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If you have a loved one who has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, you want justice. You want to see the people responsible for harming your loved one made to pay for their actions (or inactions).
However, many nursing homes require people to sign a document upon entering or admitting a loved one that states that any legal action will go to arbitration. As one law professor, who is also a health policy expert, says, arbitration in most cases will "favor the repeat players who hire them? -- companies, not consumers."
President Obama sought to change that. Last year, his administration issued rules that called for Medicaid and Medicare to cease payments to nursing homes that required their residents to sign arbitration agreements. However, a Mississippi judge stopped those rules. While his reasoning involved the role of the federal government in blocking state funding, he added that he thought the rules were "based upon sound public policy."
The Trump administration has proposed a rule that would allow nursing homes to receive Medicaid and Medicare funding even if they require submission to arbitration agreements. With the current makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court, the Obama era rules would likely have been struck down in a court battle even without the president's blessing.
Putting a family member in a nursing home is often a sad and stressful experience. It's understandable that people don't always read the language in the contract, let alone understand it. A West Virginia attorney who is experienced in dealing with nursing home cases can provide crucial guidance in reviewing and explaining the potential ramifications of a contract before you sign it.
Source: ThinkProgress, "The Trump administration is quietly making it easier to abuse seniors in nursing homes," Ian Millhiser, July 06, 2017


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Thermoplastic plastics extrusion pump industry trend research report is through the impact of thermoplastic extrusion pump industry market operation of many factors carried out by the investigation and analysis of the thermoplastic extrusion pump industry market rules, which thermoplastic extrusion pump industry Future development trend characteristics, market capacity, competitive trend, subdivision of the downstream market demand trends and other forecasts.
Thermoplastic Extrusion Pumps Industry Trends Research Reports Key Analysis Points Include:
1) Thermoplastic plastic extrusion pump industry trends and characteristics analysis. Through the analysis of the influencing factors of the development of the thermoplastic extrusion pump industry, the general trend of the operation of the thermoplastic extrusion pump industry in the future is summarized.
2) Predict the development of thermoplastic extrusion pump industry and its changing trend. The forecast of the development of production and its changing trend is the prediction of the supply of commodities in the market and its changing trend.
3) Predict the market capacity and changes of the thermoplastic extrusion pump industry. A comprehensive analysis is made on the adjustment of the production technology and product structure of the thermoplastic extrusion pump industry during the forecast period and the forecast of the demand structure, quantity and trend of the thermoplastic extrusion pump industry.
4) Predict the market price of thermoplastic extrusion pump industry. The prices of input products in production and the sales prices of products directly affect the profitability of enterprises. In the prediction of commodity prices, labor productivity, production costs, changes in profits, the development trend of market supply and demand, changes in currency value and currency circulation, and the impact of national economic policies on commodity prices should be fully studied.
Relative Articles:
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◆What are the benefits of plastic extrusion
Batte is a professional manufacturer and exporter of Screen Changer 、melt pump and loss in weight feeder.

subset: commoncrawl


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You know those artists who are new on the scene, typically releasing their first single off their first album, but manage to snag really great artists to back them up? (For further study, see then-newcomer Rockwell's 1984 single "Somebody's Watching Me" featuring a guy you may have heard of–Michael Jackson–singing backup.)
Today I'm talking about Glen Medeiros, who pulled off this coveted feat when he snagged Bobby Brown to sing a rap verse on his 1990 hit "She Ain't Worth it." At the time, Brown was riding the wave of success from his hugely popular Don't Be Cruel and his single for the Ghostbusters II soundtrack, "On Our Own." And to be fair, Medeiros had a solid hit in 1987, "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You." But it was this single, from his self-titled album, that had me rushing to the store after catching it on the radio. That girl may not be worth it, Glen, but my $3 cassingle was gold.


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Tessa began making artisan tags back in 2007 after getting her first puppy, Pablo. She made her first tag from copper for Pablo and her handmade designs have become a staple in her home of Bozeman, Montana.
Her unique store in Bozeman not only carries handcrafted metal pet tags, but jewelry (for humans), charms, memorial gifts and wedding accessories.
Tessa currently lives in Montana with her westie, Sofia.


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Use unforgotten in a sentence
- His celebrity is less owing to his book than to the unfortunate connection of his name with the unforgotten Burke and Hare horrors. [6]
- He thought he heard her sing, and old, unforgotten notes of songs swiftly crowded out his own musical creations. [10]
This page helps answer: how do I use the word unforgotten in a sentence? How do you use unforgotten in a sentence? Can you give me a sentence for the word unforgotten? It may also be related to educating English help, special education, educ, help, scholarship, coaching teaches, school districts students, and grades.
Example sentences with the word unforgotten, a sentence example for unforgotten, and unforgotten in sample sentence.


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Shubham Gupta elucidates the unfair and unjust practices that the prisoners undergo in Indian jails, which comprise of corruption and insensitive police handling, along with other examples of deprivation of rights of the prisoners.
High-handedness of police and slow process of judiciary has killed people's urge to involve in courtroom drama and police service. All classes, especially poor people, refrain from enjoying their legal rights which are framed for public service and public welfare. With the increasing problems in judicial process, rapid increase is being counted in prison also. Today prison conditions has become deplorable and lamentable and has become a home of dark shadows. Prolonged period of trials has changed the people's view on judiciary and judicial system. They have lost their trust and faith in firm established system because of some wretched and dreadful conditions of courts and high corruption at every layer of judicial system.
Also, prisoners are residing in chock-o-block and jammed space of 2/6 ft area like pack of sardines which is disgraceful state of human mankind. Conditions has turned the trajectory of human mankind. Inmates are being tortured and beaten up daily and access to justice has become tough task.
Today the gray area of prison or jail is that, prisoners, and especially newcomers, becomes victim of suffering. They are being wretchedly tortured and beaten up in jail. What seems new is that the newcomers are recognized as rich or poor. If rich, money is asked from them, otherwise they would have to suffer.
Curbing individual freedom is the worst castigation to be made, but inhabiting in such surroundings where stench of bathroom and jammed space for sleep and worsen food of jail or prison, has made jail like hell.
The Article 5 of Universal Human Rights Declaration states that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. In Indian law, torture is not legally defined anywhere, but a small context was given in case of DK Basu v. State of West Bengal in 1997.
"Torture is a wound in the soul so painful that sometimes you can almost touch it, but it is also so intangible that there is not way to heal it. Torture is anguish squeezing in your chest,cold as ice and heavy as a stone paralyzing as sleep and dark as the abyss"
In DK Basu v State of West Bengal, a guideline was issued under which new prisoners should be under medical checkup by a trained, after 48hrs of arrest.
Now it's time for revolution, that is, a revolution for human rights and humanity.
A strong approach should be made in this context to particularly frame certain guidelines to prevent or reduce torture in jail and prison. Thus, Govt. institutions and NGOs should make a striking effort to crack inbuilt system which has become ingrained feature of jail. Not only inmates are being tortured but their relatives are also being tortured in execrable state. Their parents and relatives have been constantly infuriated by police and constant blunt efforts are made to skim out hard earned money.
The National Record Crime Bureau 2015 Prison Static Report depicts a disgraceful state of jail in India. Around 1401 jail are working in India, which have a capacity of around 3.6 lakhs, however, 2 lakh prisoners are surviving in critical conditions. Under the severe conditions, there are 68% under trial prisoners and 32% convicted, but often the under trial prisoners are made to live with convicted people.
'Mulla commission' was made in 1980 to scrutinize prison inmates and their background and picture of crime. A profound result was displayed, that showed that most inmates belonged to labour, agriculture and tribes section. Some of them became victim because they do not about law and legal procedure nor they do have money in their hands to hire a lawyer.
To the darker side, surgical blade is being used in jails.
Legal aid has become inaccessible component in their trial process. Though in Article 39 of the Indian Constitution, the provision for free legal aid has given, and the National Legal Aid Committee has also made under NALSA Act, 1987, to provide compulsory legal aid to under trial prisoner, but it has lost its essence to major extent.
Whenever old inmates ask for wines and juice, they are treated like VIP guests.
High money has been taken by high command officials. Thus, the situation in every angle seems to be adverse to inmates and their relatives. Money is collected like premium. A high monitor plan, is therefore, required to prevent this marketing practice in jail.
A high monitor effective mechanism should be framed and links maybe made with NGOs and institution for social work. Law students should come forward to step into legal aid work. Justice should become accessible to them and pending of cases should be dealt seriously. Mediation centres should be established to work as central effective agency, so as to reduce burden on judiciary. Law should be proponent of public service.


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Whether you're a spender or saver, sometimes financial planning can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, technology allows you to carry a financial planner in your pocket. There are apps for everything, from helping you create a budget to alerting you when bills have to be paid. We've complied our favourite apps to help you save money and spend smart. And, because you shouldn't have to pay for money management apps, they're all free!
1. Mint
Mint is the ultimate money management app. This all-in-one platform streamlines your bank accounts and credit cards all in one place, making it easier to budget and track your spending. Mint updates your checking and saving accounts, and credit card transactions in real time and provides recommendations along the way, like how to save on fees. Not only can you create a budget to see how much you're spending and on what, Mint also gives you charts and graphs so you can visualize what you're spending, for example, on a weekly basis. You can set up financial goals like saving for a trip or car and find out your credit score. Plus, you can set up alerts to tell you if you're going over budget, to remind you to pay your bills, and to identify suspicious account behaviour like unusual charges. Mint syncs with the web version, tablet, and Apple watch so you can access it anywhere.
2. Goodbudget
The tried and and true envelope budgeting method has made its way to the digital world with Goodbudget. Divide your budget into categories and determine how much to spend in each. You'll be able to plan and track your spending, plus save for big expenses. Create monthly envelopes like Rent, Car Payment, Groceries, and Entertainment and view your spending by dollar amount, percentage of your total, and even represented as a pie chart. See how much you have spent in your Eating Out envelope, and how much you have remaining for that month. It's a great way to budget for couples because you can sync across multiple phones and the web. With Goodbudget, you won't be surprised at what you have left over at the end of the month, because you'll see your money gradually decline throughout. Stick with it and watch your Vacation envelope grow until you can finally afford the getaway of your dreams!
3. Expensify
Known for creating fantastic employee expense reports to track costs like mileage, hotel stays, dining out, and office supplies to bill employers, Expensify is useful for personal spending as well. The "SmartScan" technology allows you to photograph and categorize your receipts and add information like amount, date, and merchant. You get unlimited receipt uploads and will finally be able to replace the paper stash that is taking up space on your desk. You'll be able to quickly add cash expenses and build reports - and you'll never lose a receipt again.
4. SnipSnap
SnipSnap helps you save some serious cash by making sure you never forget a coupon at home. If you don't have time to browse for coupons or forget to actually use them in-store, this is a great app to help you save money. Take a photo of printed coupons you come across and add it to your database. You can also search and save other people's coupons that you may have missed. You'll get convenient push notifications on your phone when your coupons are about to expire and when you arrive at a store you have coupons saved for. Redeeming in-store is easy - just have the cashier scan it at checkout. You'll see recommended offers based on your location, past coupon history, and keywords that may be of interest to you.
5. GasBuddy
Why not save a few extra cents on fuel next time you fill up the tank? GasBuddy lets you search for gas stations with the lowest prices in your area when you're on the go. Find cheap prices based on your current location or search by city or postal/zip code in the USA and Canada. Find the rate, time it was last updated, gas station name, address, and distance. You can also report fuel prices to contribute to the listings, and earn points and gas cards in the process.
Whether you're looking for something to help track your spending, manage your investments, or apps to help you save money with couponing and deal-spotting - take advantage of technology and find the money management app that works for you to save a few extra bucks. At Invisor, we can help you invest those savings so you can reach your financial dreams sooner!
Invisor offers Canadian investors personalized investment management solutions at a fraction of the cost of traditional advisor models, without requiring any minimum investment amounts. Get started now to tell us a little about yourself and your goals, and we'll find an investment solution just right for you.
If you liked this blog post, please feel free to share it on your favourite social media site by clicking on the links below.


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It is all square I had a job to get a good piccy with the bad light then the pearl card was reflecting..lol
oh the pleasures of card making/blogging..
Lovely design on your pretty white on white card, Christine,
enjoy your day,
Dorte xx
Hi Christine - this is just stunning - a real beauty! Hugs rachel x
Stunning card Christine, love the embossed background and the poinsetta is gorgeous. hugs Shirleyxxxx
Gorgeous card! I love that poinsettia! So pretty!
Thank you very much for joining us this week at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog!
wow gorgeous loving your 2nd entry Christine so classy and beautiful use and mention of those pearls
thank you for joining us at the Hobby House
Hugs Kate xx
Your card is gorgeous, perfect for my challenge perfectly, thanks for joining us at Allsorts this week, xxxx
This looks so lovely Christine and your flower is just beautiful. Thanks for joining us at Allsorts this week
x catherine
Hi hon
This is DEFINITELY a WOW...... WOW....... WOWWWWW card Christine..... I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! And..... I don't have that embossing folder! Hmmmmmmm another thing for my next shopping list!
Big hugs
Christine xxx
Stunning WOW card Christine! Thank you for joining us at Allsorts for our White Christmas challenge this week x
An ABSOLUTE STUNNER!!!
Oh wow, this is stunning :)
Jackie xx
so stunning christine.really beautiful white on white design :D
xx coops xx
Simply stunning Christine! White on white can be enough of a challenge without the added extra of not using an image but you totally nailed it!
Big hugs, Kat xx
Love the white on white! Thanks so much for joining us at CAS-ual Fridays!
Hi Christine....Your card is stunning and so elegant. Thank you for joining us at The Hobby House. xx
Gorgeous x
WOW!!! Stunning White on white creation!! LOVE THIS!


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When people kill civilians in a democratic country, the Devil Bunny City Morning Herald is happy to call them militants.
When people kill men belonging to an armed and uniformed force of the world's largest dictatorship, the Devil Bunny City Morning Herald calls them terrorists.
This is not what those words ought to mean.


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Home | Love Poems | YaKnow Valentine's Day E-Cards | Free Ebooks | Subscribe
Mistress mine, where are you roaming?
O, stay and hear; your true love's coming,
That can sing both high and low:
Trip no further, pretty sweeting;
Journeys end in lovers meeting,
Every wise man's son doth know.
is love? 'Tis not hereafter;
Present mirth hath present laughter;
What's to come is still unsure:
In delay there lies not plenty;
Then, come kiss me, sweet and twenty,
Youth's a stuff will not endure.
Send a Free PassionUp Greeting!
Let someone know how much you care!


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"Perception is strong and sight weak. In strategy it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things." – Miyamoto Musashi, Swordsman and Philosopher (1584-1645)
I recently spoke at a film camp for high school students on the topic of social justice and social media.
In this, I challenged the campers to take my eyes past that which my eyes have seen with regards to the story they were seeking to tell with their camera.
In positioning this discussion there, I was able to submit to them the power of the frozen perception. In this, it can launch us forward or it will hold us back. Some frozen perceptions are true, while many may not be true.
"Frozen Perceptions" is a term of art that describes ingrained perceptual biases, which close a person's mind from "hearing" the benefits of a product, service or other proposition. – Joel Tucciarone
In politics, opponents often times seek to define their opponents before their opponents even define themselves, therefore setting frozen perceptions that will stick in potential voters minds about their opponent in hopes of getting their votes in the end.
To further my example of the frozen perceptions we all have, I shared a story about a friend of mine. To make my point, I only took the campers to a place only their eyes had seen.
It was of a tough looking, but old and tired looking man in his early fifties wandering around downtown looking for a place to sleep and eat along with the occasional ask for a handout. I also shared with them that this man had spent nineteen of his years behind bars.
At this point, I stopped and asked them a question…
What do you see?
Bum, lazy, worthless was the general census of the campers.
I then continued my story…
What if I now told you that when this man was seven years old, he began to be sexually abused by not just one family member, but all family members except for his mom. By the time he was twelve years old, he was often times locked up into a trailer in his backyard for 2-3 days without food.
This then launched him into a life in search of significance where he trusted nobody. Completely devalued by the ones who were his family from an early age, he launched into a life with no family, no sense of value, which led to a life of survival.
At this point, I stopped and asked a question about the first part of the story…
Now, what do you see?
Take my eyes there and in doing so, you will have unlocked the frozen perceptions we had towards this man walking down the street looking for food and a place to sleep. Perhaps, what he was really looking for was acceptance, sense of value, and an identity.
Frozen perceptions are everywhere and we all have them. Just turn on the TV or walk down the aisle at your local grocery store. Through marketing efforts and campaigns to hot topic current events, the perceptions we carry are being vied for.
In the 1988 elections, vice president candidate Dan Quayle was being offered up as a John Kennedy like candidate, therefore setting up a frozen perception by attaching his name to a name they felt would cross the aisle of political affiliation and gain them additional votes. Of course, in the debate with Lloyd Bentsen, that frozen perception was quickly dismissed with one famous line from Mr. Bentsen…
"I knew John Kennedy, and you are no John Kennedy."
The art of frozen perceptions is often set up by the power of association with someone or something of a more positive, negative, successful, or unsuccessful reputation.
What I like about using social media in the midst of this dialogue is that you have the ability, when representing a cause, issue, or brand to identify what the frozen perceptions are that society has towards what you are representing and you can use social media to subtly unlock those frozen perceptions or reframe them in a way that shifts the viewpoint a community and/or society has towards them.
In doing this successfully, you can essentially unlock that which has kept someone from moving forward to become active, propel someone forward by defining that which they are seeking to champion, or stop someone from doing the same based on what they thought was truth.
Recently in Malaysia, KFC encountered a major problem. Some of their employees at one location decided to tamper with the food and film it. Though corporate had been tipped off on it and had completed an internal investigation turning over all evidence to the police, someone still leaked the video to You Tube.
Immediately a frozen perception had taken hold as a large outcry from the public ensued. Though this was an isolated event and the employees had been legally dealt with, the public began to believe that if this happened in one location, it could happen at all locations. It began to establish a frozen perception in the minds of the public towards the entire company and all locations.
KFC Malaysia quickly responded by utilizing social media tools to respond to the concern and address the issue head on. With this, they quickly set up a landing page on their wildly popular Facebook page that included a written apology, frequently asked questions about the issue, and two videos in both their native language as well as english where the KFC Malaysia head apologized and personally addressed the concern.
This quick response using social media was credited with turning the growing tide of the frozen perception taking hold that KFC Malaysia food was unsafe. Along the way, they even gained additional followers and fans for doing so.
Frozen perceptions, we all have them. So, how can we use the tools available to us to either establish them or reverse them?
* I want to thank long time marketing legend, Joel Tucciarone for introducing to me the concept of frozen perception in a small group think tank I had in LA once. It simply has changed everything for me.


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Tacti-Cool AR Build Kits
June 19th, 2015 Posted in Products
We just got a shipment of high-quality Anderson brand AR lowers, and these are on sale for $120 until we run out. Regular price is $175 each. We have the uppers and other parts for the Do-It-Yourself fanatics, or if you already have a 10/22 on hand, why not convert it to a "Tacti-Cool" AR/M4 looking rifle with our ATI kit! Only $175, these kits have been very popular lately. Show your Border Tactical Member card and 10% off the price of either of these items until July 31, as long as supplies last.


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Simple finite field method for calculation of static and dynamic vibrational hyperpolarizabilities: curvature contributions
Text Complet
In the static field limit, the vibrational hyperpolarizability consists of two contributions due to: (1) the shift in the equilibrium geometry (known as nuclear relaxation), and (2) the change in the shape of the potential energy surface (known as curvature). Simple finite field methods have previously been developed for evaluating these static field contributions and also for determining the effect of nuclear relaxation on dynamic vibrational hyperpolarizabilities in the infinite frequency approximation. In this paper the finite field approach is extended to include, within the infinite frequency approximation, the effect of curvature on the major dynamic nonlinear optical processes
Tots els drets reservats


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The thought of leaving home with so many valuable memories can be frightening, especially when our clients are faced with reduced independence and the common misconception that a nursing or residential home is their only realistic option to remain safe and well cared for.
With our live in care at home service, one of our qualified and highly experienced Nurses or Healthcare Assistants can move into our clients home to provide an individualised care service which helps them to remain in the comfort of their own home and surrounded by their family, friends, pets and treasured possessions.
Our live in care at home service provides the family and friends of our clients with peace of mind, in the knowledge that our clients are benefiting from the support of highly skilled healthcare professionals in their own home.
Unlike a care home where client support is distributed between a number of individuals, our live in care at home service provides our clients with a personal one-to-one support plan that is tailored to their specific needs. All of our live in care at home services facilitate our clients specific requirements and can be fully adapted to accomodate their changing needs.
When coordinating our clients care service, we attempt to develop the optimal balance between their non-clinical and clinical needs. We match their interests and personalities with our staff and ensure that all of our live in care at home employees are fully briefed on their expectations and personal preferences. We are committed to providing our clients with flexibility in the delivery of our service and encourange their involvement in simple things such as choosing meals and watching preferred television programmes, through to facilitating their participation in social and extra curricula activities.
There are many ways in which our live-in care service can benefit our clients:
Our live in care service is flexible and is available on a short or long-term basis. If our clients only require short term live-in care, for example if their regular live in Carer is taking some respite, we can step in to their role whilst they are away. If our clients require care following a hospital stay, we can also liaise with the hospital and appropriate healthcare professionals to ensure that their care is scheduled to commence as soon as they are discharged from hospital.
If you are unsure whether this service is suited to you, please contact a member of our experienced Care at Home Team who will be delighted to discuss your specific requirements and assist you in defining a service which is suitable to your needs.
To find out more about our live in Care at home service, please contact our dedicated Care at Home Team on 01429 239 616


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The Soft Pretzels Recipe is the German breads are great fun to make; the two-stage glazing method gives an authentic result.
Rising and proofing time:
1 1⁄2 – 2 1⁄2 hrs
2 cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp dried yeast
1 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil,
plus extra for greasing
For the glaze:
¼ tsp baking soda
coarse sea salt
1 egg, beaten
1 Put the two types of flour, salt, and sugar into a large bowl.
2 Sprinkle the yeast over 11⁄4 cups warm water. Stir, leave for 5 minutes, and add the oil.
3 Gradually pour the liquid into the flour mixture, stirring to form a soft dough.
4 Knead for 10 minutes until smooth, soft, and pliable. Transfer to an oiled bowl.
5 Cover loosely with plastic wrap and leave in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until nearly doubled.
6 Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and gently knock it back.
7 Divide the dough into 16 equal sized pieces, using a sharp knife to cut it cleanly.
8 Take each piece of dough and roll it under your palm to make a log shape.
9 Using your palms, continue to roll the dough toward each end, until it is 18in (45cm) long.
10 If difficult to stretch, hold by either end and rotate in a looping action, like a jump rope.
11 Take each end of the dough and cross them over each other, forming a heart shape.
12 Now twist the ends around each other, as though they had linked arms.
13 Secure the ends to the sides of the pretzel; it will appear quite loose at this stage.
14 Repeat to make 16 pretzels, placing them on baking sheets lined with parchment.
15 Cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Leave in a warm place for 30 minutes, until puffed up.
16 Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix the soda in 2 tablespoons boiling water.
17 Brush the pretzels with the mixture. This gives them a dark color and chewy exterior.
18 Scatter flakes of sea salt or sesame seeds over the brushed pretzels. Bake for 15 minutes.
19 Remove from the oven and brush with a little beaten egg. Bake for another 5 minutes.
20 Remove from the oven. The pretzels should be dark golden brown with a shiny finish.
21 Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
|Soft Pretzels Recipe


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3 Up
1. Thor Gets Velo Back
The stage was set on Tuesday night with two of the top arms in the league going head to head in the middle game of the series. It was one the Met surely had to have, after dropping the opener on Monday night. Although he struggled at times, Noah Syndergaard lived up to the moment and still managed to throw 5 2/3 innings while only allowing one run on seven hits and eight strikeouts.
It wasn't his best, but anytime you go into Wrigley against this Cubs lineup and manage to only allow a run, you did your job. Perhaps the best thing to come out of his outing was that his arm did not show to have suffered from any fatigue. Syndergaard touched 100 MPH in the first inning and went on to throw 105 pitches.
2. Backup Comes Through
Rene Rivera was in the middle of just about everything on Tuesday night, some good and some bad. However it was his two-out RBI single in the top of the ninth that scored Neil Walker to give the Mets a 2-1 lead that they would barely hold onto. It was Rivera's third hit of the night, and most certainly his biggest hit as a Met.
3. July Homer Surge
There wasn't much offense to be had for the Mets in Chicago these past three days, but one thing is for sure, Wilmer Flores continues to hit, and should be in the lineup more often. In the two games he started this series, Flores collected three hits, including two home runs and three RBI. His seven home runs this month are the most in the majors, yet Wilmer still has a tough time cracking the everyday lineup.
3 Down
1. Matz Struggles Continue
With his loss on Monday night, Steven Matz is now winless in his last eight starts dating all the way back to June 1. In that stretch he has gone 0-5 with a 5.20 ERA while allowing 57 hits in 45 innings.
Matz's velocity is fine, and visibly it does not seem as though his bone spurs have been affecting him, but for whatever reason his command is not where it needs to be, especially with his changeup. With a somewhat demoralized pitching staff, Matz is going to need to be better if the Mets want to make a run at the playoffs.
2. Old reliable?
In the rubber game of the series Wednesday afternoon, the Mets looked to Bartolo Colon to salvage a series win. However, it was not to be. Colon looked flat as did the entire Mets team did from the early going. He allowed two runs in the first inning and then two home runs to Anthony Rizzo. Over 4 1/3 innings Bart allowed six runs on eight hits and two walks. In his last three starts Colon has an ERA of 7.36 and hasn't gotten past the sixth inning in any of them.
3. Bad Decision Making
I normally don't have too many qualms when it comes to Mets skipper Terry Collins, but I thought sitting Yoenis Cespedes, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Neil Walker, in the rubber game of a big series at Wrigley, was a bit of a head scratcher. You can talk all you want about getting guys rest, especially those who are still nursing injuries (Cespedes), but I'm just not sure why Terry decided to rest all three on what I believe was a very important game.
On top of that the Mets have an off day on Thursday. I'm not sure if those three guys would have made a difference against Hendricks and the Cubs on Wednesday afternoon, but what I do know is that the Mets looked downright sluggish and lifeless from the very start of the game, and apparently so was Terry Collins. His decision to not challenge the play at the plate with Loney was strange, especially with him looking like he may have been safe after watching the replay.


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Stainless steel coupling or acorn nut. High-quality A2 nut, making it very resistant to corrosion. Ideal for use in humid environments like the bathroom, kitchen, garage or outdoors. Your assemblies attached with metal screws will have a beautifully finished touch. Blocks threaded fasteners: metal on metal, wood on metal.
Sold in 10-Packs
Weight: 0.02 kg


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Argumentative Paper Format your essay (since you ended up right where you started). OUTLINE WORKSHOP INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND.
Formula is this: simply formal essay outline format make friends, exchange messages, the sequence need help writing a research paper keywords.
Formal Essay Style Sheet An essay is a specific format to present your side of an argument. The essay is essentially an argument based on logic.
FORMAL SENTENCE OUTLINE FORMAT Student's Name: Date: Topic: Key statement that describes the topic of your speech General Purpose: To inform OR To persuade.
Outline Structure for Literary Analysis Essay I. Catchy Title II. body of your essay, use examples and fully developed logic to prove that the literary.
Formal Outline Format Treat your outline as a tentative plan that may need to be adjusted as your drafts evolve. SAMPLE FORMAT Thesis:.
Essay Outline Template: a Short Guide to the Most Important Points. Imagine you were assigned an essay on some disputable topic. You have lots of ideas.
Purdue OWL; Writing Lab; OWL News; Engagement; Research; Contact; Ideally, you should follow the four suggestions presented here to create an effective outline.
Learn about essay outline format and essay outline structure, review essay outline template, essay outline sample and reserch outline sample.
Essay format example. Every essay outline follows the same basic formula and learning how to structure and write an essay can be easy if you follow the outline formula.
How to Write an Outline. An outline breaks down the parts of your thesis in a clear, hierarchical manner. Most students find that writing an outline before.
Formal Essay Outline Author: Bloomfield College Last modified by: arteaga Created Date: 8/1/2007 6:21:00 PM Company: Information Technology Other titles.
An outline is a "blueprint" or "plan" for your paper. It helps you to organize your thoughts and arguments. A good outline can make conducting research.
Creating Outlines. Outlines can be a helpful tool when you're trying to organize your thoughts for an essay or research You can make a formal outline.
How to Write a Formal Essay Outline. The most recognizable format of a formal outline is alpha-numeric, where sections are labeled with letters and numbers.
Welcome to the Purdue OWL. Purdue OWL; she creates the outline as a framework for her essay. The decimal outline is similar in format to the alphanumeric.
Formal Outline Template: Levels of Detail. You must develop an outline into the second level of detail, using only phrases. Do not use full sentences, except.
Advice on how to structure your SAT essay. Majortests suggests 2 possible formats you can adopt when writing your SAT essay.
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Outline Format for a Five-Paragraph Essay (or piece of writing) Christine Bauer-Ramazani NOTE: Outline points is usually in phrase.
This is an article with a few research paper outline examples. Creating an outline is the first thing you should do before you start working on your research paper.
I matches up with the format of Introduction" and "Conclusion" on a formal outline, stories in quotations when I write a formal essay? Thanks.
A basic guide on how to make a good essay outline. Learn how an essay outline can help you structure a great essay.
outline (composition) 2. An Essay Revision Checklist 3. Here is a common format used in constructing a formal outline.
essay on the origin of languages »
Sample Essay Outlines Organize your ideas. Develop an outline to organize your ideas. An outline shows your main ideas and the order in which you are going to write.
Here is a sample paper in MLA format that has both the cover page and the outline pages. This paper has 10 pages so if you are under a slow Internet connection.
FULL-SENTENCE OUTLINE FORMAT Name: (include in all outlines) Specific Purpose: After listening to my speech, my audience will know or understand (select.
Whether you're writing a research paper or creating an outline for another reason, using APA outline format to structure your outline is a great way to organize.
Topic: Cancer. INTRODUCTION. Attention Getter: More than 1/2 million people are expected to die of cancer this year. That's more than 1,500.
Don't stare at a blank page. This post teaches you how to write a persuasive essay outline and includes a free, downloadable persuasive outline template.
A classic format for compositions is the five-paragraph essay. It is not the only format for writing an essay, of course, but it is a useful model.
Informal Formal Essay Examples Outline. Formal Informal Essay Examples: Academic Writing. Are you in High School, College, Masters, Bachelors.
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Writing Essays by Eleanor Wakefield outline. Following this format will help you keep your thoughts organized and get your essay underway. ESSAY OUTLINE.
A basic guide on how properly format an essay. Learn how to format the title.
Sample Formal Speech Outline Title: What is a Migraine and how does it affect people? in APA Format – See APA formatting handout.) Courtesy of Shawn Morgan.
explain the teleological argument essay »
Classic Model for an Argument Below is a basic outline for an argumentative or persuasive essay. This is only one possible outline or organization.
The basis of academic writing is the formal essay, so let's learn the definition of a formal essay, review the general format, and explore some specific examples.
A Basic Essay Format A good way to approach an essay is to envision it as a Five Part project. An essay is made up of the Introduction, Three.
Format for Informative Speech Outline To be used in the speech, for the speech checklist, and on the exam. You must turn in an outline the day of your speech.
It is very easy to create an essay outline format only if you know the steps of essay outline writing. By following three steps, you can create an essay outline.
KCHU 228 Introduction to Philosophy Study Guide HOW TO WRITE AN INFORMAL OUTLINE Informal outlines are made in numerous different ways and used for a variety of purposes.
Essay Writing and Format Guide 6 It is important to pay close attention to the essay question because the way in which the question is worded often gives clues.
I need to do an OUTLINE in APA format. How APA's Publication Manual does not provide formal guidelines for creating outlines. When asked to do an outline.
Here is a sample paper in MLA format that has both the cover page and the outline pages. This paper has 10 pages so if you are under a slow Internet connection.
How to Write a Formal Essay. The term "formal essay" probably makes many people think of high school or college writing classes, but formal essays have many practical.
How to Write an Outline. An outline is a great way to organize your thoughts and research if you're preparing a speech, an essay, a novel, or even a study guide.
How to Make a Formal Outline in MS Word. One of the difficulties students have with composing a formal outline is a limited understanding of how to either override.
describe a problem situation and how you solved it essay »


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You're prolly looking at the title and thing I'm bullshitting you. But I'm not. I saw the trailer during the Super Bowl I believe… From that point on, I knew I had to see this. At lease we now know why the game Pac-Man was licensed as a film. Some are saying that there will be an actual Pac-Man film, but I'm thinking otherwise, ya know? So lemme tell you more about this flick. FYI, possible spoilers ahead, you've been warned…
So here's the deal, it's the typical save the planet from alien invaders storyline. Three friends who play arcade and crane games. One becomes a recluse conspiracist, one is an A/V installer, and the other becomes the 45th President of the United States of America. All three, with a rival, join forces to fight alien invaders in a series of video games, Pac-Man, Centipede, and Donkey Kong. But it's easier than it looks, lol.
Now a lot of people are saying the movie is trash. I figure that would come from the XBox Generation, you know, the kids that don't go to the arcades and trash talk each other online. Also along with Adam Sandler haters. You gotta admit, he did put out a few stinkers (Jack & Jill, The Cobbler…), but in this film, he was very toned down. Sorta like he was back in his early ages of movies.
Now if you grew up hanging out in the arcades like me playing videogames, this is right up your alley. If you played these classic arcade games in rom format and you can understand the significance of these classic games, this is up your alley.
I did have two issues with the film… One was Duck Hunt and Tetris, those games were not out in 1982! Also, where can I get my own Q*Bert sidekick?!


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By NATHAN TAYLOR
Like the state of Lake Simcoe itself, a new plan to protect the body of water is subject to change — something politicians and environmental groups see as a positive.
On Tuesday, the province unveiled the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, which sets out goals to improve the health of the lake through measures including reducing phosphorus levels and protecting fish habitat.
"It's certainly an improvement on what we had before. It's an excellent indication that the province is listening to citizens' concerns," said Claire Malcolmson, co-ordinator of Environmental Defence's Campaign Lake Simcoe.
The fact it is an adaptive plan means new regulations can be added, which is a good thing, she said.
Seven milligrams per litre of dissolved oxygen in the lake, which is necessary for the health of fish, is the target, Malcolmson said. That will help determine what developments are allowed. However, there's no freeze on development, and that's worrisome, she said.
"We're a bit concerned that the implications of the phosphorus- reduction strategy may be shutting the barn door before the horse is bolted," she said.
Areas of southern Lake Simcoe, including Aurora and Newmarket, for example, are in worse condition than some more northern spots, she said.
Gayle Wood, CAO of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, was also optimistic about the adaptive plan.
"The environment is a constantly changing ecosystem," she said, noting adaptation will be important as issues like climate change and invasive species evolve. "Having a provincial focus on protecting the health and quality of Lake Simcoe is extremely positive."
Malcolmson was also pleased the plan "is stronger on climate change adaptation."
Seeing the plan finalized was a proud moment for Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop, who first advocated for a legislated protection plan for the lake.
"There's not a lot of protection plans for lakes anywhere," he said. "This is leading edge and could be used as a model in the country and in the United States as well."
With about 100 kilometres of Lake Simcoe shoreline in his riding, Dunlop is "very proud of what's happened."
He said the plan strikes a good balance in addressing development issues and protecting and improving lake quality and fish habitat.
"You're never going to keep everyone happy, 100%, but I think it's a reasonable balance," Dunlop said.
The provincial and federal governments will need to cooperatively fund the plan for it to be successful, he said, "because it's going to take a tremendous amount of money to clean the lake up."
In a press release, the province highlighted two key areas of the plan: immediate action on things like phosphorus reduction and targeting causes of stress on the lake, including invasive species and climate change.
"That's what we asked for and that's what we got," Malcolmson said, "but we need to test it."
Some clarification is needed, Wood said.
"We would need to sit down with the province… and have some discussion around specific financial roles and responsibilities of the conservation authority."
A review of "phosphorus trading" also needs to be done, she said, to determine where the phosphorus is coming from and going.
Such a review would result in an understanding of how to most effectively use the funding.
Protection plan fluid document
By NATHAN TAYLOR


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A teenager recently admitted to driving while impaired after her vehicle crashed into a North Carolina home. The 17-year-old says she skipped her classes at Gaston College and spent time drinking with her friends at a residence close to the school. She and a 19-year-old friend were on their way back to school when the car veered off Puetts Chapel Road, apparently going about 75 miles per hour.
Later, at a local hospital, the 17-year-old apparently apologized to state troopers before being arrested and charged with underage drinking. She also admitted numerous times on television to driving under the influence.
This recent incident marks the second time the girl has faced a charge of underage drinking. She says her car accident should serve as a lesson to those who drink and drive, especially people who are underage.
The man whose house was damaged has moved out of his home while it is being repaired. He is currently awaiting confirmation from the teenager's insurance company to see if it will help cover some the costs of repairing his home.
This case relates to the challenges faced by many people who have been charged with DWI in North Carolina. For example, although this young woman has made statements to the effect she was driving under the influence, she will still have the right to address the charges against her in court. While it is advisable in many cases to exercise one's right to remain silent and to seek counsel from an attorney, sometimes defendants make regrettable statements.
Still, police have been known to obtain such statements improperly, and that impropriety should be recognized in defending the rights of the accused. A DWI conviction can have serious consequences, and to protect their freedom, Charlotte residents should take the necessary legal steps and prepare an aggressive criminal defense.
Source: wsoctv.com, "Teen admits driving drunk was precursor to accident that destroyed home," Ken Lemon, June 2, 2012


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Back at Balmoral for my first race of the year, and my second attempt at the Run Balmoral Apollo Duathlon. Last year was my first ever race, and although I acquitted myself pretty well for an initial attempt, this year I hoped to do better. In the intervening year I'd increased my running (which was the weaker part of my race previously) and whittled down my 5 /10k times to a more reasonable standard. Various other commitments in the run up meant I'd not done as much training as I'd have liked, but what I had done had generally been full throttle. The regularly improved running PBs and also some upgraded KOMs that I'd long held showed things were generally heading in the right direction.
A closed road due to a car crash nearby meant the race start was delayed. Plenty time to rack the bike and pay attention to where it would be when entering from the run. Bike set up had been tweaked this time, higher saddle, flipped stem for a lower front, slightly higher tyre pressure.
This year they had one number sheet, rather than one for bike and one on person, I'd thought of filming the bike section on a chest mount cam, but the number had to go there so put paid to that. Decided to not bother with hydration in the back pack, too heavy; would just grab a glug from a stowed bottle during transitions. Decided to go with the grippier Brooks Cascadia on the feet hopefully instilling a bit more confidence on the steep run descents. Conditions were again great.
My two friends who participated last year were both back; Fraser who had out ran me last year had stated he'd done little training, and Greig who since joining strava earlier this year I've had a ding dong battle of 5/10k pb's with, and who trains a lot. My strategy was to follow them in the first run and then hopefully let the 'daily cycle commute' legs open up a lead on the bike.
We lined up quite near to the front of the pack, and underway the pace was rapid, I slotted in behind somebody and got on with it; after 1k or so I looked back and my mates had already fallen back 30m. At the end of the first shallow climb as it turns left to the steeper climb through the woods, another glance back had them out of sight, at least 100m back. I felt OK so pressed on, the 5k speed work I'd been doing had worked well.
Back in to transition, grabbed the black and orange Scott.. hold on a minute .. a similar, but not my bike, different grips and bits.. an unfortunate coincidence wasted a good 20 seconds flapping and finding the right one.. grabbed my pack, a couple jelly babies and a scoof of juice and away I went.
I had mostly clear road until the trail got steeper and rougher further up, where there were a few clusters as the speed slowed. In this section I'd overtaken a lot of folk last time, this time not so much. In the rougher terrain I was having to concentrate a lot on finding the best surface 'lane', there's a lot of unpacked rubble and loose stones which sap speed, so swapping from the left to right side, sometimes the central mud belt where not too heather-tufted, and sometimes even a thin sliver of smoothed mud at the outer edge, was the order of the day.
I found standing up to get power down a bit tougher this year, whether because the flipped stem encourages a slightly weight forward stance, or whether because this time I was being less cautious in reserving energy for the last stage, not sure. Last year's photos saw me smiling at the photographers; not this time; giving it laldy and grimacing. Here's me out of the saddle trying to edge closer to the next competitor thanks to Angus Forbes photography
I did overtake a few before the climb ended, but along the top the field had thinned out, not much action other than nose to the grind; passed one chap just in front before being retaken immediately, and next person back a good distance off. Once entering the final descent proper I decided against any risky manoeuvres, at up to 30mph there's not much room for error if the person in front changes 'lane' or dodging the odd stray rock.
A decent transition back out for the final run, but I'd given it a lot on the bike and the legs were rubbery; there were a few not far in front but didn't think I'd keep up let alone catch them. Turned on to the river side stretch and bang.. cramp..uh oh. Limped on for a bit, then decided to stop and try a stretch, which made it even worse. I'd hobble on slowly and see what happened. A minute of slow hobbling and it subsided, but I'd have to take it fairly easy now. Kept plugging away, and got passed by a few folk coming through the woods but generally held my own. On to the final descent I stole a few glances backwards not wanting to be caught by mates on the final stretch again, but it was all clear. Properly galloped downhill, my descending is massively improved from last year, and overhauled a few more cautious types on the way down. On to the final straight and Greig was just leaving bike transition, very surprised to see him that far back. Gave it all up the line as I'd glanced somebody 30m back.
After a wee recovery (properly knackered) I collected my badge and tee-shirt. Speaking to the girl who finished 50m in front of me (to a bit of fanfare – turned out she was the female winner) her time was around 1h 32.. I hadn't caught my time but this meant I must have been at least 10 minutes quicker than last year, a substantial improvement so I was well chuffed.
After my friends arrived in, turned out Greig's derailleur had collapsed, sending him off the bike, and then having to push it around the remainder of the course, but he continued to do the run afterwards to finish despite his injured and bleeding knee, what a trooper. Bumped into another mate who I hadn't realised was competing – he'd had to ride across from Braemar where he was camping, only arriving with a few minutes to spare before the start so not ideal either.
Official result of 1h 33:23 (last year 1h 46:14)
Splits of Run 1 – 28:24, T1 0:59 (wrong bike grr), Bike – 40:09, T2 0:38, Run 2 – 23:13
All good improvements over last year's times (33:02, 1;40, 44:29, 1:14, 25:49)
Overall position 21st, and 7th in vet category. I'd hoped at best for a 10% improvement on last year and positioning in the top 10% so this was around that, all good.
After post race blethering, time for a wander around the stalls for some food and a nosey
Went for a post race spin around on the bikes
Hopefully my photos are not too boar-ing
Down along the river Dee
There's a wee sentry box with a phone, a seat and a bell. I presume for some type of royalty duties.
Lush tree lined drive
Regal gate
It closed behind us when were inspecting the gate house
Nice bridge by Isambard Kingdom Brunel 1857
Further downstream the earlier Crathie suspension bridge
There was another bridge I'd been keen to see a "wrought iron foot bridge over a waterfall" that was roughly in this area but I couldn't remember the correct name at the time. Nonetheless this is a decent bridge too. (later search reminds me it's Falls of Gharb Allt footbridge)
They don't build many structures as elegant as this nowadays
Chaffinch enjoying a view of the bridge too
Curves n lines
Up to Crathie Kirk
And back round to Lochnagar distillery. I didn't realise Lochnagar had such a thing, and I dare say if they'd had any miniatures for sale I'd have put one aside for a winter trip there in the future
Heading back North to the Castle through winding woodland singletrack, and after assisting a lost tourist couple looking to ascend to the Prince Albert cairn, we found a statue of Queen Victoria's favourite, John Brown, amongst the trees. Nice singletrack here but a touristy area, not a place to belt through at full tilt
A nice way to round up the day. Sighted a red kite on the way home too
Further post race thoughts and lessons:
- I actually think that a short travel full-sus on a fairly stiff setting would make a better climber on this course, negating the rear wheel bounce 'n' scrabble that occurs a fair bit on the loose packed rubble.
- Although I'd paid more attention to where the bike was racked, I should have went back and had a look closer to the race start when the racks were filled as opposed to empty
- Take on more drink/snack leaving transition
- Train harder 😉


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Class Action: Buti Fitness at Crunch
Fitness classes follow fashion. The city's gyms and studios constantly launch new "It" classes. In Class Action we dish on what we're trying, or what we really want to. And please tell us what classes you're excited about in the Comments section, below!
Buti is pronounced just like booty. And it's your first clue to what this workout is about.
The method, which was founded by Bizzie Gold and is based in LA, is currently offered in California, Colorado, and Hawaii, and it's making its New York debut this September at Crunch.
We attended a preview class with Gold herself, who, in a string bikini, introduced us to its butt-shaking sequences set to club music.
Buti is advertised as a "high-intensity workout that fuses yoga and dance with circuits of plyometrics and conditioning." It actually consists of standard yoga sequences with lots of bump 'n grind thrown in. So, once in plank pose or warrior II, you gyrate your hips. When in chair pose, you shake it like a Polaroid picture. There were a few high-energy cardio dance spurts where I started to have a lot of fun, but they ended too soon to get my heart rate up.
Gold is a talented dancer, but the class felt way too focused on her own sweet moves. She never grooved her way around the room to encourage or correct students, and the routine was too all over the place to constitute a great workout.
On the way out, I watched a middle-aged man linger behind in order to tell Gold how much he loved the class. "I didn't know the human body could do that," he said, his eyes wide. "I'll definitely be coming back." I'm sure he will. But the serious fitness types? We'll see. —Lisa Elaine Held
Who's it for: Booty shakers or those who want to be. SoCal and Miami expats?
Book it or skip it: Skip it.
Classes will appear on the Crunch's September schedule, www.crunch.com
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SendGrid Delivered Hits San Francisco Next Wednesday, 10/10Jill Guest
The next stop on the SendGrid road show, SendGrid Delivered, is the beautiful tech-haven of San Francisco. This completely free event is perfect for current customers looking to fully take advantage of their SendGrid service, as well as people who just want to see what email deliverability is all about.
SendGrid Delivered is a national tour where our email experts will be teaching the masses about all-things email. We'll cover the gamut of email best practices; from how to improve your sender reputation to which of our APIs will revolutionize your business. Our developer evangelists will be there to demo the SendGrid APIs, and answer one-on-one questions about integration with our service. In addition to innovating thought leadership and hands-on demonstrations, attendees will be the first to see new feature releases, and talk one-on-one with the SendGrid team.
We are also excited to welcome StumbleUpon, Formspring, and BranchOut as guest speakers, and look forward to hearing all about the role of email in their businesses.
Come join us on Wednesday to catch up on the exciting world of email, and enjoy a happy hour with our team. This is a free event, but space is very limited. Reserve your seat today!


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ATLANTA -- It's a title that Georgia's elected officials have been touting for years now, but a new CNBC list suggests that Georgia may no longer be the No. 1 state in the U.S. in which to do business.
In the network's annual list, Georgia fell from second place to seventh with crime and utility costs high among the reasons the state lost ground. NBC scored all 50 states on more than 60 "measures of competitiveness" to come up with the ranking.
► Georgia's not #1 but here's who is
Utility costs drove down one of those metrics, "Cost of Doing Business," to a score of 155 out of a total 350 points possible (a grade of C). Meanwhile, an alleged rising crime rate pushed down the "Quality of Life" score to 138 out of a possible score of 300 (a grade of D).
Georgia Power, one of the state's largest utilities and a subsidiary of Southern Company, released a statement on Wednesday in response to the state's new rating.
Spokesperson John Kraft said that the company's rates are 14 percent below the national average and that the base rates have been frozen since 2016 with no plans to readjust them until 2020. Kraft also pointed to the fact that utilities encompass more than just electricity.
"It's important to note that 'utility costs' could include electric, gas, water and other services," he said adding that Georgia Power is just one of almost 100 electricity providers in Georgia.
In terms of crime, Dwayne Orrick with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police told 11Alive that claims of crime being up in the state don't match with the statistics his organization has seen.
"Care has to be taken objectively evaluate crime data as to the source, evolving trends or patterns, and other variables. When reviewing the official governmental statistics, we do not see the increases suggested," Orrick said. "Without more information, it is difficult to evaluate their conclusions that one of 64 metrics caused the State to change that much."
That said, Orrick added that the survey "clearly shows the importance of excellent law enforcement agencies to the economic and community development" of Georgia.
"Because of this, it is critical our state and local leaders support their police departments and provide our officers with competitive compensation packages so we can attract and maintain the best officers," he said.
Despite the two relatively low grades, Georgia has remained in the top 10 of the CNBC list since it last held the top spot back in 2014. However, in the next year it was bounced to fifth due to low scores in the same categories that led to the 2018 drop.
► These counties (two in Georgia) could be hit hard by a trade war
Low ranks in categories like cost of doing business, quality of life and education pushed it to eighth in 2016. The year 2017 saw yet another rebound with Atlanta almost reclaiming the coveted title of number one state for business coming second only to Minnesota.
Regardless of the turbulent ratings of the CNBC ratings, the state continues to use the top state moniker when advertising new jobs and business - with even Gov. Nathan Deal repeating the tagline in numerous speeches.
And he's not technically wrong. While Georgia hasn't held the top spot on the CNBC list, it has stayed there in lists created by AreaDevelopment.com and Site Selection Magazine. Up to 2017, Georgia has retained the crown in the former for 5 years and the latter for 4.


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Pi's playwright in residence Sean Devine unveiled his newest work-in-progress at CBC Studio 700 Thursday night in front of an enthusiastic crowd of more than thirty people. "Except in the Unlikely Event of War" takes a look at whether peace is actually desirable or is war, in fact, better for us all.
The actors from left to right are Alex Ferguson, Vincent Gale, Kathleen Duborg, Todd Thomson and Richard Wolfe. Except will have its second workshop this summer.
Thanks to all who came out to support Sean and new play development in Vancouver.


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The Rawlings Premium Pro Baseball Glove is specially designed for performance-driven fastpitch softball players! This new line from Worth features narrower hand stalls and deep pockets that cater to the female fastpitch player. Made with full grain leather palm linings, these gloves are durable while maintaining the softness Worth gloves have become known for. The D1 Collegiate Series provides ultimate control and a custom fit. The Silencer Palm Pad also gives the player a feeling of confidence knowing that there won't be any sting when the ball hits the pocket.
- 13" Pattern
- Closed Web with support strap
- Modified Closed Back with Pull Straps
- Right Hand Throw
- Glove Size: 13"
- Vendor Product Number: D1300DB-6/0


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I've been tied to my computer lately (like a good girl should) and have been stamping some TOP SECRET projects that I'm BUSTING to share!!! Just not yet...sigh
For now...I'll leave you with a digital Holiday card that I did a couple years ago (but I still like it)....I hand drew the swirls on the left and turned them into a digi image. (Shall this be a new technique?) This was before I was the Hero digi master...lol.


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Hot Picks
Low Self Esteem
produced by Mikeal Burgin, Bradley Cerny, Nathaniel K Wilson, Michael Banks (executive), Adam Edward Brooks (executive), Chris Bullajian (executive), Michael Helgens (executive), Marc Radloff (executive), Maria Theresa (executive) for Okapi Pictures
directed by Mikeal Burgin
starring Amy Radloff, Wade Thalberg, Rebekah DeWild
written by Mikeal Burgin, music by PJ Ramirez
review byMike Haberfelner
It's the morning after another night with her lover (Wade Thalberg) in
a cheap motel, and yet again, Ellie (Amy Radloff) asks him to leave his
wife (Rebekah DeWild), knowing very well what his answer will be (again).
Now Ellie knows that she remains with him only due to her low self esteem,
and of late she even does counseling about this, to learn to take her life
into her own hands. But she might have overshot that target this morning
Low Self Esteem is a fun little movie that manages to
pack a lot into its roughly 3 minutes of running time (including a twist
ending) while not in the least feeling narratively rushed and pretty much
relying on the lead character's monologue - and it all works thanks to a
clever script and an inspired central performance, plus a directorial
effort giving the story its room to breathe. And the result is good,
slightly macabre entertainment!
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On the same daya Burglar wants to kill youand your Ex wantsto make up ...
... and for the life of it, you can't decideWHICH IS WORSE!!!
A Killer Conversation
produced by and starringMelanie Denholme
directed byDavid V.G. Davies
written byMichael Haberfelner
starring Ryan Hunter
andRudy Barrow
out now on DVD
Stell Dir vor, Deine Lieblingsseifenoper birgt eine tiefere Wahrheit ...
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Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Realitas Tertambah - Augmented Reality (AR)
Ronald T. Azuma (1997) mendefinisikan Augmented Reality sebagai penggabungan benda-benda nyata dan maya dalam satu lingkungan nyata, berjalan secara interaktif dalam waktu bersamaan, dan terdapat integrasi antar benda tersebut.
Selain menambahkan benda maya dalam lingkungan nyata, realitas tertambah juga berpotensi menghilangkan benda-benda yang sudah ada. Menambah sebuah lapisan gambar maya dimungkinkan untuk menghilangkan atau menyembunyikan lingkungan nyata dari pandangan pengguna.
Misalnya, untuk menyembunyikan sebuah meja dalam lingkungan nyata, perlu digambarkan lapisan representasi tembok dan lantai kosong yang diletakkan di atas gambar meja nyata, sehingga menutupi meja nyata dari pandangan pengguna.
Dalam realitas tertambah, yang lebih dekat ke sisi kiri, lingkungan bersifat nyata dan benda bersifat maya, sementara dalam augmented virtuality atau virtualitas tertambah, yang lebih dekat ke sisi kanan, lingkungan bersifat maya dan benda bersifat nyata. Realitas tertambah dan virtualitas tertambah digabungkan menjadi mixed reality atau realitas campuran.
(on progress)
Perangkat AR
Contoh Aplikasi AR dalam dunia Printing
Azuma, Ronald T. (August 1997). "A Survey of Augmented Reality". Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments
Azuma, Ronald; Baillot, Yohan; Behringer, Reinhold; Feiner, Steven; Julier, Simon; MacIntyre, Blair (2001), "Recent Advances in Augmented Reality", IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, IEEE
Monday, March 20, 2017
Teknik Jilid Buku dan Dokumen
Jilid Kawat (Saddle Stitch)
|Gambar: yeoworkshop.com
Bagi orang awam, teknik jilid yang paling gampang dilakukan ini sering disebut juga dengan jilid staples. Namun, istilah jilid staples tidak biasa digunakan di dalam dunia percetakan. Istilah yang sering dipakai dalam dunia percetakan adalah jilid kawat. Teknik jilid ini biasa digunakan untuk menjilid buku atau dokumen dengan ketebalan yang tipis antara 4-80 halaman.
Dokumen yang dicetak dengan menggunakan teknik jilid kawat pada bagian tengah harus mempunyai kelipatan empat, jika tidak maka akan ada halaman yang kosong.Kenapa harus kelipatan 4? Karena kertas pada buku itu dilipat menjadi dua bagian lalu dijilid kawat di bagian tengahnya.
Loop Stitch
|Gambar: calverts.coop
Teknik jilid ini pada prinsipnya hampir sama dengan saddle stitching. Bedanya, yaitu pada bagian luar buku, kawatnya melengkung membentuk suatu lubang. Fungsi kawat melengkung yang berlubang itu agar buku bisa dimasukkan dalam binder yang besar. Biasanya, jenis jilid ini dipakai di sebuah perusahaan yang mempunyai katalog banyak dan dikoleksi dalam satu binder.
Side Stitch/Sewn
|Gambar: ezscrap.net
Teknik jilid ini dapat menggunakan bahan kawat atau benang. Berbeda dengan saddle stitching, proses jilid dilakukan dengan menjahit atau men-staples dari bagian sisi depan hingga tembus ke bagian belakang buku. Teknik ini dapat digunakan untuk menjilid dokumen yang lebih tebal.
Jilid Benang (Sewn Bind)
|Gambar: formateditions.co.uk
Teknik penjilidan dengan menggunakan benang sering digunakan untuk keperluan cetak buku dengan hard cover. Jumlah halaman yang dijahit dengan menggunakan benang tergantung pada ketebalan kertas (gramatur). Semakin besar gramatur, maka semakin sedikit jumlah halaman yang dijahit. Seperti halnya saddle stitching, teknik sewn binding ini mempunyai jumlah halaman kelipatan empat karena buku terdiri dari kertas yang dilipat dan dijahit di bagian tengahnya.
Jilid Lem Panas (Perfect Bind)
|Gambar: druckerei-ruess.de
Teknik jilid lem panas, sering digunakan untuk menjilid buku yang tebal. Kelebihan teknik jilid lem panas yaitu lebih kuat dibanding teknik jilid yang lain. Jilid lem panas, dapat dikombinasikan dengan teknik jilid lain, yaitu jilid benang atau jilid kawat.
Baca juga: Elemen-Elemen Desain Grafis
Tape Bind
|Gambar: uclan.ac.uk
Teknik jilid ini menggunakan tape atau lakban hitam yang ditempel pada bagian tepi buku. Harga jilid ini cukup murah dan sering digunakan oleh anak-anak kuliah atau orang yang ingin menghemat biaya. Kelemahan dari teknik tape binding yaitu tidak awet alias mudah lepas jika lakbannya kurang lengket.
Screw Bind
|Gambar: londonbookbinding.co.uk
Teknik jilid screw binding dilakukan dengan cara melubangi kertas dari depan hingga belakang kemudian memasukkan sekrup ke dalamnya lalu dikunci. Teknik ini sering digunakan untuk buku panduan warna.
Hardcover/Case Bind
|Gambar: v2media.ae
Jilid hardcover dilakukan dengan cara menyusun buku yang telah dijahit sebelumnya lalu dilem pada bagian ujung kertas dan ditempelkan lagi pada punggung sampul hardcover. Teknik jilid hardcover merupakan standar yang sering dipakai pada penyusunan skripsi, karya ilmiah atau tugas akhir. Penggunaan hardcover pada buku juga bisa meningkatkan image buku tersebut.
Plastic Grip
|Gambar: southwestbindings.com
Plastik penjepit merupakan bahan utama dari teknik penjilidan ini. Cara penjilidan ini cukup sederhana dan mudah yaitu dengan menyusun dokumen lalu dijepit di antara plastik hingga mencakup keseluruhan dokumen. Teknik ini dapat dikombinasikan dengan teknik side stitching atau men-staples bagian tepi dokumen sebelum dijepit agar lebih kuat.
Jilid Spiral (Comb Bind)
|Gambar: dbs.umd.edu
Jilid spiral dengan bahan plastik biasa digunakan untuk penjilidan dokumen yang tidak terlalu tebal (di bawah 100 halaman). Biasanya, pada bagian sampul depan dan belakang ditambahi dengan lapisan plastik mika atau kertas berwarna agar terlihat lebih manis.
Jilid Spiral (Coil Bind)
|Gambar: allionprinting.com
Berbeda dengan teknik jilid spiral sebelumnya, kali ini bahan yang digunakan terbuat dari coil. Jika menggunakan teknik jilid spiral, perhatikan jarak antara isi dengan tepi yang akan dijilid, agar teks atau gambar tidak terambil lubang spiral. Jenis dokumen yang cocok dengan teknik jilid spiral, misalnya lampiran untuk presentasi, kalender, katalog, dan lainnya.
Jilid Spiral (Wire O/Twin Loop Wire Bind)
|Gambar: notbooknotbuk.com
Ciri khas dari teknik wire o bound yaitu bentuk kawatnya yang saling berpasangan. Dengan teknik ini, kertas atau isi buku memungkinkan untuk dibuka secara penuh.
Beragam teknik jilid bisa dimanfaatkan untuk membuat dokumen-dokumen atau berkas-berkas menjadi lebih rapi. Untuk mempermudah proses penjilidan dokumen, kamu bisa memanfaatkan jasa penjilidan yang banyak ditawarkan di tempat-tempat fotokopi terdekat.
Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukhitatta – May all beings be well
During the past 18+ years jebe has built an extensive Marketing and Business Development skill set whilst working with a national with headquarter in Jakarta area, a distributor of office supply brand from Japan.
jebe has assisted many businesses in uncovering new business opportunities, hidden profits and new revenue streams by understanding their specific wants and needs when improved business processes, delivering profitable business whilst increasing customer loyalty.
Posted by je be at 10:03:00 AM
Labels: about
Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukhitatta – May all beings be well
During the past 18+ years jebe has built an extensive Marketing and Business Development skill set whilst working with a national with headquarter in Jakarta area, a distributor of office supply brand from Japan.
jebe has assisted many businesses in uncovering new business opportunities, hidden profits and new revenue streams by understanding their specific wants and needs when improved business processes, delivering profitable business whilst increasing customer loyalty.
Posted by je be at 9:36:00 AM
Labels: about
Marketing Accelerator – The Road to Success
The Industry is being transformed by the convergence of new technologies such as computing, imaging, communications, database marketing, the internet and data technology. Customer expectations are changing along with it. Speed of business continues to increase.
Customers today are looking to gain competitive advantage in every way they can in their respective industries. Not surprisingly, to drive results and increase productivity and profitability, they are demanding advanced services from their providers, and as a result, more services once considered premium are now though of as business as usual.
This resources is designed to help you create a detailed marketing plan based on the unique capabilities of your business and the demands of your potential customers.
Before we start, please take a glace look at your industry trends that will impact the way you will do business in the future. This resources will just help you provide essential background for creating the marketing plan that will put you on the fast lane to success.
This resources will share about:
- Marketing Plan overview and structure
- Creating a business summary
- Choosing the right goals and objectives
- Sizing up the competition
- The 4 P's: Product, Pricing, Placement, Promotion
- Major marketing tactics
(to be continued)
Managed Print Services for Small and Medium Businesses
What is Managed Print Services?
What is "managed print services" (MPS)? The managed print services definition is broad, but the end result is simple: gaining visibility and control of your printing, which helps you save money and boost productivity. Managed print also helps you improve environmental sustainability and document security.
By "printing," we mean the total cost of managing and optimizing your printers, their output, and the people and processes that support these devices.
This includes:
- Pages produced by office workers, mobile workers and production print operations
- Office desktop printers, multifunction printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines and high-volume printers
- Materials sent out for quick printing, offset printing, mailing and distribution
- IT help desk support, technical service, maintenance, and add, move and change requests
- Paper, ink, toner and other supplies and consumables
Add up the costs of "printing" and it accounts for a large chunk — as much as 15% of a business's annual spending. Through managed print services, you can outsource print management and cut costs by as much as 30%.
The best managed print services companies do more than just oversee your printers, they also:
- Conduct a thorough, up-front assessment to analyze your current printing infrastructure.
- Monitor, manage and optimize your total print output environment, end to end, regardless of printer brand.
- Provide a roadmap to reduce the number and types of printing devices and supplies while meeting the needs of your business.
- Proactively identify and solve potential printing problems and replenish supplies before employees are affected.
- Reduce your environmental footprint through printing less paper, consuming less energy, generating fewer greenhouse gases and keeping waste out of landfills.
- Give telecommuters and mobile workers easy and secure printing access.
- Continuously monitor your printing environment and use ongoing process improvements to save you time and money.
- Provide network management and information technology (IT) integration, from platform support to cloud-based solutions.
- Train your employees for a smooth transition through change management so they are more satisfied and productive.
- Have a proven track record in deploying managed print services anywhere in the world through a global network of highly skilled experts.
- Turn slow, paper-based processes (like routing and approvals) into automated, digital ones.
Like most companies, you probably under-estimate how much you spend on printing and how much time your staff spend managing it. Managed Print Services can help companies of all sizes by:
- Reducing your printing costs – by as much as 30%
- Cutting your capital expenditure
- Increasing the productivity of your IT resources and your print users
Form Processing
In the course of our lives we fill out hundreds of forms, including — application forms, questionnaires, insurance claims, etc. At the same time computers have become indispensable for collecting and managing information, making the task of extracting data from printed documents even more pressing.
Forms processing is a procedure whereby information entered into data fields is captures into electronic form:
- Entered data are "captured" from their respective fields;
- The forms themselves are digitized and saved as images.
In most cases forms processing is considered complete when the data from all the forms have been captured, verified and saved into a database. There are only two approaches to data collection from paper forms:
- to involve many people in manually keying in data;
- to start using automated forms processing software.
Manual data entry is boring and troublesome. It implies many problems, such as delays in data capture, a great number of operator typos, high labor costs, equipment expenditures, rental charges, etc. All of these costs are avoidable with the help of a data capture and forms processing software.
How Data Capture works
- A batch of completed forms is scanned using a high-speed scanner (Usually scanners that scan at least 10 pages per minute are used);
- Most of the data are recognized automatically;
- Characters about which the program is uncertain are passed on to a human operator;
- Verified data are saved into a database.
Forms Processing Scheme
Data Capture interprets machine-print (OCR), isolated hand print (ICR), including alpha and numeric, mark sense (OMR) and barcodes from paper forms gathered from a scanner or a fax machine.
Data Capture interprets machine-print (OCR), isolated hand print (ICR), including alpha and numeric, mark sense (OMR) and barcodes from paper forms gathered from a scanner or a fax machine.
Data Capture interprets data from paper forms many times faster and much more accurately than any professional operator, enabling you to collect data in an efficient and secure way. It is noteworthy that the entire process requires only one human operator, since all of the stages, except verification, are fully automated. Neither manual sorting nor checking for missing pages is required, since Data Capture can identify forms and select the matching template.
Data Capture is a highly scalable system that can be set up in either Standalone or Distributed configuration processing up to 1 000 000 forms per day * and satisfy any business requirements.
Finally, the extracted data looks exactly like the data you get from your current manual system, but you get it faster, and the captured content is more accurate and reliably correct, which is undoubtedly critical to your business. The department involved in data input is now well controlled, perfectly compact, and scalable to be able to process forms in bulk in any quality.
Hadoop & Big Data
Apache Hadoop™ was born out of a need to process big data. The web was generating more and more information on a daily basis, and it was becoming very difficult to index over one billion pages of content. In order to handle, Google invented a new data processing known as MapReduce. A year after Google published a white paper describing the MapReduce framework, Doug Cutting and Mike Cafarella, inspired by the white paper, created Hadoop to apply these concepts to an open-source software framework to support distribution for the Nutch search engine project. Given the original case, Hadoop was designed with a simple write-once storage infrastructure.
Hadoop has moved far beyond its beginnings in web indexing and is now used in many industries for a huge variety of tasks that all share the common theme of lots of variety, volume and velocity of data – both structured and unstructured. It is now widely used across industries, including finance, media and entertainment, government, healthcare, information services, retail, and other industries with big data requirements but the limitations of the original storage infrastructure remain.
Hadoop is increasingly becoming the go-to framework for large-scale, data-intensive deployments. Hadoop is built to process large amounts of data from terabytes to petabytes and beyond. With this much data, it's unlikely that it would fit on a single computer's hard drive, much less in memory. The beauty of Hadoop is that it is designed to efficiently process huge amounts of data by connecting many commodity computers together to work in parallel. Using the MapReduce model, Hadoop can take a query over a dataset, divide it, and run it in parallel over multiple nodes. Distributing the computation solves the problem of having data that's too large to fit onto a single machine.
Hadoop Software
The Hadoop software stack introduces entirely new economics for storing and processing data at scale. It allows organizations unparalleled flexibility in how they're able to leverage data of all shapes and sizes to uncover insights about their business. Users can now deploy the complete hardware and software stack including the OS and Hadoop software across the entire cluster and manage the full cluster through a single management interface.
Apache Hadoop includes a Distributed File System (HDFS), which breaks up input data and stores data on the compute nodes. This makes it possible for data to be processed in parallel using all of the machines in the cluster. The Apache Hadoop Distributed File System is written in Java and runs on different operating systems.
Hadoop was designed from the beginning to accommodate multiple file system implementations and there are a number available. HDFS and the S3 file system are probably the most widely used, but many others are available, including the MapR File System.
How is Hadoop Different from Past Techniques?
Hadoop can handle data in a very fluid way. Hadoop is more than just a faster, cheaper database and analytics tool. Unlike databases, Hadoop doesn't insist that you structure your data. Data may be unstructured and schemaless. Users can dump their data into the framework without needing to reformat it. By contrast, relational databases require that data be structured and schemas be defined before storing the data.
Hadoop has a simplified programming model. Hadoop's simplified programming model allows users to quickly write and test software in distributed systems. Performing computation on large volumes of data has been done before, usually in a distributed setting but writing software for distributed systems is notoriously hard. By trading away some programming flexibility, Hadoop makes it much easier to write distributed programs.
Because Hadoop accepts practically any kind of data, it stores information in far more diverse formats than what is typically found in the tidy rows and columns of a traditional database. Some good examples are machine-generated data and log data, written out in storage formats including JSON, Avro and ORC.
The majority of data preparation work in Hadoop is currently being done by writing code in scripting languages like Hive, Pig or Python.
The majority of data preparation work in Hadoop is currently being done by writing code in scripting languages like Hive, Pig or Python.
Hadoop is easy to administer. Alternative high performance computing (HPC) systems allow programs to run on large collections of computers, but they typically require rigid program configuration and generally require that data be stored on a separate storage area network (SAN) system. Schedulers on HPC clusters require careful administration and since program execution is sensitive to node failure, administration of a Hadoop cluster is much easier.
Hadoop invisibly handles job control issues such as node failure. If a node fails, Hadoop makes sure the computations are run on other nodes and that data stored on that node are recovered from other nodes.
Hadoop is agile. Relational databases are good at storing and processing data sets with predefined and rigid data models. For unstructured data, relational databases lack the agility and scalability that is needed. Apache Hadoop makes it possible to cheaply process and analyze huge amounts of both structured and unstructured data together, and to process data without defining all structure ahead of time.
Why use Apache Hadoop?
It's cost effective. Apache Hadoop controls costs by storing data more affordably per terabyte than other platforms. Instead of thousands to tens of thousands per terabyte, Hadoop delivers compute and storage for hundreds of dollars per terabyte.
It's fault-tolerant. Fault tolerance is one of the most important advantages of using Hadoop. Even if individual nodes experience high rates of failure when running jobs on a large cluster, data is replicated across a cluster so that it can be recovered easily in the face of disk, node or rack failures.
It's flexible. The flexible way that data is stored in Apache Hadoop is one of its biggest assets – enabling businesses to generate value from data that was previously considered too expensive to be stored and processed in traditional databases. With Hadoop, you can use all types of data, both structured and unstructured, to extract more meaningful business insights from more of your data.
It's scalable. Hadoop is a highly scalable storage platform, because it can store and distribute very large data sets across clusters of hundreds of inexpensive servers operating in parallel. The problem with traditional relational database management systems (RDBMS) is that they can't scale to process massive volumes of data.
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text:
As taxpayers rush to meet Monday's midnight filing deadline, the Internal Revenue Service is scrambling itself, trying to salvage a multibillion-dollar program to overhaul its computer system and eliminate paperwork.
The program may face a cutoff of funds unless the agency can give Congressional officials a plan next month that will convince them that it can complete a project that most agree has been a mess.
To date this has been a $4 billion fiasco," Representative Jim Lightfoot, an Iowa Republican who is the chairman of the House appropriations subcommittee that oversees the I.R.S., said at a hearing on March 14. "This committee is, as of today, out of the business of providing the department with billions of taxpayer dollars for what is in essence the construction of a house that lacks a blueprint."
He said he would not approve next year's $850 million appropriation to finance the project, or $100 million more for this year, unless the agency gave him an adequate blueprint next month of where the plan was going.
The General Accounting Office agrees with Mr. Lightfoot's assessment. At the hearing in March, G.A.O. officials issued a statement saying that the investment in the tax system modernization, or T.S.M., is "at serious risk" of going to waste and that the agency's ability to successfully complete it is "highly questionable" without fundamental rethinking.Continue reading the main story
Even Lawrence Summers, the deputy secretary of the Treasury, whose department oversees the I.R.S., said at the hearing, "Let me say it plainly. T.S.M. went off track."
When planning began in 1988, the modernization was expected to have been completed by 2000 at a cost of $8 billion.
But most officials agree that the I.R.S. proceeded with a poorly conceived plan and then was unable to manage the original goals, much less incorporate newer technology.
Agency officials now say they cannot determine how much longer the project will take or how much more it will cost.
Many find parallels between the I.R.S. program and the even more ambitious efforts by the Federal Aviation Administration to modernize the nation's air-traffic control system. Both have swallowed billions of dollars over the better part of a decade to little effect so far, prompting questions about the ability of Federal agencies to manage technological advancements.
G.A.O. officials said problems with the I.R.S modernization included the way in which the system would allow tax returns to be filed electronically, the software that was being developed for it and its integration of different I.R.S. computer networks.
I.R.S. officials do not deny that there are problems, but say they expect to be able to provide Mr. Lightfoot with a plan that will persuade him to continue the financing.
But they also contend that they have expanded the program's goals well beyond the original plan and that there have been noteworthy accomplishments for what they say is $2.7 billion in cost, not the $4 billion Mr. Lightfoot said has been spent.
For example, 23 million single taxpayers who filed form 1040-EZ last year, can file returns this year with a phone call of less than 10 minutes; some 3 million will have done so by Monday night. "TeleFile is a hit," said Margaret Milner Richardson, the I.R.S. Commissioner.
She also points to acclaim for the I.R.S. Web site on the Internet, which 41 million people have looked at or used since it opened in January. She said taxpayers have used it to obtain more than 29,000 forms and publications each day.
Officials also cite efforts to strengthen its management of the modernization, including hiring Arthur A. Gross, a senior New York State tax official with an impressive record of managing large projects. Mr. Gross is to start work on Monday as the official in charge of technology for the I.R.S.
Although problems with the new system have yet to become noticeable to taxpayers, officials say that unless the modernization is completed soon, the day will come when continued use of computers designed in the 1960's will result in embarrassing and costly breakdowns.
The demands on the system alone make the need for its modernization compelling. The number of income tax returns has risen 46 percent since 1979 and the number of related documents has nearly doubled, agency statistics show.
But the project also seeks a vast expansion of service so that, among other things, accounts can be retrieved and updated at the touch of a keystroke, an ability enjoyed for years by banks, credit-card companies and other businesses.
While I.R.S. employees can now call up taxpayer accounts on computer screens, they cannot immediately post changes, like agreements resulting from telephone conversations.
"We're still dealing with this in weekly batches," Michael P. Dolan, the Deputy Commissioner, said in an interview. The biggest task, he said, was to make access to the agency's data base quicker and more complete. Many I.R.S. computers cannot communicate with each other, meaning that the agency must still take magnetic tapes by plane and truck between offices.
The I.R.S.'s latest technological setback came to public notice last month when it was forced to defer a limited start of its Cyberfile program that would have allowed taxpayers to prepare and electronically file returns using personal computers, rather than those of tax-preparation companies.
This was after the G.A.O. uncovered numerous flaws, including what it said was inadequate security that it feared could have compromised confidentiality.
Frank Keith, a senior spokesman for the I.R.S., said the agency would not have approved Cyberfile for use until it was satisfactory and that criticism of it was thus "premature and unfair."
The project is complicated by the fact that it could threaten many of the agency's 125,000 unionized jobs.
Representative Lightfoot, a one-time engineer at I.B.M., said reliance on an internal management by the I.R.S., rather than greater use of outside contractors, has been the main problem with the project.
Although Mr. Dolan acknowledges that he and his colleagues "have been trying to do too much on our own shoulders," the G.A.O. and other critics do not express much optimism that more help from the principal contractors, like TRW Inc., will soon put things right. TRW has advertised for 100 people to work on its Treasury Department contracts.
The company, which has previously declined to discuss its role, did not respond to a request for comment about the modernization.
Lynda D. Willis of the G.A.O. agrees. "Even if you do it outside," she said, "you have to manage it." She said the agency still lacks the "disciplined process" needed for such a huge undertaking and that the addition of Mr. Gross, despite plaudits for directing the modernization of the New York tax system, cannot work miracles.
"One person is not going to fix this problem," Ms. Willis said.Continue reading the main story


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Enthusiasm is contagious and that's why songwriters and music lovers with a genuine passion for music can't help but take notice……………
A singer/songwriter and native of Columbus, Ohio, Dave Amadio has been in the studio working on his 3rd studio album set for release in 2010. His first studio album, The World Around You (2006), was an eclectic mix of 12 acoustic tracks that blended smooth acoustic tones with thought and emotion- provoking lyrical content centered around life's day to day occurrences. "You always remember your first album" Amadio says. "It was such an exciting time to break away and tell the stories in my music that I wanted to tell. After being a frontman in bands for years, I wanted to see if others would relate to my own personal style, and I'm glad that they did!"
Dave Amadio's sophomore effort Saving Rome (2008), refined Amadio's sound and elevated his musical vision to new levels. The single 'Holiday' set the tone for this album as positive and uplifting. "When people talk to me about Saving Rome, they always mention Holiday. there were so many people that wrote telling me that they started their morning off everyday listening to the song or watching the video because it made them smile. " The album's positive tone only grows stronger after Holiday with songs such as Left of Center (a song praising individual uniqueness), Backwards to Blue and Just Another Day (a song about taking life in stride and letting fate lead the way). The most notable song on the album lending to the title, Saving Rome, is a musical masterpiece taking the listener on a ride of emotion and beautiful musical melodies. "I wrote Saving Rome" Amadio says" in the first person after examining my own life on a trip to Rome. It only took about an hour sitting in front of a night lit colosseum to tie in the symbolism with my own life."
Dave Amadio's upcoming 2010 release will no doubt be anything less than inspiring. Amadio has pushed the limits of his own sound by offering up edgy tunes such as Alibi and Anywhere but Here all while being able to stay true to his roots with cheerful acoustic tracks such as Chances and Stay. "As I grow as a person and an artist, I am better able to express life's ups and downs in my music. Every album is a snapshot of where you are in your life at that point in time. When writing the tracks for this new album, I was in a place where I wanted to challenge my own thoughts and perceptions of life and reality. I really want my lyrics to express the things we all think and feel, but struggle to share. "