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Multiple Ascending Dose Study of GLPG0974 in Healthy Subjects
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01721980
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : November 6, 2012
Last Update Posted : February 12, 2013
|Tracking Information
|First Submitted Date ICMJE
|November 2, 2012
|First Posted Date ICMJE
|November 6, 2012
|Last Update Posted Date
|February 12, 2013
|Study Start Date ICMJE
|October 2012
|Actual Primary Completion Date
|February 2013 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Current Primary Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Safety and tolerability [ Time Frame: Between screening and 7-10 days after the last dose ]
To evaluate the safety and tolerability of GLPG0974 in comparison with placebo after a single oral dose in healthy subjects in terms of adverse events, physical examinations, vital signs, ECG and lab assessments
|Original Primary Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Same as current
|Change History
|Complete list of historical versions of study NCT01721980 on ClinicalTrials.gov Archive Site
|Current Secondary Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Original Secondary Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Same as current
|Current Other Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Original Other Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Same as current
|Descriptive Information
|Brief Title ICMJE
|Multiple Ascending Dose Study of GLPG0974 in Healthy Subjects
|Official Title ICMJE
|Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study for the Assessment of Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Multiple Ascending Oral Doses of GLPG0974 in Healthy Male Subjects
|Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability after multiple ascending oral doses of GLPG0974 given to healthy male subjects for 14 days, compared to placebo.
Furthermore, during the course of the study, the amount of GLPG0974 present in the blood and urine (pharmacokinetics) as well as the effects of GLPG0974 on mechanism of action-related parameters in the blood and stool samples (pharmacodynamics) will be characterized compared to placebo.
Also, the effect of the compound on glucose tolerance will be explored as well as the potential of cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4 induction by repeated dosing with GLPG0974.
|Detailed Description
|Not Provided
|Study Type ICMJE
|Study Phase
|Phase 1
|Study Design ICMJE
|Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary Purpose: Treatment
|Condition ICMJE
|Intervention ICMJE
|Study Arms
|Publications *
|Not Provided
* Includes publications given by the data provider as well as publications identified by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number) in Medline.
|Recruitment Information
|Recruitment Status ICMJE
|Actual Enrollment ICMJE
|Original Estimated Enrollment ICMJE
|Same as current
|Actual Study Completion Date
|February 2013
|Actual Primary Completion Date
|February 2013 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Eligibility Criteria ICMJE
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
|18 Years to 50 Years (Adult)
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers
|Contacts ICMJE
|Contact information is only displayed when the study is recruiting subjects
|Listed Location Countries ICMJE
|Removed Location Countries
|Administrative Information
|NCT Number ICMJE
|Other Study ID Numbers ICMJE
|Has Data Monitoring Committee
|U.S. FDA-regulated Product
|Not Provided
|IPD Sharing Statement
|Not Provided
|Responsible Party
|Galapagos NV
|Study Sponsor ICMJE
|Galapagos NV
|Collaborators ICMJE
|Not Provided
|Investigators ICMJE
|PRS Account
|Galapagos NV
|Verification Date
|February 2013
ICMJE Data element required by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors and the World Health Organization ICTRP


text:
How to get targeted traffic Explained
How to get targeted traffic explained.
This hub is a continuation of
Here we will discuss some methods to get targeted traffic to your website or blog.
What is targeted traffic ?
Targeted traffic means the visitors visiting your site are the best suitable audience for the website content.
3 steps to get targeted traffic to your site:
- Pay per click advertising
- Search engine optimization
- Commenting in related blogs.
1.Pay per click advertising
In pay per click advertising you pay for every click received on the ads for your website.The best example is search based pay per click advertising .
You might have noticed that when you search in google sponsored listings appear along search results.These sponsored listings are placed by advertisers for getting tarffic.They are charged when searchers click on these sponsored listings.
One big advantage with search based pay per click advertising is that you pay only for clicks received on your ads.
2.Search engine optimization
Search engine optimization is a technique to get higher rankings in search results page whenever a user does a search in search engines.
We wouldn't discuss too much about Search engine optimization here as the topic is a huge one.If you are eager to learn more about SEO or search engine optimization right click and save this cool eBook on search engine optimization.
It offers solid information on SEO.
3.Commenting in related blogs
Commenting in related blogs is a good idea for generating traffic to your website and blog.Read the blogs related to your niche and leave a valuable comment there.Most of the blogs allow you to submit your website URL also along with the comment and your name will appear as a link to your website in blog comment.The visitors reading the blog can click on your website link and reach your website.
If you feel that this post was useful to you please leave me a comment below.
No comments yet.

subset: commoncrawl


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As people of diverse faiths who are members of organizations committed to fostering dialogue and understanding within our community, we are deeply concerned and outraged about the defacing of Congregation Torah V'Emunah in North Miami Beach and the vandalism directed at an identifiable Jewish family's cars in Miami Beach. Sadly, this is not the first time that visible expressions of faith have come under attack; we recall similar desecration of a local mosque in the recent past.
Despite our own varying opinions, passionate emotions and political views about what is taking place today in Israel and Gaza, and other countries in the Middle East, we nonetheless feel that this is the time for people of good will everywhere to work together for peace and tranquility. That begins by first steps right here at home; an attack on any individual or institution based upon their belief or religion is an attack upon all of us. We deplore these cowardly acts in our community and call upon the appropriate authorities to pursue these as "hate crimes" and to prosecute the culprits to the full extent of the law.
Let us here in Miami model for the world how people of many faiths can live in harmony with one another, respecting our differences and standing united to fight hate or bigotry wherever it is found.
Michelle Ramirez Patricios, chair, Roberta Shevin, executive director, MCCJ
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For the most comprehensive local coverage, subscribe today.
Khalid Mirza, president, Shabbir Motorwala, director, COSMOS,
Andrew C. Hall, president, Brian D. Siegal, director, Miami Regional Office, American Jewish Committee
Shelley Niceley Groff, chair, Carol Brick-Turin, director, Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation


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Looking for easy recipes to make with your kids and will adore? Look no further – here are lots of friendly recipes to choose from! Find cakes, snacks and more. Have fun and enjoy!
Cooking with kids is so much fun around Christmas time. Kids love to make food gifts for their friends and help you to plan the Christmas food table. Discover an abundance of Christmas kids' cooking recipes, including sweet treats like gingerbread men.
Read more here: http://www.kidspot.com.au/christmas/subsection+647+Christmas-recipes-Christmas-kids-cooking.htm
Image courtesy kidspot.com.au


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This is a weekly recap post from the Hunk Guide, our collection of great posts (and sexy men) from some of our favorite blogs. Check out the Hunk Guide to see them all, or suggest a link for us to include!
As with every week, there is entirely TOO MUCH good hunk watchin' to share with you... we had to break it up into two parts! Be sure to catch the rest of the good stuff after the jump... along with three more photos of Rodrigo... rawr!
We Love Guys: We Love Rodrigo Calazans! (See photos in this entry!)
OhLaLaMag: Winter in the US means it's Summer in Australia! Check out the web series Surf Camp!
Chicago Pride: Hunk du Jour gets a semi-shoutout in their interview with Val Emmich.
Tottyland: Always good for a few random hotties.
Superhero Fan: The man behind the TV screencaps you see all over the web. Serving up Eli Stone, True Blood (click with caution - tush), Dexter, Sanctuary, and Smallville!
Towleroad: John Barrowman is a hot pillow biter. (Relax, we're just talking about his Out 100 portrait.)
Connex 24.7: Talks to Hunk du Jour favorite (and interviewee) Bryan Thomas.
Lemondrop: Taking a look at the 51 hottest politicians in America... though a few too many conservatives for our taste.
Trey Cruz: Sordid lives creator Del Shores and husband Jason Dottley visit Texas for a Q&A and how their sex lives are now onscreen.
Shirtless Perfection: Perfection, thy name is Thor Knai.
AfterElton: The votes are in and AfterElton names The 50 Best Gay Books.
Swimpixx: Beach Guys. 'Nuff said!
Rod 2.0: Bow Wow isn't so little anymore... Shad Moss appears on Entourage. In a three-way.
Ethan Says: Cam Gigandet is in Men's Health.
Gay Body Blog: Shares some of their favorite photos of CJ Richards.
Zephyr Files: Major Model Michael Tammaro.
Out 100 Blog: The Out 100 have been named! Cheyenne made the cover... sweet!
Outsports: Silver Lake F.A.G.S. are playing for the dodgeball title in Los Angeles.
Fit Sports Men: Footballers as models? We can't see any reason why not!
Edward Estanol: Brady Quinn is Edward's hottie of the week.
Just Beautiful Men: Joe the hottie? Joe Cole is the next "Joe The..." in our life -- he plays for the Chelsea Football Club.
Charmants: The new Pull and Bear campaign features Kerry Degman, Simon Nessman.
Jockboy Locker: Currently holding a comment contest -- worth a look.
SquareHippies: Kip Pardue in Loggerheads.
FocusBoy: Major Model Holden Nowell photographed by Michael Tammaro and Greg Vaughan.
Hot Daddy of the Day: I love calendar season... it's the NYC Firefighter's Calendar.
Josh and Josh are Rich and Famous: We saw it all over, I just happened to catch it here first. The Keith Olbermann message.
Made in Brazil: They found them! The Best Abs in Brazil!


text: Robert Kennedy Jr. Weds Actress Cheryl Hines Today It's the third marriage for Kennedy By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Aug 2, 2014 8:34 AM CDT 22 comments Comments (Chris Pizzello) (Newser) – Robert Kennedy Jr. and Curb Your Enthusiasm actress Cheryl Hines are getting hitched at the Kennedy compound in Massachusetts this afternoon. Cousin Patrick Kennedy says the wedding is at Ethel Kennedy's home in Hyannis Port on Cape Cod. The 60-year-old Robert Kennedy is an environmental lawyer and activist who lives in New York.It will be his third marriage. Hines, 48, has been nominated twice for Emmys for her role playing Larry David's wife on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm. (Read more Robert Kennedy Jr. stories.) My Take on This Story Report a story error Show results without voting | 14% Hilarious 17% Intriguing 4% Depressing 9% Brilliant 7% Scary 50% Ridiculous


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Bohemian House Bang 2016
River North
This event occurred in the past.
Map | Find Parking
Ring in the New Year with an incredible meal in the comfort of family and friends. To end 2015 with a delicious bang, Bohemian House Chef Jimmy Papadopoulos is presenting a special Chef's Cellar menu, in addition to the restaurant's regular offerings.


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The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has stressed the importance of credible voters' register in conducting free, fair and credible elections.
He also promised to make the Anambra State governorship election slated for November 16 the benchmark for subsequent elections in the country.
Jega, who spoke on Thursday at a meeting with stakeholders on preparations for the election, which was attended by almost all the registered political parties in the country, noted that with the revalidation of the code of conduct by political parties and also the planned revalidation of voters register, the electoral body is sure of a huge success.
He, however, solicited for the support of all the stakeholders in the state, saying that without their full cooperation, every plan put in place would amount to nothing.
He hinted that the meeting was proposed to discuss in details the steps and measures put in place to ensure free, fair, credible and peaceful elections in the state.


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FaZe Clan Officially Leaves World Esports Association
Jump ship!
In an official statement on Facebook, FaZe Clan announced they would be leaving the World Esports Association, also known as WESA, after rumors of them parting ways. This is only two weeks after the association was founded with FaZe being one of the founding teams.
"We feel that WESA still has lots of challenges to overcome and we feel that right now it's not the best place for us to be," as said in the statement. "Building a league system with a governing body is interesting and maybe even what e-sports needs to take the next step forward. We believe in time and patience, aligning and unifying the entire scene is the key to bring the true vision to life – which from a conceptual point of view is impressive."
The team also stated that they did not pay a fine of $200,000 despite rumors and are leaving on good terms. They also mentioned that they would continue to support "ideas that bring e-sports forward," even if it is "WESA or others figuring out how to execute this." They also went on to state even if they're not in WESA that ESL will be inviting them to their leagues and tournaments.
FaZe Clan is the first team to leave WESA but other teams such as EnVy, NiP, Fnatic, G2 and other big names are still with the association. This was after the WESA announcement was leaked by a reddit post and went under intense scrutiny on social media.


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$5.1 Billion in Federal Transportation Funding Coming to Massachusetts
Congressman Mike Capuano announced that the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3: "The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users". This $284 billion six-year surface transportation bill funds road and transit projects across the country. It contains $3.74 billion in funding over six years for Massachusetts' highways and $1.37 billion over six years for transit projects for a total of $5.1 billion. The funding in H.R. 3 represents an increase of approximately $1 billion or 23% over the last transportation reauthorization bill.
"Despite the fact that many members of Congress have renewed concerns over the cost overruns associated with the Central Artery/Tunnel Project as well as concerns over the ongoing problems associated with leaks, we were able to secure record funding for the Commonwealth's transportation infrastructure," stated Congressman Capuano, who is a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The legislation will also create at least 40,000 jobs per year in Massachusetts, 7,500 of which are new employment opportunities.
"This money will translate into significant improvements to our highway and transit infrastructure. It will also benefit our working families and regional economy by creating jobs," stated Congressman Capuano.
$224.25 million of the state's overall funding allocation has been set aside for a number of specifically identified projects across Massachusetts. Some of the projects in the 8th district are:
"These are just some Massachusetts projects that will benefit from this legislation, including bridges in need of reconstruction and roads in need of repair. This money could already be available if President Bush had recognized the critical infrastructure needs that exist in this country. Instead he threatened to veto any bill higher than $256 billion a number that most members of both sides of the aisle thought was too low to address the transportation needs that we have. As a result, the bill never made it out of conference because Republican leaders did not want to send the President a bill he would veto. This year, the President has stated that he supports a $284 billion bill the funding level of the House bill. Let's hope the President's change of heart means quick action this year," stated Congressman Capuano.
The legislation contains authorizing language for the following transit projects: the Green Line extension to Medford, the Silver Line Phase Three (final design and construction), the Urban Ring, the Blue Line extension and the North-South Rail Link. Authorizing language makes these projects eligible for future federal funding.
"This legislation is an important step forward in meeting the Commonwealth's transportation needs. It means billions of dollars in improvements to our roads, bridges and transit infrastructure," stated Congressman Capuano.
The legislation is now ready for a Conference Committee, which will be convened once the Senate passes a transportation reauthorization bill. The Senate is expected to take up its transportation bill in the spring.
Contact: Alison M. Mills (617) 621-6208
110 First Street
Cambridge, MA 02141


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|OUMNH Number:
|Name and quarry location:
|Nero antico from Jebel Aziza, Tunisia
|Geological description:
|Very fine-grained black marble with intersecting shear fractures and white calcite/pyrite-filled extension veinlets.
|This specimen, with is very straight white veins, is most probably from the ancient quarries at Jebel Aziza in Tunisia. Corsi's provenance, Akra Tainaron (Cape Matapan), on the Mani peninsula of Laconia, Greece, was long considered to be correct. However only dark grey stones, more like bigio morato, have been found during more recent field studies (Lazzarini, 2003). It is now evident that the black marbles and limestones quarried in ancient times were obtained from a number of different localities including the area between Chemtou and Gebel Aziza in Tunisia, the Margaritis peninsula of Chios, Greece; and Sigacik, in Izmir, Turkey.
|Borghini (1997) 254-255, 288; Corsi (1845) 94; Gnoli (1988) 192-195; Lazzarini (2002c) 244, 265; Lazzarini (2003); Mielsch (1985) 57, taf.16; Pensabene (1998)
|Further information:
|Corsi's classification:
|Class 1. Marbles; Section 1. Monochrome marbles; Species 6. Black marbles
|Corsi's text:
|39.11 Marmo nero antico. marmor Taenarium. Dal promontorio Tenaro nella Laconia traevasi un marmo nero che Pausania chiamò Tenario.


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Aside from the 10th Annivesary Sale, Microsoft did something else special for Xbox Live today. They created a history of the service during the last ten years with a timeline on the Dashboard.
They have a steady thing going, went from 3 things per year to 4 per year in the later years


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The Los Angeles Christmas Count is going to be held TUESDAY, Jan. 2, 2018.
In 2012, Audubon dropped the $5 fee to participate in the CBC, and most counts did away with the online registration process. Please consider donating to Audubon directly to support the count (including data management): http://www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count
I don't need to hear back from people who want to show up at any of the three "group locations", which are:
1. Del Rey Lagoon, Playa del Rey (meet 8 AM at the old boat dock parking lot on the west side – i.e., the one closest to the beach)
2. Ferndell, Griffith Park (meet 8 AM at Trails Café)
3. Kenneth Hahn Park, nr Culver City (meet 7:30 at the parking lot at the top of the hill, about ½ mile inside the main gate)
***NO RSVP necessary for the above meeting locations; just show up***
However, if you'd like to count outside the above areas, please let me know what area you'll cover (see below) so we don't duplicate your effort.
We count all morning, then we meet for lunch at Viva Fresh on Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester at 1 PM.
I will be sending each participant or group leader a list of target species and my contact info.
***Please show up for lunch, or call/text/email me letting me know if you got your targets by 1 PM***
Some people continue to count in the afternoon/evening (for owls), or chase birds that were found that morning.
Please use the computer or device you're reading this on to locate all of the locations mentioned above or below, but feel free to confirm details with me.
Starting in 2015-16, I switched to an "all-eBird data collection" procedure, as follows:
1. You count birds at your location, and keep track of numbers of all species seen or heard;
2. You enter these sightings into eBird (www.ebird.org) ideally using existing "hotspots";
3. While viewing your completed list, you click "Share w/ Others in Your Party" on the right-hand side, and share with the username "LosAngelesCBC" (please do NOT share with me);
4. I will then log in as LosAngelesCBC and "accept" your list, which adds it to the database.
I will post a summary of the count a few days afterward, but you'll always be able to see your sightings, and others' who did the count, in eBird.
Good Birding and counting!
Dan Cooper
See also the boundary map for the L.A. CBC


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The government is moving to outlaw a psychedelic drug dispensed by some doctors as a therapeutic remedy and sold on the street as an emotional high known as "Ecstasy," federal sources said Thursday.
Sources said John Lawn, acting head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, signed an emergency order May 28 to place the drug, MDMA, into the most restricted drug category, Schedule 1, which now lists the likes of heroin and LSD.
Lawn scheduled a news conference today where the sources said he would announce the action. The order would go into effect July 1, or 31 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
Proponents of MDMA, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly on the West Coast, say it has the ability to make people trust each other and to break down barriers between lovers, parents and children, therapists and patients.
"It is now used experimentally by doctors and psychiatrists, hopefully under a controlled basis," a DEA enforcement officer said. "But it also has the great potential for abuse."


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It's that time again. Tops picks brought to you by lovers of all things house. This juicy pack of tunes comes from a connoisseur of the finer side of dance music, the stuff that is 'Built for the Terrace'.
RAR- Hool
A longstanding collaborative effort between Re.You and Rampa (Re.You being a Mobilee regular and Rampa being a Keinemusik regular), this track is something that would be played during peak time at an amazon rain forest rave. *Fun Fact- Deadmau5 randomly likes to play out the B Side on this EP, entitled 'The Tool'.
Purchase: Beatport
Snilloc- 800 Lesbians
Snilloc made a name for himself by releasing his track 'Lines', which was played out by Loco Dice and Marco Carola for two seasons. This new track on Nick Curly's legendary label 8 Bit has received a ton of underground support, and for good reason.
Purchase: Beatport
Pele & Shawnecy- Dope Rhyme (Gorge Remix)
A big grooving bassline monster, Mannheim native Gorge has really found his sound lately and has released an unbelievable amount of music. He actually runs 8 Bit with Nick Curly.
Purchase: Beatport
Anthony Middleton- Till The End of…
An older song that Lee Burridge was playing out at all of his All Day I Dream parties last summer, this is literally the perfect outdoor song. Anthony Middleton is one half of Audiofly, who have been around since 2002 and still release and play amazing music, along with throwing their Flying Circus parties.
Purchase: Beatport
Stop File- Cichito (David Gtronic and Jetro Remix)
Released on Monique Speciale 2 years ago, Cichito became one of the most recognizable Ibiza tunes. Young dub house up and comer, who is being mentored by the likes of tINI, turns in a very cool and afterhours dancefloor-oriented treatment.
Purchase: Beatport


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Whether you are planning on purchasing a few plants or want to start a plant garden, caring for plants is an added expense. Although they add beauty to your home, garden or greenhouse, they still require time, money and attention in order to grow and thrive like they should. In order to price plant care, there are a number of factors that need to be considered, preferably before purchasing the plants. Knowing how much this could potentially cost you ahead of time can allow you to make adjustments before investing in a large amount of plants.
Things You Will NeedCalculator
Step 1
Determine the type of plant, or plants, that you will be taking care of. Every plant does not require the same amount of attention, water or fertilizer for it to grow into a healthy plant. If you are on a budget, purchasing a plant that requires a similar environment to that of your home will save you money in the long run.
Step 2
Transport the plants safely and so not leave in areas that can damage the plant. If it is in the middle of winter time, cover your plants before leaving the store and getting into your car. For long trips, make sure that the plant is protected since many foliage plants will be damaged when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3
Research to find out how much sunlight is going to be needed. If you are in an area that does not get much sunlight, you may need to purchase lighting for your plant so that it can thrive and survive. Calculate this cost into your figures; this can get more expensive depending on the quality of the lamp that you purchase. Do not forget about the amount of electricity that each lamp will require.
Step 4
Calculate how often and how much water needs to be used. Some plants require more water than others so this is dependent on the type of plant that you purchase.
Step 5
Calculate the amount of time you will need to use a temperature controller and a humidifier. Most plants grow best when they are exposed to cooler temperatures at night so they have recovery time from the moisture they have lost. They flower best in temperatures that are 10 to 15 degrees lower than the day time temperature. When calculating humidity, each plant requires a different amount of humidity and some do not require any at all.
Step 6
Add in the amount of fertilizer and other nutrients that need to be used for the plant, or plants, that you are taking care of.
Step 7
Add together all figures, including the cost of containers that are needed for repotting, and you have how much it will cost you to take care of your plants.Array


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It is hard to imagine that a letter means so much to a child immersed in poverty. One thing that Compassion stresses as equal to financial sponsorship is emotional sponsorship; personally investing in a child's life through handwritten letters. On the social networking sight for Compassion International sponsors, child sponsors report with joy when they receive a letter from one of their 'children'. They often post those letters for other sponsors to read. The sweet words of gratitude and love from the children convinces me that their sponsors' letters do make an impact on them.
What happens if someone wants to sponsor a child financially but does not want to or is unable to write letters to that child? Compassion has a plan in place...correspondence sponsors. Correspondence sponsors step in and take over the letter-writing aspect of sponsorship. Compassion matches up each prospective correspondence sponsor with a child needing correspondence, and a relationship is born. Children actually view the letter-writing sponsor as their real sponsor as letters and photos are exchanged. The children form a bond over the miles with someone who truly cares for them.


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October hides in itself the warmest colors of summer, invigorated by the sweet memories of bird songs. It offers the blooms of Autumn - warm orange, yellow and brown. But in October you also get the deep blue of the sky, the one you can only see right before Winter. And that is especially true if you are on a small island somewhere in the North Atlantic.
Would you care for a boat trip around the Faroe Islands this time? Please, be my guests while we are exploring this unique place. Enjoy the views I've seen around the islands and the capital - Torshavn in the past few years.
Taking note of the transformations in Nature as the seasons progress is one of the sides of living an ethical organic life. Getting to know what Nature has in store and peacefully coinciding with her rhythm nourishes respect and soothes our souls. With the seasons changes our mood; our inspiration takes leaps in different directions and we grow. Closer to Nature is closer to our own voice.
To see how October looks like in Iceland, click here.


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The "PASS IT ON" program from the Spring Lake Sports League in Lincolnwood, IL, collects and donates gently used sporting equipment and uniforms to schools and recreation centers in Chicago's most needy neighborhoods. They help kids have fun!
Here's a shot of several versions of the finished logo and the rough sketches that proceeded it.


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Brown Field Investment : Eagle Property Investments : Investment Property Management Group.
Brown Field Investment
- FDI that involves the purchase of an existing plant or firm, rather then construction of a new plant. Contrasts with green field investment.
brown field investment
brown field investment – New Zealand
T.R. Brown & Sons Ltd (Bristol)
T.R.Brown of Bristol By Captain Stephen Carter. ISBN 090629460-6. Published by Twelveheads Press, Truro, 2006 Softback,104 pp, illustrated with numerous photographs and map of River Avon and docks.
Many books have been written about the exploits and adventures of major shipping companies and their vessels, but we should remember the important part played by the businesses which supported the commerce of the sea by providing services in port and dealing with the occasional mishap.
Such a business was that of T.R.Brown and Sons Ltd which began to take advantage of the need for towage and lighterage on the Bristol Avon and in both the City Docks and the new ones at Avonmouth in the late nineteenth century.
Stephen Carter's book admirably covers the long history of the company, which still operates, admittedly in a different field, and he draws upon the memories of the many men, including himself, who were involved in the day to day business of handling ships and barges in the docks and on the river. Indeed, that business extended out into the sometimes inhospitable waters of the Bristol Channel and Severn estuary.
Across the estuary from Chepstow came a trowman by the name of Thomas Robert Brown who had, from his humble beginnings in that cradle of seafarers, already expanded his ownership of a small fleet of trows by the time he arrived in Bristol probably in the 1870s, and put them to work ferrying cargoes from the new Avonmouth docks up river to the industries of central Bristol. Much of this business was the carriage of grain up river at a time when the mills were operating around the City docks. When larger mills were erected at Avonmouth, the expected loss of traffic did not materialize; it merely changed into more barge work around the larger docks and Browns were there to capitalize on it.
There were, of course, other well known firms in the barge and lighterage trades in Bristol, Heads carried mostly timber, Ashmeads wood pulp to the board mills above the City docks, Perrys handled tobacco imports and Raes dealt with coal bunkering as did Smiths. All these companies worked quite closely together since they did not directly compete and there was enough work for all in those busy far-off days when Bristol depended upon its river and central docks.
Brown did not stand still: Stephen Carter relates the story of how he entered the salvage business when a Danish ship caught fire in King Road and was abandoned. Brown put some of his own crew aboard who extinguished the fire, and the ship was towed into Avonmouth where the Danish master, after attempting unsuccessfully to re-board his ship (Carter says it had something to do with an axe being wielded by Brown!) was advised that the ship was subject to a salvage claim which was finally awarded to Brown. The company continued to successfully practice salvage well into the latter part of the twentieth century and the book sets out in detail some of the operations undertaken such as the raising of the steamer Cato in Avonmouth docks in 1963.
Further evidence for the enterprising nature of the company comes when they moved into sand and gravel dredging in 1924, a lucrative business which latterly became the Holms Sand and Gravel co. which operated from the Grove in the City docks, and latterly at Hotwells, until the late 1970s when the "gentrification" of the City docks began. One of the early dredgers which continued to operate in this business was the Portway, built at the Albion yard of Charles Hill in 1927. She also had side tanks which when the ship was not dredging sand, could be used to carry fuel oil for bunkering; another example of clever business practice.
Carter's book concludes with the decline of the maritime side of the firm but points out that it continues to flourish in the property and investment fields. The book is a good account of a long running and enterprising maritime business which made its mark on Bristol for many years and was looked up to as an exemplary employer.
Rub this brick and the Cubs will win today
Most people put boring messagse on their bricks like, "The Johnson family loves the Cubs". Boring. I think my brick is the reason for the Cubs being in first place this season.
As part of my order, I received a duplicate brick which resides in my home. Actually, my brother paid for about half of the brick. And a good friend put in $10. So it's currently a three-partner investment.
Polaroid photograph taken 9/21/2007


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All Nexen employees and contractors must follow our Life Saving Rules (PDF 0.8MB). The Life Saving Rules are created from industry lessons to strengthen our safety culture and are intended to supplement and support existing company management systems, policies and programs across Nexen's business and operations. The Life Saving Rules set the standard for worker and supervisor behaviours in the workplace by raising awareness of activities which are most likely to result in fatalities. They also highlight simple actions individuals must take to protect themselves and others. The rules are:
We expect our employees and contractors to work safely at all times. That's why Nexen introduced the Stop Work Authority Card. It reinforces how serious we are about removing barriers and attitudes that may affect safety.


text: Hi, Just after some advice, I am running Shibby K26USB VPN 117 build on an Asus RT-N16 and I have installed Entware with the snmpd package on to an attached ext3 formatted USB stick, so I can continue using MRTG with my router. However I have a query, both Entware and snmpd are working as expected but the USB stick seems to be constantly being accessed and I am wondering if this is normal or is there some logging/process etc. that I need to turn off or alter somehow to reduce the writes/reads? I have been doing some searching but cannot find anything obvious or installation wise beyond what I have already done. However with the access light continually flashing on the stick, I am not sure how long it's going to last.... Thanks for any advice in advance, Paped


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Statistics for Lasik Surgical Treatment PatientsThe Lasik operation can be a terrific, life-altering option for many people whose vision is less than best. There are a number of various kinds of Lasik operations now available, from the original and well recorded procedure to Lasik procedures finished with 3 dimensional wavefronts, or done totally with lasers. Each of these variations of the Lasik procedure must be discussed with the physician that is to perform the operation.
Like any surgery, Lasik does have the capacity for adverse effects.
Often reading the scary stories of the results of a Lasik treatment can hinder people from seriously thinking about such a choice. It is also real that the vast numbers of individuals who have a successful, hassle-free Lasik surgical treatment tend not to report a detailed and long story of their experience, unlike those that have experienced difficulty afterward.
It is great to know what the possible side impacts of the Lasik procedure are, and also the likelihood that one of these side impacts will occur for a specific client. Similar to any medicine we take, each has a possible number of negative effects, but we generally presume that the possibility of a severe negative effects is little, and we take the medication anyway. This article will hopefully put issues of the prospective Lasik patient into perspective so that they can calmly and thoughtfully consider having a Lasik procedure performed in the future.
More than one million Lasik procedures are performed in the US every year, inning accordance with the FDA. This arm of the nationwide government has collected the following data for the most typical side effects of the Lasik procedure. These stats will likewise differ by the doctor performing the surgical treatment, so make sure to get as much information on the prospective Lasik physician as possible.
After Lasik surgery, 1.7 percent of patients experience some helpful hints glare or level of sensitivity to light after the operation. This varies by client, but this level of sensitivity is particularly visible when looking at a brilliant light, such as a streetlight when walking at night, or other strong light and dark contrast. Another light associated side effect is a halo around a light, and this occurs in 3.5 percent of Lasik patients.
The brand-new, fixed vision can be discovered rapidly by some Lasik patients, in just a few hours after surgery. Most patients that have actually gone through the Lasik procedure discover the change is permanent within a couple of days. In 2.6 percent of customers that have had a Lasik procedure done, there is persistent visual change within a minimum of a part of their sphere of vision.
news Some patients do not get a fully remedied sphere of vision after their Lasik procedure. This occurs with a small number of customers, and the FDA statistics are that only 3 percent of clients have this impact. In all or nearly all cases, the physician in charge will carry out an additional Lasik procedure to enhance this.
This detailing of the major irreversible negative effects of the Lasik treatment ought to put any personal scary stories into point of view. Notice that none of the portions are above 3 percent, and this must bring convenience to the majority of potential Lasik clients. Nevertheless, it needs to also inspire them to look carefully at the Lasik physician's personal record.
There are a number of different types of Lasik operations now available, from the initial and well recorded procedure to Lasik procedures done with three dimensional wavefronts, or done totally with lasers. It is excellent to understand what the possible side effects of the Lasik treatment are, and likewise the likelihood that one of these side effects will occur for a specific client. The majority of clients that have gone through the Lasik procedure discover the change is irreversible within a couple of days. Some clients do not get a totally remedied sphere of vision after their Lasik procedure.


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Graco has released the PR70 Liquid Control system.
The new Graco Liquid Control PR70 system accurately meters, mixes and dispenses medium-to-low viscosity plural component materials for potting, gasketing, sealing, encapsulation and syringe filling.
The Liquid Control has all the features you need, in a compact, modular design.
- Performance: +/- 1% mix ratio accuracy and shotsize repeatability
- Reliability: Graco Quality, long Life design, made in USA
- Output: Output range of 2 cc - 70 cc
- Mix ratios: Material mix ratios from 1:1 to 12:1
- Ease of use: Modular design, LCD display, shotsize in GRAMS
- Ideal value: Designed to a budget: eliminate hand-mixing
Key materials:
- Epoxy
- Silicones
- Resins
- Urethanes
Key applications:
- Potting
- Sealing
- Bonding
- Gasketing
- Syringe filling
New Micro dispense valve / gun:
- Good control, auto and manual
- Dispense bubble-free (no entrapped air bubbles)
- Dispense on-ratio and in-phase
- Adjustable snuff back action


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This event is now over
AGILE LEADERSHIP NETWORK 5thChapter Meeting
(REGISTRATION BEGINS @ 3:15pm)
Session 1 : Agile Transformation Journey@ Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories
Speaker: Vijay Mudakkayil , Engineering Director and India R&D Site Manager, Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, LinkedIn profile : http://www.linkedin.com/in/vijaymudakkayil
Abstract : This is an experience sharing talk by Vijay at Genesys, during the talk he will share the experience with the Agile transformation program and also would like to highlight the real business impact of such process improvement programs. The attendees of this session would understand the business significance of any process transformation programs.
Session 2, Topic : Leadership Agility - Organizational Agility,
Speaker :Naveen Nanjundappa, Chief Agilist, SolutionsIQ India.,
LinkedIn profile:http://www.linkedin.com/pub/naveen-nanjundappa/16/b0b/38
Abstract :"Agile doesn't work for me, my team and my organization" have you heard or experienced this, if so this presentation gives you an insight about how leadership is responsible for driving the transformation. Speaker shall focus on the leadership agility levels and organizational agility parameters, Naveen would discuss the aspects that connect the leadership style and culture. "Leadership bring culture to organization and culture builds leadership agility"
Happiest Minds, Smiles-3,
Suhas Park , 91 Ring Road ( Old HP office), Opposite to RobortBosh and STPI office
3rd Cross Road, Electronics City Phase 1, Electronics City, Bangalore, KA 560100
Landmark :
Opposite to STPI, India, Cyber Park and RobortBosh
Driving Directions:
Take first left (right Lords Plaza) after Electronic City Phase 1 flyover, take 3rd left, Genpact in the left, opposite to RobortBosh, the venue will be in the left.
Security : Participants need to check-in their laptops if you carry one
Parking : There is enough parking available, the security will guide for parking, in case of any problems please contact Suresh (Mobile No:9845055972)
**Seats are limited. We will close registrations as soon as we meet the limit. Please register only if you really intend to attend.
September 19, 2013
3:15 pm to 5:30 pm
Happiest Minds, Smiles-3,
Suhas Park , 91 Ring Road ( Old HP office), Opposite to RobortBosh and STPI office
3rd Cross Road, Electronics City Phase 1, Electronics City
Bengaluru, Karnataka


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The Five Key Metrics of a High-Performance Comet Serverby Mihai RotaruJanuary 17th, 2011
Today, many Comet servers come with vague information regarding their performance. However, performance is one of the most important features of a Comet server, a primary reason to exist besides a traditional web server. The purpose of this article is to present five important metrics and explain why they are essential when looking at a Comet server from a performance perspective. Some concrete values for each metric are also provided, which can be used as a good basis for comparison.
The concrete values of the metrics are obtained from a recent benchmark of Migratory Push Server. A complete kit to replay the benchmark can be freely obtained from Migratory.
High Vertical Scalability
The scalability of a Comet server is determined by the number of users it can handle concurrently from a single instance.
A high-performance Comet server should achieve high scalability when running on a less expensive machine and it should achieve even higher scalability when running on more expensive machines. When this is true, one can say that the high-performance Comet server scales vertically.
Another method to achieve scalability is to use multiple instances of a Comet server. This is called horizontal scalability. While support for horizontal scalability is a must for any enterprise Comet server – because it usually represents the basis for other important features of a Comet server such as load-balancing, fault-tolerance, and guaranteed message delivery – horizontal scalability alone could increase significantly the total cost of ownership or be simply insufficient in some situations.
At Migratory, it is not unusual to receive inquires asking for HTTP streaming to millions of concurrent users. A Comet server handling thousands of concurrent users is clearly not an option, even if it scales horizontally. Obviously, in such situations, multiple instances of a Comet server must be used on multiple machines, but each instance must be vertically scaled as far as possible before scaling horizontally by adding more machines.
Example — Migratory Push Server is able to handle 1 million concurrent users from a single instance running on an entry-level machine (see the section "Extreme Number of Clients" of the benchmarks).
Low Message Latency
The latency of a Comet server is defined as the time for a message to propagate from the server side to the user. It can be accurately computed as the delta between the time a message is created on the server side and the time the message is received by the user.
Concerning the latency of a Comet server, the most important statistics to look at are its average and standard deviation.
Example — Migratory Push Server is able to push real-time data to 10,000 users where each user receives 100 messages/second, each message of 50 bytes, with average latency of 143 milliseconds and standard deviation of 79 milliseconds, while running on an entry-level machine utilizing a 1Gb Ethernet network (see the section "Very High Update Rates" of the benchmarks).
Low Bandwidth Consumption
To achieve low bandwidth consumption, the protocol used by the Comet server to deliver data to its users must be as efficient as possible. It should add only a small overhead to the actual data payload.
Example — Migratory Push Server adds to each message the following overhead to the actual data payload: 42 bytes when pushing data to the Internet Explorer, and 20 bytes for all the other browsers. The overhead is constant and also includes information used for the guaranteed delivery of data.
The bandwidth used to push real-time data with Migratory Push Server to 16,000 users where each user receives 5 messages/second, each message of 1 kilobyte, is 85 megabyte/second, while the actual data payload is about 79 megabyte/second (see the section "Large Data Messages" of the benchmarks).
High Throughput
The throughput is the average rate of data delivered by a Comet server.
Example — Migratory Push Server running on an entry-level machine saturates 1 Gb Ethernet being able to push real-time data with a throughput of 106 megabyte/second to 10,000 users where each user receives 5 messages/second, each message of 2 kilobytes (see the section "2-Kilobytes Messages" of the benchmarks).
High Connection Rate
The connection rate of a Comet server is defined as the rate of new, established connections it can accept.
This metric is particularly important for an application where many users connect frequently to it. Also, in a fault-tolerant deployment using multiple instances of a Comet server, after the failure of one instance, the remaining instances should be able to rapidly absorb the users of the failed instance.
Example — Migratory Push Server is able to accept new users with an average connection rate of 5000 users/second.
The five dimensions of performance above are essential for any high-performance Comet server. They can be measured independently of the specific architecture of a particular Comet server. In this way, they could be used for benchmark comparisons of the Comet servers.


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At TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center, our inpatient rehab center is a comprehensive, trans-disciplinary program. Each patient's medical care and rehabilitation services are directed by a board-certified physician. Because helping patients achieve an independent lifestyle is a full-time job, our dedicated rehabilitation unit provides 24-hour therapeutic environment. Treatment is customized to meet the individual needs of the patients and their home team.
Rehabilitation begins early in the patient's recovery.
A dedicated rehabilitation team consists of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and rehab nurses. Each patient's rehabilitation plan is individualized to help patients and their families achieve the best possible outcome and quality of life.
The 16-bed inpatient unit features large, private rooms. Our team of board certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians work with patients and their families every step of the way to get patients back to the quality of life they deserve.
Our Rehabilitation Program
Our Rehabilitation Program is designed to help people overcome the effects of a stroke or other debilitating injury or illness. The program combines physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, rehab nursing and neuro-psychology services under the direction of a physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation physician). Education, disease management, diet, home set-up, social and emotional needs and home exercise programs are provided to patients and their families to help them manage their care and perform acts of daily living at home. Medicare and most private insurance plans cover some or all of prescribed rehabilitation services.
Inpatient Referrals: (615) 410-5499 | Fax: (615) 781-1135


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Love to Bake? Try This Smart, Skinny Baking Tip!
Do you like to bake? I think there's nothing more comforting than pulling out a batch of homemade muffins or cookies from my own oven. I do an insane amount of baking in this house--much of it with a healthy bent (which probably doesn't surprise you!)--but it's funny, it never occurred to me to try this smart trick...
A friend of mine, who I think may be one of the world's most amazing home bakers, shared a little tip for lightening up cookies, scones--or whatever recipe calls for chocolate chips. Instead of using regular-sized chocolate chips, she uses mini chocolate chips. Her theory? All you need is a little taste of chocolate in a baked recipe, and by going mini, you can use less chips and still get all the flavor without too much extra fat and sugar.
I've never used mini chocolate chips, but I'm determined to hunt for them next time I'm at the store.
Have you every baked with mini chips?
More reading:
The low-fat, low-cal (vegan!) pudding you have to try (I promise, it may sort of change your life)...
Cut this out of your diet to zap more fat this year...
Feeling a cold coming on? The #1 thing to eat, according to one expert...
More Ways to Get Glamour
Visit Shopglamour.com for cute stuff starting at just $10!
Enter the latest Glamour sweepstakes!
Add us to your iGoogle homepage


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Because I suspect you're dying to know why I trimmed my beard after I mentioned giving it a buzz cut yesterday, take note of the weather at my house – it was 76 degrees this afternoon.
It's early in the year, but with temperatures this warm, trimming my beard simply seemed like the right thing to do. I now look more like my social media profile pictures than I have in months.
When I say I trimmed my beard, I mean most of it. I left my mustache and chin alone, but the rest of the hair on my face is now so short as to be negligible.
I should probably suck it up and shave, but here's the thing – spring may SEEM to be taking hold, but trusting the weather this time of year would be like trusting our big dog Rodney not to bark maniacally when it's time for a walk.
Better safe than sorry.
A little stubble for the time being seems like the right idea. After all, there are still several more weeks of winter on the calendar.
By the way, don't tell my wife I wrote about my beard. She already thinks I'm too obsessed with it.
This will just confirm her suspicions.


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Minimum net worth: $56.8 million
Lautenberg's minimum net worth rose about $2 million in 2011, to $56.8 million.
The New Jersey senator co-founded Automatic Data Processing, the payroll processing company known as ADP, and received retirement income from the company of almost $185,000 during the period covered by his most recent filing.
Lautenberg and his wife, Bonnie Englebardt, have extensive real estate holdings.
There is a condo in Vail, Colo., with a reported value of $500,000 to $1 million as well as commercial real estate in Norwalk, Conn., and Sunrise, Fla., worth at least $1 million combined. And Englebardt has at least 12 real estate investments valued at $1 million or more.
Since a senator's spousal assets worth more than $1 million fall into a broad category of "over $1 million," Lautenberg's true minimum net worth could be far greater than reported.
Lautenberg also has two blind trusts: one valued at $5 million to $25 million and the other at $1 million to $5 million.
He reported at least $1.75 million in liabilities, including mortgages on two personal residences of at least $1.25 million combined.


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Have y'all heard of Diner en Blanc? It's a hoity toity event where people get dressed up their fanciest all white attire and gather together by the thousands for an evening of food and drink.
They had me at 'drink' (and hoity toity of course).
Martin was not looking forward to this event. I don't know why he was such a sour puss about it. It's not every day of the year you get to see a dude wearing white tights in public:
For the most part everyone was dressed nicely, or at the very least appropriately. But that dude was wearing a ship captain's jacket on top and a goddamn pair of tights on the bottom. That outfit provided infinite LOL's.
Diner en Blanc is a picnic, so you need to bring everything you'll need for the evening, table and chairs included. The event started a few decades ago in Paris (adding much to the hoity toity factor) so most people brought French food. We weren't really feeling French food (Martin went so far as to declare his hatred for quiche, which is the first I had heard of this) so I prepared a picnic feast of Greek food instead.
We brought souvlaki in pita bread, dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with rice), Greek dips and baklava. It was delish!
You can decorate your table, if you so choose, so I did a little handi-crafting for the evening. Check out what I can do with $5 worth of stick-on pearls and scrapbooking letters:
Diner en Blanc is held in many cities throughout the world. The location changes every year, and it's a secret until the very moment you get there by bus. This is only the second year it's been held in Brisbane. Last year it was held in South Bank, with a beautiful skyline view of the city and this for decoration:
Look at that ambiance!!
But this year it was held at a construction site.
Directly under the flight path of the airport. With a crane and crappy banner advertising as our "view". The difference is staggering.
It's meant to be held at a scenic, iconic city location. That was the case last year, but this year it was one step above a landfill. The location was awful! Just awful.
When the event Facebook page announced that new condos were available for purchase in this very location - absolutely irrelevant information - it was clear what was going on. The developers paid off Diner en Blanc to hold it there in an attempt to schill their property. It was a disgrace and an embarrassment to the Diner en Blanc organization. A 100% shit house location! (I love the Aussie adjective 'shit house', I had to fit it in there somewhere).
That said, I still had a super great time. The planning and preparation is so much fun! You don't realize how little white stuff you have until you have to deck two people out from head to toe in white.
Do we not look fab?
While this is meant to be a super posh, fancy event I will point out that nearly everything Martin wore that night came from a thrift store. For under $10....total. So fancy!
There was a hanky wave:
And then everyone got sparklers:
It's crazy cool to see 2,000+ people, all in white, waving a napkin or sparkler at the same time. I am a sucker for anything choreographed.
Last year there was only 1,000 people and this year it was more than doubled in size. That might have something to do with the inadequate location; if you have more people you need more space. Personally I'd rather see it cut back down in size so it can be held in a great location. If they make it any bigger it might really be held in a landfill next year because no place else is big enough!
The highlight of my evening was Instagram stalking, followed by actual stalking, some pseudo-celebrities:
|Photo taken from The Good Guide
Finally, I would like to proclaim my love for my fascinator. I effing love that head decoration! I love the concept of fascinators in general and I think mine is unique and super versatile. This is the first fancy event where I've had the opportunity to wear it, so I need to find more places to get dressed up and go to!


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The Basic Thinket
The Basic Thinket® is hand-built with a precision-machined Black ABS plastic Handle, two Black Acetyl Slider-Heads, and a solid stainless-steel Slider-Tube with a precision-ground finish, all incorporated into a new ergonomic, durable, and pleasingly lightweight form-factor.
The Basic Thinket® comes in an attractive drawstring-pouch for easy storage & transport.
The Basic Thinket® is Handmade in the USA to fill each order.
The shipping weight of this Thinket version (not the actual weight) is approx 6 oz to allow for proper support & padding during transit.
PLEASE NOTE: All Thinket and ChessMate products are handmade to fill each customer order, and there is a workshop queue by order-date.
WARNING: Choking Hazard. Each Thinket® contains one or more strong magnets, so please keep it away from small children or pets that might swallow it. Do not place the Thinket® on or too close to magnetically sensitive devices and storage media such as: Pacemakers, credit cards, gift cards, watches, computer hard drives, and other such magnetically sensitive items. Do not attempt to put your fingers inside the Thinket®, nor to disassemble it, nor to use it to tap, thump, or hit people, animals, or objects. Please exercise common sense while handling the Thinket®, and please use the Thinket responsibly and considerately at all times.


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Feed 142
Gym workout & oil wresting sex$29.95 plus shipping and handling
This tape contains all the toughest and hottest footage played in our multimedia area (channel 1)
Length: 120 minutes
Having difficulties? We're here to help. Please
report the details of your problem on
the Trouble Report Page or call ( +1 678 904 0190 )
Vangar Multimedia 119 Oliver Lenard Drive Farmerville, LA 71241


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The Community Oncology and Prevention Trials Research Group supports clinical oncology trials in cancer prevention and control in community settings. The group also supports investigator-initiated research projects in supportive, palliative and end-of-life care, and coordinates clinical oncology research projects with other NCI programs to be done in the community setting.
Read more about the Community Oncology and Prevention Trials Research Group.
Active Grants
Clinical Trials
Funding Opportunities
NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP)
Clinical Trials network of cancer care professionals who care for diverse populations across the U.S.
Supportive and Palliative Care Research
Examining symptoms and morbidities related to cancer, its treatment, quality of life and end of life.


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Will be flying in for a birthday dinner--need a rec for a steakhouse.
We are staying near the UPenn campus and will travel by cab.
Have another night for a meal. Perhaps something for great seafood?
As mentioend, we will only travel by cab as we will have a grandparent with us, so nothing in the burbs please.


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It isn't often I wear a dress simple and wearable for daytime that still makes me want to twirl around like a princess. But this Chicwish number has the fullest skirt (a little risky when the weather consists of strong gusts of wind) even though it's in a very muted navy. Teamed with my go-to ASOS shirt, and a beautiful floral embossed bag from Nica, I thought I'd scrubbed up pretty well for the afternoon's antics..!
Meeting Olivia and heading to The Gilbert Scott for afternoon tea with a Charlotte Brontë theme isn't what I'd call a normal afternoon. In fact, it was my first ever experience of afternoon tea! And it didn't disappoint; with every piece on the menu inspired by and featuring Brontë's life, it felt like I was stepping in to both a history lesson and a real-life reenactment of one of Brontë's visits to London. Being the history & literary lover that I am, it was the perfect fusion! Unfortunately for me, I didn't meet a certain Mr. Rochester in the restaurant- Jane Eyre fans holla! ; ). This special tea is running until 11th February so if you're a fan of the Brontës and you fancy indulging, stop by The Gilbert Scott! x
Shirt – ASOS (Similar), Dress – Chicwish (and In Grey), Bag – c/o Nica, Shoes – Zara


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Stars turn out for Prince celebration show in New York
Bettye LaVette, The Waterboys and comedienne Maya Rudolph's Prince covers band, Princess, also took to the stage as part of the all-star line-up at the Carnegie Hall show, which benefited a number of music-based organisations.
During the evening, Rudolph, who is reportedly pregnant with her fourth child, showed off her moves as she belted out Darling Nikki, Booker T. Jones was joined by Diane Birch and members of a local choir for Raspberry Beret and LaVette rocked out to Kiss.
Soul star Bilal thrilled the crowd with a lively rendition of Sister, comedienne Sandra Bernhard sang Little Red Corvette and singer-songwriter Kat Edmonson captivated the audience with The Beautiful Ones, performing with only a pianist onstage.
Comedian Chris Rock thanked the crowd for coming to the concert and impersonated Prince by reciting the lyrics to If I Was Your Girlfriend, while funnyman Fred Armisen also took to the stage throughout the night - even offering backing vocals to D'Angelo during It's Gonna Be a Beautiful Night.
All of the performers appeared onstage to sing Prince's hit track 1999 to close the show, which raised £62,500 for charity groups including the American Symphony Orchestra's Music Notes and Little Kids Rock.


text: program Archive Roundup: MFA-ccident? Or Worth It? Author: Jon Simmons | May062013 Categories: Uncategorized No comments In our Roundups segment, we're looking back at all the great posts since the blog started in 2009. We explore posts from our archives as well as other top literary magazines, centered on a certain theme to help you jump-start your week. This week we have posts on MFA programs. Okay, so


text: Presidential Candidates Answer Key Science and Technology-based Questions September 13, 2016 For Immediate Release Media Contact: Jamie L. Vernon, PhD Director of Science Communications and Publications Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society email@example.com or 800-243-6534 RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. ― All four major candidates for United States president have responded to key questions about science, engineering, technology, health, and the environment. The 20 questions came from a coalition of 56 nonpartisan organizations, led by ScienceDebate.org and representing scientists and engineers worldwide. Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society is member of the coalition and provided input into the question development process. ScienceDebate.org has posted the responses from Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Jill Stein, and Gary Johnson at http://sciencedebate.org/20answers. "Through the responses to these questions, the candidates offer us a definite contrast as to their grasp of scientific reality and approach to solutions," said John C. Nemeth, executive director and CEO of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society. "Thus, a clear choice is open to all who read and understand their twenty statements." Hundreds of questions for the candidates were crowdsourced by Sigma Xi and other coalition members. These questions were refined into the "20 most important, immediate questions," said ScienceDebate.org chair Shawn Otto. The questions and answers will be widely distributed to the science community, journalists, and the general public to help voters make well-informed decisions in November. The organizations supporting the discussion are the following: **ScienceDebate.org *American Association for the Advancement of Science American Association of Geographers *American Chemical Society American Fisheries Society American Geophysical Union *American Geosciences Institute *American Institute of Biological Sciences American Institute of Professional Geologists American Rock Mechanics Association American Society for Engineering Education American Society of Agronomy American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists American Society of Mammalogists American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering Association for Women Geoscientists Association of Ecosystem Research Centers Automation Federation *Biophysical Society Botanical Society of America Carnegie Institution for Science Conservation Lands Foundation Crop Science Society of America Duke University Ecological Society of America Geological Society of America *IEEE-USA International Committee Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies Materials Research Society NACE International, The Worldwide Corrosion Authority *National Academy of Engineering *National Academy of Medicine *National Academy of Sciences National Cave and Karst Research Institute *National Center for Science Education National Ground Water Association Natural Science Collections Alliance Northeastern University Organization of Biological Field Stations Paleontological Society *Research!America Scientific American magazine Seismological Society of America *Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society Society for Science & the Public Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Society of Fire Protection Engineers Society of Wetland Scientists Society of Women Engineers Soil Science Society of America SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Tufts University *Union of Concerned Scientists University City Science Center *U.S. Council on Competitiveness The Wildlife Society World Endometriosis Research Foundation America *Supplied experts to the questions development process **Lead organizer The consortium's 20 questions and the candidates' answers are available online at http://sciencedebate.org/20answers. Additional reading: ScienceDebate.org's announcement. This page was updated on September 20 with information that Gary Johnson had supplied responses. More About Sigma Xi: Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society is the world's largest multidisciplinary honor society for scientists and engineers. Its mission is to enhance the health of the research enterprise, foster integrity in science and engineering, and promote the public understanding of science for the purpose of improving the human condition. Sigma Xi chapters can be found at colleges and universities, government laboratories, and industry research centers around the world. More than 200 Nobel Prize winners have been members. The Society is based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. www.sigmaxi.org. On Twitter: @SigmaXiSociety.


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People with hip arthritis can benefit from doing leg swings and leg extensions, according to WebMD. They should do cardiovascular, flexibility and range-of-motion exercises, as well as muscle-strengthening activities.
Leg swings can be done on land or in a swimming pool, states WebMD. To do leg swings, the person holds onto the side of the wall, and swings each leg gently out to the side. A swimming pool is an ideal location to perform leg swings because the water resistance increases difficulty, and the buoyancy provides assistance. Leg extensions can be performed in the same position as leg swings, and they involve extending each leg backwards.
People with hip arthritis should not run or jog, notes WebMD. High-impact aerobics, jumping rope and any other exercises that require both feet to be off the ground even for a short amount of time should be avoided. Swimming, cycling and walking are usually ideal cardiovascular exercises.
Gentle motion exercises such as yoga or tai chi may help to improve balance, states WebMD. Some people may benefit from strength and resistance training, which should be done with the assistance of a professional to prevent further injury. Those with hip arthritis should speak to a physician before attempting any potentially strenuous exercises.


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Something to Remember
Excerpted from Kate Saunders' review of How Not to Write a Novel by Sandra Newman and Howard Mittelmark, The Observer, 1 February 2009:
"We will at this point remind you that the purpose of writing is communication...the reader should be able to discover what it is you are saying without having to call and ask you in person."
Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you thank you.
That is all.


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Who owns an exploit?
When a security researcher discovers a vulnerability in a product, who really owns that discovery? Most people would agree that the credit for the find should go the security, but should that person be able to profit from their work?
If you ask iDefense or 3COM you will most likely get the answer: 'yes'. That is because these companies are in the business of buying exploits from researchers and then working with various software vendors to get the problem corrected (for profit).
However, there are many out there(i.e. software vendors) that despise this mentality because it encourages people to poke and prod at programs. This brings bad press and leave companies with egg on their face and a bad reputation. In fact, in some counties, this activity can land you in jail. Guides
Back to: PC Security, privacy news


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Screenwriter Michael G. Cooney takes a surprisingly philosophical approach to the standard underground-fight flick, and first-time director Keanu Reeves balances it with some impressively staged action scenes in Man of Tai Chi -- a solid martial-arts film that injects just enough fresh material into the mix to keep us guessing exactly where this violent tale is going. With some unique aesthetic approaches to distinguish his debut feature from the rest of the pack, Reeves displays a welcome willingness to play with the parameters of the standard structure; in addition, he compliments his writer's strengths with some dazzling, supernaturally fluid fight choreography by the great Yuen Woo Ping.
After a brief underground fight in which we see a contestant killed for refusing to finish his opponent, we find talented young tai chi student Tiger Chen (played by the actor of the same name) training with his wise and powerful master. An apparent relic in the world of martial arts, Chen is the last living student of tai chi. Despite the obvious mastery on display as he quickly defeats his hulking rival in Beijing's Wu Lin Wing Championships, he seems to have a particularly difficult time harnessing his chi, and that lack of control serves him well when he decides to earn some extra money fighting for the mysterious Donaka Mark (Reeves) in a lucrative underground fighting tournament. Chen needs the cash to support his parents and to save his temple from being demolished by an eager squad of real-estate developers. At first the money comes easy: Even the larger opponents are no match for Chen, whose formidable fighting style seems to evolve with each successive match. Later, when he discovers that his efforts to save the temple may have been in vain, his uncontrollable rage plunges him deeper into the dangerous competition than ever before. Meanwhile, the elusive Mark has already slipped away from Hong Kong police inspector Suen Jing-Si (Karen Mok) once, and she'll do whatever it takes to ensure that it doesn't happen again.
Man of Tai Chi isn't likely to have a major impact on the world of action cinema, but given his history in the genre, Reeves seems to know instinctively what his audience wants and serves it up with the sure hand of a perceptive pro who's worked with the best in the business. The fight scenes in Man of Tai Chi are energetic and exciting, and Cooney does an impressive job of balancing them with the surprisingly meditative story of the film, which refreshingly doesn't hinge on revenge or a rescue mission for momentum. Cooney has bigger things on his mind, and he isn't afraid to tackle some topics that aren't addressed in the standard action movie. Still, the philosophical musings of the plot never detract from the action, which repeatedly gives the deceptively slight Chen an opportunity to earn his status as a total badass and a capable leading man. Chen the character is an impassioned yet likable everyman, and Chen the actor does a good job of making us root for him -- even after we sense that he has become hopelessly corrupted. Conversely, Reeves is surprisingly loathsome following a brutal introduction that echoes throughout the film.
Lamentably, talented Hong Kong veterans Mok and Simon Yam get somewhat lost in the mix, as they do their best with what little the screenplay has to offer them; the less said about the underutilization of tae kwon do champion Silvio Simac and The Raid star Iko Uwais, the better. As much as Man of Tai Chi might disappoint in minor respects, however, overall it proves to be a surprisingly thoughtful tale of struggle and redemption. So even when the conflicted character at the center of the story seems to lose his way, the director telling that story maintains a steady stance and proves that the patience it took to learn from the masters was time well spent.
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TThe Rode range of Mics are ideal for DSLR videographer
There are various ways of recording sound when you are shooting video with your D5200. Whilst using the internal mic is the easiest option, the sound quality is not good enough for professional use, or if you have to compete with any background noise.
The Rode mics fit on to the hot shoe and then into the jack on the side of the camera. They all have some sort of shock absorber – usually some flexible plastic fitting – and are very simple to use. Obviously one advantage of having the Mic on the camera like this is that it faces the same way as the lens. These Mics are ideal for interviews or documentary type videos and can also be very useful at concerts or live events, where the sound all tends to come from a single source. The best Mics are actually mono. That is because they can be pointed in the right direction and don't suck sound from the periphery. Stereo Mics tend to pick up much more ambient sound. The graphics here show the sort of area the Mics cover. If you want to know more about these look for "polar pattern for a cardioid microphone".
The RØDE VideoMic
The RØDE VideoMic is a professional grade condenser shotgun microphone designed for use with consumer video cameras and personal audio recorders. "Condenser" refers to the way the sound is gathered and is regarded as more generally more sensitive that the other main option, the dynamic Mic. "Shotgun" refers to the shape of the Mic – long and cylindrical.
The shock absorber does a good job of isolating the VideoMic. The microphone is very directional, aiming directly in front of the camera. It also has the option of a high pass filter, which removes all noise below 80HZ – this level of noise tends to be distant traffic rumble or, if you are inside, the aircon. Inside the battery compartment (it runs on a 9volt battery), there is a level reduction option, but this is very difficult to access and change. It is certainly not something you could expect to do during the shoot. The foam cover is reasonably effective at keeping out wind noise.
USA: Order your RØDE VideoMic here
UK: Order your RØDE VideoMic here
The RØDE Stereo VideoMic
The RØDE Stereo VideoMic is a broadcast quality stereo microphone. It is an ideal microphone for capturing environmental and ambient sounds, as well as live music. For dialogue and directional applications the RØDE VideoMic and VideoMic Pro are more appropriate. It also has a good in-built shock mounting system that prevents unwanted rumble and vibrations in the microphone.
In addition to the high pass filter, there is an option to reduce the sound input by 10 decibels, to allow recording of loud sound sources, such as live music or motorsport. The Stereo VideoMic is ideal for use with DSLR cameras such as the Canon 5DMkII, Canon 7D, Canon 1D, Canon 550D/T2i, Canon 60D, Nikon D7000, Nikon D5100, Panasonic GH1 and Panasonic GH2.
USA: Order your RØDE Stereo VideoMic Here
UK: Order your RØDE Stereo VideoMic Here
The RØDE VideoMic Pro
The RØDE VideoMic Pro is another shotgun microphone specifically designed for DSLR cameras. It provides broadcast quality audio via a 3.5mm minijack connector (outputting the mono signal to both left and right channels). Surrounding audio is minimised, and your recording and it focusses on the subject in front of the camera. An innovative suspension system separates the VideoMic Pro capsule and electronics from its mount, preventing unwanted rumble and vibrations in the microphone.
Easily accessible on the rear face of the microphone are the power, filter and level controls. It has a selectable high-pass filter at 80Hz, which will prevent low end noise such as air conditioners and traffic from being recorded. Below these controls are the level settings. The -10dB level attenuation (or PAD) is ideal for recording loud sound sources, such as live music, motorsport, or interviews where the subject is very close to the camera. The +20dB level boost is designed for use with DSLR cameras such as the Canon 5DMkII, Canon 7D, Canon 1D, Canon 550D/T2i, Canon 60D, Nikon D7000, Nikon D5100, Panasonic GH1 and Panasonic GH2. This boost in the microphone output allows the user to reduce the camera's preamp level (or mic-input level), effectively reducing the amount of noise generated by the camera's comparatively low quality audio circuitry. The VideoMic pro is battery powered, and provides over 70 hours recording from a single 9V battery.
USA: Order your RØDE VideoMic Pro Here
UK: Order your RØDE VideoMic Pro Here
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Hello, Friends! Another week has past us by and here I am again happy to report another layout completed. Earlier this week I challenged us all to make a layout "just because" and focus on the picture.
It didn't take me long into looking through my pile to find the perfect picture for this project. I printed the picture 9 x 12. When I am selecting pictures to print I usually don't have a specific layout in mind. I just go with what feels right for the picture. They are usually all 3 x 3, so having such a big picture in the pile instantly drew me to it.
As I sat with it to create, and in trying to come up with a title, I asked myself, exactly why did you print this so huge? And Ta-da! The title was born and the page came together hitch-free.
Hope you had a great December week. I cannot wait to see Lisa's take on this challenge, although I know she has limited time to play today. It'll be fabulous regardless. If you played along, I can't wait to see your creations in our flick'r gallery later. Remember to tag them WM#17.
Bye for now,
Sunday, 11 December 2011
#17 inspired by Photos we Love
2 comments:
I've just commented over at Flickr but wanted to say how much I love this. I love the size you chose, I will have to remember that 12x9 - looks so gorgeous. Of course, I adore all those leaves and the autumnal colours. So much my kind of thing and I'm ever so slightly tired of Christmas colours already! ;-)ReplyDelete
This was SUCH a great challenge this week - just what I needed to have some fun. Thanks so much :-)
You don't sound bonkers at all :DReplyDelete
Great page :D
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If you are considering building a conservatory onto your home, then congratulations! This sunroom extension should be one of the most enjoyable locations within your home, where you can relax, read, enjoy the proximity of your garden, play with the kids, or do any amount of pleasurable activities.
Before you plunge into the building process however, be sure of your plans and of what materials you are going to use in the construction of your sunroom. The type of roof you are going to have is especially important, as conservatory roofs have an important part to play in the overall structure.
Most homeowners make the best use of their sunrooms in the summertime. That is if their roofing is such that it is able to repel the sun's rays adequately and that there is not a huge build-up of heat inside the structure. If you are unable to control the heat build-up, then staying in a conservatory during the hottest part of the day can become a challenge.
Before you build have a look at where you are considering placing the structure. Many homeowners have no option as to where they place the extension, but if you can place it in some slightly shaded area, then it may get some protection form its surrounds. Other homeowners would argue that you are actually blocking the sunlight from your conservatory then and that is a valid point. However having your sunroom in the shade for a few hours of the day may well help to control the heat build-up.
If you have not yet built your conservatory, you are in an ideal position to build a structure with a quality roof that is able to assist in reflecting the sun's rays and to stop them from entering the interior space of the room. A polycarbonate conservatory roof with glazing that has been specially treated in order to reflect heat is one such solution.
Other homeowners may have built these roofs in earlier times and perhaps did not use reflective polycarbonate glazing. In these cases they could purchase conservatory roof insets and insert them into the polycarbonate glazing. This is a low cost way of adding sun protection to an already existing roof.
Another option for pre-existing conservatory roofs is to stick a conservatory roof film to the inside of the glazing. Again this solution is not expensive and will help cut down on the amount of heat that gains access to the conservatory.
By installing conservatory roof blinds and drapes you are assisting the heat-reducing efforts being made by something like a polycarbonate conservatory roof. However drapes and blinds on their own, while they can control the light entering a room, are ineffectual in stopping heat because by the time the rays of the sun hit the blind or curtain, they are already in the room and will facilitate heat build-up.


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Char-Lie would change sit-lie
At least that's what his campaign manager is telling our reader who wrote him to complain about the thugs roaming the streets of downtown Portland with their pitbulls:
Thank you so much for reaching out to the campaign and bringing up this issue. It is a huge problem, and certainly one of the firsts things we hear from people visiting Portland. Be assured that as Mayor, Charlie will work to make change. First, the current sit-lie ordinance needs to be revamped to help make our sidewalks usable and friendly, while not violating the constitution.
Charlie believes that at the same time, there needs to be more funding from the legislature and the private sector that goes into efforts to prevent and help homelessness at the roots. We have incredible non-profits like New Avenues for Youth working on homelessness and mental health issues, but they can only do so much with the funding they have. Places like the new Bud Clark Commons are a great start - daybeds, showers, lockers. Charlie wants more of those services. Places like the Q Center, which is understaffed, underfunded and yet still do amazing work to provide counseling to our LGBTQ youth and helps to get them off the street. Charlie believes funding for this work has to be included in our funding requests in Salem and he'll lead the charge.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Evyn Mitchel
Campaign Manager
Charlie Hales for Mayor
The part about running to Salem is a real cop-out. More showers and daybeds aren't going to help cut down the number of vicious street punks. And when Char-Lie decides he doesn't really want to change sit-lie, he'll dismiss this message as another mistake by one of his staff members that he knew nothing about. But at least somebody from his camp, one day, said "the current sit-lie ordinance needs to be revamped." It's something.


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Bookish murders - bookshop owners and librarians as detectives: Death of the Party - Carolyn Hart; Murder by the Book - D. R. Meredith; Bookmarked to Die - Jo Dereske
Death of the Party
by Carolyn Hart
Avon Books, 2005
Paperback, £3.67
Murder by the Book
by D. R. Meredith
Berkley Publishing Group, 2006
Paperback, £3.67
Bookmarked to Die
by Jo Dereske
Avon Books, 2006
Paperback, £3.67
The traditional detective story is alive and well in the United States. In fact, it is flourishing. While British reprints of American novels seem to consist of the tales of a few tough 'tecs - male or female but mostly the latter - and never-ending gruesome tales of serial killers who always seem to target the detective/doctor/forensic scientist, over on the other side of the Pond there are many series of "cosy mysteries". Quite a few of them can now be bought in the UK, certainly in London, in the excellent Murder One bookshop in Charing Cross Road.
The series tend to centre on various communities, which has the extra advantage of the reader being able to travel round the United States without leaving his or her armchair and the detectives have well described jobs and professions. Many of them are women and few are professional investigators. Sometimes the books provide examples of the detective's work, if she is a cook or, as I noticed a little while ago, a candle maker. Needless to say, not all of them are good. In fact, I would go further and point out that the vast majority of these cosy mysteries are extremely bad, being far too cosy and not at all mysterious.
The three books reviewed in this article are the latest examples in three very highly thought of series. Their common theme is bookishness - the heroines are all either bookshop owners or librarians and two of them are particularly interested in detective stories themselves. In fact, an interest in thrillers, mysteries and detective stories is a recurring theme in modern detective novels, though few of these are as entertaining as the adventures of Christie's Tommy and Tuppence Beresford in Partners in Crime.
There is a problem with all these series and it is not simply the fact that after a while the characters cease to interest even the author (as faced by Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie among others). I blame the critics, starting with Julian Symons and his seminal Bloody Murder. As the author of a number of extremely interesting detective novels himself Symons ought to have known better. But he and his many successors have been advocating the theory that the best detective story writers ought to go beyond the genre and write "real" novels. Symons, for example, who always prefers thrillers to detective stories, despite his own achievements, repeatedly shakes his head over someone like Ngaio Marsh failing to transcend the genre.
Transcending the genre is all very well but a good detective story is considerably more difficult to write than a sloppily constructed and written "real" novel. In fact, all that happens is that we get a romance with a little detection thrown in instead of a detective story, not a work of literature. And that is what has befallen many of the series of cosy mysteries.
Carolyn Hart's Death of the Party has her usual couple of sleuths, Max and Annie Darling. She owns a mystery bookshop on the island of Broward Rock, South Carolina, called Death on Demand and he is a would-be crime investigator who also has a dippy but delightful empathetic mother. (To be fair to Ms Hart, Laurel Roethke does come across as delightful, unlike the rather ghastly supposedly charming aristocratic bullies described by Margery Allingham or Ngaio Marsh.) In this book the latter day Nick and Nora Charles (no cocktails, not too many wisecracks but still attractive) go to another island, invited by the owner to find out who had killed her brother-in-law a year previously.
The scene is set for a very traditional murder mystery. The island is cut off as the handyman - who turns out to be a drug smuggler - escapes with the launch, the rowing boat and the ham radio. There are a large number of suspects. Needless to say, another murder happens and . Well, nothing or not much. A good deal of atmospherics, a lot of emotions, various characters painfully enacting their parts but precious little detection for a book that is about 100 pages longer than its predecessors. In the end the murderer, whose identity becomes clear to the reader within the first twenty pages, is uncovered by the sheerest accident and Annie barely escapes with her life. Perhaps, one should be generous and say that the book is teetering between a romance and a detective story. The next one, already advertised, will show us which way Ms Hart will go with this series (she has another one about a journalist turned crime investigator, Henrie O).
G. K. Chesterton wrote somewhere that one of the main problems with having an amateur sleuth was to explain how that person managed to fall across so many dead bodies. The number of bodies in St Mary Mead, the surrounding countryside and towns would surely have given the Chief Constable some very uneasy moments. The way a number of writers choose to deal with the situation is to provide their characters with a convenient and moveable amnesia. Thus, Annie Laurance Darling, who has already solved a number of murders, shivers with apprehension at the thought of being involved with violent crime. One longs to remind her of the many previous involvements with it. In D. R. Meredith's Murder by the Book the heroine's propensity for stumbling across corpses becomes a rather amusing joke, with various people muttering about the statistical unlikelihood of a white middle class woman finding any more of them.
Needless to say, Megan Clark -
a twenty-seven year old woman with a doctorate in archaeology and anthropology with a speciality in palaeopathology or bioarchaeology- finds one again. Well, actually, she finds three bodies, thus defying statistics. Apparently, there is a serial killer on the loose, who turns out to use one of Agatha Christie's best known red herrings. There is also a parallel plot about a skeleton buried in the old laundry and a car in a lake, both dating back to 1938.
Megan Clark cannot get a job on a proper dig, possibly because of her propensity for finding fresh corpses, causing accidents (to other people) and being an all-round nuisance, so she works as a reference librarian. She is also a member of the Murder By the Yard Discussion Group, all of whom are described by her as the Skeleton Force. They are supposed to be the Baker Street Irregulars to her Sherlock Holmes and a great deal of indignation is displayed when they refuse to do so.
The real problem with this book is the heroine. In any other circumstance, real or literary, someone would shake her quite hard, tell her to butt out of other people's business, get a life and bed the professor she is lusting after, especially as he is lusting after her. They do ride off into the sunset together at the end of the book.
Instead of which we get chapters in the third person from the point of view of Police Officer Jenner, who thinks Megan is wonderful; third person chapters from Megan's point of view, which also seem to think she is pretty good; and first person chapters from the Professor's point of view, which are frankly knee-tremblers. What we do not get is much detection. Megan concentrates on the old mystery and using her full armoury of winsome bullying, total certainty that she has the right to everybody's private secrets and self-pity when she feels her victims' pain, she pieces some of it together. Eventually she is told the full story. In the meantime the serial killer strikes again and in a flash Megan understands who it is and why the killings have been going on.
The drooling about the cute red-headed Megan is rather a pity as the parallel plots would have made a very good book together, if properly developed and detected. As it is, D. R. Meredith has decided to produce a rather poor romance with a bit of a crime theme to it.
Which brings one on to the best of this bunch, Jo Dereske's Bookmarked to Die. Miss Helma Zukas, the heroine of Jo Dereske's series is a professional librarian in Bellehaven, Washington, having, as she erroneously thought, escaped her Lithuanian-American family in Michigan. Though Ms Dereske and Miss Zukas clearly share various qualities and biographical details, the former manages to retain a detached and slightly ironic attitude to her heroine. This makes for much easier reading and the books are less likely to be thrown viciously against the wall.
Miss Zukas is proud of being a very efficient librarian and happy in her job. Well, she would be if she were not being blackmailed by her scheming New Age-y boss to attend group therapy sessions; if she were not being undermined by a cute new red-haired librarian with bubbly manners (it's as well that Megan Clark lives in Texas, otherwise one would get very suspicious); if she knew why her close friend and possible future husband had dropped her without a word; if her cat had not disappeared and if those wretched murders did not keep happening. Fortunately her best friend Ruth, a bohemian artist to Helma Zukas's extremely organized librarian, is around and together they unravel who is killing women after meetings that Helma also attends in between trying to find Boy Cat Zukas and straighten out their various entanglements.
Helma and Ruth do actually detect and investigate. What might have turned into a romance, remains this side of the divide. Jo Dereske's stories remain well-written, highly entertaining page-turners. Long may that continue.
Dr Helen Szamuely is a writer and political researcher as well as editor of the Conservative History Journal and co-editor of www.eureferendum.com.
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Avon has cancelled their cozy mysteries so they can be replaced with trendier psychic mysteries. Miss Zukas is one of the series Avon cancelled.Posted by: Ruth at November 25, 2007 05:12 AM
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Peel, core and slice apples with the Deluxe Apple Corer and Peeler. Simply attach the apples and turn the handle and the Deluxe Apple Corer and Peeler will perform the three tasks in one easy movement quickly and without the risk of cutting your fingers. Ideal for use when cooking pies, jams, chutneys and sauces.


text: Students and faculty alike took advantage of Family Hours at Indiana University South Bend's Student Activities Center on Sunday. The debut event included access to a portion of the facility's practice basketball court and game area. Patrons of the college will continue to have access to the SAC on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. when no other events are scheduled. Students and patrons are encouraged to bring their children (under 18). In addition to basketball or volleyball and the game area, a variety of games and toys will be provided by the SAC. Family hours are for parents and their own children only. For more information, call the SAC at (574) 520-4100.