text:
"The hardware meets with approval, but is being let down by RIM's software"
'Quelle surprise', as your average cheese-eating surrender-monkey would say.
Research in Motion launched the BlackBerry PlayBook in the States last night, and with it reviewers' non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) have expired. What they are saying does not inspire confidence. The hardware meets with approval, but is being let down by RIM's software. The key case for the prosecution: no on-board email, a …
What would you expect from Blackberry? they're hardly long established player in IT are they?
They came up with a killer business idea, push email, patented it and then produced a product which was the only phone to offer that feature at that time. The patent is such that nobody else can do such efficient push email at this time, Microsoft, Apple and Google offer it but the process they use is more battery intensive.
They could have produced a phone with a 1990s style Nokia phone interface with a QWERTY keyboard and still sold millions. It had the one killer feature that business was after.
You can see why the iPad is selling, you really can't expect a competitor to beat the iPad unless it either does everything better or does more or costs significantly less.
In the case of the Playbook it does less and will lack the refinement that a established product provides (iPad is on second revision now), so you can argue it does things worse.
Perhaps the Apple haters out there will realise why the iPad sells like it does? it's not all fanboy-ism, it is because the competition make too many compromises and omissions and also can't get the flipping price right either!
I see what you're saying but I'd say the counter and still agree with you.
Apple make compromises and omissions that their core target market don't care *too much* about. By doing so they deliver price, performance and features that suit 80-90% of users.
I think it's the case that others now scrambling on the tablet bandwagon try too hard - must have an SD slot, must have HDMI out, must have blah blah... The upshot is that there's increased complexity and vague marketing.
All these extras are great and maybe essential to the vast majority of commenters on here, but it just adds confusion to the core tablet market, which certainly doesn't seem to be techies.
Actually, it looks to me like the tablet market is going to mature in exactly the same way as the PC market did - Apple providing a somewhat simpler and more restricted approach with Google (formerly read Microsoft) chasing low margin, volume and niche market positions.
The difference this time seems to be that Apple have might have learned from the great feck up that was their surrender of the desktop market and will end up with a steady 20-30% of a market (and probably 60-70% of the reasonably profitable market) rather than 5-10% as they did with desktops.
The danger of rushing to the bottom like this is that hardware manufacturers end up as busy fools with little or no margin to be earned.
I couldn't call the Xoom cheaper, and not quite better either compared to the iPad2's gfx capability (superior still) and screen. Now, the Samsung 8.9" and 10.1" Tabs are/will-be superior (with a performance hit in gfx compared to iPad2). By years-end, the iPad2 will look quite antiquated, just like the iPhone or MacBook Air does now. That's Apples biggest problem: they're high-end market without necessarily having high-end components/features. Their "high end" is in "Oooh shiny," as a status symbol (phallus waving) and UIs.
Without secure email or blackberry messenger, I'm not sure who's going to buy this. I tried to encourage our management to hold off buying iPads and wait for the PlayBook, for security reasons, but that argument's not going to hold any water now!
So Blackberry seem to be alienating their core audience (enterprise) and aiming the PlayBook at the consumer market; which frankly is a non-starter considering that they're up against luxury iPads and value Android pads.
"BlackBerry Bridge, to hook tablet to smartphone and use the latter's 3G link to grab secure email."
I thought that most operators frowned on tethering? I thought that your data allowance is for your phone and your phone alone, not for using on other devices.
I've had that much interest in it, I just know the tethering/data-allowance arguments can get quite heated.
RIM have been banging on for nearly a year now about how great the PlayBook is going to be, and how much time they've spent perfecting it.
And yet they /still/ manage to release something that's basically still in beta, and missing key features. This isn't a 'no cut and paste yet' type omission. This is email FFS. You know, the only service RIM are actually any good at. It's utterly astonishing.
Love them or hate them, you have to prefer Apple's approach of saying nothing until a device is ready to launch. All this preamble, and RIM come up with /this/?
LPF above is right. Apple must be finding all these tablet attempts hilarious.
Back before the Playbook even had a name, one thing that was very clear from how it was being talked up was that all the connectivity would come through the linked blackberry phone. Was I the only person that read this?
From that premise, none of the reviewers complaints in the article do anything but highlight how little they tested it for itself rather than as a direct comparison for the iPad.
Before I get jumped on, I am not saying that RIMs idea was good or bad, but it does fit well with the corporate policies in making it easier to lock down how much users can adjust the configuration etc etc etc.
At the outset, let me say I own neither a tablet, nor any iOS or Android devices (yet) - nor RIM device. I will be in the market for a new smartphone later this year and then it will probably be an Android (HTC Sense skinned) or the latest iPhone 5 by then. (In case you are wondering, I have a Nokia E72, which is my 1st - and will probably be my last Nokia)
Currently, I grapple with the use-cases for owning a tablet. Money being no object, I would probably have bought an iPad 2 by now. I have played with both iPads (1 and 2), the Samsung Tab and the Blackberry playbook back at MWC in Barcelona earlier this year.
Of these, my percpetion is that the iPAD is the most polished, but that the RIM had the most potential with by far the best and most flexible (but still easy to use) OS and UI (IMHO) by a long shot!
VERY SADLY .... I think RIM have been either stupid or greedy or both!
They have tried to launch this to either upsell to their existing customer base - or thought that they could force people to buy a blackberry as well.
In doing so, they have ignored thier 2 USP's.
1. As GIles Jones pointed out, they have push-email wrapped up
2. BBM. It is arguable that this is the one item that has kept RIM in the smartphone market!
This should have had proper 3G connectivity from the get-go and its own email / BBM client.
The excuse trotted out months ago was around security. I don't buy that! Having email on it is NOT a security risk or an issue for corporate policies otherwise they would not allow email on any smartphone or laptop for that matter. This is so patently obvious that I think this was more greed than stupidity.
* PS. In a sense the cirticisms are unfair as the iPad 1 was missing a lot of 'should have been' features at the launch. The difference, is as a pioneer with a new value proposition you can get away with missign features. As a late-to-market offering, you need (1) your unique value proposition, and (2) you won't be forgiven the glaring ommisions.
>2. BBM. It is arguable that this is the
>one item that has kept RIM in the
>smartphone market!
Ummm, no. It is the BES server that has done this. Having that level of security control and encryption of corporate communications and the flexibility to define your own IT and user policies is the reason RIM has survived until now.
As for not having email on the new Playbook, that is just idiotic. All the first iteration of the Playbook needed to do was do web browsing and have MS Exchange integration with BES server back-end. Just that would have guaranteed corporate backing to the tune of hundreds of millions in sales.
As it stands now, there is no way I can represent the Playbook to the executives in my company as a viable business communications tool.
TOTAL fail.
I think that my view was that BBM is what has gotten them a following outside of the corporate market which they had pretty much owned and arguably saturated and was only there for the losing ... but I won't argue with the pro's of the BES for corporates ... but the only reason you see teens with the BB is for BBM ...
Using the word Play in a product that has only ever had anything worthwhile (and even then that's debatable) to Business folk?
This is destined to fail.
Me, I'm waiting for a £350 Honeycomb Android 10.1 Wifi-only tablet with a MiniSD slot and capacitive touchscreen. Who gets this to market gets my money.
Likely, the figured "PlayBook" would relate to (American) "football" and could be used in meetings and the like to suggest productivity and such (since the "playbook" has all your tactics and "plays"). Will it work that way? Likely not. Easier to say "It's a blackberry" and get instant "OOOoooo"s by your business associates. About the same as whipping out an iPad2 in a coffee shop will do.
As for the 350(insert your currency here) Honeycomb 10.1" tablet, my money will quickly follow yours. My requirements for a tablet worth my money will be: dual core, 1GB RAM+, 16GB onboard storage (apps and whatnot), SD slot (32GB+ capable) for videos/music/docs (flash stick replacement potential basically), and capacitive touchscreen (obviously) with a decent viewing angle (where every tablet [minus iPad2 and a single Android tablet] so far fails). I'd even be willing to sacrifice 3D game performance for better battery life (retaining video decode and the like of course).
Apple gets it right by offering the right mix of features that the majority of everyday users need. Their products aren't just slapped together, an enormous amount of thought goes into absolutely every minute detail, right down to balancing the weight of the device so it sits and feels comfortable in the hand.
Where other manufacturers get it wrong, is to offer everything under the sun, regardless of whether the majority of users will ever use those features. They stick in a video out port, USB ports, SD slots, physical buttons here, there and everywhere. They add complexity, just because it's a way to differentiate or to add bullet points to a spec sheet, and the result is more weight, more things which can go wrong and more things which can break. They also produce multiple models which quickly get superseded and dead-ended by the latest version, resulting in poor support for owners of the previous models. People really don't want a bewildering array of models, as championed by the likes of Dell in the traditional computer space, each with only minor or incremental differences between them but wildly different physical designs which add no value to the product and no real benefit to the end user.
More complexity means more support costs to the manufacturer and less money for R&D, testing, fine-tuning and divining the optimum user experience. Ultimately this leads to a poor product for the end user.
To Amaross and Carol - wanting the 10in Android HC tab - your luck is probably in wth the Acer Iconias and Asus Transformer. More or less £350 quid depending on your choice of voucher code and cashback site.
As for the Playbook - I'm genuinely struggling with the marketing logic. First the kiddie friendly name, then the no-email decision. Well I guess it's a niche, albeit one with no market in it.


text:
October 24, 2007
Novell® Teaming is an enterprise collaboration tool that integrates with GroupWise®. Novell Teaming can increase individual productivity, team effectiveness, and organizational success by providing the right set of tools. Key teaming features include:
Team workspaces, calendars, task lists, and milestone tracking
Easy document management and document sharing
Discussion threads, wikis, blogs, and RSS feeds
Workflow automaton with customized forms
Global searches
System requirements and installation instructions are available in the Teaming 1.0 Installation and Configuration Guide on the Novell Teaming 1.0 Documentation Web site.
If you purchased a number of licenses in such a way that you received multiple license key files, you need to consolidate the licene information.
Use any one of the license key files when you install Novell Teaming.
After Novell Teaming is installed and running, copy all your license key files to the following directory:
/opt/icecore/liferay-portal-tomcat-5.5-jdk5-4.3.0/webapps/ ssf/WEB-INF/license
Log in to Novell Teaming as the Teaming Site Manager.
In the Teaming Administration portlet, click.
Your current license information is displayed.
Scroll to the bottom of the license information, then click.
The Teaming server reads all the license key files in the license subdirectory and displays your total license information.
Microsoft Vista has numerous problems with WebDAV access affecting all WebDAV interactions. There is also a Vista-specific issue with applets that prevents the edit-in-place feature from working properly. Monitor Microsoft support bulletins for updates on these issues. For the applets, refer to the following Sun bulletins:
At release time, the current version of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) ships with an older 1.4.x version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). This version has a bug which prevents drag-and-drop from operating properly with the Novell Teaming file upload applet, However, copy-and-paste still works. Updating the JRE to 1.5.x on the SLED client machine resolves the problem.
If you modify a task "in place," the summary page underneath does not update to reflect the change. You must refresh the page. A similar behavior can be seen in calendars.
If you change your interface language, the change is immediate in the Liferay portal, but requires logging out and logging in again before Novell Teaming responds to the change.
If you change your password through the Liferay portal or by other means, you might need to log out and log in again for WebDAV access to work properly.
The Liferay portal allows authentication by IDs other than screen name (e.g., e-mail address). Enabling this feature requires a number of prerequisites and has some side-effects that might not be desirable:
All e-mail addresses must be unique
Liferay's LDAP search filter must be changed from cn=@screen_name@ to mail=@email_address@.
Unique screen names must still be defined for each user.
WebDAV and Web Services only support authentication by username (screen name), not e-mail address.
Alternatively, it is possible to use the e-mail address as the screen name (i.e., screen name and e-mail address fields are identical). This, however, is a decision that cannot be changed and must be part of the initial population of the database from LDAP.
In Internet Explorer, if you try to download the Novell Teaming system error log using themenu item in the Teaming Administration portlet, you must have the Security setting set to or less for the download to work. Firefox works in all cases.
If your session times out while viewing a folder with a table view, the Liferay pop-up box will be obscured. We hope to fix this in a future update.
Five warnings appear in the Liferay startup log file (catalina.out). These are benign and can safely be ignored:
service.impl.PortletLocalServiceImpl - "Portal with name EXT_1..."
org.hibernate.imple.SessionFactoryObjectFactory - "Initial context...
No appenders for log4j
net.sf.ehcache.config.Configurator - "No configuration found...
When you shut down Novell Teaming, the log file contains a message about a "NullPointerException". This error is benign.
A directory tree named jackrabbit is created in the FileRepository root directory. This is the result of initialization of software components that are not yet supported in the current release.
The following sources provide information about Novell Teaming 1.0:
Installation: The following files are available after you extract the software from the .exe file and before you install the software:
installation-guide.pdf (the Novell Teaming 1.0 Installation and Configuration Guide)
Product documentation included in Novell Teaming:
To access the Novell Teaming Help system, log in to Novell Teaming, then click thelink.
To access the Novell Teaming guides from within Novell Teaming, click thelink on the Novell Teaming Home page.
Online product documentation: Novell Teaming 1.0 Documentation Web site
In this documentation, a greater-than symbol (>) is used to separate actions within a step and items in a cross-reference path.
A trademark symbol (®, ™, etc.) denotes a Novell trademark; an asterisk (*) denotes a third-party trademark
Novell, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents or use of this documentation, and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, Novell, Inc. reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes to its content, at any time, without obligation to notify any person or entity of such revisions or changes.
Further, Novell, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to any software, and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, Novell, Inc. reserves the right to make changes to any and all parts of Novell software, at any time, without any obligation to notify any person or entity of such changes.
Any products or technical information provided under this Agreement may be subject to U.S. export controls and the trade laws of other countries. You agree to comply with all export control regulations and to obtain any required licenses or classification to export, re-export, or import deliverables. You agree not to export or re-export to entities on the current U.S. export exclusion lists or to any embargoed or terrorist countries as specified in the U.S. export laws. You agree to not use deliverables for prohibited nuclear, missile, or chemical biological weaponry end uses. Please refer to the Novell International Trade Services Web page for more information on exporting Novell software. Novell assumes no responsibility for your failure to obtain any necessary export approvals.
Copyright © 2007 Novell, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, photocopied, stored on a retrieval system, or transmitted without the express written consent of the publisher.
Novell, Inc. has intellectual property rights relating to technology embodied in the product that is described in this document. In particular, and without limitation, these intellectual property rights may include one or more of the U.S. patents listed on the Novell Legal Patents Web page and one or more additional patents or pending patent applications in the U.S. and in other countries.
For Novell trademarks, see the Novell Trademark and Service Mark list.
All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
By Lisa Capobianco
Staff Writer
"Pride," "freedom," and "courage" are just several of over a dozen words inscribed on a quilt that Peter W. Longo of Southington received in honor of serving his country.
From 1951 to 1954, Longo served in the 82ndAirborne Division, so his wife, Dolores— along with John DeMello, a family friend who serves as a member of American Legion Post #72— wanted to honor the Korean War-era veteran with the "Quilt of Valor."
Both DeMello and Dolores Longo sent in a request to the Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF), a national grassroots community service effort that creates quilts for wartime veterans to show them their appreciation.
"It was absolutely breathtaking," said Dolores who met her husband when he was stationed in South Carolina. "It is just something he never expected and I never expected."
DeMello and local volunteers of the Quilts of Valor Foundation honored Longo at his home, surrounded by family and friends. For Longo, the intimate celebration served as one he would never forget, as volunteers of QOVF also honored his son, grandson and friend—all military veterans too.
"It was certainly a day to remember and to behold," said Dolores, adding that to see the look of surprise on the faces of both her son and grandson would serve as a long-lasting memory. "There was not a dry eye in the house."
"I know these people," added DeMello, who has known the Longo family for about 25 years. "They deserve it, and there are others that deserve it too."
Four local veterans received quilts with different patterns—all with their own stories. Jane Dougherty, a volunteer of QOVF, created the pattern for Peter W. Longo based on a book called, "The Giving Pattern" by Jennifer Chiaverini.
Peter L. Longo, his son who is a Vietnam War-era veteran, received a pattern called "Independence Day," a pattern designed by the Missouri Star Quilt Company, reported Dougherty.
Plainville's John Potter III, the grandson of Peter Longo Sr., who was deployed to Afghanistan, received a pattern with a "circle" theme that symbolizes events circling back to him as a young individual, explained Dougherty.
Charlie Bass, a friend of the Longo family who is a Korean War-era veteran, received a pattern called "Enigma," which Dougherty said she has made numerous times.
"One of the joys of quilting for Quilts of Valor is the opportunity to try new patterns," Dougherty said. "Each quilt has its own special story."
Both Peter W. Longo and Charlie Bass also received certificates of appreciation in honor of the 60th Anniversary of the Korean Armistice from the Department of Defense for their military service.
Bass, a Navy veteran who also served during World War II from 1943 to 1946, said receiving the Quilt of Valor made him feel appreciated for the commitment he made to his country. "It is really quite an honor," Bass said. "It symbolizes people's concern for veterans…what they do for our country."
For Peter L. Longo, being a part of the celebration with his father served as a meaningful event he will always remember.
Growing up, Peter used to watch combat shows and also looked through his father's 82ndAirborne yearbook—a family keepsake that served as an inspiration for him to also enlist in the same branch. Longo served in the 82nd Airborne Army from 1972 to 1975.
"The care that the people put into [the quilt] was really touching," said Longo, who also pulled out his own yearbook, reflecting on the different types of training he underwent.
For John Potter III, being honored with a Quilt of Valor with his grandfather and uncle served as a rewarding experience. Deployed in Afghanistan from August 2011 to December 2011, Potter served as a Convoy Commander and Supply Chief for U.S. Marine Corps.
Potter said he has looked up to his grandfather and uncle his entire life, and the quilts they received symbolize unity for him.
"I am proud to have followed in their footsteps and to have received this honor with them," Potter said. "Volunteers made these quilts as a way to give back to those who gave."
Established in 2003 by a woman named Catherine Roberts, who hoped to cover veterans touched by war, the Quilts of Valor Foundation has made and presented over 90,000 quilts, according to its website. A Quilt of Valor has a minimum size of 55 by 65 inches. After getting bound, washed, labeled and wrapped in a presentation case, the quilts are distributed in different places—from military hospitals to service units returning home from combat deployments to individual homes.
Dougherty said Feb. 1 marks National Service Day when Quilts of Valor will have sewing gatherings nationwide.
"It is one of the greatest things ever done," said Dolores Longo of the Quilt of Valor her husband received.
Veterans honored with Quilts of Valor
By Lisa Capobianco


text:
|Kari Shanard-Koenders, R.Ph.
Executive Director
4001 W. Valhalla Blvd., Suite 106
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Phone: 605-362-2737
Fax: 605-362-2738
The mission of the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy is to protect the health and welfare of South Dakota consumers by administering licensure and inspection of retail and hospital pharmacies; to ensure that all licensed pharmacy practitioners conform to South Dakota Laws and Board of Pharmacy rules; to ensure that all licensed outlets conform to South Dakota Laws and Board of Pharmacy rules; to perform initial licensure of pharmacy practitioners by examination or reciprocity and insure that all licenses are renewed properly; and, to administer the licensure and inspection of wholesale drug distributors and non-resident pharmacies delivering prescription drugs to South Dakota.
Quick Links
Board Members
Diane Dady, Mobridge, SD
Tom Nelson, Spearfish, SD
Dan Somsen, Yankton, SD
Do you know what a doctor shopper looks like? This Red Flags video from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy helps pharmacists identify warning signs of prescription drug abuse and diversion. If the video below does not play, click here to access.


text:
It would be remiss of me not to include a lyric from Ben Fold's "Adelaide" about the city we just got back from visiting for our niece's wedding. We didn't actually pass the silver balls in Rundle Mall on this trip (and it's been over a decade since I've done it!) because we were in the Barossa region north east-ish of Adelaide. Sadly, this post is silver ball free but it is enriched with the soothing power of grapes.
We went to six wineries on our day trip, but the most memorable and photographic was Seppeltsfield. Featuring an amazing range of ports that Nick partook in tasting (I stole sips) the winery also boasts 100 year old ports! We got the opportunity to smell 1910's vintage and I swear it smelt like a sexy lady. I honestly can't think of any other way to describe the rich perfumey scent! After elbowing in on the port tasting I'm beginning to think I may just be a port drinker after all.
We ventured back to the Barossa for the main attraction, our niece's wedding, held in the garden of Lyndoch Hill which contains a ridiculous amount of rose plants (reportedly over 30,000!) Many of the roses were in bloom, but the bulk of the garden wasn't and while disappointing, I'm sure it'll look absolutely incredible whenever the roses do decide to pop out.
After the garden wedding was crowned by late afternoon sun peeking through the branches and the clouds, we headed up to the hall for delicious food and wine, meeting new people and singing raucously to The Righteous Brothers as we waited for our dinner! It was a lovely day to celebrate Jacqui and Kris and I feel so blessed to have been there to witness it.


text:
The Jasper County Board of Supervisors will hear from Jasper County Engineer Russ Stutt to set a date for a public hearing regarding the secondary road department's construction program for the next five years at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
His recommended date and time is Feb. 26 at 1 p.m.
The board will also vote on a transfer order of $64,949.20 from the annex building capital project fund to a variety of other funds, which are the following:
• $9,813.73 to the Courthouse Capital Projects Fund
• $3,700 to the Koppin Building Capital Fund
• $19,825.23 to the Archives/Garage Capital Projects Fund
• $21,941.88 to the Community Center Capital Project Fund
• $9,668.36 to the Courthouse HVAC Project
They board will also vote on a transfer order of $145,719.68 from the general fund to a variety of other funds, which are the following:
• $25,800 to the GO Bonds Series 2012 A
• $24,889.46 to the GO Bonds Series 2012 B
• $25,110.54 to the GO Bonds Series 2012 C
• $69,919.68 to the Monroe-Prairie City Trail Capital Project
Staff writer Matthew Shepard may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 425, or at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
As I've noted previously, the two concepts are distinctly different...and mutually exclusive.
Clearly, there is absolutely nothing wrong if someone wants to "achieve" something as a result of their experiences in ham radio. But, as I've also said a taxpayer supported, federally administered LICENSING system that grants access to our amateur radio frequencies is not the way to do it. Moreover, what the FCC has been doing all these years by forcing "achievement" down EVERYONE'S throat with their stupid "Incentive Licencing" nonsense has since become systemically discriminatory under current US law, and is therefore quite illegal.
Indeed, the ARRL and other similar organizations have a boatload of awards one can strive for and "achieve" for those persons who need some external incentive to do so. Likewise, numerous "achievement" awards are also available for those who want yet another piece of paper to hang on their shack walls to show others how great they are. But those so-called "incentives" have absolutely no place in a licensing system.
As I've repeatedly noted, an FCC license that grants access to operation in our Service is NOT a "diploma". And the US Federal Government has absolutely NO business continually peddling it as such, particularly in this supposedly "enlightened" age of equal access for all.
Rather, our licenses should be thought of as nothing more than a "permission slip"…a "license to learn" if you will…that simply shows that the holder has proven to the appropriate government agency that they have demonstrated the necessary set of knowledges and skills that will keep themselves and others safe without also causing harmful interference to other hams or other services with the (added) privileges granted.
The bottom line here is that if people want (or need) yet another piece of paper to show they have "achieved" some level of technical or other knowledge in our Service, that can (and should) be a pursuit that is undertaken OUTSIDE of the licensing system and NOT as an integral part of it.
Or, to put it another way, if such persons continually need that kind of "ego stroking" to make themselves feel that they are somehow better than everyone else in our Service, that's certainly their business.
However, I highly resent having to PAY for their ego stroking with my tax dollars!


text:
Jump right into buying! Um.... NO! Stop, take a breath and read on...
There are some things that need to be defined and understood first. This is a critical phase of any project and often overlooked.
First we need to understand the space we are going to be doing. What does that mean?
1) It means we need to know if the space is a public portion of your home such as your family room or a private part such the master bedroom. This is important because if it is a public portion of your home it will be important for all the public spaces to have a rhythm, a flow, so ones senses are pleased when leaving one space and entering another vs. having your senses jarred because the room you just left has no connection to the room you just entered. This is particularly important in open concept floor plans. Private space will have internal rhythm but doesn't necessarily need to connect with the surrounding rooms.
2) It also means we need to know what people will be using the room, how many of them and what will they be doing there. For example, how many people will need to comfortably sit in the room on a daily basis? What about when you entertain? Are there any special needs like an elderly person or small children? What are the tasks and activities that will occur in the room (e.g. watching television, playing Wii, reading, napping…)? A critical room for this to be examined is the kitchen. How do you move though the kitchen, what are your motions while you are cooking? Define, define, define in order to create a room that is functionally perfect first. The saying 'form follows function' is absolutely true. Once you know who will be in the space and what they will be doing there – function – then the form will flow from there.
3) Measure, measure, measure then measure again. Do a drawing with detailed measurements on it. If you don't have software to help you with this, good old fashion graph paper is just fine. Draw the room once and make several copies of that drawing so you can try several space and furniture plans – or layouts - to accomplish the functional aspect you already identified.
4) Define the feeling of the space. How do you want to feel in this room? How do you want others to feel in this room? What do you want the room to portray or reveal about you? You may want a different feel in different rooms. A family room may be comfortable, warm, and cozy to spend time with your loved ones. I living room elegant and sophisticated that portrays your success. What feel and portrayal of you in the space in a very important aspect and needs to be considered every step of the way. The feel helps keep you focused. There is so much product out there, so much stimuli it can be overwhelming. You may have defined the feel of the room as warm, cozy, kid friendly but go over to your friend's house and see this sleek, leather sofa and think to your self "I love it, I want that!" Whoa nelly. If you put that sleek sofa in your warm and cozy room, is it going to be warm and cozy? Is it going to seat you and your kids comfortably to snuggle up on?
In summary – define, define, define. Define who and what, define the measurements, define the feel. Form follows function. The style will be born from in particular, the feel and what you want the space to say about you. And, after function, aren't those two things the most important elements ever?


text:
- Swinger Stories : The Dance, Fiction 3 Way, Newbies
Darlene and Chip had been married for 22 years. They had three kids, all mostly grown, and in the spring time of their Fifty's they were both trim and active and quite in love with each other, still. They were adventuresome in bed and enjoyed sex games and role playing. Sometimes they would make a date, she as a call girl, he as an out of town visitor-all through email and with different names. They would meet in a bar or an airport or a different city even and spend the next 2 or 3 days fucking like strangers. Darlene would make $1,000 or more with these little games.
Now they were sitting in the parking lot. They were going to go for the first time to a Swing/Sex club. Not to have sex with anyone other than each other-but to watch and maybe, just maybe be watched. Darlene was not especially attracted to this fantasy and had many a time made it clear to Chip over the weeks leading up to this night that, under no circumstances was she going to "do another guy". She did not have that one in her sex fantasy bag. But the idea of a dance floor with other highly sexed couples was titillating to her, and she knew that Chip really wanted to take in the sights and sounds.
Since Darlene was nervous and simply said, "To take the edge off".
"Thanks. Don't mind if I do", Darlene snickered and took the shot glass to her lips.
"Let's go", he said, opening the car door and coming around for her, opening her door.
Darlene was dressed for the theme of the night. "LBDNP". Little Black Dress, No Panties. She had taken care to get a very very close waxing three days earlier and as she slid out of the car she deliberately let her treasure be glimpsed by a couple just walking by on their way to the club. "You're a bad girl", Chip said. "You hope so"...she replied with a sultrily smirk.
In the club they settled in a small booth and just took in the scene. After a few minutes sipping their wine and watching the couples mix and mingle on the dance floor, an attractive woman in her mid forties approached the table. "Darlene and Chip?"
Joyce was their guide for the club and proceeded to take them on their required tour. You've seen the bar and dance area, so let's peek into the pool room and the club room. As they walked through the club, looking at the various nooks and spaces for couples and groups to meet, greet, and fondle, Chip took great pleasure in walking behind Darlene. His attention was split between the hot little dress that just covered her perfect ass and watching the other men and some women who stopped to glance at his wife. He was hard already.
Darlene knew she was being appreciated. She could feel a simmering sexual tension in every room they stopped in. Although she was surprised that as they moved from room to room and into the showers and Jacuzzi room, she was not confronted with naked fat asses or bald men having sex in some position that she would just as soon as not see. Instead there were lots of couples cuddling or stroking or kissing. Giggles and laughter preceded them through out the club.
And then Joyce took them to the PLAY Room. This was where Darlene's imagination of a Swing Club was validated. There were only 4 couples in the room and they were mostly in states of dress still, but there was SEX happening. Slow, wet kisses and sucking. One woman was fully dressed but had mounted herself on the lap of a man who was reclined on a mat. As she was slowing lifting herself up and down on his cock, he was caressing the breasts of the women next to them. The women lay close enough to the fucking couple to be touched, but had enough space for a man to straddle her chest while she suck on his cock.
"In this room, especially, but like any place in the club, "NO MEANS NO", Joyce announced.
At that Joyce turned to Darlene and Chip and smiled. "Enjoy yourself", and was off.
Darlene was a little at a loss. The music was playing from some distance away, the sounds of people having their quiet slow sex filtered into here senses, the lighting was low, like the front of her dress and then she realized, "Oh shit, the shot was kicking in". She was able to just stare at a woman's mouth wrapped around a hard cock and not think...just watch. She did not know how long they had been standing but all of a sudden Chip whispered in her ear.
"I'm really hard and I would love to fuck you right now".
"Mmmmmm" was all Darlene felt like saying.
Chip leads her to a low bed in a corner of the room, two beds away from the other couples. He helped her down to a sitting position on the edge of the bed and then knelt down in front of her. In moments her breasts were out of her dress and her nipples were in Chips mouth. He ran his hands up and down her back, kneading her muscles tenderly, squeezing her ass cheeks and now and then his hand would come around and cup one or the other breast and squeeze gently while a hot tongue would flick and lick the nipple until it was as hard as he was.
Darlene pulled Chip down and around onto the bed and in a swift and knowing way had is hard cock out and in her mouth in just a few movements. She was on the soft padded carpeted floor, on her knees, sucking his cock slow and hard. She swallowed the meat into her mouth and slowly pulled up with her lips tightly locked around his shaft. Her little black dress was over her hips. Her ass was presented to the other couples and her naked pick pussy was smiling at them all.
Soon Darlene shifted to a position that allowed her to view the room better. Turning around so as to face Chips cock, she slowly positioned herself so that she was kneeling/sitting over Chips face. In this position she could raise and lower her moistening cunt thus getting just the right amount of lips and tongue. She place her dress down so that Chips head was tented in material and he had nothing to focus on but the rise and fall of her lips to his and the sounds of the people around him.
Darlene was lost in the pleasures of this space. The wine was doing its job, keeping her from thinking, quieting her talk. She rocked for what could have been 5 minutes, ten minutes, one minute...who knows. Eyes closed, Eyes opened. Rocking her pussy on Chips mouth, her wetness filling her and making her pussy feel like marshmallow. When she next opened her eyes, she fixed on a woman who was matching Darlene's movement inch for inch, but rather riding a face, this woman was riding a cock. Darlene and the other woman locked onto each other's dreamy and half closed eyes and rocked. Rock and Lift, Rock and lift, Rock and lift, settle down and grind slowly. Rock and lift...in unison. Darlene felt flushed and incredibly turned on and need Chips cock in her NOW!
But before she could move the other woman slid off her cock and slowly approached Darlene with a warm dreamy smile.
She was in her early fifties and look to Darlene like the actress Meg Tilly. Dark hair and round and womanly. She had on most of her little black dress, but her breasts were out. As she knelt down at the side of the bed, she said with a coy smile, "You seem to be having such fun, but I can't help but notice this poor boy with no one to play with".
At that point Darlene became aware of what had been in front of her all along, Chips thick hard throbbing cock. Darlene slowly and temporarily came up from her pussy daze and got excited with the picture and anticipation of Chip, tented in her dress, totally lost in her pussy and all of a sudden his cock being worked...and obviously not by Darlene.
"We are playing just with each other tonight", Darlene murmured dreamily, "So no fucking". And then she smiled at the dark haired woman in front of her.
Darlene watch as the woman slowly brought her mouth down to Chips cock. Watching this made Darlene's pussy gush with juice in time with the woman sliding her lips down Chips dick in time with Chip being bombarded with a mouth unlike he had ever felt in time with Darlene grinding her wet pussy down on his mouth and his throat feeling the hot cunt juice just flowing down him. Chip moaned a steady stream of just plan animal noises for minutes. Darlene had not heard him like that and feeling his mouth while she watch another woman's mouth work Chip's engorged penis rocked and aroused her.
As the woman worked Chips cock faster and faster, Darlene pressed down harder and harder on Chips face, and felt the fucking that his tongue was giving her marshmallow pussy.
Darlene lost all track of time and positions. More couples entered the room and many more just stood at the doorway and watched everyone, at times hugging and kissing their partner as they watch the goings on.
The need and desire for a fucking reached its climax and Darlene slid forward onto Chips wet red cock, raised herself up and planted his meat squarely inside her. She screamed "yes" as she landed down on hard on his hips again and again. She was lost in the fucking and screams of women around her and she felt her groin growing tight and full and hot. Then she became aware of her tits and the soft wet mouth sucking and licking her as she bounced up and down on her cock. Chips blow job Angle was massaging Darlene's breasts and kissing and licking her neck.
At first and for just a moment, Darlene started to come out of her marshmallow trance. but she caught herself and made a conscious decision to allow this experiment. After all, she was still keeping to her goal and desire; she was not having sex with another man.
Slowly the other woman started to push Darlene back, just as Chip reached up to support her on her way down. Darlene was laying on top of Chip now, her back on his chest, her little black dress still on around her waste. Her legs straddled to the outside of Chip's, she lay there open and exposed to the gazing people. She became aware that the room had 15 or more couples in various positions and combinations of penetrations. The room was full of moans and squeaks and screams and then there was a deep guttural screaming that filled the room. It took Darlene a second to come back from her explosion to realize she was the one screaming. As she laid on Chip he pumped his cock fast and deep up into her while their playmate covered Darlene's pussy and Chips cock with her mouth. Darlene could only feel cock penetrating her and tongue licking and lips sucking lips and cock pounding up and in and then their playmate zeroed in on Darlene's clit and began to suck just as Chip groaned out "Oh my god I'm coming".
Darlene's head exploded. She felt the hot cum filling her up as her clit was masterfully suckled. As fast as Chips cum pulsed out, the soft wet mouth that surrounded Darlene's exploding pussy suck and lick and suckled. Darlene came and screamed for 2 minutes.
Chip and Darlene found each other back in the bar after both taking showers and rinsing off.
"Where's your friend?" Chip asked teasingly. Thought you might be in the shower a lot longer.
"Mmmmmmm" "She isn't my friend", Darlene stated stiffly. "She was doing you first and I think YOU are the reason she came over in the first place".
"Well I know I didn't invite her take my cock in her mouth, that would have been on YOUR watch", Chip chuckled while handing Darlene a glass of wine.
They had been there only an hour and half had they had experience such explosive orgasms that they both wondered if it just wasn't time to say "Wow....got what we came for, lets' go back to the hotel and fall into each other's sex!"
But it wasn't even 10 o'clock and while they were clearly the entertainment for most of the couples around them, they felt like it should be someone else's' turn for awhile. Chip would ask Darlene to dance every slow dance so he could let her feel that he as hard...again. They would sip their wines and chat with couples who would either chat for chatting sake or chat to use it as a chance to say how much they loved watching Darlene orgasm or chat to see if it might lead to something more.
"We are REALLY just playing with each other tonight" Darlene would say when the random invitation came to join a couple or two in the "group" room. "But Thanks-maybe some other time".
"Some other time" Chip quipped.
"Shut up and take me on the dance floor" Darlene lightly snapped.
After 10 o'clock, the dress code goes away. The dance floor was now occupied by women and men clothed, unclothed, wrapped in towels, and a few in costumes.
By Eleven o'clock the dance floor was half as crowed and the play rooms were twice as crowded as when Chip and Darlene had their moment of "wild abandonment".
As they slowly dance and ground their pelvises into each other, Darlene felt the wine start to take her to a dream place. The music pulsed as she sway in Chips arms and looked up now and then opening her mouth for him to enter her with his hot full tongue.
After such a simmering and tingling encounter she was startled to hear her name spoken by a voice behind her. "Darlene?"
She turned her body slightly to look over her shoulder and found her self looking into the eyes of her truly only zippless fuck of her life, Tio.
"Tio! Oh my god," she sputtered pulling away slightly from chips embrace but still clutching to his hand. "What are you doing ..." She stopped herself from asking the obvious.
"This is my wife, Lei; you may remember her from when we met in Las Vegas at the Sales conference".
Tio, put his arms around a petite oriental woman who smiled and shake Darlene's and Chips hands. "Yes, I remember you" Lei said with a wide and genuine smile.
Tio and his wife were wrapped in towels. They had just spent time in the Jacuzzi and had come out for a drink and a dance.
Chip knew about Tio. He thought it was Darlene's sexiest stories and would make her tell him every year or so the details of how they met in New Your City at a conference on the first day. By the Second night they were fucking their brains out thinking that the next day they would be on separate planes. By the Third night she was in San Francisco seeing the sights and sounds by day and sucking Tio's cock by night.
And then it was over.
The three of them (Tio, Lei and Darlene) had bumped into each other at another conference years later, but Darlene had just met Chip and Tio was in love with Lei so the encounter was professional and void of reminiscing.
"May I have this dance?" Tio asked Darlene.
Darlene may just as well have been shock by an electric current. She jumped a little and began to stammer an excuse when Chip said, " I think that is a great idea. You guys have some catching up to do. Lei, can I get you that drink you were looking for?"
At that Chip patted Darlene's little ass in her little black dress and proceeded to take Lei to a both and get her a drink".
Tio took Darlene in his arms and pulled her in close....as if 23 years had been last month. She felt awkward and silly and she found herself talking in her head a mile a minute. "What? What did you say?" Darlene asked, startled out of her thoughts.
"You look incredible. You look delicious. Just like the last time we were together, in my shower, in San Francisco. Remember?"
Darlene had to decide if she was going to pull back now or go where this night would take her. She was scared and excited and looking for Chip and she was wet.
Chip was talking to Lei and looked up at her from across the room. He gave her a subtle but long look and smiled ever so slightly. He then slowly turned his had that was casually dr*ped behind the chair and gave her a thumbs up and blew her a little kiss.
"JERK!" She thought. That was not what she wanted as input at this crucial time.
They were dancing to a romantic ballad by Sting. This song was one of many that Darlene had under her play list "BED" on her Ipod.
"Can I kiss you?"
Darlene took a very long time to answer. They danced slowly together to the earth tones of Sting. He ran his left hand slowly up and down her back and took his right hand and softly massaged the back of her neck, under her long hair. "He remembered my spots", she dreamily mused.
After the end of one song and half way through the next Darlene looked up and said, "Yes. I would like you to kiss me". Only it wasn't said like an acknowledgement of his question. This was more of an edict. The acoustic version of Layla started to play with Eric Clapton's seducing message and Darlene was listening to Eric.
The decision had been made.
They took their time moving from the dance floor, kissing and gently rubbing their bodies against each other. Him getting hard under his towel, her feeling the dreamy whirl of the wine and her wet treasure beginning to pulse. As they moved towards a corner of the room Darlene gently pressed Tio against the wall. They were between an outcropping of wall and a tall potted plant. They were in view of people, but not the center of attention. Darlene lowered to her knees, gently hiking up her dress above her hips, undid Tio's towel and was looking at his gorgeous brown, uncut, and quite throbbing cock.
Tio was Italian. Not like second or fifth or 12th generation Italian. He was Italian, accent and all. His olive skin was still smooth and his runner's body had not changed much in all these years. His black hair and mustache were white, but his eyes and body were immediately familiar. And his cock was just as thick and caramel brown as she had remembered. And just as sweet.
After sucking slowly and more and more forcefully there in the room, Darlene could feel the wetness in her pussy. She could feel her lips thickening and she was determined to suck off Tio right there and then so that she would not have to confront her next thought.
She could feel him gathering up his excitement. As she cupped her hands around his ass she could feel his cheeks flexing and pumping with the rhythm of her mouth and hand strokes. She could taste his pre-cum, sweet and soft and exciting to her clit.
Layla, you've got me on my knees.
Layla, I'm begging, darling please.
Layla, darling won't you ease my worried mind.
She heard him groan now with head stroke. She sucked on his balls while twisting her hand on his wet thick cock and he groaned even louder. She knew he would be hers in minutes.
He reached down and stopped her and pulled her up.
"Oh no, Please don't do this" Darlene said to her self.
"I want you. I want to fuck you again." This time Darlene did not immediately say, " We are only playing with each other". Instead she took a deep breath and quivered every so slightly. Her pussy was thick and wet and this was just from sucking him. She wanted to put his cock deep insider her as well, but she didn't like the possibilities that could follow.
She glanced around the room now, "where was Chip?" she thought to herself.
Then she saw him. He had moved to another part of the room about 50 feet away, where he could see the entire show that she put on. He was by himself, no Lei. Darlene looked at him and his only response was to smile and nod.
She turned to Tio and said, "Condoms!"
There was no foreplay needed. Their bodies were ready for each other. They went into the same room Darlene and Chip had fucked in earlier and taking one of the low beds, Darlene threw herself on her back, raised up her hips and her legs and he plunged his sheathed cock all the way in and deep. Darlene was so wet that there was no startle or discomfort, the entrance of his first thrust was smooth and wet and explosive to her groin as if it were his 100dreth thrust. She groaned out loud, repeating "My God, My God". He braced himself over her and rode her hips, pulling her up and down off the bed with each inward thrust. He kissed her breasts and pinched her nipples first with one hand and then with another. She looked up and saw Tio's sweating torso, his eyes staring into hers and then his eyes closing as he would slow grind against her clit.
Tio pulled out of Darlene and she rolled over onto her knees. As he entered her he reached around and found the hood of her clit. Softly rolling the skin of her outer lips over her clit he began to slowly message her mound as he enter and exited her thick and pulsing pussy.
It was then that Darlene became more aware of the bodies around her and she realized that next to them was Chip. Darlene had no idea how long he had been there. Had he followed them in from the beginning?
Chip was naked, as was Darlene, as was Tio. Chip was laying a foot away or so and propping himself up with one arm while his other hand stroked his own cock. Darlene immediately reached over and as Tio pushed is cock into her wet fuck hole, she would stroke Chip's cock to the same rhythm.
Tio mixed Darlene's fucking masterfully with slow grinding peppered with quick thrusts. This seemed to go on for hours as Darlene shut her eyes and felt the sex all around her.
Then Tio found his rhythm that Darlene knew would take them both to orgasm. Slow by not to slow, A little deeper each time. Not too fast. Hand on her mound, pressing and messaging her clit.
Darlene knew she would cum and she wanted it to be with a cock at each end. She pulled Chip around so that his cock was squarely in front of her and she began to suck. She lost herself in the cocks that were taking her. In her mouth, Chip felt soft and rock hard at the same time. Tio was filling her with his cock and she knew from his groans and thrusting that he would explode soon. She could feel her own pussy begin that pre-cum, almost cramping, she tighten down on Tio's cock, She tightened down and suck Chips cock-devouring it with abandon and animal passion and Chip exploded in her mouth and down her throat and she slid his cock deeper into her mouth, feeling the hot cum run into her. And she started screaming as Chip's hips raised and quivered with each gushing of his cum.
Darlene had never screamed like this. She was out of control, she could not pull back now anymore than if she had jumped off a cliff. She was just going.
With her mouth full of cumming cock she screamed and screamed as her orgasm shot up her back to her head and then back down to her toes. Her convulsing pussy sent Tio into a blasting organism and she felt the hot cum, even in the condom, fill her swollen pussy. This sent another wave of orgasms through her body. She felt like a she was a giant wire with electricity charging through her body. Chips orgasms were filling her up and sending her orgasms into Tio who filled her body with his cream, sending her orgasms up into Chips still undulating cock, which she suck down-sending her into another wave of orgasms.
They came that way, back and forth for minutes before falling exhausted onto the bed.
Darlene heard Bruce Springsteen playing in background and realized it had been in her basic awareness during her climax. "I'm on Fire".
At night I wake up with the sheets soaking wet and a freight train running through the middle of my head Only you can cool my desire I'm on fire Darlene thought dizzily and dreamy, "Mmmmm, I like to fuck to this song."


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A few days ago I finished my morning blog post for Olive Tree Genealogy blog and sat back, feeling at loose ends. Okay I admit, even though I hate the word, I was bored.
"What next" I thought. Work didn't appeal to me. My almost daily trips to Ancestry.com had pretty much exhausted those databases for my personal genealogy research for the time being. Yes, I still had mom's English ancestry to explore but I wasn't in the mood for census records. Ever felt that way? It's kind of like wanting an ice cream cone so you turn your nose up at a donut.
With a bit of a ho-hum attitude, I began googling some of my English ancestor names. I've done that before and there's not usually anything terribly exciting. But this time I found an archived Geocities website that contained "Draft Wills and Indentures, Kent". One of the many pages was called "Draft Abstract of title of Mr. john Sandwell Stead & Others to 1,2,3 & 4 William's Cottages near Ramsgate"
John Sandwell Stead of Ramsgate Kent England was my great-great-great grandfather! The 3-page draft abstract contained details on John's wife's family. Her name was Emma Sutton and I knew very little about her except that her parents were William and Ann, she was born in 1812 in Ramsgate and according to her death certificate, a sister Charlotte was with her when she died.
By the time I finished reading the papers and analyzing the information contained, I knew much more - that she had brothers William Sutton (a blacksmith) born ca 1816 married to Fanny; Robert Sutton born ca 1819 married to Charlotte Elizabeth and Samuel Cowley Sutton born ca 1820 married twice, the second time to Elizabeth Petts. Emma also had two sisters - Phoebe married to a Mr. Little and Mary Ann married to a Mr. Crunden or Crumden.
Exact dates and locations of marriages of Emma's siblings was given. So were locations. This draft document was quite a find! Naturally I rushed back to Ancestry.com to start searching the census and other English genealogy records.
Four hours later I took a break. In my few hours of research I found quite a bit on Emma's siblings in the 1851 and 1861 census records. I didn't get to 1871 or later yet but I will. I was able to verify that Emma didn't have a sister Charlotte (the one mentioned as being with her at the time of her death in 1875) but she did have a sister-in-law Charlotte. That is likely who was with Emma and that's an interesting cautionary note - to be careful assuming modern-day meanings for relationships.
I knew from my 17th century Dutch research that often the term "Brother" could mean brother-in-law and "Sister" could mean sister-in-law, but I hadn't thought to apply that to my English ancestry.
Other interesting (and possibly important) finds were that two of Emma's brothers were blacksmiths. Often such occupations in England were passed from father to son and that meant there was a very good chance that Emma's father William was also a blacksmith. No guarantees of course but a viable working theory.
I also found many church records for Emma's sister Phoebe who left Kent and settled in Yorkhire. Thanks to her move, I was able to find her marriage entry in a parish church (the actual image) and learn that father William Sutton was a blacksmith.
Aha! That helped confirm that a couple named William and Ann Sutton I'd previously found living in 1851 in Ramsgate were almost certainly my 4th great-grandparents. William was recorded as a blacksmith (and a pauper) but I had no proof that my Emma's father was a blacksmith. This find added more weight to my assigning this couple as my 4th great-grandparents.
I actually learned many details that day - such as realizing that the name of one of John Stead and Emma Sutton's daughters (Phoebe Little Stead) almost certainly was in honour of Emma's sister Phoebe (Sutton) Little. Little things perhaps but all helping to build a more complete family history.
Summing up I know now that my Sutton ancestry is:
Gen1: William Sutton born ca 1775 in Barking Essex married Ann (surname uknown) born ca 1777 in Tilmanstone, Kent
Gen 2: Emma Sutton born 1812 Ramsgate Kent died 1875 Ramsgate Kent married 1831 Ramsgate John Sandwell Stead
Today if I have time I am going to hunt for William Sutton and his wife Ann. I'm also going to find out about the four cottages that my ancestor John Sandwell Stead had title to. Also on my list is to find out about Barking Essex and Tilmanstone Kent. All these details add to my family history and I'm excited to get started.
June 30, 2011
A Cool Genealogy Thing Happened When I was Bored
5 comments:
- Rosemary said...
I'm doing a happy dance for you. It's amazing what little things can keep us going; just the faintest clue and we're off and running.
- PalmsRV said...
I can only hope to be so productive when bored! Congratulations for such good finds.
- Carol said...
Great work, enjoyed reading, I can hear that pure researcher's delight.
- Hummer said...
That is wonderful! I have felt the same way at times about the census records.
- Nancy said...
What great finds for a morning that began with boredom. I can only hope to be so successful! Congratulations!
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MegaCon has landed another "Walking Dead" star: Michael Rooker will attend the event April 10-12 at the Orange County Convention Center.
MegaCon already has announced that Norman Reedus is coming to town. So are show alumni Jon Bernthal and Sarah Wayne Callies. The AMC zombie drama delivers a new episode at 9 p.m. Sunday.
At Megacon, TV fans will see David Ramsey of "Arrow," Karen Gillan of "Doctor Who" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," Ron Perlman of "Sons of Anarchy" and Summer Glau of "Arrow," "Firefly" and "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles."
The guest lineup also includes...


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Ohio State Agency Databases
This is an annotated list of databases produced by Ohio State Agencies listed by producing agency. To add a database to this list or to fix a broken link, either do it yourself as this is a wiki, editable by anybody or send an e-mail to Audrey Hall, ahall at library dot ohio dot gov, the documents specialist for this page.
This page was reviewed on March 18, 2013.
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Ohio Business Gateway
Electronic Filing Services OBG's Electronic Filing Services offer Ohio's businesses a time-and money-saving online filing and payment system that helps simplify business' relationship with government agencies.
Ohio businesses can use OBG to submit selected filings, registrations, and payments with the state's Department of Taxation, Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Budget and Management, and Department of Commerce. OBG also partners with local governments to enable businesses to file and pay selected Ohio municipal income taxes. OBG complements a business' existing relationship with government agencies by offering a single web site for electronic filing. OBG sends data and payment information directly to program administrators at the agencies so that they may continue to manage the overall account relationship with the businesses.
Commerce -- Division of Unclaimed Funds
Unclaimed Funds Search for money owed to you.
Commerce -- Division of State Fire Marshal
Fire Department Directory Look up fire departments by name, city, county or zip code.
Rehabilitation and Correction
- Offender Search - Inmate locater searchable by a number of criteria, including name, whether incarcerated or on parole, parole hearing date or state identification number.
Court of Claims
Case Inquiry Search for civil case information, victims appeals information or victims information prior to 2000.
Development Services Agency -- Office of TourismOhio
Travel Planner Locate destinations in the categories of Arts & Culture, Family Fun, Heritage Ohio, Lodging, Restaurants, Shopping and Sports & Recreation.
Development Services Agency -- Office of Research
Ohio County Profiles Click on a county for demographic information.
Population Projections Scroll down to the map. Population projections in five year increments from 2015 to 2040 for individual counties (total population, male and female) are available by clicking on the map or using the drop down box.
Ohio Achievement Tests for grades 3-8 Practice for the test, understand what is expected of students, and learn how the tests are scored.
Ohio Achievement Tests Assessment Results Ohio Achievement Test assessment results for grades 3 through 8 reflect those students who were actually tested. These results do not include all students who did not take the test. ODE does not endorse the use of this information. It is not verified by districts and schools.
Districts and schools are under a rigorous timeline to analyze and verify achievement, proficiency and Ohio Graduation Test data. Districts have 30 days to review results and request score appeals and verifications. Test contractors have 30 days to respond to appeals. Verified and complete data are reported in the report cards.
To view highlights of Public School test results, select the Highlights PDF that corresponds to the date and grade you are seeking. To access the searchable Web site for Public Districts or Community Schools, select the appropriate title below.
iLRC (interactive Local Report Card Locate information about your school building or district such as proficiency test results, graduation rates, financial data, and demographics.
Ohio Educational Directory System Links to the Ohio Educational Directory System (OEDS-R), ODE Interactive for downloading school district and building mailing lists and OEDS Reports.
Ohio Graduation Tests Assessment Results Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT) assessment results reflect those students who were actually tested. These results do not include all students who did not take the test. ODE does not endorse the use of this information. It is not verified by districts and schools.
Districts and schools are under a rigorous timeline to analyze and verify achievement, proficiency and Ohio Graduation Tests data. Districts have 30 days to review results and request score appeals and verifications. Test contractors have 30 days to respond to appeals. Verified and complete data are reported in the report cards.
Click on the appropriate PDF below for result highlights or district, community school or nonpublic results. Results are labeled by the month and year of the test administration.
Ohio's Instructional Management System Ohio's Web-based source for model lesson and unit plans, assessments, research and resources, standards-based education information and programmatic improvement recommendations to help teachers creatively teach Ohio's Academic Content Standards to improve student achievement in Ohio
Educator Profile The new Educator Profile tool allows teachers and administrators to easily track licensure data from the beginning to the end of the process. You will be able to find the most commonly requested information, including credential history, application status and assignment data, in one streamlined location.
You must register for a SAFE account in order to use this database. And you will need either an Ohio driver license number or Ohio state identification number in order to register.
General Assembly
Legislation Search for bills and acts from the 122nd General Assembly (1997-1998) forward, Journals from 125th GA (2003) for the House forward and from 126th GA (2005) for the Senate forward. Browse for leislators and search for lobbyists.
Health Information Warehouse Create tables of health information by county from 1990 forward.
Historical Society
Beyond the Call of Duty : Ohio's Congressional Medal of Honor recipients Commemorating Ohio's heroes, who for their undaunted courage in the service of the United States of America received the nation's highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor. View by name, conflict, place of origin or branch of service.
Boys and Girls Industrial Schools The Ohio Historical Society hosts this online index of inmates' case records from the Boys Industrial School in Lancaster and the Girls Industrial School in Deleware to improve access to this resource for genealogical and family history research. Currently, this database indexes the admission records from 1858 to 1915. OHS intends to continue the indexing project to cover the period to 1920.
Directory of Historical Organizations in Ohio The Ohio Historical Society in partnership with the Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums has compiled and updated a Directory of Historical Organizations in Ohio since 1987. It's last published form was in 2003. The online version is intended to make the directory more accessible and easier for people to locate historical societies, historical museums, historic sites, historic preservation organizations, genealogical societies, historical libraries and statewide/regional history-related associations in any part of the state.
Ohio Death Certificate Index 1913-1944 You can now purchase photocopies of Ohio death certificates online. Use the Index to find and select your certificates, save them to your list and click on purchase to checkout through the . Copies cost $7 per certificate (Ohio residents pay 6.75% sales tax). You can now request copies of death certificates for the years 1909-1912 and 1945-1953 by completing an online request form and checking out through the Ohio History Store.
Ohio Historical Society's Online Collection Catalog Search the records of more than 230,000 items in the Society's library, newspaper, manuscript, audiovisual, state archives, history, natural history, and archaeology collections.
Ohio History Central Ohio History Central is an evolving, dynamic online encyclopedia that includes information about Ohio's natural history, prehistory and history. Each section contains written information, maps, timelines, and images. Many of these pages link with one another to form a complete and informative perspective.
Ohio Memory: An Online Scrapbook of Ohio History Discover 26,000 primary sources from 330 archives, historical societies, libraries and museums that document Ohio's past from prehistory through the present.
Ohio Pix: Selections from the Ohio Historical Society's Collection You can now purchase Ohio Historical Society images and permissions though OhioPix. Select your images, save them to your list and click on purchase to checkout through the Ohio History Store.
Remarkable Ohio: Ohio's Historical Markers Search historic markers by marker title, marker text, marker number, category or keyword, zip code, county, city, address - you can even search by marker sponsor. The Ohio Historical Markers identify, commemorate and honor the important people, places and events that have contributed to the state's rich history. The Ohio Historical Markers Program, administered by the Ohio Historical Society, is a vital educational tool, informing residents and visitors about significant aspects of Ohio's past.
War of 1812 Roster of Ohio Soldiers Search the full text of the roster from the Adjutant General records. Ohio furnished 1,759 Officers and 24,521 enlisted men for this war.
House of Representatives
Member Quick Search Use the form at the right to search for a House member by name, district or zip code.
Agent/Agency Locator Search for an insurance agent or agency.
Insurance Company Annual Financial Data Inquiry Company financial information includes Ohio premiums, total premiums, total assets, total liabilities and capital & surplus.
Jobs Ohio
Sites & Buildings Tool This powerful site selection tool is designed to help the active capital investor find the Ohio location that best suits your project needs. Search properties, companies and demographics for all regions of Ohio.
Job and Family Services
Ohio's One-Stop Locations Ohio has a statewide system of "One-Stop" locations in each county where staff are available to assist you in your employment and training needs. A One-Stop location consists of staff that are available to assist you in resume development, interviewing skills, training, access to computers, telephones, faxes, etc. If you are a Veteran, there may be additional services available to you. Click on the Ohio One-Stop Locations icon for a map showing you the locations and information regarding Ohio's One-Stop delivery system.
Labor Force Estimates Ohio labor force estimates are released monthly on Fridays. County and major city data are released the following Tuesday. Estimates going back to 1970 are by place of residence. They include employment and unemployment figures as well as unemployment rates.
Leading Indicators Ohio Leading Indicators are designed to predict change in employment not output. Thirteen months of current data are published for the composite index and its components. Data tables for Ohio and Metropolitan Statistical Areas contain monthly information beginning January 1990.
Employment and Wages by Industry Query This tool provides the number of establishments, number of employees, total wages paid and average annual wage for privately owned businesses for the years 2000 to present and is taken from Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages Summary (QCEW) data. Search by state or metro area, workforce area or county.
Ohio Here to Help Multiple links for assistance with Money, Food, Housing, Healthcare, Education & Training, Child Care, Child Support, Transportation, Veterans Services.
Ohio Means Jobs Post your resume, search for job openings online.
Legislative Service Commission
Ohio Boards and Commissions Basic information about Ohio Boards and Commissions include type of board, appointed by whom, length of term and compensation. Does not include contact information or names of members.
Natural Resources
Recreational areas by county Click on a county within a map of Ohio or use the drop down menus for recreational areas such as state parks, wildlife areas and boating and fishing facilities.
On-line Reservations Page Make a reservation 24 hours a day. Select the state park type campsites, getaway rentals, cottages or group camp. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance for camp sites and getaway rentals and up to 1 year for cottages. Only credit card payments are accepted through this site.
Natural Resources -- Division of Geological Survey
Interactive Maps 1. Abandoned underground mines with address locator 2. Map of Ohio earhquake epicenters 3. Mineral industries map of Ohio 4. Oil and gas map of Ohio with address locator 5. Lake Erie geology and shore erosion map of Ohio with address locator 6. Surface geology of the Ohio portions of the Cincinnati and Falmouth 30 x 60 minute quadrangles 7. Midwest Regional CO2 Sequestration Partnership (MRCSP)
Natural Resources -- Division of Natural Areas and Preserves
Locate a nature preserve Descriptions of and directions to the nature preserves that are open to the public. Includes a category for handicapped accessible sites.
Rare Plant Species by County Plants for each county are coded for threatened or endangered status.
Natural Resources -- Division of Soil and Water Resources
County Soil Surveys and Supplements Click the desired county on the map for a soil survey, interim soil survey or soil survey supplement. It is recommended to use only the text included in the soil surveys. Official up-to-date tables and soil maps should be viewed or downloaded at the Soil Data Mart or via the Web Soil Survey. At the Soil Data Mart select the "generate reports" button to then select the desired tables.
Ground Water Resources Maps for Ohio These maps are intended to aid in the development of reliable ground water supplies. Click on a county to view, download or order a county ground water resources map.
Ohio watershed action plan locator To view the endorsement status or an Ohio Watershed Program Action Plan, simply click on a watershed. The tool bar located across the top of the screen can be used to search for an address, draw and print maps.
Natural Resources -- Division of Water
Water Well Log Report Search for water wells by address, county, township, road or well log number.
Map of lowhead dam locations with data links Click on a county for a larger county map and summary data table of individual dams.
Natural Resources -- Division of Watercraft
Find a Boating Skills Course Classroom courses on paddling, sailing and navigation that fulfill Ohio's Boater Education Law.
Ohio Online Boating Safety Course and Exam The official boating safety course of the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources. This safe boating course lets you get your Ohio boater education card online so that you can comply with the Ohio boater education law. The course is user friendly and self-directed. Take the Ohio boating safety certification exam. Pay $29.50 - one time only after you pass.
State Scenic Rivers Ohio has 12 river systems included as components of the State Scenic Rivers Program totaling 21 individual stream segments. Click on the interactive map for information and location.
Natural Resources -- Division of Wildlife
License and Permit Finder Purchase hunting, fishing or trapping licenses online.
Public Fishing Areas View lake, reservoir and river maps.
Wildlife Area Maps Online maps of hunting and outdoor recreation areas.
Wildlife Events Calendar Statewide master calendar of wildlife events. Click on an item for complete information of the event.
Ohio Expo Center
Year Round Events Event calendar that includes event date, location, time, price and links to web pages. Also search by keyword.
Ohio Judicial Conference
Directory Directory with information for all Ohio judges. Find contact information for judges by name, county and court.
Ohio Power Siting Board
Interactive Map Ohio Wind Resources Map.
Ohio State University Extension
Empowerment through Education county highlights Summary of program activities for each county.
Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home Database
Surname Search The information in this database was abstracted from the Application for Admission forms of the OSSO Home. Although it is not a complete registry, the database contains information from more than 3500 applications from 1877 to 1919. Beginning in 1886, The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the citizens of Greene County, Ohio and the State of Ohio founded The Ohio Soldier's & Sailor's Orphans' Home (OSSO), later renamed The Ohio Veteran's Children's Home (OVCH), in Xenia, Ohio. Before it closed in 1997, more than 13,500 children were cared for and educated at the OSSO/OVCH. Posted with permission from the Greene County Public Library.
Public Safety
Ohio Crash Report Crash reports on this site are not official documents. They were submitted to the Ohio Department of Public Safety for statistical purposes only. These reports are to be used for statistical use only and are not sufficient to be used in any court proceeding.
Public Safety -- Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Online Services Open the link for BMV Online Services. They include viewing your driving record,verification of the most recent date a driver license was issued in your name, vehicle title inquiry, and organ and tissue donor registry.
Public Safety -- Ohio Highway Patrol
Crash report ordering system The Ohio State Highway Patrol maintains complete crash reports and crash photos from crashes investigated by the Ohio State Highway Patrol only. The crash reports are retained for five years.
Request an Ohio State Highway Patrol crash report and/or photos online.
Crash reports purchased online will be sent to your e-mail account within 24-hours. Crash photographs purchased online will be sent in the mail. Online crash reports are available for five years plus current. Prior reports can be requested by mail. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are currently accepted.
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
Interactive Maps The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Interactive Map Page was created to provide on-line access to the PUCO's Geographic Information System (GIS) maps and database. The various maps enable the user to search, identify, and print information on data layers including service area boundaries, exchanges, roads, school districts, county boundaries, cities, political districts, railroad crossings, etc.
Utility Information Find utility information by street address.
Railroad Accident Map Ohio Railroad Grade Crossings Accidents 2007-2012. View Ohio grade crossings with three or more accidents, fatal accidents or accidents for a selected county.
Rail Development Commission
Railroad Information System Select a county to review crossings. The result includes photographs in all directions and site information.
Rehabilitation and Correction
Offender Search Search by name, county of commitment or residential county and/or zip code. This site only displays data on those offenders currently incarcerated in an Ohio prison or those offenders who are currently under Department supervision.
Scripp's Gerontology Center at Miami University
Ohio-Population.org Ohio-Population.org provides information about Ohio's population and allows users to view and download county-level population data and projections. The site is designed to inform planning, policy, and economic development.
Secretary of State
Business Search Use the Business Services Search to find information from the Ohio Secretary of State's corporation database including business names, trademarks, tradenames, or check for name availability.
Campaign Finance Select a form to return financial reports of contributions and expenditures for candidates/committees. Candidates are searchable by name, party, office, and district. Sorting options are available. Some large reports are available for download via FTP.
District Maps New 2012-2022 district maps for State General Assembly Districts and Federal Congressional Districts. Also, Educational and Judicial Districts and historical district maps.
Minister License Search Authorization to perform marriages in Ohio is issued by this office to any ordained or licensed minister of any religious society or congregation requesting the license. The database has licenses from July 1976 to current.
Ohio Notaries Public Search by name, zip code or county. Use this query to locate Ohio notaries and specific information, including names, dates of commission and expiration, addresses, counties of residence and commission numbers. All inactive and active notaries registered with the Notary Commission are contained within this database. For inactive notaries in the database, the date of the commission`s expiration is listed.
Ohio Secretary of State DAMs Directives, Advisories, and Memoranda Scroll over "References" in left side-bar and click on "Ohio SOS DAMs" for DAMs related to election issues from 2002-2008. Coverage by category is uneven.
Check your voter registration Update your Ohio voting address online. A convenient way for voters to meet their primary responsibility: to be registered at their current address 30 days before an election. Every Ohioan who is old enough to vote will be able to take advantage of this new system.
Your Senators Scroll down to the bottom of the home page to search for state senators by name or search by zip code.
Ohio Senate Districts To find your district and the senator who represents you, move your mouse over the map to your county and click.
State Architect's Office
Construction Bid Announcements Search by project type, county, city, agency/university or bid date.
State Board of Career Colleges and Schools
Career Colleges and Schools Search Search by school name, county of operation or program type.
State Library of Ohio
Search the State Library of Ohio's catalog PLEASE NOTE: OHIOLINK DATABASES ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO NON OHIOLINK MEMBERS.
Statehouse News Bureau
Archives Each weekday, the reporters at the Statehouse News Bureau produce in-depth packages on issues of statewide interest. The Bureau also covers news outside the Statehouse, to explain and explore how legislation, politics and other concerns affect Ohioans. Search the archives by keyword or date from 2001 to current.
Supreme Court
Case Search This database includes cases filed in the Supreme Court of Ohio on or after January 1, 1985, and attorney discipline cases filed in the Supreme Court of Ohio on or after January 1, 1989. Search by case number, party name or attorney name.
Opinions Search Opinions are posted on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. The database includes opinions decided by the Supreme Court of Ohio from 1992 to current, District Courts of Appeals, Court of Claims and Miscellaneous Courts.
Reporter of Decisions Search Supreme Court, Appellate Courts and Cour of Claims opinions and announcements.
Interest Calculator Select tax type, amount due, and payment date to calculate interest.
Tax Forms Print a form or fill in and print a form for individuals or businesses from 1995 to current.
Online Services File individual income tax return, school district income tax return online and make payments using an electronic check or credit card. Link to the Ohio Business Gateway that offers electronic filing services.
Bridge Photos Access photos of Ohio bridges by county.
Buckeye Traffic Access roadway and weather conditions by county. Search for accidents, construction, flooding or snow/ice on macro corridor routes of all Interstate, US and State roads in Ohio. Access webcams from selected counties within the state.
Ohio's Scenic Byways Click on the key for an overview of each byway and a link to the individual official byway web site and/or contacts.
Search for state-owned property Search by county to find all of the state-owned properties we have identified thus far by the Treasurer of State.
Treasurer's Transparency Project Search for state public employee and teacher salaries. Links to The Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions for local, higher education and federal salaries.
Veterans Services
County Office Contact Information Click on your county for county veterans service office contact information.
Veterans Bonus Program There is an eligibility tool, online application and check status of application option for compensation for the Ohio Bonus Program.


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10:00 pm
Voces On PBS "Unfinished Spaces" Fifty years after the Cuban Revolution, three architects resume their first project -- Cuba's National Art Schools -- left unfinished in 1965 when their creative visions came head to head with the political realities of the Revolution. D
11:00 pm
Uncommon Courage: Patriotism and Civil Liberties This program explores the personal histories of second generation Japanese Americans who served in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Service during World War II as Japanese language specialists in the Pacific, and after the war during the Occupation of Japan. It examines the uncommon courage of these soldiers whose faith in the future of America fueled the desire to prove themselves defending their country while many of their families and friends were imprisoned in isolated incarceration camps, stripped of their civil liberties. D


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oDesk Releases a Treasure Trove of Statistics Documenting the Rise of Online Work
In its press release yesterday, "oDesk Reaches $1 Billion Spent Cumulatively via its Online Workplace," the company not only announced its crossing of a key milestone $1 billion in cumulative gross billed revenue since its founding in the mid-2000s (reflecting the ongoing growth and maturation of the online staffing segment), but it also published a range of other very useful, insightful statistics that reflect the on-going maturation of the market segment and where it is continuing to take root in the economy (small and start-up companies).
Passing beyond cumulative billed revenue of $1 billion is no small accomplishment for the platform and no insignificant indicator of industry segment growth (as defined by SIA, the entire Online Staffing segment ($1 billion total in 2012) will likely be growing this year at a rate that exceeds 50 percent, perhaps 60 percent).
That oDesk — which we have judged to be the segment leader in annual gross billed revenues in recent time — has surpassed this threshold is not surprising. Whether any other large platforms of this type are on par with this cumulative contractor billing revenue achievement cannot be definitively confirmed. Freelancer.com has claimed already to have posted over $1 billion of project work on its platform (but is has NOT reported how much of that work posted on its site has actually been billed). Elance' quarterly reports on various platform stats like contract earnings (including cumulative) suggest that it, too, is nearing this threshold. I was recently told that China's "witkey" platform, Zhubajie, surpassed the $1 billion mark. Having said all of this, it's not so important which platform is the first to have crossed the $1 billion threshold; what's important is that a handful are now reaching this threshold around 2013 (just about 7 years since these platforms got underway).
Clearly, online-platform enabled freelance e-work is has become a well-established trend and an increasingly mature work arrangement model, at least as far as startups and other small companies are concerned.
One of the other statistics reported by oDesk was that "58 percent of businesses hiring on oDesk classify themselves as startups." It's known that a very large majority of the businesses that hire through online freelance platforms are small businesses, a segment that has not been a big buyer of other forms of contingent workforce services. But it is certainly important to realize that a large majority of these small businesses are innovative, young companies that are building these "work models" into their organizational DNA, and some fraction of these companies (even if a small fraction) are going to grow rapidly from tiny seeds into some enormous trees.
Although already known, the majority of services procured through oDesk and other platforms is IT-related (though it is also known that other forms of "knowledge work" (marketing, writing, etc.) are increasingly getting handled via these platforms). More interesting, perhaps, is that — at scale — the oDesk platform (and others like it) can perform another function: that of intermediating work arrangements for "long-tail" work (characterized by low or sporadic demand across many companies and, on the supply side, by low, often distributed, hard-to-find, highly specialized workers).
The picture revealed through these and other fascinating statistics provided by oDesk is one that strongly indicates a long, steep growth curve ahead for this online virtual-worker freelancer segment of platform businesses (as both demand and supply have room to expand globally, through job segments, and into larger enterprises—which have just begin to have a taste). It's very hard not to conclude that this whole segment is very much still very young—perhaps not in its infancy anymore — but still far away from adulthood. And keeping that in mind, we should remember too that the die is far from cast in terms of how this game will play out. However, we can be sure the model of platform-enabled virtual work services (something we coined as "Talent as a Service" (TaaS) back in early 2012) is becoming a mainstream way of how work is arranged and gets done.
To gain access to the Press Release and the other information released by oDesk, click here.


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Some PATH Trains Return Tuesday
Port Authority officials say some PATH train service will be restored starting Tuesday morning.
PATH trains will run daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Journal Square to the 33rd Street stop in Manhattan. The trains will not be stopping at the Christopher Street or 9th Street station stops in Manhattan.
No information about other PATH lines was immediately available Monday afternoon.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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Marketplace for Tuesday, November 27, 2012
November 27, 2012
Kai Ryssdal talks to business magnate and investor Warren Buffett about who should be the next Treasury Secretary, how much the wealthy ought to pay in taxes, and whether he's worried about the future of democratic capitalism. Florida's governor has issued a challenge to colleges to offer a $10,000 degree. The packaged food giant ConAgra is now the largest private label food manufacturer after acquiring Ralcorp. With Powerball jackpot now at a record high of $500 million, thousands of people are willing to pay the new, higher price of a ticket for a chance to strike it rich. And in part two of our series on Walmart and labor, Mitchell Hartman takes a look at whether 'permatemping' in warehouses is designed to keep costs and prices low at Walmart and other big-box retailers.


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Black Friday 2011: Best Buy
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Cameras, HDTV, Home Entertainment, Hot Deals, Smart Home, Movies, PC / Laptop, Portable Audio / Video, Video Games,
Details of Best Buy's Black Friday 2011 sales have just been released, and we've got a list of all the highlights you can expect to see after the break. Doors will open right at midnight on October 25th, and tickets for the doorbusters will be handed out as early as 10:00 pm on Thanksgiving Day. Click through for a look at the goods.
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