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In the yearly bedlam of green dye, corned beef and cabbage, and pints of stout on the 17th of March, no celebration of Irish culture would be complete without acknowledging the country's rich musical traditions. Ireland has birthed musicians in all genres from classical to pop, though it is perhaps best known for the traditional jigs, reels and ballads still heard in the pubs today.
Fiddler James Kelly and harpist Claire Fleming are two musicians who have shared traditional Irish music with the state of Florida. Born in Dublin, Kelly began learning the fiddle from his father, a renowned musician from County Clare, at the age of three. By the time he moved to Miami in 1984, he had toured the United States, Europe, Canada and South America, appeared on numerous recordings, and taught fiddle classes and workshops. In 2001, he won the Florida Folk Heritage Award.
This medley of reels accompanied by guitarist Mick Moloney at the 1987 Florida Folk Festival includes "The Crooked Road to Dublin," "The Sligo Maid" and "The Boyne Hunt." James Kelly is also featured in a podcast as well as the Folk section of the Florida Memory Audio page.
Download: MP3
More Info: Catalog Record
The Irish Cultural Association of Jacksonville brought harpist Claire Fleming from Dublin, and she performed on multiple occasions at the Florida Folk Festival. This rendition of "She Moved Through the Fair" was captured at the Old Marble Stage in 1996.
Download: MP3
More Info: Catalog Record
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
Tags: Claire Fleming, folklife, Irish music, James Kelly, Saint Patrick's Day


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PAWTUCKET, R.I. (Updated Jan. 26, 8:45 a.m. ET) — Materials firms Dow Chemical Co. and Teknor Apex Co. are working together to make flexible PVC compounds using Dow's bio-based plasticizers.
The two firms announced the agreement in a Jan. 23 news release. Pawtucket, R.I.-based Teknor now has exclusive North American marketing rights for flexible PVC compounds made with the Dow plasticizers, which are sold under the Ecolibrium brand name.
Teknor plans to introduce the new compounds at the NPE 2012 trade show in April and fully commercialize them later this year. Targeted uses include wire and cable construction applications, as well as footwear, flooring and profiles.
"Environmental stewardship is serious business at Teknor Apex," vinyl division vice president Louis Cappucci said in the release. "We are committed to the development of innovative compounds utilizing sustainable resources."
Teknor already has sent one shipment of the new compounds from its
"More of our customers are looking for green solutions," Cappucci added. The project with Dow is separate from Teknor's work to commercialize starch-based bioplastics, he said.
Dow's relationship with Teknor "has provided Dow Electrical & Telecommunications with a unique opportunity to market beyond the power industry," unit new business development director Thorne Bartlett said in the release.
Midland, Mich.-based Dow makes Ecolibrium using almost 100 percent renewable feedstocks. Companies using compounds with Ecolibrium may be able to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 40 percent, officials said.
In a Jan. 25 phone interview,
Dow ranks as one of the world's largest plastics and chemicals firms, while Teknor is a major plastics compounder.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Parks Commissioner, Treetures, and P.S. 234 plant a tree for MillionTreesNYC
Date: May 1, 2008
Photographer: Malcolm Pinckney
Official Website of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
Date: May 1, 2008
Photographer: Malcolm Pinckney
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Kimber LeeRequest Her Follow
Model Information
Measurements: 32DD-25-36
All-American babe Kimber Lee is your favorite naughty girl next door. Kimber was going to college and working part-time back home in New Jersey when she realized the white picket fence lifestyle wasn't for her. This sexy coed left school, quit her job, and found an agent, and the next thing she knew, she was in Miami filming her first porn scene. Kimber instantly knew she was never going back! With her friendly smile and all-natural curves, Kimber is every guy's schoolboy crush, and although she may look sweet and wholesome, this beauty has a surprisingly dirty side! Kimber laughs that "Having an orgasm is one of the best parts of living," and she doesn't just mean behind closed doors! This saucy vixen loves to indulge her exhibitionist tendencies by getting naked in public places or playing with her tight pussy near a window where any stranger passing by could see her! But Kimber says her favorite way to get a thrill is by showing off for her fans: "Making your fantasy come to life and turning you on is my favorite thing."
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text: Tricky110974 11 Posted March 15, 2011 I'm developing a Character Sheet Generator using Microsoft Excel and Visual Basic (for Applications), i.e. a macro running spreadsheet. I've got a fair bit done now. Equipment is the only real bit missing, although there are a few minor things to still add (elite advances, past events, etc.) Not sure if anyone is interested, but happy to share what I've done (and what will be done). Features: MS Forms input - nothing is entered manually into spreadsheet. Allows random characteristics, points buy and manual entry Choose chapter and specialty Buy advances Random or manual entry for Wounds and Fate Points Enter other details (name, demeanour) Generates page 1 of the character sheet Although developed on Excel 2010, it is saved as Excel 97-2003 compatible, but you will need to enable macros. I will be working on adding equipment and Page 2 of the character sheet next. I've saved a copy here: cid-7bc6fd6adf10c0b1.office.live.com/self.aspx/Public Let me know what you think... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


text: Operating since 1996Homstar is one of the most famous leaders in environmental friendly appliances manufacture. Founded in 1996, we have been trying to be better in the manufacture and sales of electrical products for the past 20 years. Today, our management system has reached ISO 9001 standard. Our products are exported to more than 120 countries and zones worldwide with advanced technology, creativity, high quality and nice after-sale service that earn us an excellent reputation among customers. So, their single purchase amount may exceed $10 million.... [Details]


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Ancient Wisdom and Civilizations in the Cayce Readings
While in a trance state, Edgar Cayce's ability to peer into the past with uncanny psychic accuracy was demonstrated repeatedly. This type of information is called "retrocognition" and the Cayce readings attest to the variety of material available in this manner: previous happenings in an individual's life, including accidents or forgotten traumas; as well as ancient history, including the geological evolution of the planet and details of tribes and civilizations that predate recorded history.
For example, more than eleven years before the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947, Edgar Cayce provided a great deal of information on a Jewish sect called the Essenes. Cayce claimed that in the Essene society men and women lived and worked together. Scholars, however, believed that the Essenes were a monastic society composed exclusively of men. It was not until archaeological excavations occurred after Cayce's death that his psychic information was verified.
Through the use of retrocognition, the Cayce readings provide a wealth of insights into the ancient world. More than simply discussing hidden archeological sites and uncovered records of forgotten civilizations, Edgar Cayce claimed that the history of humankind went back some ten million years! Although much of this material may be impossible to verify, sometimes contemporary research has uncovered evidence to confirm information given in Cayce's trance state. As one example, a number of readings discussed the fact that the Nile had changed its course over eons and had once emptied into the Atlantic Ocean:
Reading #364-13:
Edgar Cayce: ...The Nile entered into the Atlantic Ocean. What is now the Sahara was an inhabited land and very fertile. What is now the central portion of this country, or the Mississippi basin, was then all in the ocean; only the plateau was existent, or the regions that are now portions of Nevada, Utah and Arizona formed the greater part of what we know as the United States...
Reading #276-2:
Edgar Cayce: ...In the one before this we find again in this same land now called Egypt (this before the mountains rose in the south, and when the waters called the Nile then emptied into what is NOW the Atlantic Ocean)...
Reading #5748-6:
Edgar Cayce: ...In those periods when the first change had come in the position of the land, when the Nile (or Nole, then) emptied into what is now the Atlantic Ocean, on the Congo end of the country. What is now as the Sahara was a fertile land...
As if to confirm some of the above, an article published in Science (August 1986), reported that the Shuttle Imaging Radar from the Space Shuttle had discovered previously unknown river valleys beneath the driest part of the Sahara. Through satellite imaging and on-site archeological investigations, it appeared as though the present day Nile had changed its course, once flowing across the Sahara, through Africa, and into the Atlantic Ocean! Only time will tell how many more of the readings historical claims regarding such places as Atlantis, ancient Egypt, and ancient Persia, will eventually be verified.
The A.R.E./Edgar Cayce Foundation's recent satellite project was the first comprehensive analysis of all subsurface features around Bimini. The project covered 630 square miles and imaging was done via the IKONOS satellite. Via special processing, imaging was able to look at the seabed contours at a depth of approximately 75 feet. The precise location of all features that were identified is easily determined via special program.


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A couple of weeks ago Emma and I tagged along with Mike on a work trip back to Boston. We hadn't been back since we moved back home last year. There are so many reasons that I'm glad we're home, but so many things I miss about the entire New England area. One of the biggest things I miss is being able to get in the car (or ferry...) for an hour or two and be someplace amazing.
Nantucket was the one place that was on my "list" when we lived there that we never made it to.
Here is the view of the island as we pulled in on the ferry right at sunset.
This is the old, old street right off of the ferry dock - old, old. Everything on the island is charming, old, weathered and fabulous. It is known as "the little grey lady" and you can see why in this photo.
This is one of the new buildings that are a part of the Roberts House. I love everything about it - I took a lot of notes (and sent a lot of photos to our architect...) for our new addition while we were there.
We returned to "the mainland" and checked into our hotel, The Taj, just off of the Boston Public Garden.
I forgot to take photos of the hotel so I borrowed these so you could get a feel for it. It was amazing. It was formerly the Ritz-Carlton - actually the first and original. It is everything you imagine an old Boston to be - elegant, warm and stately.
For dinner that night, we went to one of my favorite spots - 75 Chestnut in Beacon Hill. It was just a short walk from the hotel - straight thru The Public Garden.
The next morning Emma and I went back to visit the "Make Way for the Ducklings" ducklings just as we had done a year ago : )
And we looked at all of the leaves - while Emma rode her "horsey" otherwise known as the shoehorn from our hotel room. We would've been lost on this trip without the fun accessories from the room... we barely needed the ipad. Kidding - we definitely used the ipad.
It is what you think of when you think about a classic Boston street.
One afternoon, Emma and I headed back out to Concord to visit some friends and favorite spots.
I love this little town - I think it is the most quintessential New England town.
...and "tinkering" (as she said... another Disney Fairies reference) with the work bench... Santa, are you taking notes?


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text: dnstop: Monitor BIND DNS Server (DNS Network Traffic) From a Shell Prompt last updated January 8, 2009 in Categories BASH Shell, Bind dns, CentOS, Debian / Ubuntu, FreeBSD, IPv6, Linux, Monitoring, Package Management, Ubuntu Linux, UNIXQ. How do I monitor my Bind 9 named (or any other dns server) server traffic / network traffic under Linux? How do I find out and view current DNS queries such as A, MX, PTR and so on in real time? How do I find out who is querying my DNS server or specific domain or specific dns client IP address?


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Online education is ubiquitous, it seems, and has a lot to recommend it, such as the convenience of learning when and where you want, and the fact that there are so many free courses out there. However, many online schools seem like they suddenly came out of nowhere, as if created yesterday by a committee of MBA types. The good news is that most brick and mortar schools now have online programs, including most of the best universities in America, and many offer online courses that are 100% free to take.This post will list the top 40 US universities and present you with the free-for-all online education resources that each college (and/or members of it's faculty) has on offer. This article aims to be the most comprehensive list of online education resources for the top colleges in America.
Page created in 0.023 seconds with 24 queries.


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Omega Man Blog
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Ministry of Zombies
Home of the Haynes Zombie Survival Manual and all things zombie survival in the UK
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My Blog
Ministry of Zombies Interview – Ty Schwamberger
In this blog entry, the Ministry of Zombies fires some hard-nosed questions at an established horror editor and writer.
If you are interested in how this villain creates his webs of horror, then read on.
And then, save the cash you were going to spend on crappy books like The Hunger Games and spend them on some hard-hitting independent and fresh horror.
Ministry of Zombies Interview –
Ty Schwamberger
[Warning – MoZ questions tend to be a bit strange so just go with it.]
We hear a knock on the MoZ bunker door. We don't answer – it's tea time. The knock grows louder. It is eventually answered. It's a horror author and friend of the Ministry peddling his wares so we sit him down, with a cuppa tea & a bright light shining in his face.
Here are the questions we fire at them?
Who the hell are you and what are you doing here?
Shit! A better question yet is who the hell are
and what did you do with my dog? I saw him run towards your bunker door, then he was gone. Ya'll aren't performing some strange "experiments" on dogs down here in the dark, are you? Sonofabitch. I knew you people were freaky but…
My name is Ty Schwamberger. Damn glad to be here. Thank you.
[We like this young fellow but how did he know about the dogs? He knows too much...]
Can you give us a brief bio as we're too lazy to pull one together?
I'm the author of a novel, several novellas, short stories, a collection, editor on several anthologies and have one short film (2010) and one feature-length film (coming Late 2012) adapted from my work.
[Nice, nice, this is all good stuff.]
Books you say, tell us more. What is this novella The Fields about? We demand to know.
THE FIELDS is a VERY atypical zombie tale. It takes place in the mid-1800s on a southern plantation right after the slaves were freed. There are two main characters in the novella: Billy and Abraham. Billy is the son of a deceased former slave owner. Abraham is a messenger that brings "salvation" to Billy's dying tobacco fields. Yes, there are zombies in the story. But, the zombies are a metaphor for something bigger. In the end, Billy must choose between what's right and wrong or saving his father's farm. Although, digging up and reanimating the dead slaves is nothing compared to what's in store for Billy after these slaves are undead, again.
THE FIELDS is also coming very soon in audio book format.
Are you a sprouts person?
What did you just call me? Call me sprout one more time and I'll put this here stick in your eye!
Which book has influenced you most?
This is a toughie. I don't think there's one single work that's done it for me. However, I can tell you the first two "horror" books I read right before starting to write in early 2008:
by Jack Ketchum and
by Richard Laymon. Anyone who has read my work (outside of
The Fields
) will note a strong resemblance to Laymon's style. This isn't by design, mind you. It's just always come out like that.
[The correct answer was I am Legend so only half a point for you on this.]
What is HWA? It sounds like something to do with witchcraft? They still burn people for that you know.
HWA stands for Horror Writers Association. And yes, it's a professional writer's organization for folks that dabble in witchcraft (normally, we get together and have a grand ol' time sacrificing small animals, putting spells on non-members, smearing blood on each other while performing sacred rituals, all while worshiping our dark lord)! No, that's not it. Ok, it's really a group of like-minded people that put on this thing called the Bram Stoker Awards, where it's just an excuse to drink and raise kane. Doh. That's not it either. Well, shit…guess I don't know what exactly it is. Though, I can say I've been an active member since mid-2011.
Do you think I'm going to hell because I'm involved with a group like this? Eeek!
[That kind of talk could get you burnt in England but don't worry, we won't tell anyone. We can't find the witch-finder general anyway.]
Balloon or airship? Do you have access to this kind of transport? (This is a key question we ask everyone)
Why would you need to ask this if I just told you I'm an active member in the HWA? That automatically means I'm rich! So of course the answer is that I have an airship.
We hear talk on the Ministry grapevine of movies? Are they making a movie of one of your stories and are there any roles for a hapless British sidekick?
"Cake Batter" which is a short story contained in my collection
For After Midnight
(Naked Snake Press, 2011) was adapted into a short film and released on DVD in early 2010 (you can actually now watch it for free on my YouTube page (
). Also, my still-unreleased novella "House Call" is being adapted by Little Oak Film Group and being made into a feature-length film. Filming starts this July and hopefully the finished DVD will be released late 2012.
I actually think my forthcoming novella
coming this July (in Hardcover, Trade Paperback & eBook) from Bad Moon Books in would make a classic horror film, but the story hasn't been optioned yet. So any of you out there that make movies give me a shout!
Three words to describe your portfolio of books (no using the word twisted).
Offensive. Descriptive. Thought provoking. (Does that still count as
[We have consulted the 1911 rulebook and your answers are valid.]
Which short story should we track down & then say 'that is soooo you?'
"Liquid Courage" which first appeared in Shroud Magazine (#9) and then reprinted in my collection
For After Midnight
in 2011.
[Right we are going to check this. If it does not represent your style we may consider legal action.]
What do you think is the biggest mistake horror writers make?
This isn't quite a direct answer to your question, but John Everson said it best in his article "Why Do You Wanna Write Horror?" for my now-retired column on Hellnotes "Ty-ing Up the Genre". You can check it out here:
"There are far too many shite e-books around." Discuss.
I think it's an unfortunate reality given the current state of the business. I'm not talking about quality publishers and authors that put out great stuff. No. I'm referring to "writers" (and I use that term loosely) who think they can call themselves authors by uploading a piece of shit to Kindle, Nook or Smashwords. The stories aren't edited well, the covers are cheap looking and the writing is generally of low quality. Some folks have predicted this trend will hurt the publishing world. I suppose time will tell.
[You speak wisely young Jedi.]
Writers are generally quite full of themselves – why is this?
I think it's because of what we do. We sit, often alone, for hours on end with nothing around us but a computer and thoughts full of sick shit. The life of a writer is a lonely one. Sure we have friends in the industry and everything looks glamorous from the outside. It's anything but. It's damn hard work to craft a kickass story. Most of the time that takes isolation. Then after the story is written and out there for fans to enjoy, we have a feeling of accomplishment and gratification. We want to run outside naked and scream to the world "read my story, it's the best thing EVER!" In fact, sometimes we do. Then there are other times after the book is released, we're scared of what others will think of our tome. We secretly cower in a dark room with nothing on but our laptops and Google ourselves. "Who's saying what now?" we ask no one but the darkness around us. Then, when a killer review is posted in a magazine or online, we run screaming from the room to tell our loved one. That usually results in a "great" and a roll of eyes. Then…
Ouch! Why'd you knock me in the head with that flashlight?! You dirty bastard!
[We are trying to get you develop Stockholm syndrome.]
Do you know something we don't?
I do. But I'm not telling.
Twisted Tales From The Torchlight Inn – what's this book all about? You can't just put it out there & not tell us – that's not fair.
Twisted Tales is a 3-novella collection between Thomas A. Erb, Dean Harrison and myself. It was released in early 2011. All the stories contained in the collection had a few common elements: town name, bar name and the characters knew each other in some fashion. It was gruesomely fun to write, that honestly, the publisher screwed up. It wasn't edited very well and ended up hurting sales. The real shit of it? The stories contained inside the book covers are really fucking good! Look for each novella to be edited and re-released individually in the next year or so.
[We think this is your most famous book therefore we agree – novellas rocks as well.]
Please provide a definition of horror for us?
Read this:
by yours truly. I wrote this article in late 2010.
[Well-played sir, best answer yet.]
Ty, if you were a drum would you be more of a snare, a tom or a bass?
What kind of stupid fucking question is that? Ok ok! I'll answer if you stop shining that bright light in my face.
Happy now?
[I ran this answer through the computer we have here. Please see an analyst. Snare drums are very dangerous people.]
Learn more about horror author/editor Ty Schwamberger on his blog at
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Omega Man Blog
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SEAN T PAGE - the UK's zombie survival expert


text:
Today in this article I am going to elaborate on you how to obtain Free Gifts for FarmVille 2, one of the most popular games all over the world these days.
Gathering FarmVille 2 Free Gifts is simple. All you need is the right link to get your account ready, and a system to know when up-to-date Free Gifts become accessible.
In this article, I am going to demonstrate how to do exactly that. You will learn all the legitimate ways to gather FarmVille 2 Free Gifts and enjoy it at no cost on Android, iPhone, or desktop.
Are These FarmVille 2 Free Gifts Safe?
In short, yes. Like all the other methods, codes, and strategies you can find here at our website, also the ones that will get you Free Gifts for the FarmVille 2 are 100% secure and legitimate.
This is necessary because the Free Gifts and tricks you see on this website are the only ones that get you 6208942 of Free Gifts without your account getting halted immediately.
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By the way, make sure to visit our Facebook.


text:
When you use this operator in a query, it filters data in the specified column in the specified dataset, returning the rows with values that are less than the specified value.
For more information on using query functions and operators in a REST API request, see Queries. For an end-to-end description of how to create a query, see Creating a Query.
The codeblock example below filters the
Magnitude column in the earthquake dataset, whose
{DATASET_ID} is
90af668484394fa782cc103409cafe39, for rows where the magnitude is less than 3.
"version": 0.3,
"dataset": "90af668484394fa782cc103409cafe39",
"metrics": ["magnitude"],
"filters": [{
"magnitude": {"$lt":"3"}
When you submit the above request, the response includes an HTTP status code and a JSON response body.
For more information on the HTTP status codes, see HTTP Status Codes.
For more information on the elements in the JSON structure in the response body, see Query.


text:
High growth companies in London's Tech City could get a fast track to the London Stock Exchange under new regulations being proposed by the government.
The proposals state that such companies should be offered a "new route" to the UK IPO market, with reformed eligibility criteria, reporting requirements and rules on "free float" (the proportion of shares held by investors that can be traded). These reformed rules will aim to ensure that the needs of internet and technology companies are met.
The scheme will target European mid-sized fast-growing businesses, which the government claims are currently under-represented on the UK's public markets. The idea is to act as a "launch pad" for companies seeking a full premium listing.
"There is a rich crop of innovative European high-tech companies that will be going to the financial market over the next few years. We're determined to make sure that as many as possible should do an IPO and float in the UK, not elsewhere," said Universities Minister David Willetts.
"I have no doubt that this new route to market will help to bring new investment and new jobs to London in the months ahead."
The government also plans to investigate the current regulatory rules that may be deterring investors from funding growth companies, and will work with the London Stock Exchange to make equity capital more easily available to businesses looking to set up shop in the UK.
Research by Nesta shows that over 800 companies have received investment from UK VC funds raised between 2006 and 2009. An additional 2,700 companies received investment from European funds raised over the same period.
Ten percent of firms that received investment from UK or European VC funds raised between 1990 and 2005 went on to make an IPO, according to the research.
"We've seen over the last 20 years, more and more great companies being born in Europe and Israel, but very few of these businesses have taken their next stage of growth by accessing one of the world's most powerful capital markets," said Neil Rimer co-founder of Index Ventures.
"It's great news for entrepreneurs everywhere that London is stepping up and not just being a great place to start a company but to build huge sustainable businesses."
Xavier Rolet, chief executive of the London Stock Exchange Group, added that attracting both entrepreneurial businesses and the investors that support them to the UK is key to driving growth and generating jobs.
The new scheme aims to replicate the success of President Obama's JOBS Act, which lowered the regulatory burden for growth companies wanting to gain listings on US public markets. It is part of ongoing attempts to make Britain one of the best places in the world to start, run and grow a business, the government said.


text:
Questions tagged [hero-factory]
refers to robotic-styled action figure LEGO toy line which replaced the similar Bionicle theme. Tag can refer to the toys or the play setting, including related characters and cartoon videos.
2 questions
112 views
Which set includes a large white mask
I bought a sealed bag at Goodwill but It did not include any information on what set it is from. Pieces look like large white body plates, skeletal/Stormtrooper mask and tusks.
3k views
How does LEGO handle the breakage of Hero Factory sockets?
My son has a slowly growing collection of Hero Factory figures, and they have accumulated a consistent problem: socket connector cracking. The tips of the angular part of the limb which connects to a ...


text:
Topic: Vodafone
Vodafone set to deploy UK 5G on July 3 using controversial Huawei gear
05/14/2019, 12:05 pm
Vodafone will become the U.K.'s first 5G carrier, switching on several cities on July 3 -- though controversially using some Huawei equipment for infrastructure.
Verizon, Vodafone part ways in $130 billion US wireless unit deal
09/02/2013, 02:09 pm
In the second-largest acquisition in history, Verizon Wireless will pay $130 billion to Vodafone to buy out that company's stake in their joint venture, leaving America's largest carrier in full control of its own operations.
German carrier lists Apple 'iPhone 4S' in 16GB, 32GB & 64GB capacities
10/03/2011, 07:10 am
Germany's Vodafone has suggested that Apple this week will announce a new "iPhone 4S" available in three capacities, including a new high-end 64GB model.
Vodafone suggests Apple's iPhone 5 will come in 16GB, 32GB capacities
09/10/2011, 06:09 pm
A product listing on the website for U.K. carrier Vodafone has implied that Apple's next-generation iPhone will be offered in black and white, and available in the same two capacities it has been for years: 16 and 32 gigabytes.
White Apple iPhone 4 spotted in retail packaging at Vodafone UK
04/22/2011, 03:04 pm
An official, final white iPhone 4, in its actual retail packaging, has been photographed at carrier Vodafone U.K., with details suggesting the device will go on sale next week.
iPhone data use measured, carriers want Apple to pay for network upgrades
12/08/2010, 10:12 am
As a new study shows the iPhone 4 to be a heavy bandwidth-consuming mobile device, European carriers are attempting to get Apple and other companies to invest in network improvements needed for data-heavy services.
European carriers threaten Apple over embedded SIM option
11/18/2010, 09:11 pm
Carriers in Europe are threatening to cut subsidies if Apple releases an iPhone with an embedded SIM card, a new report claims.
Briefly: T-Mobile cable, Mac OS X 10.6.5, iPad download speeds
11/05/2010, 10:11 pm
T-Mobile confirmed the mysterious iPhone charge cable it will begin selling in the U.S. is for roaming European customers. Also, Apple released yet another build of Mac OS X 10.6.5, and, finally, a new report alleges the iPad performs better on a home Wi-Fi access point than a 4G hotspot.
Apple brings unlocked, contract-free iPhone to Germany
10/28/2010, 01:10 am
As T-Mobile loses its iPhone exclusivity in Germany to O2 and Vodafone, Apple has begun offering the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 unlocked without a contract to German customers, with the 16GB iPhone 4 model selling for 629 euros.
T-Mobile loses iPhone exclusivity in Germany at hands of O2 and Vodafone
10/12/2010, 02:10 pm
Deutsche Telekom's multi-year run as the exclusive provider of Apple's iPhone in Germany under its T-Mobile subsidiary will officially come to an end in the next few weeks, evidence suggests.
Vodafone iPhone 4 could launch in Germany Oct. 28
10/06/2010, 01:10 am
Deutsche Telekom will lose its iPhone 4 exclusivity in Germany when Vodafone begins selling the smartphone on Oct. 28, a new report claims.
iPhone expected to become multi-carrier in Germany by October
09/03/2010, 04:09 pm
Another prominent exclusive arrangement with Apple for the iPhone is expected to conclude in a matter of months, when it is anticipated that Deutsche Telekom will lose sole access to the iPhone in Germany.
Carriers seek new business models to afford iPhone bandwidth
02/16/2010, 09:02 am
As bandwidth-heavy smartphones like Apple's iPhone turn huge profits for handset makers, wireless carriers across the world have struggled to keep up with bandwidth needs. One executive said this week that new business models must be explored for carriers to remain profitable.
Despite Apple's absence, iPhone is talk of Mobile World Congress
02/15/2010, 08:02 am
(Mobile World Congress) Apple is not officially present at this week's Mobile World Conference in Barcelona, Spain, yet carriers are talking about the iPhone and rivals are introducing what they hope to pitch as "iPhone killers."
Tesco undercuts other UK operators with �20 iPhone monthly plan
12/10/2009, 10:12 am
Tesco, the largest retail store in the U.K., has announced that its base plan for the iPhone will cost just �20 ($32.54) per month, which is a third lower than competing carriers.
End of iPhone exclusivity means boosted sales in Europe
11/23/2009, 11:11 am
As exclusive contracts for the iPhone begin to expire throughout Europe, sales of Apple's handset have increased dramatically thanks to expansion to multiple carriers.
Vodafone to sell Apple's iPhone in UK, too
09/29/2009, 07:09 am
Vodafone has reached an agreement to sell the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS in the U.K. and Ireland, an announcement that came just a day after Orange revealed it would also sell the handset.
Proposed Orange-T-Mobile merger centered around iPhone
09/08/2009, 02:09 pm
Two British wireless carriers hope to merge and create the nation's largest network, partially in a bid to grab Apple's attention and earn the right to sell the iPhone.
Reports say iPhone could be coming to British T-Mobile
07/15/2009, 08:07 am
Multiple sources are reporting that that T-Mobile U.K. is in talks with Apple to bring the iPhone 3G � last year�s model � to its mobile service, taking away the phone�s exclusivity from competing carrier O2.
iPhone 3G discontinued in Oz as report backs third-gen rumors
05/22/2009, 10:05 am
One of Apple's authorized wireless carriers said this week that the high-end iPhone 3G has been end-of-lifed. Meanwhile, a new report appears to be backing rumors of several features due in next-gen models expected to arrive shortly.


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Developing an E-mail Marketing Campaign
By Scott Meldrum
March 10, 2006
As president and founder of HypeCouncil, Scott Meldrum oversees the development and implementation of online advertising, publicity and word-of-mouth marketing campaigns for top brands and Fortune 500 clients. HypeCouncil's measurable online marketing strategies have generated high sales-driven returns for companies in various industries. For more information, visit www.hypecouncil.com.
E-mail is fast becoming the preferred communication vehicle, whether you are the sender or the receiver. For health clubs e-mail marketing can be more effective than standard marketing strategies, such as direct mail and traditional advertising, because it's cost-effective, immediate, based on a fairly intimate one-on-one relationship and highly measurable. In terms of sales, Marketing Sherpa, a well-known research firm, found that click-to-purchase rates were up 28 percent in 2005, and orders per e-mail delivered increased 18 percent.
Another added benefit is the pass-along or viral effect, an increasingly important tactic to pull in more potential clients and increase membership sales. If your e-mails are relevant and compelling enough to your opt-in recipients, the probability that they'll forward it to their peers is significantly higher than any other communication format.
Ultimately, the goal of a successful e-mail marketing program for a health club is threefold. First, you must achieve a continuously growing list of opt-in leads who want to receive your e-mails. Then you need those leads to forward your messages to their peers. Once they do so, you can attain a positive, tracked rate of leads who visit your site and browse, learn, register and ultimately sign up.
Here are a few tips to get your e-mail marketing program started on the right track.
1. Develop a welcome strategy. Someone was interested enough in your club—either through your Web site, an event or having signed up at your facility—to give you his/her e-mail address and permission to send him or her an e-mail. Now it's up to you to initiate that all-important dialogue and seal the deal. Statistics show that welcome messages get nearly twice the response rate as regular e-mail. In the personalized message you send immediately after successful registration, thank the person for his/her interest, restate the benefits of signing up with your club and offer him or her an incentive to engage in further conversation with your company. This last part can be a promotional coupon to be redeemed at the club, a special discount for referrals, or a form to submit his/her first tip or question to your e-newsletter.
2. Create content that meets your audience's needs. A customer-centric approach will deliver better sales results. First and foremost, the e-mail content should inform and excite your customers and genuinely help them achieve their fitness and health goals. Then, artfully blend in the messages aimed toward creating new sales and bottom-line boosting opportunities, such as discounts for in-gym merchandise or workout-complementing services.
3. Include a call-to-action. Every e-mail communication should have a call-to-action or send-to-a-friend capability. This not only broadens your sales-lead network, but you also achieve instant credibility with the person who receives the recommendation from a person he or she knows. Plus, you can track what type of content is passed along more than others, which recipients are "ambassadors" (consider offering them additional rewards for their loyalty) and more. Be sure the call-to-action button or link is prominently displayed within the e-mail.
4. Get readers to click. You want to make the transition from your e-mail message to your Web site as seamless as possible. The easiest way to do this is to maximize the number of links within your e-mail content. For example, if your monthly e-newsletter has a diet tip of the month, link the header to the portion of your Web site that archives previous diet tips of the month. Don't forget to link your logo to your home page.
5. Track, analyze and optimize. Take the time to review the loads of statistics created by your e-mail marketing reporting tools and Web site analytics. Find out what your recipients are telling you by their actions and behavior. What is the open rate? What links do they click on? Do they download and redeem the coupons offered in your e-mails? Do they forward your e-mails, and if so, to whom and how many? Do the people they shared your content with click back to your Web site and sign up? Use this data to continuously improve your program.
6. Never send unsolicited e-mails. You must have the recipient's permission to communicate to them via e-mail, and you must specifically define the nature of your e-mail contact. Federal laws also require that any commercial e-mail must have an opt-out mechanism that allows the recipient to end subsequent e-mails anytime from your company.


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JAMES WALSH was a SSPF Postdoctoral Fellow during 2013-14, the Immigration and Citizenship theme year.
LAURENCIO SANGUINO was a SSPF Postdoctoral Fellow during 2013-14, the Immigration and Citizenship theme year.
JOIN THE PENN WHARTON PUBLIC POLICY INITIATIVE STUDENT ASSOCIATION for "U.S. Immigration Policy: Dreaming of Reform," a lecture by Douglas Rivlin, ASC'95, current Director of Communications for for the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Immigration Task Force, U.S. Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL-04). This event is in conjunction with the recent release of "Framing the Debate: Immigration," a comprehensive report on current policy options before Congress and the economic effects of undocumented immigration, authored by members of the Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative Student Association.
CHANGES TO IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT POLICIES and tactics have resulted in the expansion of deportation in the United States. However, little is known about the institutional dynamics and everyday enforcement practices that channel immigrants into the criminal justice system.
Drawing on two years of fieldwork in Nashville, Prof. Armenta offers an on-the-ground account of police behavior, the first actors connecting immigrants to the criminal justice system. Building on theories of institutional and color-blind racism, she identifies a system of "institutional nativism" – a set of policies and practices that work together to systematically detect, subordinate and expel noncitizens.
The unauthorized accrue additional disadvantage related to their alienage through three mechanisms: 1) the local police department's mandate that officers create contact with residents via traffic enforcement, inevitably puts offers in contact with immigrants, some of whom are unauthorized; 2) state laws prohibit unauthorized residents from obtaining driver's licenses and identification cards, increasing their risk of arrest by local police; and 3) immigration screenings at the local jail. Local police are largely blind to their participation in deportation and explain their behavior through a color-blind ideology. This color-blind ideology obscures and naturalizes how organizational practices and laws converge to systematically criminalize unauthorized Latino residents.
Armada Armenta is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Penn.
WHAT MAKES SOMEONE AN "AMERICAN"? Political theorists and political sociologists have emphasized "ethnic" and "civic" distinctions in national belonging, while scholars of immigration focus on boundary making around language, religion, citizenship status and race. In a presentation of ongoing work, Professor Bloemraad explores the contours of membership in the United States that emerged in interviews with 182 U.S.-born youth and their immigrant parents born in Mexico, China, and Vietnam. Despite a discourse portraying U.S. citizenship as a civic and political affiliation blind to ascriptive traits, many of those interviewed equate "being American" with racial majority status, affluence, and privilege.
Bloemraad argues that contemporary scholars of politics and immigration have not sufficiently explored economic notions of American-ness, which immigrants and their children can see as both a barrier to membership, but also a pathway to symbolic inclusion, notably for undocumented migrants. For many immigrants, membership through naturalization – the exemplar of citizenship by consent – does not overcome a lingering sense of outsider status. Perhaps surprisingly, birthright citizenship offers an egalitarian promise: it is a color-blind and class-blind path to membership.
These findings have implications for current political debates. Various politicians and public commentators seek to deny birthright citizenship to children born in the United States to undocumented or temporary migrants. Among their claims, critics of universal birthright citizenship contend that the practice flies in the face of liberal principles, in which both individuals and the state should consent to membership. From this perspective, citizenship through naturalization is valorized, since it rests on the affirmative choice of the immigrant and the clear consent of the state. This research suggests instead that the Citizenship Clause of Fourteenth Amendment provides constitutional legitimacy for the ideals of inclusion and equality, facilitating immigrant integration and communal membership through citizenship.
Irene Bloemraad is the Thomas Garden Barnes Chair of Canadian Studies and Associate Professor, Sociology, at the University of California, Berkeley. An internationally recognized expert on immigration, in January 2014 she was named a member of the U.S. National Research Council panel that will report on "Integration of Immigrants in U.S. Society." Bloemraad's work examines the intersection of immigration and politics, with emphasis on citizenship, immigrants' political and civic participation, and multiculturalism.
Her research has appeared in top academic journals spanning the fields of sociology, political science, history and ethnic/ migration studies. Recent articles include "Is There a Trade-off Between Multiculturalism and Socio-Political Integration?" (co-authored with Matthew Wright) which appeared in Perspectives in Politics and won the "Best Article" award from the Migration and Citizenship section of the American Political Science Association in 2013. Bloemraad has authored or co-edited three books: Rallying for Immigrant Rights (2011), Civic Hopes and Political Realities (2008) and Becoming a Citizen: Incorporating Immigrants and Refugees in the United States and Canada (2006), which won an honorable mention for the best book from the American Sociological Association's International Migration section.
MAJOR SCHOLARS FROM sociology, city planning, economics, history, and public policy convene to present research on the role of immigration in reshaping metropolitan housing markets, creating economic opportunity, and transforming neighborhoods throughout the United States (and beyond).
9:00-9:15: Introduction/Welcome (Thomas Sugrue)Watch video
9:15-10:45: Revitalizing Small Cities and Suburbs
Introductions by Chair: Laurencio Sanguino (SSPF Postdoc)Watch video
Marilynn Johnson (Boston College, History), "The Metropolitan Diaspora: New Immigrants in the Greater Boston Suburbs"Watch video.
Michael Katz and Kenneth Ginsburg (Penn, History), "Immigrant Cities as Reservations for Low Wage Labor: Bridgeport, Passaic, and Paterson"Watch video
Comments: Stanton Wortham (Penn GSE)Watch video
Panel 1 Q&AWatch video
11:00-12:30: The Politics of Immigration and Revitalization
Chair: James Walsh (SSPF Postdoc)Watch video
Jamie Winders (Syracuse, Geography), "Old Maps and New Neighbors: The Spatial Politics of Immigrant Settlement"Watch video
Gerardo Sandoval (Oregon, City Planning), "Transforming Transit-Oriented (TOD) Projects via Immigrant Led Revitalization: The MacArthur Park, Los Angeles Case"Watch video
Comment: Amada Armenta (Penn, Sociology)Watch video
Panel 2 Q&AWatch video
12:45-1:45 Lunch and Keynote
Robert Sampson (Harvard, Sociology): "Immigration and the New Social Transformation of the American City"Watch video
2:00-3:30: Immigration, Housing, and Economic Impacts
Chair: Mark Stern (Penn, Social Policy and Practice)Watch video
Philip Kasinitz (CUNY, Sociology), "Immigrants, Their Children and the Culture of Cities"Watch video
Gary Painter (USC, Demography and Pubic Policy), "Immigrants and Housing Markets"Watch video
Jacob Vigdor (Duke, Economics and Public Policy), "Estimating the Impact of Immigration on County-Level Economic Indicators"Watch video
Comment: Susan Wachter (Penn, Wharton Real Estate)Watch video
Panel 3 Q&AWatch video
3:45-5:15: Transnational Urban Revitalization
Chair: Lorrin Thomas (Rutgers-Camden, History)Watch video
Andrew Sandoval-Strausz (New Mexico, History), "Migrantes, Negocios, and Infraestructura: Transnational Processes of Urban Revitalization in the Americas"Watch video
Domenic Vitiello (Penn, City Planning), "Liberian Reconstruction and Pan-African Transnational Urban Revitalization"Watch video
Comment and Panel 4 Q&A: Erick Guerra (Penn, Design)Watch video
FOR THIS FAR-RANGING EXAMINATION of American refugee law, with ample opportunity for the audience to ask questions and participate, we have brought together historian Maria Cristina Garcia (Cornell), legal scholar Fernando Chang-Muy (Penn Law), and advocate Judith Bernstein-Baker (HIAS-PA). They will discuss the transformations of refugee law in recent decades, possibilities for reform, and the current situation in the Philadelphia area.
Judith Bernstein-Baker joined the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) of Pennsylvania as the Executive Director in 1998. Prior to that she ran the Public Service Program at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and was named Honorary Fellow of Penn Law School in 1998. She received her B.A. from Binghamton University, her M.S.W. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work and her J.D., cum laude, from Temple University's Beasley School of Law.
Fernando Chang-Muy is the Thomas O'Boyle Lecturer in Law at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, where he teaches Refugee Law and Policy. In addition, at the Graduate School of Social Policy and Practice, he lectures on Immigration and Social Work, and on Organizational Effectiveness, in the Executive Education Program, with a focus on strategic planning, board governance, staff communications, and resource development. He is former Assistant Dean and Equal Opportunity Officer at Swarthmore College, where he also taught International Human Rights.
Maria Cristina Garcia is the Howard A. Newman Professor of American Studies at Cornell University. She studies refugees, immigrants, exiles, and transnationals in the Americas. Her first book, Havana USA (1996), examined the migration of Cubans to the United States after Fidel Castro took power in 1959. Her second book, Seeking Refuge (2006), is a study of the individuals, groups, and organizations that responded to the Central American refugee crisis of the 1980s and 1990s, and helped shape refugee policies throughout North America. Garcia has been chosen as a fellow for 2013-14 by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. Her project as a Woodrow Wilson Center Fellow in residence will be "Refuge in Post-Cold War America."
IN THIS POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW WORKSHOP, James Walsh presents new work developed from his dissertation, "Governing the Divide: Institutions and Immigration Control in the United States, Canada, and Australia." Through sources extending back to the nineteenth century, Walsh traces the origins of three regimes for handling immigration – generally more centralized and technocratic in Canada and Australia, and more fragmented in the U.S. – that continue to determine distinctive border controls in the age of globalization. Irene Bloemraad (UC Berkeley) and Rogers Smith (Penn Political Science) will comment on Walsh's manuscript.
SSPF immigration advisory board member, Emilio Parrado, discusses the political inertia that is holding up immigration reform in Congress and its impact. "In this era of concern over budget deficits, we are spending more and more on immigration enforcement, including border security and locking people up for months before we deport them." He concludes that immigration reform has failed because of "a lack of leadership and willingness to take a risk. Good politicians have to accept that some things that are good for the country are not going to be popular with their local constituencies, and do them anyway. But they just don't seem to be able to find people to do that." The full interview is here.


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I'm perfectly entertained when I'm watching it but it feels like its building to a crescendo that never comes. Because it's beholden to real life, where nothing spectacularly dramatic happens at that point in history, it kind of peters out. The Timberlake getting busted/Eduardo showing up/deposition room all show up and the movie is over before you know it. The film is missing it's third act. But that's the story so what can you do? I agree with Fincher, it's not one of his best.
Because it's beholden to real life
We don't have a best sound award.


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Dorm is a client side library, it can he hooked up to a server side ORM implementation such as Hibernate for example. The idea behind Dorm is that you expose your ORM entity model (or a subset of it) to your client application and load and/or commit entities asynchronously via services.
Dorm is used and tested in a production application, the server-side implementation is not open sourced. To set it up for example between Java Hibernate and :dart: is not difficult however.
The entities implement the Observable library to provide easy binding into frameworks such as Polymer.
Communication with the server currently works via JSON, both for sending and receiving entities, but one can easily implement other message formats. An Entity has readExternal and writeExternal methods which will iterate all values and get or insert them to or from a Map object. This Map can them be converted to a message format of choice.
Dorm supports :
- cyclic references (i.e. foo.bar.listOfFoos) via pointers
- default serializer for JSON data
- Entities use the observe library, an Entity extends ObservableBase, and an Entity collection is an ObservableList
Dorm will soon support :
- push via web sockets, share Entity status between clients
Try It Now
Add the Dorm package to your pubspec.yaml file:
dorm: any
Setting it up
The example in Dorm requires a Dart server which acts as a minimal ORM engine, running on JSON files. Here, you can define your database in the dbo folder using JSON.
The example is a good starting point for implementing Dorm yourself, it also has a few sample services and even a commit service.
When ready, run 'build_entities.dart' which will generate the client side entities needed in the dorm example.
Finally, run 'run_mock_server.dart' to launch the test server.
Now you can launch the 'dorm.dart' file in the main examples folder.
I've successfully hooked Dorm up with an existing Hibernate ORM, if you wish to do the same, then you must provide 2 things on the server :
- a way to generate Dorm entities as in the example JSON test server, from your ORM engine
- a serializer which supports cyclic references, Dorm can then access your webserver and request the JSON data
Generating Dorm entities
Dorm entities support inheritance.
Dorm entities use a proxy, you should generate Entity properties in the following way:
// A declaration of an ID field called 'bar' and of type Bar
@Property(BAR_SYMBOL, 'bar', Bar) // Bar being another [Entity]
@Id() // Indicates that this property is an identity field, you can have multiple Id fields for combined key support
@NotNullable() // We need a value when persisting this [Entity]
@DefaultValue(const Bar('A null Bar')) // the default value when creating a new Bar();
final DormProxy<Bar> _bar = new DormProxy<Bar>(BAR, BAR_SYMBOL); // the actual value is proxied
static const String BAR = 'bar';
static const Symbol BAR_SYMBOL = const Symbol('orm_domain.TestEntity.bar'); // full path + prop name
Bar get bar => _bar.value;
set bar(Bar value) => _bar.value = notifyPropertyChange(BAR_SYMBOL, _bar.value, value);
Then, in the Entity constructor body, you need to register this property as following:
<DormProxy>[_bar, /*plus any other properties*/]
See Person for a full example of a Dorm entity.
Finally, you must also define a library file which contains all your generated entities,
with this file, generate the following method:
void ormInitialize() {
EntityAssembler assembler = new EntityAssembler();
assembler.scan(TestEntity, 'entities.TestEntity', TestEntity.construct);
//... other Entities...
And in your project main(), call this method to initialize Dorm.
By default, Dorm uses a JSON serializer, but you could write your own serializer to support AMF for example.
Your client services must use the serializer when dealing with incoming/outgoing data, here's an example of a service's body:
final Serializer serializer = new SerializerJson();
Future serviceMethodNameHere(String operation, Map<String, dynamic> arguments) {
Completer completer = new Completer();
sendData:serializer.outgoing(arguments) // serialize your arguments to JSON
(HttpRequest request) {
if (request.responseText.length > 0) {
EntityFactory<Entity> factory = new EntityFactory(onConflict);
List<Map<String, dynamic>> result = serializer.incoming(request.responseText); // parses the incomin JSON data to a Map
ObservableList<Entity> spawned = factory.spawn(result, serializer); // generates your entities from the above Map
completer.complete(isUniqueResult ? spawned.first : spawned);
return completer.future;
The JSON serializer only handles the basic data types (numerics, String, basic Lists and Maps, ...) To support other types, you can set type handlers to the serializer as following :
(int value) => (value != null) ? new DateTime.fromMillisecondsSinceEpoch(value, isUtc:true) : null,
(DateTime value) => value.millisecondsSinceEpoch
This rule will read the date as int value from the incoming JSON data, and send out again the date as an int whenever the data is outgoing.
When Dorm submits changes to its entities, only properties that are dirty (changed on the client) will be serialized.
Serialization rules
Dorm needs to understand the serialized JSON when it comes to cyclic references, one way for the server to support this, is by creating DTO's for your entities, then when the serialization is needed, loop over the DTO and in doing so, keep a reference to the entities that are already serialized.
If a cyclic reference is detected, then instead of serializing the DTO values, do this instead:
"?t":"path.to.entities.Foo", // the entity type, including the class path
"?p":true, // indicates that this is a cyclic reference
"foo_id":1 // primary key name and value


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QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt has confirmed he wants to play for Morocco at the African Nations Cup next month.
Hoops manager Harry Redknapp last week revealed he had asked Taarabt to miss the tournament to stay and help struggling QPR in their battle to avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League.
But Taarabt, 23, is hoping he earns a recall by his country for the continental finals, which take place in South Africa from January 19 to February 2.
He has been out of favour with Morocco recently but is playing to impress national team coach Rachid Taoussi, who took charge in the summer.
"I will do everything I can to prove to him that I deserve to be there," Taarabt told the African football blog on www.lequipe.fr.
Discussing Redknapp's request for him to stay in London, Taarabt said: "He came to see me to ask me not to go but I told him, 'If they call me, I can't refuse, boss. I love my country, I love the Moroccan people and football means a lot to them'.
"I warned him that the only solution was that the coach doesn't call me up."
Taarabt added: "The coach isn't obliged to take me. I hope to be at the African Nations Cup but even if I'm not there, and that would be painful, I will be the biggest Morocco supporter."
Taarabt scored twice as QPR beat Fulham at the weekend to register their first Premier League win of the season.
He has excelled under Redknapp since the former Tottenham manager replaced Mark Hughes at Loftus Road, and is delighted to be reunited with the boss he played under briefly at White Hart Lane.
Former Spurs man Taarabt said: "He is a peerless motivator. You believe you are the best player in the world when he talks to you.
"Before matches he is very strong. When you go on the pitch you fear nothing. At the end of the match against Fulham, he came to me to say, 'I told you that you were as good as Berbatov'."
Taarabt has been linked with a host of major clubs but stressed he is in no hurry to leave QPR.
He said: "I see all the clubs linked with my name but I've just signed for four years at QPR. The chairman has said that he wouldn't see me. I don't know what would happen if someone offered 20 million. But I love the club and the fans. And they love me too."


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Calif. Man Used Christian Dating Site to Rape Woman, Police Say
An unemployed man from California used the Christian dating website ChristianMingle.com to meet a woman and later raped her while visiting her home, police said, adding he may have raped other women.
Sean Patrick Banks, 37, from Del Mar, was arrested last week and charged with two counts of sexual assault and one count of burglary for allegedly raping the woman at her home in La Mesa in November, according to KGTV-TV.
Banks, who now faces 36 years to life in prison if convicted, was arrested on Monday, and pleaded not guilty two days later. He posted $500,000 bail and was released from custody on his own recognizance.
The suspect used false names – Rylan Butterwood and Rylan Harbough – on the dating website, and the woman, in her 20s, wasn't aware of it. Detectives identified the man after months of investigation.
"After further follow-up in the investigation, the La Mesa Police Department is concerned there may have been more cases (involving) other women," Lt. Matt Nicholass was quoted as saying. "This individual traveled around a lot. And we are concerned that there are people obviously outside of La Mesa or potentially outside of San Diego County that could be a victim."
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 1.
A representative of ChristianMingle.com said the website will fully cooperate in the further investigation. "We are in communication with the La Mesa police department and willing to assist them in any way we can with the investigation," the representative was quoted as saying.
The website says, "Christian Mingle is the online community created specifically for Christian singles looking to find friends, romance or marriage," adding, "The basis for our faith is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Lord and Savior of the world and God's written Word, the Bible. We believe that embracing what God said allows us to live in freedom, joy, and purpose."
It also advises users to "pick a public place and provide your own transportation to and fro" when one decides to meet face to face. "Tell a friend where you're going and check in when you return home."


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Hi! How has your week been so far? Relaxing I hope. We just got back from New York where we had a great time with friends and family. I have to say that NY felt a lot colder than DC. Speaking of cold, it seems as though I caught one at the end of our trip, but I'm happy to say that I'm getting better very quickly. I wanted to share some of my favorite tips that I like to utilize when I'm feeling run down. I very rarely get sick so hopefully these tips will help you like they help me!
1. Avoid processed sugar – I do this on a daily basis, but I REALLY do this when I feel a cold coming on since sugar weakens the immune system.
2. Soak your feet – Another thing I pretty much do daily. It's such a relaxing and detoxifying habit. I add some of my herb soak salts to very warm water and let my feet soak for about 10 minutes.
3. Moisturize your feet – After a foot bath is the perfect time to put a therapeutic balm on your feet and some nice comfy socks. Some of my favorite balms to use include Buddha Nose's I Booster Salve and Waxelene ("The Petroleum Jelly Alternative" with SO many uses). I notice I always sleep especially well when I do this before bed.
4. Sleep well – There's nothing like high quality sleep to help you overcome a battle with a bug. I think the advise of 7-9 hours seems about right, but everyone is different.
5. Consume lots of hot liquids – Green tea, plain hot water with fresh lemon juice and homemade chicken soup are my favorites.
6. Eat garlic – I always love to eat garlic, but I definitely up the ante if I'm not feeling well. Garlic is nature's antibiotic.
7. Have some honey – Another superb natural germ fighter. Add a teaspoon to tea for a sore throat or a tablespoon to the juice of one lemon for a natural cough remedy (see previous post).
8. Oil your nostrils – It sounds weird, but it's an excellent way to keep germs out of your nose. To prevent your nasal passages from getting dry just put a little olive oil or sesame oil on a Q-tip/clean finger and coat the inside of your nostrils. This is an especially good practice before traveling on a plane.
9. Keep the heat down – I am very big on not putting the heat too high during the winter because I hate how it makes my sinuses feel dry/stuffy. I prefer putting on another layer of clothing before cranking the heat up to anything above the low 70s.
I really hope these recommendations help you during cold season and throughout the year. Be well! :) ~Annie


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[Hook: Ellie Goulding]
I had a way then
Losing it all on my own
I had a heart then
But the queen has been overthrown
And I'm not sleeping now
The dark is too hard to beat
And I'm not keeping up
The strength I need to push me
You show the lights that stop me, turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone
Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me, turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
[Verse 1: Lupe Fiasco]
So, what are you going to stand for?
Dreads in the sky, I and I, 2 new Vans on a land four
Take that back, make that 2 new shoes on the van floor
Me and my band out on that road
On a never-back-down-from-my-stance tour
Yeah, touch more souls than a dance floor
While they touch less floors than a hand or
Ceiling fan or - wait, let me tell ya slower
Lift my fans up to the ceiling and you'll never touch the floor
Woah, now if Noah need a rower
I'll be there with my oar till we get back to the shore
Dad made me a soldier, GI Joe to these Cobras
Tryna FBI my Panther, CIA my Sankofa
Infiltrate my Carter, illuminate my culture
While they watching through that buckle, but I stay up on my hustle
Turn that belt back on they self, now I watch them scream for help
Like Africa need aid, or black women as maids
Uncover undercovers turn those maids to Bubba's mothers
Take the hero out the Nino, keep it real as trouble-trouble, huh?
Or maybe cartoon Martin on The Boondocks
Flip the script on chicks who think their shit smells like perfume shops
Help them girls find beauty without a magazine or movie
She Delilah with them .45s or Keisha with that Uzi
Now I know that's contradiction, wants and needs in competition
But it's hard to stay on point with such extremes in opposition
While we waiting on that compromise, proceed with that conscious eye
New gang alert: hashtag occupies
Repper 'til the death of me, FnF, what's left of me
All my hate is for the fake recipes for wrestling
Only time I wrestle's when I'm wrestling with settling
Only way I settle if we wrestle over everything
I know that that don't mix like ecstasy and ketamine
Funny how I'm only sick if you never catch a thing
Argue with your friends over what really the record means
Back and forth about its course, with professors refereeing
Why he so rebellious? Up-front with his realness?
They wanna be fiascoes, reproduce his failures
Emperor is his alias, but not Marcus Aurelius
This is more like Sparta: kick you down a well, kid
And on my last check, I copped the NSX, just like Pharrell did
Well did, better doings to come
My only promise is I'll never ruin the young
I'll never human the sung lyrics in a spirit that's
Superhuman to some, keep you pursuing the sum of
Slums, plus, get up out of them, plus, never forget
Just where you from, plus, make sure that you're ballin'
When you come back up in them, plus, we don't die, multiply
Every single come-up, parum-pa-pum-pum, yup
Sample: Ellie Goulding – Lights (Bassnectar Remix)
This was thw first single from Lupe Fiasco's mixtape Friend of the People, which dropped on Thanksgiving of 2011.


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I recently found a website called Mathway
Basically, it works by allowing you to choose your "level of math" (which it uses to determine what tools it should provide to you) and then allows you to input a math problem which it then solves for you, and gives you detailed solutions (you have to try it, it's really cool).
I was wondering how it worked on two levels. First off, how would they parse the math problem (and all the sometimes foreign mathematical operators)? How do they get from text to numbers, variables, and operators?
Second, how do they generate the explanations? While you have to pay for the detailed solutions (which are explanations of how they solved the problem), I've seen their preview screenshots, and it looks very detailed. The explanations are given in full, accurate sentences. How would they generate something like that?


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Working on some scholastic sports mutlimedia pieces, finished project to go on DVD. Last season (the one the got all the parents stoked) I didn't do conversions, thinking they would just go on computers. Well, some go on TV too. NO complaints, which is a good thing, but in the pursuit of awesomeness I'd like to have a TV and computer option.
So, does anyone remember/know the math to squish the pixels?


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As with all Ferrari special series, the 458 Speciale boasts an array of advanced technical solutions that make it a completely unique model designed for owners looking for an even more focused sports car offering extreme driving emotions.
The innovations span the entire car and include both Ferrari patents and world firsts, particularly with regard to the engine, active aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics. In fact, they set the 458 Speciale apart from the 458 Italia from which it is derived, to an extent unprecedented in the previous Challenge Stradale and 430 Scuderia special series.
458 Speciale
Whether on the road or on the track, drivers will feel immediately at one with the 458 Speciale thanks to the speed with which it responds to every input and the consequently natural control it offers, even in extreme manoeuvres. This finely-tuned handling balance delivers an intense driving experience behind the wheel of Ferrari's most high performance V8.
2015 Engine of the Year
Autocar magazine
Producing compact, sculpted performance-honed forms. This was the first priority in the work carried out by the Ferrari Style Centre which collaborated on the project with Pininfarina.
Discover the 458 Speciale
The cockpit has a distinctly racing-inspired atmosphere. Lightweight exclusive materials, such as Alcantara and carbon-fibre, dominate, yet it still exudes the sense of craftsmanship and sophistication typical of all Ferrari interiors, thanks to hand-stitching, aluminium tread plates and fluidly sculpted door panels. The styling retains the same aesthetic language as the 458 Italia, playing on the overlapping of materials and forms to visually break up the volumes and underscore the comfort of the interior.
The glove compartment on the dash has been replaced with convenient odds and ends pockets on the tunnel and doors, significantly streamlining the volumes in that area. The cockpit's ergonomic layout is boosted too by the now-iconic bridge, a carbon-fibre wing that extends over the central tunnel section, putting the F1 gearbox controls at an ideal angle to the driver.
The Sabelt seats have carbon-fibre shells, ergonomic side bolstering and, thanks to Alcantara-trimmed shoulder-rests, excellent grip. The backrests and seats are padded with a breathable 3D fabric for superb air circulation and comfort.
Most of the bodywork panels have been redesigned without modifying either the passenger cell or the signature design features of the 458 Italia. The thickness of the glass used has been reduced to cut weight, while the rear windscreen is now a Lexan© panel.
The composite bumpers have been redesigned and the front bonnet now features two deep air outlets to channel away the air exiting the radiator.
The air outlets to the side of the headlight assemblies now also include three louvers reminiscent of past Ferraris such as the 250 GTO and the F40. The rear features a Kamm tail with a full-width grille between the tail-lights and twin exhausts.
The 458 Speciale is being unveiled in an unusual red livery featuring a blue and white central stripe inspired by the historic NART (North America Racing Team) livery. Its five-spoke wheels are available in three colours: gold, dark grey and black.
458 Speciale's specific power output of 135 cv/l is a world record for a road-going naturally aspirated engine.Read more
A car this special demands an exceptional engine. Two figures sum up just how extraordinary the 458 Speciale's mid-rear 4.497 cc V8 really is: its ability to punch out 605 cv at 9000 rpm makes it the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever built at Maranello while its specific power output of 135 cv/l is a world record for a road-going naturally aspirated engine. Honing of the entire car also resulted in an exceptional weight-power ratio of 2.13 kg/cv and the kind of performance that makes it worthy of the Speciale moniker: 0 to100 km/h acceleration in 3" (9"1 0 to 200 km/h) and a record 1'23"5 lap time at Fiorano.
To achieve these results, Maranello's engineers maximised the 458's V8 potential, carrying out detailed refinements to all the components, optimising combustion, volumetric and mechanical efficiency. Ambitious targets set at the design phase included boosting torque across the entire power curve by increasing the compression ratio to 14:1, once again a record for an engine of this layout.
Ferrari drew heavily on its extensive F1 knowledge at the design, process and control stages. The engine is produced in the factory's in-house foundry using the same processes and machinery employed by the F1 team to deliver complex components with the necessary extreme structural and dimensional characteristics.
Optimised combustion chamber fluid-dynamics, new intake geometries, and a new cam profile are just some of the adjustments that allowed the designers meet their targets. Other significant factors were the revision of various engine components: new materials for the pistons and the con-rod bushings, for example. The crankshaft geometry was also redesigned as was the intake system, the latter cutting engine weight by eight kg.
This very special engine has an equally unique soundtrack that is seductive and uncompromising both inside and outside the car, thanks to the position of the tailpipes, the silencer configuration and a redesigned inlet tract.
458 Speciale's coefficient is the highest in Ferrari production car history: 1.50Read more
The 458 Speciale's extraordinary aerodynamic efficiency – at 1.5, its coefficient is the highest in Ferrari production car history - is the fruit of a string of innovative and original advances that yielded an excellent downforce (Cl) value of 0.53 whilst still keeping the drag coefficient (Cd) at a very low 0.35.
The car's active aerodynamics – a new Ferrari patent - played a fundamental part in the creation of the 458 Speciale and allow it adopt different configurations to deliver maximum downforce in cornering and minimum drag on straights.
At the front of the car are two vertical flaps in the centre with a horizontal flap below them.
At relatively low speeds, the frontal flaps are closed, channelling air into the radiators to guarantee the necessary cooling for the engine. However, at speeds in excess of 170 km/h, the flaps open, reducing the volume of air flowing into the radiators, thereby cutting drag. At speeds of over 220km/h the horizontal flap lowers to balance downforce between the front and rear axles, leading to a 20 per cent shift in overall downforce towards the rear.
Part of the increase in downforce as well as the 4 per cent shift of the aerodynamic balance towards the front is as a result of the turning vanes at either side of the front bumper and also the aerodynamic fins. The front dam and the hump at the start of the flat underbody reduce pressure at the front of the car too. A larger, more exaggerated spoiler has improved rear downforce (Cl) by 7 points. Moving the position of the tailpipes also allowed a new diffuser to be designed too. Its extraction capacity is optimised, improving downforce over the whole of the underbody. Aerodynamics is further boosted by the active rear flaps which raise and lower as required (more downforce, less drag): electronically controlled, they can be lowered by as much as a 17° angle which stalls the diffuser and reduces Cd by 3 points.
Vehicle Dynamics
A steering response time of 0.060 seconds and lateral acceleration of 1.33 g are the highest ever achieved for a Ferrari production car, guaranteeing the 458 Speciale will satisfy even our most performance-oriented owners.Read more
Ferrari's designers set themselves the target of delivering clients extraordinarily intense driving emotions in a car that would allow them match and improve their own limits with ease. Electronics, brakes, suspensions, tyres: all feature new technological innovations that deliver genuinely superb performances worthy of the Speciale moniker. These not only improve the 458 Speciale's time over single laps, but also the repeatability of that performance on subsequent laps without needing to be a professional driver, offering unprecedented exhilaration. A steering response time of 0.060 seconds and lateral acceleration of 1.33 g are the highest ever achieved for a Ferrari production car, guaranteeing the 458 Speciale will satisfy even our most performance-oriented owners.
In terms of electronic management, the 458 Speciale marks the world debut of Side Slip Angle Control (SSC) and an upgrade of the F1 transmission control logic.
Thanks to a sophisticated new algorithm, SSC instantaneously calculates the car's side slip angle, comparing it with reference data: torque management is optimised while differential torque is distributed more efficiently. With the Manettino set at RACE or CT OFF, the 458 Speciale then makes the most of available grip for improved acceleration out of corners, greater ease and control on the limit, and more consistent performance.
The 458 Speciale's F1 dual clutch transmission delivers an even keener sense of urgency too. Response times are more prompt than ever with 40 per cent faster longitudinal acceleration and engine revs adapting 20 per cent more rapidly in up-shifts, while the transient time required for engine revs to match the gear ratio in down-shifts is 44 per cent faster.
Every component of the Brembo braking system has been evolved from the solutions introduced on the LaFerrari. New Extreme Design calipers, HT2 discs with a higher percentage of silicon, and smaller front HY material pads result in eight per cent shorter stopping distances than the 458 Italia and more consistent performance under severe use.
The 458 Speciale is satisfying and easy to drive on the limit in faster, sharper, more challenging changes of direction too, thanks to incredibly fast response times combined with more precise body control. Also fundamental to this are its Frequency-Shaped SCM-E (Frs SCM-E) dampers, which have twin solenoids, a new CPU and new software that modifies the magnetic field every millisecond.
Ferrari's partnership with Michelin led to the development of tyres conceived specifically for this car. Offering 6 per cent more grip, the new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres feature a compound obtained using specific additives to boost performance over single laps in the dry, consistency over multiple laps and grip in the wet. The 20 inch specially designed forged wheels are also 12 kg lighter than the 458 Italia's.
|Bore and stroke
|94 x 81 mm (3.7 x 3.2 in)
|Overall displacement
|4497 cm3
|Compression ratio
|Maximum power**
|445 kW (605 cv) at 9000 rpm
|Specific power output
|135 cv/l
|Maximum torque
|540 Nm at 6000 rpm
|Maximum revs (limiter)
|9000 rpm
|**Including 3.7 kW by ram effect
|4571 mm
|1951 mm
|1203 mm
|2650 mm
|Front track
|1679 mm
|Rear track
|1632 mm
|Dry weight*
|1290 kg
|Kerb weight*
|1395 kg
|Weight distribution
|42% front, 58% rear
|Weight/power ratio
|2.13 kg/cv
|Fuel tank capacity
|86 l
|*With optional equipment
|398x223x36 mm
|360x233x32 mm
|Stability control
|High performance ABS/EBD
|High performance antilock braking system/electronic brake force distribution
|F1 traction control
|Third generation electronic differential
|Side slip angle control
|Frs SCM-E
|Magnetorheological suspension control with frequency analysis system and twin solenoids
|7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission
|Maximum speed
|>325 km/h
|0-100 km/h
|3.0 sec
|0-200 km/h
|9.1 sec
|0-400 m
|10.7 sec
|0-1000 m
|19.4 sec
|Weight/power ratio
|2.13 kg/cv
|Fiorano lap time
|Fuel consumption
|11.8 l/100 km
|CO2 emissions
|275 gr/km


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Black friday isn't until the 30th of November though. It is close though, so possibly? I do find with HN, they do have some very good deals when they have boxing day sales, possibly loss leaders to get people through the doors.
PBtech is having one this weekend, so it is probably just an excuse to have a sale rather than a real thing.


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Garden End Farm (B&B) - Panborough
Accommodation > Hotels & B&Bs
Garden End Farm
01934 712414
Set in the heart of the Somerset Mendips, our working farm offers bed and breakfast availability. It is a very friendly place to stay.
Four rooms are available to let; one room is fully equipped with en-suite and three additional rooms available with shared amenities. You can have access to your room at any time during the day.
Our hearty full English breakfast will surely set you up for your day ahead, whatever you want to do; wherever you wish to go to visit this beautiful part of the West Country.
Get away from it all at our secluded, quiet and peaceful campsite. Set in the middle of gently rolling Apple Orchard in Somerset's fine Mendips. It is hedged off on three sides making it ideal for small children to play on the field securely. Regularly cut and maintained to a high standard, it will surely be one of THE best places you will ever camp! Views of the local small church, farm house and the splendid Mendips are all afforded from the field.
Lat/Long : 51.210688, -2.759975


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Make her yours in a heartbeat! Our luxurious handcrafted arrangement of red roses and pink Stargazer lilies was designed to wow your Valentine, beautifully displayed inside a compact glass cylinder vase lined with a Ti leaf ribbon. And if you're planning an intimate dinner for two, it's the perfect centerpiece to help set the mood. (Hint, hint.)


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Camilla Split Shank Engagement Ring
In Stock | STYLE: HBRCAMSS01208WC-65-N
Available in 7-10 Business Days
This beautiful engagement ring features an stylish split shank band leading up to a brilliant, round center diamond. A ring dazzling with elegance and modern appeal, this design is perfect for the trendsetting woman.... *Prices are subject to change based on fluctuations in metal prices and currencies
A perfect ring of eight hearts when viewed from the bottom. A perfectly formed symmetrical fireburst of light when seen from the top. Diamonds cut and polished at 100X magnification - 10 times the industry standard. That's the perfection of a Hearts On Fire diamond. It's a perfection you can see. Hearts On Fire, The World's Most Perfectly Cut Diamond
General Details:
18K White Gold
Available in 7-10 Business Days