heart or Leaf paths.
You can even wrap your words inside one of over 400 available shapes or create your own. Add large journaling blocks into these shapes with ease by typing directly inside the shape or pasting your text in from word processing programs like Microsoft Word®.
""The new photo editor allows you to make your own shape or path and apply your text/journaling to that. The best thing is that it's so easy to do!!"
- Petra Prijs, Digiscrapper, IJsselstein, the Netherlands
Combine your photos and elements from your digital scrapbooking supplies to create layouts of your memories. Resize, correct and add effects to photos. Easily rotate your cropped selection to their desired placement. Work with embellishments, drop shadows, transparencies and text to create gorgeous keepsakes in no time.
NEW! Get impressive results quickly with the Trim to Shape tool. Punch out photos or patterned paper into 400 available shapes or create your own custom shapes.
"I tried it out and was hooked instantly- able to make my first page in just one day after reading a couple tutorials"
- Liz White, Digital Scrapbooker, Texas, USA
Correct your photos with powerful and fast fix tools including Red Eye, Dodge, Burn, Sharpen, and Smudge. Try the Auto-adjustments feature for one-click Auto Color Balance, Auto Levels, Auto Sharpen, or Auto Contrast. Use Auto Fix to make all the necessary adjustments for you at once, or take full control of each adjustment using sliders.
Easily add an artistic touch to your photos. Try a vignette to create polished portrait-style photos for your family tree. Blur your images, make colors more vivid, and apply various filters for dramatic effect. You'll see up to 8 different previews to help you select the very best look.
"I really like that the shadows go on a separate layer which allows wonderful manipulation with the smudge tool and through the use of masks. This allows for a maximum of realism on the finished page, even for a beginner to intermediate user."
- LaWanna Desjardin, Digital Designer, USA
NEW! Apply effects with the peace of mind of knowing that your original image stays intact. With Dynamic Adjustments, you have the freedom to experiment. Quickly modify existing effects, switch their order for a different result, or delete them at any time. It's creativity with the ultimate control.
Complete projects more quickly than ever with Photo Editor's improved performance speed. Easily select from among overlapping objects, and choose the exact place where you want to paste your objects with the new Paste and Place option. Open, load and use brush files to enhance your layouts.
"One thing I LOVE about ACDSee for scrapping is the grouping you can do. Oh also LOVE the text on a path! Seriously worth trying it out, I bet you will love it."
- Wendy Clem, Digital Scrapbooker, Tennessee, USA
Maximum order quantity: 10
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Protected by the copyright laws of the United States and Canada and by international treaties.


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Choose Freedom Stop ObamaCare on Facebook.
Send an Email - Click Here:
Nullification: How to Resist Federal Tyranny in the 21st Century
- Thomas E. Woods Jr
State vs. Federal: The Nullification Movement
Because the Supreme Court has for many years interpreted the Constitution in a manner to further empower the federal government, states are moving to take power back from the feds through a growing and vibrant nullification movement. By Patrick Krey
Nullification in a Nutshell
The modern-day nullification movement has as its genesis the principle of federalism and the writings of James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, in particularly the famous Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798, supporting the right of states to nullify unconstitutional federal usurpations. By Patrick Krey
Site Information
About Us
- RonPaulForums.com is an independent grassroots outfit not officially connected to Ron Paul but dedicated to his mission. For more information see our Mission Statement.


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DALLAS, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- As cholesterol is metabolized, a potent stimulant of breast cancer is created -- one that fuels estrogen-receptor positive breast cancers, U.S. researchers say.
Senior author Dr. Philip Shaul, professor and vice chair for research in pediatrics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and a member of the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, says a multidisciplinary team discovered that the cholesterol metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol promotes tumor growth in estrogen-receptor positive breast cancers -- the most common type of breast cancer.
Estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer was previously believed to be stimulated primarily by the female sex hormone estrogen and it is commonly treated using endocrine-based medications that starve tumors of estrogen, Shaul said.
The discovery of 27HC as another driver of breast cancer may explain why endocrine-based therapy is often unsuccessful, providing a new target for therapy, the researchers say.
"This information can be used to develop new therapies that inhibit 27HC action or production, or increase its metabolism, in effect cutting the cancer off from a key growth stimulator," Shaul says in a statement.
Implications of the research, published in Cell Reports, are significant, Shaul says.
One million new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States and about two-thirds of those are hormone receptor-positive -- meaning they contain receptors for the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone, the American Cancer Society calculates. Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer is particularly prevalent following menopause.
Resistance to commonly used endocrine-based therapies occurs frequently.


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Product Details
Ford Explorer 2001, Omegalink™ Blade Data Immobilizer Bypass And Doorlock Integration Cartridge by Omega R&D®. Universal 'all-in-one' integration cartridge. Web-programmable data immobilizer bypass and doorlock integration for over 4000 vehicle models from 1997 to date including exclusive KLON firmware applications. Inserts directly in select Omega remote start, vehicle security and convenience products for seamless integration. Vehicle alarm and security accessories can help you avoid vehicle theft and reduce the risk of carjacking.
Notes: OL-LOADER required for web-programming and sold separately.
- General Purpose Relay
- Useful for integrating your vehicles alarm system
Omega Research & Development, Inc., has been an innovative leader in the vehicle security industry for over 30 years. Since its founding in 1971, Omega's product line has diversified to include automotive and marine speakers, speaker wire, remote start modules and other vehicle accessory products. Omega's most recent product offerings include the exciting new technologies of telematics, wireless and databus integration. Omega's mission, as it was over three decades ago, is to provide reliable, leading-edge security and automotive accessory products at a competitive price.


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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- The Lipscomb men's tennis team opened the 2011 fall slate with nine wins in the "Tennessee Fall Invitational" held this past weekend in Knoxville, Tenn.
"Overall, I thought the men's team played hard and stayed mentally tough," said Lipscomb assistant coach Mike Sherman ."Each player was able to get at least get one win in doubles and in singles. Individually, I thought each person had something to build on for the rest of the fall, whether it be physical or mental."
Sophomore Miguel Cortez, freshman Stuart Tierney, juniors Tanner Brown and Colby Shaw and senior Chad Pierron all picked up first-round singles wins for the Bisons.
Cortez defeated Wright State's Ricardo Pineda in a tight three setter, winning 6-4, 5-7, 6-4. Cortez then went on to lose in the second round to Eastern Kentucky's Paul Verma 6-2, 6-3.
After a bye in the opening round, Tierney picked up an easy second-round victory when he took down Xavier's Freddy Abunku 6-0, 6-3, but lost to East Tennessee State's Robin Akser in the quarterfinals.
"Stuart played well, and Coach Harris and I are excited to see his potential," said Sherman.
The trend continued with Brown and Shaw as they each cruised through the opening round but fell victim in the second stanza of action. Brown easily posted a win over Tennessee Tech's Ezequiel Gils in a quick 6-2, 6-1 victory, but Brown was defeated in the second round by Tennessee's Bryan Swartz 6-4, 6-3.
Shaw recorded a solid first round victory over Wake Forest's Chad Brady, winning in straight sets 6-2, 6-2, but was defeated in the second round by Davidson's Kevin Moore in a close three set loss, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6.
Pierron posted a win over Tennessee-Chattanooga's Jordan Faith with a solid 7-5, 6-2 victory.
Sophomore Oliver Strecker faced tough competition in the top bracket, losing to Winthrop's Yuta Hirokawa in three sets, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 and retiring during his second match.
The Bisons headed into the tournament with an emphasis on doubles play improvement. They returned to Nashville with three wins out of seven doubles matches.
Cortez and Brown scored the first doubles win with an 8-5 victory over Xavier's Patrick Brandy and Jimmy Roebker.
Strecker and Tierney pulled out a clutch win over ETSU's Bonnevalle and Ordeig in a 9-8 battle before Pierron and Shaw teamed up to post the Bisons' final doubles win with an 8-4 victory over EKU's Altieri and Maio.
"Returning to the team, we will continue as a coaching staff to emphasize doubles improvement," said Sherman. "That was certainly our weakness last season, and we will keep structuring practices toward improving that aspect of the team."
The Bisons will hit the road again on Friday as the head to the "University of Georgia Southern Intercollegiate" tournament.
Yuta Hirokawa (WIN) def. Oliver Strecker (LU) 4-6, 6-3, 6-3
Syrym Abdukhailiko (TECH) def. Strecker (LU) 4-2 ret.
Miguel Cortez (LU) def. Ricardo Pineda (WSU) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4
Parul Verma (EKU) def. Cortez (LU) 6-2, 6-3
Tanner Brown (LU) def. Ezequiel Gils (Tech) 6-2, 6-1
Bryan Swartz (UT) def. Brown (LU) 6-4, 6-3
Stuart Tierney (LU) def. Freddy Abunku (XAV) 6-0, 6-3
Robin Akser (ETSU) def. Tierney (LU)
Colby Shaw (LU) def. Chad Brady (WF) 6-2, 6-2
Kevin Moore (DAV) def. Shaw (LU) 3-6, 6-2, 7-6
Justin Kirstein (TECH) def. Shaw (LU) 6-0, ret.
Chad Pierron (LU) def. Jordan Faith (UTC) 7-5, 6-2
Colton Norton (UT) def. Pierron (LU) 6-2, 6-4
Pierron (LU) def. Luka Stanic (WIN) 6-1, 2-6, (10-7)
Cortez/Brown (LU) def. Patrick Brandy/Jimmy Roebker (XAV) 8-5
Klientovsky/Schroeder (EKU) def. Cortez/Brown (LU) 8-4
Abdukhailikob/Chen (TECH) def. Strecker/Tierney (LU) 8-4
Strecker/Tierney (LU) def. Bonnevalle/Ordeig (ETSU) 9-8
Makikalli/Pineda (WSU) def. Strecker/Tierney (LU) 8-4
Mesa Mei/Michael Moe (XAV) def. Pierron/Shaw (LU) 8-1
Pierron/Shaw (LU) def. Altieri/Maio (EKU) 8-4


text:
Neverdaunt:8Bit is down for upgrades.
For the latest information, check our DevBlog
|music by: Fantomenk * Jump up and Bounce Down *
"[N8] takes its inspiration from an era when home computers still had names and embraces the magic of blocky graphics. Its Charming."
"Neverdaunt:8Bit is done well, for sure. While it is still only in early testing, it shows a ton of promise"
|Neverdaunt:8Bit™ © RobotLovesKitty 2009. All rights reserved. Contact | Privacy | Terms of Service


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Twins Winter Caravan In St. Cloud Tonight!
The Twins Winter Caravan will be in St. Cloud tonight (Tuesday) at Rivers Edge Convention Center in downtown St. Cloud at 6:30, doors open at 5:00. Twins relief pitchers Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing will there along with Assistant coach Joe Vavra, Assistant General Manager Rob Antony, Mascot T.C. Bear and Kris Atteberry of the Twins Radio Network.
Tickets for tonight's event are $6 for Adults, kids 5 and under get in free with a kids ticket. Tickets are available at the Townsquare Media studios from 8am-4pm today and tickets will be available at the door starting at 5pm. All proceeds of the event go to benefit St. Cloud Area youth baseball and softball.


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December 8, 2013
I must admit that a few years ago, when I first heard of a push being made to allow people living with HIV to be organ donors, I did not get it. Were there that many HIV-infected people in need of organs that allowing other infected people to donate theirs would make a difference? According to an article published in the American Journal of Transplantation in 2011, the answer is yes. The authors estimate that there are between 500 to 600 HIV-infected donors available each year to provide organs for infected individuals who may otherwise go without a transplant -- organs that would otherwise be thrown away. With the perpetual shortage of organs, many HIV-infected individuals would die without donated livers, kidneys and other organs. Therefore, it makes sense to allow for infected to infected donation. However, a 1988 amendment to the National Organ Donation Act of 1984 bans the use of all organs from HIV-infected donors.
That is about to change. On Nov. 21, 2013, President Obama signed the HIV Organ Policy Equality (HOPE) Act, opening the door to finding ways to safely procure and use organs from HIV-infected donors. The act calls for research and then the establishment of guidelines for donation of organs from HIV-infected people. It paves the way for a new national system that would incorporate such donations.
The need for an organ transplant is not uncommon in an aging U.S. population and people living with HIV, in particular, may require a kidney or liver transplantation given the effects of HIV, comorbid conditions, and/or treatment toxicity -- as detailed in a nice review by Valentina Stosor, M.D., from Northwestern University published in December 2013 in Clinical Infectious Diseases. The HOPE Act is practical in its recognition that many HIV-infected individuals are transplant candidates and should not be relegated to endure dialysis or die due to an obsolete law crafted in a different era. Those who advocated for this act should be applauded for their insight and perseverance.
What are some other top clinical developments of 2013? Read more of Dr. Wohl's picks.
David Alain Wohl, M.D., is an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina and site leader of the University of North Carolina AIDS Clinical Trials Unit at Chapel Hill.
The content on this page is free of advertiser influence and was produced by our editorial team. See our content and advertising policies.


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Grady Geneaology
I'm looking for anyone who might have information on Thomas Grady son of John Grady and Nancy Rustin of North Carolina They could be from Virginia. I'm haven't been able to prove the exact state. Thomas Grady had a son John Grady born abt 1823 in Tippaconoe County Indiana. He married Rachel Amanda Mitchell in Indiana and they came to Kansas sometime around 1866-1869. I know they were he in 1869 because the Grady school house was built by then, according to the school records we have in our possession.
If you have information you would like to share, I would greatly appreciate it.
Jan Grady
on 2013-03-24 21:22:46
jgrady has been a Family Tree Circles member since Mar 2013.


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More Stories Of People Arrested For Making Joke Threats On Social Networks
from the investigate-and-let-it-go dept
If you thought such things only happened in the UK, it turns out you'd be wrong. I was just listening to a recent episode of This American Life, which covered an amazingly similar situation, involving American comic Joe Lipari. After having what can charitably be described as a "bad" Apple store experience, he went home and was watching the movie Fight Club -- and got "inspired" by a famous line from the movie, and paraphrased it into a Facebook status reading:
Joe Lipari might walk into an Apple store on 5th Avenue, with an Armalite AR-10 gas-powered semi-automatic weapon and pump round after round into one of those smug, fruity little concierges. This may be someone you've known for years. Someone very, very close to you.It's a pretty direct paraphrase from the movie. Yet, it took all of about an hour for a bunch of NYC police at his door, carrying machine guns and wearing bullet proof vests.
Just like the case of Chambers in the UK, rather than recognizing that this throwaway social media message, charges were filed against Lipari -- and they were pretty serious charges. There were two felony charges -- including one for "making terroristic threats." Rather than dropping it after recognizing this was joke, the case actually started out by going to court -- where the ADA even admitted to the judge that they knew Lipari was a comedian and this was a joke intended for his friends... but they still wanted to push forward. Lipari, to his credit, turned down various plea deals, believing that the whole concept of him being arrested and charged with this was ridiculous. The story ends with the ADA finally backing down, and the case is currently likely to be dismissed (though it hasn't fully been dismissed yet).
The similarities between Chambers' situation in the UK and Lipari's situation in the US seem pretty clear -- and neither are particularly flattering for law enforcement folks. Yes, obviously we still live in a time where "heightened awareness" to potential threats makes sense. But, at some point (and probably some point really, really early on), it should have become clear in both of these cases, that these were just two guys making stupid jokes via their social networking status tools -- and that's the point at which everything should have been dropped. That both cases went much, much further is a travesty, and suggests that law enforcement is wasting time on things like this, rather than real threats.
On a separate note, if you keep listening to the second story on that same episode of This American Life, it's yet another depressing tale of really questionable police activity, and how the police didn't just turn on a guy who tried to fix the system, but literally came up with trumped up charges to get him locked up in a mental institution without telling anyone. Folks in law enforcement talk about the respect that they deserve, but by doing things like this, they show they haven't earned such respect.


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30% OFF! - Fly me to the Moon 8x11 PB
By Caroline B
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Product Information
- Type: Photobook Template
- Designer: Caroline B
- Software Category: Holidays – Valentine's Day
- Download Size: 301.1 MB (approximate)
Design Elements
- Digital Papers: 10
- Page Elements: 32
Designer Notes
A 20 page photobook made with my "Fly Me To The Moon" kits. NOTE : With album/project templates, you have not only perfect templates created by designers, but also the papers and embellishments used in it, put in separate folders, that you could re-use separately in another projects.


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CreativeAmerica Copies Content To Support Anti-Copying Bills
from the please,-we-prefer-remix dept
Yes, it appears that the good folks at CreativeAmerica just happened to notice that the large and growing anti-SOPA/PIPA forces have mobilized the public to go out to various town hall meetings for Senators to protest PIPA... and they decided, "Hey, we should do that!" But, rather than creating their own campaign, and doing the legwork (and, trust me, there's a lot of legwork involved) to actually compile the list of townhalls and then to craft an email to supporters... it seems that CreativeAmerica thought it would be easier to just copy someone else's... and... um... "remix" it.
You can see the email that Public Knowledge sent to people protesting PIPA here. And, here is the email that CreativeAmerica just sent to people urging them to go to the same town hall meetings in support of PIPA. You... may notice some similarities. Here are the two emails side by side. Yes, they made some changes.... er... remixes... but it's pretty obvious that CreativeAmerica just took PK's email and made a few edits. It's especially obvious when you look at the 3 point list of instructions... which is almost word-for-word.
click for larger version
Of course, we have no problem with this general kind of building on the works of others. We consider such remixing and building on the works of others a true form of creativity. We just find it a wee bit (well, actually, more than that) hypocritical for an organization set up by the big movie studios for the express purpose of pushing for heftier punishment for those who copy... to then go and copy stuff themselves. Paraphrasing the critics in our own comments: What's wrong, CreativeAmerica, can't you create your own works here? Why do you have to "steal" the work of other people who actually did the work?


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Aug. 18, 2008
Story courtesy of USA Volleyball.
BEIJING, China - The U.S. beach volleyball team of Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser made it through a tense second set to advance to the semifinals of the Olympic tournament with a 21-13, 25-23 defeat of Germany's eighth-seeded David Klemperer and Eric Koreng at the Chaoyang Park venue Monday.
In Wednesday's semifinal (time TBD), No. 2 Rogers and Dalhausser will face Georgia's Renato "Geor" Gomes and Jorge "Gia" Terceiro, ranked 15th, who were surprise 21-19, 21-19 winners over Netherland's fifth-seeded Reinder Nummerdor and Richard Schuil in Monday's second quarterfinal.
Dalhausser and Rogers faced Geor and Gia in March at the SWATCH FIVB World Tour event in Adelaide, Australia. The United States won the contest, 21-15, 21-15. Since 2006, Dalhausser and Rogers are 3-0 against Geor and Gia.
On Monday, Rogers finished with 13 kills and three digs. Dalhausser scored on 11 kills, six blocks and one ace.
"It was a fantastic game," Rogers said. "Phil was awfully good. I did not pass well, so the Germans scored a lot of points based on me not passing well."
After a relatively easy first set that saw Dalhausser and Rogers take a 10-4 lead and eventually roll to a 21-13 victory, it seemed like victory would be a foregone conclusion.
"We weren't happy with the first set," Klemperer said. "We took on a strategy of making high-risk serves as this worked against the Chinese. But it obviously didn't work today."
Taking a safer approach, Klemperer and Koreng jumped to an 8-5 lead in the second set. Dalhausser made it 8-6 with a kill and Klemperer hit the ball out of bounds to make it 8-7.
On the next play, Dalhausser went up to block Germany's overpass and the referee called it a good play to tie the score at 8-8. Germany vehemently challenged the call, saying Dalhausser was over the net. They were eventually given a yellow card and then a red card for the time delay, giving the Americans a 9-8 lead.
The score stayed close for the rest of the set. The United States reached match point at 21-20, but a Koreng kill tied it up. A Rogers kill gave the U.S. its second set point, but Koreng tied it up against with a kill. The third U.S. set point came with another Rogers kill at 23-22, but Germany fought it off again with another Koreng kill.
Rogers gave Team USA its fourth set point with another kill and a Dalhausser block won the match for the United States.
Koreng finished with 17 kills and two blocks for Germany.
A pair of Brazilian teams will meet in Wednesday's second semifinal, with the medal matches scheduled for Friday.
-- UCSBGauchos.com --


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Iglesias's time may come sooner rather than later
Mike Aviles and Nick Punto at shortstop for the Red Sox?
Suffice to say, major league evaluators are skeptical, and most look past the possible platoon of two utility players to prospect Jose Iglesias. And the Red Sox, deep down, though they won't admit it publicly, may feel the same way, because there is no way you trade your starting shortstop without knowing you have a legitimate player to take the position.
Every team is looking for that young Energizer Bunny, that kid who can step into a major league lineup and invigorate a team.
We talked about this with Sox manager Bobby Valentine, who is an advocate for young players winning a job out of spring training and adding that wide-eyed spark that seems to get the rest of the team going.
The late Haywood Sullivan believed that you should be able to replace your entire major league team with fully developed prospects every five years. Most teams fall far short of that, but there is new talent out there.
The Red Sox have candidates in Iglesias, catcher Ryan Lavarnway, and lefthander Felix Doubront.
Lavarnway is a power hitter, and if he proves himself in the defensive aspect of the game, he could join the Red Sox and never look back.
Iglesias is such a magician with the glove that if he could ever show hitting prowess or even consistency, he could add an instant spark.
And Doubront?
Seems like we've been waiting forever for him. He is out of options and will likely make the team, as a starter or reliever. Inside the organization, Doubront is the sleeper choice of many. If he could nail down the No. 5 starter's spot, the Sox may be in a nice position.
Fact is, young players provide spark. Dustin Pedroia did it his rookie season. Jacoby Ellsbury did it when he came up. The Sox are also paying Iglesias, a Cuban defector, $2.04 million a year.
While Iglesias has never been a consistent enough hitter in the minors, many baseball people believe he could be better in the majors. He seems to lack confidence in his hitting approach. He's a man of many stances and grips, and often tries to copy someone else's style. At some point, he simply needs to be himself.
Shortstop has been Boston's merry-go-round position since Nomar Garciaparra was traded in 2004. Some 25 men have played there in that time, with Julio Lugo seeing the most action.
Once upon a time, playing shortstop meant something. Perhaps newfangled statistical analysis has de-emphasized the position to the point where teams think they can get by with utility players there. But the Red Sox don't feel that way.
In Iglesias, they have a legitimate defensive star. He will be flashy - sometimes too flashy - and show extraordinary range. An Iglesias-Pedroia middle infield would seem to be airtight. Pitchers would certainly appreciate it, as balls that once tended to leak through the middle would become outs.
Asked if shortstop is a position where you can get by with good defense and a weak hitter, Valentine said no - that he wants "a complete player'' at every position. But historically, he has valued defense. He also said he hadn't seen Iglesias play, and will wait to make his own evaluation.
While it was Dallas Green who introduced Rey Ordonez as the Mets shortstop in 1996, Valentine, who took over as manager later that season, kept him at shortstop during his entire reign there, which ended in 2002. Ordonez had a .245 career batting average in New York under Valentine.
Like Iglesias, Ordonez was Cuban and flashy. He won three Gold Gloves.
This seems like déjà vu for Valentine.
"Honestly, the Red Sox have to be thinking Iglesias,'' said a National League scout. "A good shortstop for me just adds tremendous confidence to a pitching staff.
"The pitcher has to know that balls hit up the middle could be stopped from getting through. It allows you not to pitch defensively. Bad shortstops beat up pitchers by adding to their pitch counts.''
If Iglesias could hit .260-.270, that would be great. Some talent people have compared him to Ordonez or even Omar Vizquel, which is indeed lofty. Could the Sox hide Iglesias in the No. 9 spot, take some pressure off him, and see if he can blossom as a hitter?
Valentine knows the excitement Ordonez created for the Mets - and that he created it defensively. Teams need that kind of youth infusion.
There is some of that excitement in Anaheim, where center fielder Mike Trout looks like a special player, with an enviable combination of speed, power, and defense.
The Nationals are giddy over outfielder Bryce Harper, who could make the Opening Day lineup at age 19.
The Mariners have added catcher/DH Jesus Montero, whose power looks scary. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman feels he may have traded the next Miguel Cabrera in Montero to get young righthander Michael Pineda. The Mariners already had a special young player in Dustin Ackley, and they may have added another.
The already-talented Diamondbacks will unleash first baseman Paul Goldschmidt for a full season; he came up last Aug. 1 and showed some power with eight homers.
In that same vein, second baseman Jason Kipnis gave the Indians an eye-opening half-season after his recall July 22, and he could be a spark in that lineup.
Last year, the A's had Jemile Weeks, who batted .303 with 22 stolen bases from June 7 on. Now they will introduce Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes and his five tools, and it is a team that needs something exciting to happen.
Valentine made a good point when he said there are 160 minor leaguers watching how teams handle prospects and what kind of a chance they can expect to make it to the big leagues.
All eyes will be on how the Red Sox handle shortstop, and whether their prized defensive player will get his chance to spark the major league team this year.
Sox giving out a lot of raises
Do you wonder why the Red Sox didn't add much payroll this offseason? While they shed Jonathan Papelbon's $12 million, J.D. Drew's $14 million, Marco Scutaro's $6 million, and Mike Cameron's $7.25 million, plus smaller amounts for Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield, they have a lot of players getting major raises this year.
At some point, you pay for the success of your players, and the Red Sox appear to be paying this season.
Here's a look by position:
1B, Adrian Gonzalez: $5.5 million to $21 million. Difference: $15.5 million.
2B, Dustin Pedroia: $5.5 million to $8 million. Difference: $2.5 million.
3B, Kevin Youkilis: $12 million to $12 million. Difference: none.
SS, Mike Aviles: $640,000 to $1.2 million. Difference: $560,000.
(Scutaro was scheduled to earn $6 million this season, and the Sox are also paying Jose Iglesias $2.04 million.)
C, Jarrod Saltalamacchia: $750,000 to $2.5 million. Difference: $1.75 million.
LF, Carl Crawford: $14 million to $19.5 million. Difference: $5.5 million.
CF, Jacoby Ellsbury: $2.4 million to $8.05 million. Difference: $5.65 million.
RF, Cody Ross and Ryan Sweeney: $3 million and $1.75 million. Difference: minus $9.25 million from Drew's $14 million.
DH, David Ortiz: $12.65 million to $14.575 million. Difference: $1.925 million.
P, Josh Beckett: $15.75 million to $15.75 million. Difference: none.
P, Jon Lester: $5.75 million to $7.62 million. Difference: $1.87 million.
P, Clay Buchholz: $550,000 to $3.5 million. Difference: $2.95 million.
P, Daniel Bard: $550,000 to $1.61 million. Difference: $1.060 million.
P, Alfredo Aceves: $650,000 to $1.2 million. Difference: $550,000.
P, Matt Albers: $875,000 to $1.07 million. Difference: $195,000.
P, Franklin Morales: $424,000 to $850,000. Difference: $426,000.
P, Bobby Jenks: $6 million to $6 million. Difference: none.
P, Mark Melancon: Not determined yet, but could be $475,000.
P, Andrew Bailey: $3.9 million. Difference: minus $8.1 million from Papelbon's $12 million.
P, John Lackey: $15.25 million to $15.25 million. Difference: none, but he will not pitch in 2012.
P, Daisuke Matsuzaka: $10 million to $10 million. Difference: none, but he will likely miss the first half of the season.
P, Andrew Miller: $1.3 million to $1.04 million. Difference: minus $260,000.
Apropos of nothing
1. Wonder if Cardinals backup Tyler Greene is worth a shot for the Red Sox shortstop mix. The 27-year-old righthanded hitter, who had a few double-figure home run years in the minors, was once a promising prospect. He's not the greatest shortstop, but he is not awful, either. He is also out of options.
2. Mark Melancon's dog is really fast.
3. Theo Epstein does not have interest in Jason Varitek.
4. Aaron Cook is one tough competitor, and if he can stay healthy, Red Sox pitching coach Bob McClure thinks he could make a nice rebound and help the team.
5. OK, so when does Vicente Padilla arrive?
6. Is A.J. Burnett the first player to turn down a deal to play at Disneyland?
7. You often wonder how teams come up with these numbers. Andrew Miller earned $62,500 in bonuses for reaching 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days in the majors last season. But why $62,500, and not $65,000 or $60,000?
8. I'm officially sick of writing about Roy Oswalt.
9. Sox sleeper: Juan Carlos Linares, the Cuban-born outfielder.
10. Kids, watch how Chris Carpenter pitches. He's a gem.
11. Mike Piazza will be up for the Hall of Fame next season. With a career .308 average, .922 OPS, 427 homers, and 1,335 RBIs, it would be astonishing if he didn't make it on the first ballot. Then again, it was astonishing that it took Robbie Alomar two tries.
12. The Twins have a whopping 66 players in camp, 33 of whom are pitchers.
Updates on nine
1. Jorge Soler, OF, free agent - The Red Sox are one of about eight teams that would love to land the Cuban outfielder. Some of those who elected to stay away on Yoenis Cespedes because of the hefty price and uncertainty about how his game translates to the majors have decided that Soler is a better value, because he has more upside and can be put in the development system for a while for seasoning. Soler is not yet available because of citizenship issues, but once he is, those teams might be in for sticker shock. Two general managers have told me that he will go for more than the five years and $15 million-$20 million most thought he'd settle for.
2. Scott Kazmir, LHP, free agent - The Red Sox decided not to delve into the rehab market for pitchers, which is why they didn't attend Kazmir's workout Friday (he threw about 88-90 m.p.h.) and have no plans to watch Brandon Webb throw when he is ready. The Sox have had their share of rehab guys, and in most cases, they haven't worked out. One thing they hit right: backing out of the Rich Harden deal with the A's last August. They thought Harden's physical issues were too severe, and as it turns out, Harden will have major shoulder surgery that could end his career.
3. Miguel Sano, 3B, Twins - I am told to follow this kid closely. The 18-year-old Dominican, who received a $3.15 million signing bonus in 2009, bears a strong physical resemblance to a young Alex Rodriguez. His first-year stats with the Rookie League Elizabethton Twins - .292, 20 homers, and 59 RBIs in 267 at-bats - tell you all you need to know about his power. He also has a strong arm and is very good defensively. Projection time is about two years, but as one National League scout put it, "Once you watch him and how he moves and swings the bat, you fall in love. The Twins have quite a talent there.''
4. Wil Myers, OF, Royals - I asked a scout if he could pick a kid to be a prototype right fielder (other than Bryce Harper), who would it be? He quickly mentioned Myers, who is 6 feet 3 inches, 205 pounds, and a very athletic, fluid player. Myers, a righthanded hitter, seems to have emerging power and is only 21. He hit .360 with a 1.156 OPS in 86 at-bats in the Arizona Fall League. He is likely to make it to Triple A this season. The Royals seem to have a gem.
5. Raul Ibanez, OF/DH, free agent - He is a Yankee target over Johnny Damon because he is coming in at a more reasonable salary. The last Damon demand was about $5 million, which the Yankees won't pay. Ibanez will likely be in the $1.5 million-$2 million range. The Yankees are also likely to bring back Eric Chavez to spell Rodriguez at third.
6. Miguel Cabrera, 3B, Tigers - Third base coach Gene Lamont thinks Cabrera, who is down to 265 pounds, can be the everyday third baseman. "I don't see any reason why he couldn't do it,'' Lamont said. "He's played the position before. He's got soft hands. If we had made it to the World Series, he would have played some games there. He wants to do it and he's taken his conditioning very seriously.''
7. Mike Gonzalez, LHP, free agent - He is likely headed to the Rangers if they can trade Koji Uehara. Gonzalez is one of the last quality arms available. Though somewhat erratic, he will fill a much-needed role in that bullpen.
8. Manny Ramirez, DH, free agent - It looks more and more as if the A's will get Ramirez and bite the bullet on his 50-game suspension to start the season. Why? Because he is precisely the type of player who fits what they do - a high on-base percentage slugger who can still hit, despite being away from the game for a year. The A's also need a draw. Cespedes will bring people out, and when Ramirez shows up, he'll also be a curiosity.
9. Bobby Abreu, OF/DH, Angels - He would have gone back to the Yankees in an A.J. Burnett deal. The Angels have a logjam with Kendry Morales returning and Albert Pujols at first base. Abreu has been offered around. He is coming off his poorest season, with only eight home runs, and while he has been one of the most productive and patient hitters in the game, it appears his days as an everyday anything are over.
Short hops
From the Bill Chuck files: "The last time the Red Sox did not have a pitcher throw 200 innings was in 2001. The new 'Bill James Handbook' does not project any for 2012.'' Also, "The Red Sox need a healthy Kevin Youkilis. Over the last three seasons, Youk has played in 358 games; J.D Drew played in 357.'' . . . Happy birthday to Russ Nixon (77), Juan Diaz (38), and Josh Reddick (25).
Nick Cafardo can be reached at email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickcafardo. Material from interviews, wire services, other beat writers, and league and team sources was used in this report.


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Join me every week for Win-It Wednesday, with 24-hour giveaways just for you!
This holiday season, Jif has invited home cooks to submit their peanutty seasonal recipes in the Jif New Classics Recipe Contest. From now through January 16, 2012, cooks can submit original holiday dishes in either the sweet or savory category for a chance to win one of two $10,000 prizes.
There are so many possibilities when it comes to peanut butter! Take a few minutes to think of your favorite recipes and head on over to enter the Jif New Classics Recipe Contest.
TWO lucky Deal Seeking Mom readers will receive a Jif New Classics Holiday Cooking Kit Prize Pack that includes the following:
- Crock-Pot Cook & Carry Slow Cooker
- Le Creuset Revolution 6-Piece Silicone Utensil Set
- Recipe Card Box
- Assortment of Jif products
To enter, tell me your favorite peanutty seasonal recipe.
Every reader has four methods available to enter this contest. Choose one each of any combination of method one, two, three, or four for up to a total of 4 entries!!!
If you are reading this in your email or feed reader, please CLICK HERE to visit the original blog post to enter. Email entries will not be counted.
Methods of entry:
1. Leave a comment.
2. Join the Deal Seeking Mom community on Facebook for more conversation, additional deals and a peek at the freebies I receive in the mail each week. Come back and leave a separate comment letting me know you've done so!
3. Add Deal Seeking Mom to your blogroll or add my badge to your sidebar. Make sure to come back and leave the link to your site in a separate comment!
4. Subscribe to my feed via RSS or email. You must confirm your email subscription for it to be a valid entry! Leave a separate comment letting me know you have done so. If you're already a subscriber, simply leave a separate comment letting me know you're already subscribed. Lovin' my subscribers! You guys make this all possible.
(2) Jif New Classics Holiday Cooking Kit Prize Packs as described above.
This giveaway ends at 8 am, Thursday, 12/29/11 and is open to all U.S. residents 18 years or older. I'll use And the Winner Is to select the winning comment. Winner will be notified by email and listed on my Giveaway Winners page. Winners must respond within 48 hours of notification to claim their prize. Good luck!
While you're in a contest entering mood, don't forget to check out the Giveaway Gathering for a variety of contests being hosted on Deal Seeking Mom readers' blogs!


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Hyper-Lite Supplemental LED Brake Light Kit (all BMW models) The Hyper-Lite is a device to warn drivers of a stopping motorcyclist ahead. Extra lights flash in addition to the regular brake light.
-Waterproof.....Shock Resistant.....Impossible to Ignore
-Superbright 4500 mcd LED safety systems created for the demanding world of motorcycling.
-Electronics encased in epoxy to stabilize and protect from weather and vibration.
-Patented flashing brake lights provide efficient visibility of rider and machine.
-Work with all 12 volt systems, all BMW models.
-Every part possible and all assemblies are proudly MADE in AMERICA.
Constantly tested and improved since their introduction in the mid 1990s, Hyper-Lites have evolved from solid state electro-mechanical to micro processor controlled systems designed to work with and protect today's sophisticated BMW CAN-BUS systems.
Standard Hyper-Lites are only brake lights, dual function Hyper-Lites add a running light function.
Please choose model, standard or dual function, and 8 or 16 LED units (per side). You can also choose to add the Hyper-Lite license plate bracket, they recommend them for the following machines but it makes install easier on any machine:
K1300/1200S/R/R Sport
Note: If you need the California-legal version (4 flashes then solid) just let us know in the Comments of your order.
Hyper-Lite Supplemental LED Brake Light Kit (all BMW models)
Produced by Hyper-Lite of USA
Available Options:
Bracket?:No thanksYes please (+$10.50)
LED Quantity?:16 (Add "II" to part number) (+$20.00)8
Model?:R1200C/CL (WHLR1200C)R1100/1150RS (WHLR)R1100S (WHLR1100S)R1100/1150RT (WHLF650R11RT)R1100/1150GS/ADV (WHLR11RGS)K1200S/R/R SPORT/GT2 (WHLK12GTSR)K1200LT (WHLK12LT)K1200RS/GT (WHLK12RS)K75/100/1100/K1 (WHLK)F800/650GS2 (WHLR12RT)R1200S/ST (WHLR12ST)R1200RT (WHLR12RT)R1200GS/ADV (WHLR12GS)R1200R (WHLR12R)R850/1100/1150R/RCK (WHLR1150R)F800S/ST (WHLF800ST)F650CS (WHLF650CS)G/F650GS/DAKAR 2005-later (WHLF650GS)F650/GS/DAKAR pre-2005 (WHLF650R11RT)Airheads 70-84 (WHLR)
Version?:Dual Function (Replace "HL" with "DF") (+$18.00)Standard


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Paul Thomas Anderson's film"The Master" -- highly anticipated in part because its story seems to have much in common with Scientology -- will debut a month earlier than originally scheduled.
Weinstein Co. announced Friday that it will open the Philip Seymour Hoffman-starrer on Sept. 14 in New York and Los Angeles, with an expansion to other cities planned for the following weekend.
As part of its plans, the company is shifting its Brad Pitt-starrer "Killing Them Softly," which they acquired before this year's Cannes Film Festival, from Sept. 21 to Oct. 19.
The reason for the switch is not clear, especially considering that early September is not often looked at as a prime movie-going season because many families are preoccupied with back-to-school events. However, Scientology is in the news now because of the high-profile Katie Holmes-Tom Cruise divorce, and Weinstein may be looking to use the current events to generate more interest in the film.
The date shift leaves unclear what will happen to the film's prospects for a festival appearance.
The Toronto International Film Festival has yet to announce its entire slate, but the high-profile Gala screenings, which were revealed Tuesday, did not feature "The Master." Some are speculating that the drama, which co-stars Joaquin Phoenix as a loner who becomes involved in a cult led by Hoffman's character, will still have its debut at the festival, just one week before its theatrical debut. (Toronto begins on Sept. 6.)
Another option might be the Telluride Film Festival, held over Labor Day weekend, or Venice. "The Master" was filmed in 70mm, and Weinstein is eager for the film to be shown in that format, so that may be one sticking point as far as festivals go.
[Update, July 27, 5 p.m.] Erik Lomis, president of distribution at Weinstein Co., said the reason for the move was simple: "We feel that the film is great. It plays great, and we wanted to get out in front of everyone else."
The new date will get "The Master" ahead of other award-season hopefuls, including Warner Bros.' "Argo," directed by and starring Ben Affleck. That's slated for an Oct. 12 release.
The studio declined to comment.


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Ends 24-year career with department
Arlen Laue has retired after working at the Kewanee Fire Department for 24 years. His last working day was Monday, but he won't officially be off the roster until March 18., Fire Chief Paul Schaecher said.
Laue started his career on March 17, 1989, and was promoted to engineer in 1991. He was promoted to captain on Dec. 2nd, 1998, and has spent the last 15 years leading his shift.
During his career he became certified as a HazMat Technician, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Firefighter III, and a Fire Officer I.
Capt. Laue worked on some of the more memorable fires in Kewanee, such as the Dura Bowl fire, Pioneer Club fire and the recent Zion Lutheran Church fire.
"His knowledge and leadership in this department has helped it become the outstanding department it is today," Schaecher said. "His presence will be missed."Arlen Laue retires as captain on Kewanee Fire Department


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CSU One of the Top College Instagram Accounts to Follow
Do you need to add something more to look at on your Instagram account? How about following Colorado State University?
According to hercampus.com, CSU is one of the top college Instagram accounts to follow. Why? Because of something we all already know just from living here. Colorado is beautiful. The CSU Instagram page does a great job on capturing the beauty on and around campus and around Colorado for all to see.


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Skin Analog Clock-7
Personalization | 5.8MB | Update: 2018-11-09 | Version: 1.7 | Requires: Android2.3 or later
Personalization | 5.8MB | Update: 2018-11-09 | Version: 1.7 | Requires: Android2.3 or later
9Apps services for free Android apps. 30,000+ users downloaded Skin Analog Clock-7 latest version on 9Apps for free every week! You can find this multifunction app on 9Apps easily. This hot app was released on 2017-12-23. Don't be hesitate, download and install it on your mobile phone now!
Skinable analog clock as application, live wallpaper or widget. To call menu for application use long touch.
* Size of clock
* Background color
* Ten kinds of clock dial.
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Nina SILVERBERG
Dr. Nina Silverberg is the Director of the Alzheimer's Disease Centers (ADC) Program at the National Institute on Aging. She manages and supports the efforts of 30 NIA-funded Centers at major medical institutions across the country. The ADCs translate research advances into improved diagnosis, care and treatments for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, as well as enhanced support for people who provide care for them.
In addition, Dr. Silverberg is a program officer overseeing dementia research portfolios covering: research ethics; cognitive, functional and behavioral assessment; clinical care; and technology. She strives to reduce health disparities, with the goal of ensuring that underrepresented populations receive access to research opportunities as well as research training. She is also a leader in NIA's efforts to educate the public and health care providers about the importance of research participation.
Dr. Silverberg received her Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from the University of Arizona, Tucson. Before joining NIA in 2005, she was a clinical research scientist at the NIA-funded Alzheimer's Disease Center at Banner Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, Az. There, she coordinated the American Indian outreach program and was the principal investigator on a study assessing the usefulness of various neuropsychological assessment tools in an American Indian population.
- Research ethics
- Cognitive, functional and behavioral assessment
- Clinical care
- Technology


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GOP critics line up against Hagel
Sitting senators or former members who are nominated to Cabinet posts typically are given free passes when the clubby institution begins its confirmation process.
That is, unless you're Chuck Hagel.
Story Continued Below
( PHOTOS: Chuck Hagel's career)
The former Nebraska Republican senator — who is expected to get President Barack Obama's nod to become his next secretary of defense — is anything but a favorite among many of his former GOP colleagues on Capitol Hill. His onetime fellow Republican senators are quick to point out his role as a chief Bush antagonist over Iraq, his opposition to sanctions in places like Iran and comments he's made about Hamas, Hezbollah and North Korea.
Some privately note he rubbed them the wrong way; one GOP senator called him "prickly." Another was irked by the moderate Republican's penchant for taking on his party, including this past election cycle, when he backed Democrat Bob Kerrey's Senate candidacy in Nebraska over Deb Fischer, the Republican who later went on to win the race. Off of Capitol Hill on Tuesday, critics — including the Anti-Defamation League — slammed his record on Israel, including comments he made years back when he called pro-Israel forces in Washington the "Jewish lobby."
( Also on POLITICO: Hagel's Israel record draws scrutiny)
Hagel's expected nomination was supposed to give the Obama Cabinet a boost of bipartisanship — adding a Republican and decorated war veteran with two Purple Hearts serving in Vietnam. And there was hope that the White House could avoid a nasty confirmation battle because senators are typically quick to bless one of their own.
But after battling the Bush administration's controversial foreign policy decisions — and straying even further from a party that has grown increasingly conservative in recent years — Republicans are signaling that Hagel's ride to confirmation could be anything but smooth, even if he does end up with enough votes to head to the Cabinet.
"We had some disagreements; obviously those will be examined, for example, when he said the [Iraq] surge could not succeed, and obviously he was wrong there," Arizona Sen. John McCain, the top Republican on the Armed Services Committee, told POLITICO. "We obviously want to review his whole record and go through the regular process."
( Also on POLITICO: 10 facts about Chuck Hagel)
McCain scoffed at claims that Hagel would be a Republican voice in a mostly Democratic Cabinet, saying to "allege that Hagel is somehow a Republican — that is a hard one to swallow."
Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a conservative who is expected to become the ranking member on the Armed Services Committee next Congress, said he is "not real happy" with some of Hagel's past statements on Israel. He recalled that Hagel had often been "curt" in their interactions.
"A lot of times, these hearings are sort of for show, but I think this one will really matter," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a member of the committee. "I think he's just going to have to explain some of these comments that disturb people."


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by Sue Ann Rybak
A handful of residents showed up to the monthly Police Sector Area (PSA) 4 Meeting held at the Chestnut Hill Library, Germantown on Sept. 25 but police didn't. When the Local contacted the police department on Thursday morning Community Relations Officer Synell Hall said it was the result of a scheduling "mishap."
Hall said the Free Library of Philadelphia changed the location of the meeting to Lovett Library at the last minute due to construction at the Chestnut Hill branch.
"The police department is very sorry for the inconvenience and we are working to resolve any scheduling problems so this will never happen again in the future," Hall said.
According to Hall, the next PSA 4 meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at the Water Tower Recreation Center, 200 East Hartwell Lane, at 7 p.m.
Carol Scott, director of the Upper East Mt. Airy Neighborhood Association, said minor communication issues like scheduling problems can over time stifle communication and undermine community involvement.
"It's discouraging because unfortunately unless something happens on their block, people don't want to get involved," Scott said. "Residents, who want to be involved, get frustrated when meetings are changed at the last minute."
For information about neighborhood crime meetings in the 14th district go to phillypolice.com/districts/14th


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Mary Evelyn Carroll
|Madison, Miss.
|High School:
|Madison Central HS
Pre-BSC: Played No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles for coaches Terry Garren and Brad Boteler at Madison Central High School in Madison, Mississippi... 2008-2013 District Champion... 2010-2013 Mississippi 6A State Finalist... 2013 Team Captain... A Honor Roll honoree, National Merit Commended Scholar, Presidential Scholars Nominee, Mu Alpha Theta member, and a member of the beta club... also ran cross country.
Personal: Daughter of Laura and David Carroll... born July 3, 1995... has an older brother Benjamin and an older sister Kathryn who was a standout tennis player at Birmingham-Southern as well...planning to major in biology and Spanish.


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Now that his political career is over (more on that here : viewtopic.php?f=6&t=46585&p=2464340&hilit=slegr#p2464340 ), Slegr started seriously practicing (alongside Martin Rucinsky) with the hopes to join HC Litvinov of the Czech Extraleague for the upcoming season. Apparently, he already lost 12 kg during the last 6 months. More here (including some pictures):
http://translate.google.com/translate?s ... _hokej_rou


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Woodside, NY Norwegian Lessons
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Duke Energy introduces new logo
Duke Energy, which is counted among the largest electric power holding companies in the US, has introduced an all-new logo following its merger with Progress Energy Inc – another energy giant. The old Duke Energy logo depicted an acute, shrill red-colored "D". The new design features significantly gentler blue and green colors, incorporating the star emblem of Progress while also taking in the swoosh from Duke's D.
The new logo, scheduled to take effect in early 2013, portrays the company's "commitment to sustainability, technology and energy efficiency" while "representing energy for the future", according to Duke officials.


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How to Avoid a 2008-Esque Hit to Your Portfolio
With prices at record highs, U.S. stocks have rarely looked riskier. Jason Zweig explains the different kinds of risks to your portfolio and how to insure against them. Photo: AP.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I ... the ... while prices on past record highs U S stocks have never looked risky up but just ... how risky depends on how you define risk ... its breakdown why investors should be afraid off and hamper protect your portfolio says will Street gentle possible Finance columnist Jason Zweig ... and whilst keepin on but having him on thanks Fran effects time ... a lot of people ... on skinheads ... to put that money in stocks because of ... perceived risk I'm ... but I guess the menu looking the wrong with the refusal to rest you've read about him ... as an insult about this sort of like shall risk in the press yet ... carriers can use ... just the chance that ... you know your of your assets are going to take ... a shark ... short ... well you hope that short decline in value ... like we so let's let's go when we saw in early two thousand and nine Mommy just all ... peoples stock rally's dislike it when massively massively down you didn't feel shallow ... no it didn't heal Challenor wasn't you ... it wasn't ... shallow but it wasn't permanent he but it was shallow risk you it shall or risk exactly I mean when you lose fifty percent your money in fourteen months and a lot of people did ... what he would describe that it's shallow but over the long sweep of history you can argue jeans and T RIAs is different ... Chris is the permanent ... impairment in the real value of your capital ... and the cysts Angeline your recoverable ... as debt and devastating to recover your lost so much in power ... and then typically comes about through to walk through inflation ... well inflation is is one source that ... can happen through inflation it can happen to be fluent in jobless needs a little fall in ... in in the value of assets ... if you happen to confiscation ... and it can happen through devastation like civil war or more like ... a hands on what we do know from looking at history is the most comments of those were sort ... of people is is the isthe inflation and it's probably one each way to announce a care much about the devastation mobile traffic ... devastation could be you what happened to you sink your progression after nineteen thirteen ... the creepy what happened in Germany and Japan in nineteen forty ... and it could the ... you know we ... are still walk up to ... so that's that's that's funny stuff up ... inflation the more common dress recently sold in the nineteen seventies to reach the so-called Great inflation now ... I'm we also saw a lot beyond without a swelling of the time ... how his mom protect oneself against last ... we'll here's a couple things you can do ... you can build that globally diversified portfolio of stocks stocks ... to offer ... greed very long term protection against senior inflation ... and by diversifying across many nations you also diversifying into risk ... that ... your country will suffer the worst inflation can benefit as other countries ... are less severe ... now become scarce in ... his composition and the Fleishman B of A two new question ... wording as ma'am and walk ... anywhere ... that's correct the only unique in modern times when central banks really holding the purse strings ... the only place we've had severe protracted deflation in Japan ... and ... it does seem as long as more in your ... of central banks being willing to print money and inflation is probably not a risk you need to worry that much that ... the confiscation we saw in Cyprus that was a composition and attempted massive confiscation ... of it ended up being less massively aam but that was pretty bad in ... it that that seem to be a bad precedent ... for grass ... mowed our daily I've been told it yet exactly and you know it's it's far from the only case like that same thing for similar thing happened in Argentina in nineteen years ago ... and of course if you look at places like Cuba Russia you realize that the common history ... probably the best thing you can do accounts in foreign real estate which will be hard for your own government to grab ... okay and dumb idea I guess they can maybe try and grab the title to it but it's made from a cough that ... the bomb scene you say I could do for Shell or risk fighting ... going all the secrets of ... exactly how you ... get the multiple cases we are over periods as long as four decades ... a bond portfolio has lasted me seventy five or eighty percent of its value that's about it in real time to twenty oh we're not in doubt even spending on yet ... but I quite sought after ... title was a price


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Just days after the coroner's announcement that Whitney Houston died of accidental drowning, her ex-husband Bobby Brown was arrested for driving under the influence.
Brown, 43, was pulled over at 12:20 p.m. Monday in the San Fernando Valley for talking on his cell phone, and then failed a field sobriety test, says California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Harris.
The R&B singer was released on his own recognizance about two hours later from the Van Nuys police station jail, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson says. Brown, who was divorced from Houston in 2007 after a tumultuous 14-year marriage, has acknowledged a long history of drug and alcohol abuse and related troubles with the law.
Houston, 48, who was found unresponsive in the bathtub of her Beverly Hilton suite on Feb. 11, died of accidental drowning with contributing factors of heart disease and cocaine abuse, the coroner announced last week.
By Marisa Laudadio


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Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization
Technical Committee
Thursday, March 21, 2013
1:30 p.m.
County/City Building, Room 113
Roll call and acknowledge the "Nebraska Open Meeting Act"
- Review and action on the draft minutes of the February 14, 2013 Technical Committee meeting
- Review and action to accept the Pedestrian and Bicycle Capital Plan that will be used to implement portions of the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan. See memo regarding requested action on the Plan.
- Review and action on amendments to the MPO Management Plan
- Add the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District General Manager as a non-voting member of the MPO Technical Committee.
- Revise committee activities to include program oversight and project selection for the Transportation Alternative Program.
- Add a reference to the new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Lincoln MPO and Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR).
- Update language that refers to SAFETEA-LU as the current federal legislation to state MAP-21 is the current federal transportation legislation.


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Nirvana is a term used to describe the profound peace of mind that is acquired with liberation. It is the state of being free from suffering.
The word literally means "blown out" (as in a candle) and refers, in the Buddhist context, to the imperturbable stillness of mind after the fires of desire, aversion, and delusion have been finally extinguished. (loosely quoting Wikipedia here...)
So...I'm curious if you all believe that Atheists as a general rule are able to reach this level of liberation? Do you think it's possible for Theists to do so? Do you believe that all/most Atheists reach Nirvana? How do you know when you've reached it? Once you've reached it how do you know you'll be able to stay there? Is it just in your mind or is there more to it? What could be a scientific explanation for the state of Nirvana?....Do you believe that Nirvana is attached to any kind of religious dogma since it's roots are found in Buddhism? Isn't Buddhism a religion? If not, then why not. If you believe Nirvana is rubbish, then tell me why.
Views: 3951
Sure, this DMT thing I think isn't restricted to a "physical level" since it deals with consciousness. And the state of "nirvana" is often described as a colossal transformation of consciousness as is the experience of DMT.
I'd also like to add that if you were to watch a monk undergo meditation, they can instantly enter into REM. When you smoke DMT, you instantly undergo REM. Coincidence? I don't think so.
So, I think it depends on how we define the "spiritual level." You see, David Bohm had an idea that consciousness cannot be explained simply by a reductionist physical model, that it was somehow intertwined with quantum mechanics and so he espoused a kind of "quantum mind" or "quantum consciousness" explanation which was heavily influenced by J. Krishnamurti and Albert Einstein.
I'll try and give an example of what this means or at least what I think I means by quoting something posted on another atheist forum. I think it's sa-atheists.com a thread entitled "Think God." Very interesting stuff...
One person wrote: I'm with Alan Hobson in the sense that I see the mind as simply the current state of the brain - the literal physical state of the brain. The mind can change instantly because it is simply the present arrangement of the brain's collection of neurotransmitters and voltage differences. The brain can change as well, but the process takes longer - especially when it's plasticity is reduced as in old age. I see consciousness as an emergent property that arises from the interplay between the mind and the brain. If the mind or the brain can no longer change, then you will cease to be conscious.
In reply to that person, another person wrote: "Terence McKenna once said, "Consciousness rests on a chemical foundation, it is not product of it." That statement may be misleading. Steven Pinker also had an interesting comment which I'm sure I've quoted on the other thread."
"The way I think of mind is as a 4th dimensional organ of your body, you cannot see it, because it resides in a higher dimension, but you experience a sectioning of it within the phenomenon of consciousness, but that is only a partial sectioning of it in the same way a plane is a partial sectioning of a cone when it transects it."
"I agree that mind may be the current physical state of the brain, but I think there's more to it than that. I know that quote sounds like something Stuart Hameroff might suggest, but what's implicit here is that this emergent property of matter, what we call "consciousness" is somehow intertwined with what M-Theorists rave about, the "higher dimensions" which make up String Theory. For instance, to give an example of this "sectioning" in the quote, when you imagine, say, a tree in the daytime spring scenery, you can see it in your mind's eye quite vividly, can't you? You can make out brilliant colours and and even almost hear the wind as it brushes against the branches and leaves. But where is this tree, really? Where is it being projected? We can't make the analogy from the computer's output to a monitor, you see, because the tree really isn't anywhere in your mind. If we were going to take a look at the physical brain, we wouldn't find the tree, instead we may find certain electrical neural patterns, the breaking and forming of chemical bonds and various other fast chemistries, etc. But if we were going to use the computer analogy, then the monitor, where the image is being projected is in within this "sectioning" of hyperspace while the hardware is a direct correlate in the physical brain, they go together. So, what seems to be happening here is that the potentiality to imagine the tree was already there, perhaps had always been there. Graham Hancock had an interesting take on this issue, he said, "I don't believe that consciousness is generated in the brain any more than that television programs are made inside my tv." So, it may be that the brain is the dipstick into this field of potentiality, and can entertain a certain degree of this potentiality, and maybe when we've maxed out all these permutations within our hardware, the physical brain, this is cause for the longer process of change in the brain which you mentioned, the hint at the evolution of the hardware or brain to entertain greater and greater degrees of potentiality. Of course, I don't think it would happen that way, we'd find ourselves at the frontier of genetic engineering before we evolved naturally."
Okay, so that's the end of the quote. So, I think this "sectioning in hyperspace" or perhaps the "hyperspace" itself in some way can be equated to what religious people call "spirituality" or the "spirit," etc. Because you see, as in the 11 dimensions described in M-Theory, you can think of it as a place where "all possibilities are contained." So, every point in time is connected to every other point in time such that all time becomes cotangent. If someone had "access" to this, for instance, then things like looking into the future, getting into locked boxes, finding lost keys, etc. becomes utterly un-mysterious if you hypothesize these higher dimensions. Now, I don't offer that example as something to be taken literally, just adding that to say that if that were possible, then you can see how it would remove all mystery from the so-called "supernatural" that people seemed so boggled by.
So, in conclusion, I think it's highly likely that what the monk may be doing, as Strassman speculates, is accessing DMT in a conscious state rather than taking it by smoking it or within the near-death-experience or any other time DMT is speculated to permeate the brain. This experience is so profound that God, Brahman, Yahweh, samadhi, satori, etc. wouldn't fall short of metaphors to describe this ultimate state of consciousness.
I've read somewhere that consciousness is too complex to be explained without recourse to quantum mechanics and all that higher-dimensional stuff.
Oh, definitely. I believe that David Bohm was definitely onto something there. I mean, even if you Wiki "consciousness" it's quite hilarious that you'll find the opening statement to be, "Nothing worth reading has been written about consciousness." The thing that is so familiar to us, that accompanies us at every waking and conscious moment, yet it's one of the most mysterious things in neuroscience!
I'm not sure if that tree analogy will be understood, but I'd recommend if people are into these sort of topics, they should visit that thread at sa-atheists.com, but you may have to sign-up to view the thread. The people that post there go into this stuff at awesome depth.
Surely it's a representation of a tree, in your mind, like a mathematical model within a computer game.
I'm not sure we can compare a computer to a brain, this may be a false analogy. I mean, there may be some similarities, but ultimately, these things are quite different. I think the tree is somehow represented in the mind by the electrical neural patterns, but you wouldn't actually find the tree. Where the tree is being projected, if you've followed Pinker's example, is within this "sectioning" of hyperspace. In other words, I think what's being described here is that consciousness is a kind of node or dipstick into a field of potentiality and can entertain potential pathways, but the trick, I think, here is that the potentiality, in some sense, was always there, had always been there, perhaps.
I think hardware and software is a good analogy.
Haha! Well, if that's so, may I suggest you search a little video on YouTube entitled "Culture is your Operating System"?
Probably because the ego is dissolved for a little while.
Death is the ultimate nirvana.
But in death, there's no awareness, so it can't be a Nirvana.
Then you don't really "get" Asian religions. Whereas in the West, the idea is to keep the soul going forever, in Asian religions from Hinduism to Buddhism what you ultimately want is a total loss of self as you are absorbed back into The One.
But the Self has a certain kind of deluded, distorted awareness: it has its own special agenda; whereas one of the goals of Nirvana is awareness without illusion.


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Friday, August 27, 2010
Greenscreen Compositing
Things like buildings, ships, wagons, or crowds of extras can't be photographed together so they must be must be shot separately against greenscreen or created digitally. Then they're composited into a (hopefully) seamless whole.
This wordless video about the John Adams TV special shows the all the elements that make up each scene. The setups turn sideways so you can see the pieces dropping into place like pieces of a diorama.
More about Paul Graff and Christina Graff of Crazy Horse Effects
18 comments:
- jeff jordan said...
It's been awhile, now, since I read that photographs from digital sources can't be admitted legally as evidence in court cases. Easy to see why.......
- August 27, 2010 at 2:19 PM
- Matthew Scheuerman said...
James, you may not know this, but many of the matte painters that did many of the shots in that vfx breakdown, are artists that look up to YOU, and look to you for inspiration. Every matte painter I know, including myself, appreciates your work and we all agree, you would have made an awesome traditional oil-on-glass matte painter!
- August 27, 2010 at 2:57 PM
- Matthew Scheuerman said...
Make sure you look at their sites to see more of the work they did on John Adams.
- August 27, 2010 at 3:05 PM
- James Gurney said...
Thanks, Matthew, The admiration is mutual! Dylan is a friend of mine, as is Christopher Evans, another great matte painting wizard.
For those interested, there's a great book on the subject of matte work called "The Invisible Art." The title suggests that when the artwork is successful, no one notices it.
- August 27, 2010 at 3:59 PM
- Mary Bullock said...
- August 27, 2010 at 7:23 PM
- Meredith D. said...
Wow. I knew there was a lot of digital post-production going on in modern films, but wow, I had no idea how much.
- August 27, 2010 at 9:24 PM
- Tyler J said...
I want to put a question to the Gurney Community of Artists:
Why are some of these shots very successful (a la the horse scene about 1:12) and some not as much(the scene about :45).
This is not to disparage the efforts of the artists that do this work, it is all commendable.
Rather, I am trying to get at the heart of the mismatch. It's hard for me to put my finger on, much like the "uncanny valley" (see previous Gurney post http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2008/05/subsurface-scattering-ii.html) where there is a fundamental misfire, where your brain just says "nah, ain't right."
Is it the lighting? The perspective? I would bet that the various backgrounds of the readers would have different and completely applicable thoughts on this.
Traditional artist must often compose various elements into one picture and have it "read." Why do some of these work and others don't?
- August 27, 2010 at 11:41 PM
- Jon Hrubesch said...
Movie special effects have always excited me. I love to watch the behind the scenes videos on DVDs more than the movie. The process is so amazing. Computers have opened up such a vast doorway. As soon as computer technology became powerful enough I knew the possibilities would be endless. There is very little that cannot be done. Videos like this just remind me how much a production relies on the talents of these amazing and innovative digital artists.
- August 28, 2010 at 1:14 AM
- Daroo said...
Great post -- its one part demo reel one part client education video.
I've always loved the art and science that goes into the traditional (pre digital) matte painting whether it be a practical in camera shot done on the set or a post production composite. Being able to match shadow densities of some previously shot background plate is amazing -- but what I really like is the thoughtful design that goes into the illusion and the loose and painterly (but very accurate) style of brushwork. To paraphrase Pink Floyd, it is done with "random precision".
Chris Evans is one of the greats, as well as Michael Pangrazio, Harrison and Peter Ellenshaw and even the model animator Jim Danforth also did his own matte paintings.
I need to get that book.
- August 28, 2010 at 9:20 AM
- =shane white= said...
Years ago we worked with Paul Giamatti in his first green screen work for the FMV (full-motion-video) game RIPPER. Of course our pre-rendered game was a bit primitive compared to today's work but still it afforded us a great deal of flexibility in building a cyber-punk world that did not exist.
The best thing was having the chance to build the environments that Burgess Meredith inhabited where he I believe was the architect of White Chapel. I think it was one of the last acting gigs he had.
- August 28, 2010 at 10:39 AM
- Rockhopper said...
the matte painting community is small but also the friendliest group of people around. My copy of the invisible art is well thumbed as is imaginitive realism. You do not need a massive budget to become good at visual effects, check out the fakin hoaxer on youtube.
However as a simple reminder, you have to be good artist understanding the basic fundamentals.
A true matte painter would be happy if someone said they didnt see your work in a film.
It would be awesome and a challenge james if you tried your hand at a matte painting.
It is interesting to see a lot of the great matte painters names here all of which I class as friends as many here selflessly gave up their time to help me.
As I said matte painters are the friendliest bunch.
- August 28, 2010 at 8:24 PM
- James O'Shea said...
Be sure to check this out, on Robh Ruppel's site:
has some Al Whitlock and Ellinshaw pieces. ;)
- August 29, 2010 at 11:15 AM
- James O'Shea said...
Can't forget about Mark Sullivan, Dusso, Syd Dutton, Robert Stromberg, Norman O. Dawn, I could go on...
- August 29, 2010 at 11:29 AM
- MAQ911 said...
That's amazing! They make it look so dang easy. Of course painting all those elements would be certainly an epic task!
- August 30, 2010 at 11:39 AM
- Matthew Scheuerman said...
@Tyler J : I see what you're talking about. Some audiences pick up on it and some don't. In fact until you pointed out slight lighting nuances, I didn't notice it.
With matte painting, sometimes it's not the fault of the matte artists, but sometimes it comes down to how the compositor completed the shot. One that comes to mind is a matte painting a friend of mine did for the film Outlander. The matte painting looked better and more "real" before the compositor handled it, but... Sometimes it's not even the fault of the compositor, as sometimes the vfx supervisor or even the Director, can be standing over your shoulder, tapping their toes, and waiting impatiently for the shot to be finished.
- August 30, 2010 at 5:30 PM
- Tyler J said...
Thanks for the reply. Too many cooks spoil the broth, eh? =)
You bring up a great point about directors (or client) or whoever standing over your shoulder; on top of that, throw in deadlines and budgets, not to mention the inevitable technical difficulties and the fact that the completed work looks as good as it does becomes an even more impressive feat. In this particular example, most of it is great; some of those shots really sing.
I suppose what I was really looking for was perhaps a few "watch out for _________," with the critical blank filled in =D
I get so spoiled coming to this site with James so generously, and adroitly, sharing his vast knowledge. In addition, the comments section is very insightful, often teaching as much as James does.
I guess that it just depends on the shot. Sometimes its the composite, sometimes the perspective, sometimes it's just missing the TLC that would have been there with unlimited time and money.
- August 30, 2010 at 10:34 PM
- Vicki said...
To Tyler J--Speaking as an artist but someone who knows nothing about digital graphics, to me the lion statue in the foreground of that scene reads wrong, and since it is so prominent, it makes the whole scene odd. It may be correct from the perspective they are using, but it just seems not to fit. There may be other subtler things, but that hit me in the face when I saw that scene.
- September 1, 2010 at 12:17 PM
- Tyler J said...
Great eye. I went back and looked at it (around :37) and you're right, it does read wrong. At first I thought it might be a 2D element added in and that it blew the effect because of the camera move, but it doesn't seem to be (you can spot just a wee bit of parallax in the mane, but its subtle). From a composition standpoint, it seems a bit odd (although, there is no context for the shot). Each time I think I have it pinpointed, a second (or fifth look) shows I'm wrong; for example, I thought it was the lighting on the buildings on the left that didn't jive with the lighting on the lion, but a closer look reveals that they are pretty well matched.
One tiny issue I think I spotted on my 10th look at the same 5 second shot is that the original effigy of a red coat that they are parading through the streets has a bright highlight on the collar. When it was duplicated and flipped to fill out the mob, the highlight flipped as well. Granted, this is scruntinizing a tiny portion of a shot that is on screen for only seconds.
It's a good exercise in visual detective work, though. Perhaps its no Norman Rockwell's April Fool's Day cover (http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2010/04/rockwell-center-essays.html), but fun to try to figure out what is and isn't working and why. Ultimately, I think it will help to identify what works and doesn't in my own work.
Nice catch.
- September 2, 2010 at 12:51 AM