text:
China diary: Electronics Street
It's home to the world's largest factories where many of today's most popular gadgets are made. But Shenzhen is also a great place to buy those same products - if, that is, you can cope with the noise, the hustle, the sheer naked capitalism of Hua Qiang Bei Electronics Street.
This is a wide thoroughfare right in the middle of this ever-expanding metropolis packed with shops and supermarkets selling consumer electronics, from the latest smartphones to smart televisions, from laptops to tablet computers. For a Londoner it is like Tottenham Court Road on steroids with 10 times the noise and a hundred times the hard sell.
For a newcomer to China, it is also a reminder of how rapidly this country has grown, and how much disposable income at least some people have. You can buy an extraordinary variety of mobile phones here, including many brands that will be unfamiliar outside China.
But everywhere two names, Apple and Samsung, leaped out from the neon signs. One business owner told me that these were the brands to which everyone aspired - "five years ago it was Nokia" - despite the fact that you can pay around £600 for an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy S3.
Earlier I'd visited a middle-aged analyst at a think tank who explained that his generation had sought out cheaper brands but teenagers saw things very differently. "Give my daughter a copycat phone," he said, "and she'll throw it back at you and demand the real thing." Whipping out his own iPhone, he then told me with some pride that the inscription "made in China, designed in California" was not entirely accurate. He claimed that industrial designers at Foxconn had come up with four possible designs for the latest phone, and then Apple had chosen one.
What confused us on Electronics Street was whether all the shops selling well-known brands were entirely legitimate. We went into one store with an Apple logo and staff all wearing the same blue polo-shirts and had a look at the products. The store was advertising the iPhone 5 - not yet officially on sale in China - and had a dummy model with the kind of fake screen you see on cheaper phones in UK stores.
An iPad on display looked somehow subtly different from the real thing, and when we tried to film the outside of the store the manager came onto the pavement and put his hand over the lens. In some parts of the world Apple is fiercely protective of its intellectual property, but it may have decided that closing down all of Shenzhen's "Apple Stores" - apart from the one genuine outlet - is just too much bother.
A cavernous building filled with tiny stalls selling every imaginable electronic component may offer a more genuine experience - as long as you are prepared to bargain. Anyone expert enough - and sufficiently skilled at haggling - could emerge with the parts needed to build a computer for very little. I'm hopeless at that, so managed to pay about the same for a micro SD card as I would at home.
Earlier in the day we'd travelled north from Shenzhen to Songshan Lake, passing through the last scraps of farmland left in a region where farmers are becoming rich by selling up to industrial developers.
Our destination was a Huawei plant making highly sophisticated telecoms equipment, managed by a Hungarian engineer called Gabor Schreck. He told us that this factory was another symbol of the new China, importing foreign skills like his. Japan's Toyota and America's IBM had already helped the business transform its production processes, but continuous improvement would be needed.
"China is no longer cheap," he emphasised, and pointed to the call from the outgoing President Hu Jin Tao for per capita wages to double by 2020. As it struggles to combine rapid growth with social cohesion, the country needs its factories to keep on improving their productivity.
Back in Electronics Street, as we filmed the teeming masses shopping for gadgets, a young woman carrying an Apple iMac computer came past with a determined look, apparently trying to remember just where she'd bought it. China's consumers are getting more affluent and more demanding.
Then as we drove away, we were reminded of how Shenzhen and this consumer revolution got started. At a traffic choked intersection stood a large poster of Deng Xiao Ping, the man who opened up China's economy. He came here in 1992 to see how things were going and pronounced that his policy of socialism combined with the free market should continue for a hundred years.
Twenty years on the market part of that policy seems to be going rather well. The trick now will be to go on satisfying the desires of China's growing army of middle class consumers while maintaining the country's competitive edge.


text:
Our involvement must be more than military and truly in the cause of freedom and democracy.
When parliament voted to invade Iraq in 2003, it was based on what we later found out to be disinformation and deceit. We were misled. The countless thousands who opposed the war were vocal in their opposition - but they were not listened to, they were ignored. And the UK went to war.
Today, Iraq isn't the beacon of peace and democracy that we had hoped it would become, in a region with far too little of either. Far from it. Iraq is a very troubled state. The sectarian divisions that arose after our invasion and the impact of the poor planning and even poorer decisions taken during the post-invasion period continue to hinder progress and freedom in Iraq.
It is absolutely true that the situation in Iraq is at least in part down to the choices we made in 2003. Yet the decision parliament was asked to make today was very different, the situation it aims to address is different and the context in which it was raised is different.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
When I was at school I suppose that I was just like everyone else, I wanted to be a footballer. I wanted to be like Gazza, or Lineker, wear the three lions on my shirt and score goals for England... But alas it was not to be, real life catches up and soon those dreams are gone.
However, a little while ago I found out about a local 5 a side football league for children aged 6 - 15, I offered my hand to one of the organisers to help with coaching and a year later I am now the coach of 'The Blue Meenies', a team of 9 & 10 year olds who are ready to take on the world! Seriously though, it is all really good fun, a great way to get out of the house and do some exercise and most of all it feels brilliant to look into the kids faces and see the same dream that you had all those years ago - they want to play for England too, the only difference is that they want to be like Gerrard and Rooney instead of that old bloke presenting Match of the Day. It is so rewarding to help to nurture the dreams of football stardom, and it helps to keep them off the streets or causing mischief.
On a practical note, I have had to take out a storage room with a local company to hold some of the training materials I take with me to football on a Saturday. When I started making a few phone calls I firstly tried the more well known companies but was really surprised at how expensive they were. Finally I stumbled upon Henfield Self Storage who offer storage in London at fantastic prices, and their staff are friendly and helpful. They are really worth a look if you are in need of storage in the North or South London area.
I travel to the storage place first thing on a Saturday morning to pick up the balls, cones and bibs that I need. The lads meet me at the five a side pitch at about 10:00 and we get going by 10:30. We spend a good 20 minutes stretching and warming up and then we go through another 30 minutes of short passing and ball control. One of the things I am trying to teach the lads is that technique is everything and only practice makes perfect. At the start there were of course some boys who were natural at this kind of thing and some who really needed to put the practice in, but now a few months on and I can really see the time and effort paying off on the pitch - they are getting better fast and they are noticing it too, which makes them even more keen to practice - all good for me! We finish off the session with a game which lasts about 20 minutes and they can put into practice the skills learnt that day.
Once a month or so I organise a match for them which they really love but I've told them that I will only start organising more frequent matches once the summer rolls around and they have had a good while to develop into a really good team.
I would recommend coaching football to juniors to anyone with a passion for football, who has a bit of patience, who can see themselves getting on with the kids and who doesn't mind giving up their time on weekends. Believe me the sacrifice of time is small when you consider the huge personal rewards you get when you watch them win their first game.


text: Hi, I have a beta release ready of my first Android game: lubajaX. It would be great, if you could give it a try and give me some feedback. Is is a puzzle game with 6 different game modes. In the main mode, you have to complete the given pattern in a circle. Here some screen shots: It is an ad supported version and features OpenFeint Highscore Lists and Achievements. It is hosted on my own web page. You can use the following QR Code (remember Settings -> Application Settings and enable Unknown Sources): Alternative link: http://www.baby-soft.de/free/lubajaX.apk The most important information is, if lubajaX is running on your phone. But I appreciate any other feedback! There are also some free spots on the About screen Thanks in advance and enjoy playing! Bandler


text:
Title: Inkheart
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Review: Inkheart
Title: Inkheart
4 comments:
What a classic fantasy! This book is everything a high fantasy should have! Loved it.ReplyDelete
Amen, Sarah! I totally agree--this book is really an ideal fantasy. Perfect crossover with the modern world. Thanks for your comment!Delete
Completely agree! This was an amazing book! It will always be one of my favorites! As for the sequels, the only redeeming qualities I saw to them was more of Fenoglio and Dustfinger. That's about it. Oh and Resa was good as well! :)ReplyDelete
I came across your blog through a bunny trail and I'm thoroughly impressed! I look forward to reading more of your posts! :)
Thanks for your comment, Bethy! Yeah, I agree, Inkheart is amazing, but the sequels...not so much. Especially because they didn't contain nearly enough of Meggie! I'm so glad you enjoyed the review, and thanks again!Delete
Please remember to post graciously, whether or not you agree with the post.
Proverbs 15:1
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."


text:
It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
Originally posted by AQuestion
reply to post by thedoctorswife
Dear thedoctorswife,
If that is your picture your looking pretty good there for any age, in my early 50s and not looking good. Based on the fat contents that prior posters listed showing the difference between the UK and US, we don't use what you would consider cream. "Your answer was defintly my favourite cream related answer. Im not actually married to a doctor i am just a very sad 40 year old woman with a dr who obsession. Thankyou for the explanation, but why did the farming people use cream when they could have just used milk (Forgive me i lost my agricultural degree certificate down the back of the sofa)." Firstly, I hope you appreciate that I too have misused the quote function. You are not the only one who can do that. Now, lets get to what is really important, I cried when I knew that my dear Sarah Jane had died. I love Dr Who also but Elisabeth Sladen crushed my heart. Wait, isn't this about cream, I want some Ice Cream. I do hope that I have answered your questions, quelled a riot and brought peace to all men and women, women are prettier, why would any woman find a man attractive? Beyond me. Was that a satisfactory ATS answer, if not I will push the delete button and end my life.
Originally posted by TDawgRex
reply to post by thedoctorswife
I like my coffee the same way I like my gal.
With attitude and bitter. No cream and suga for me.
Originally posted by AQuestion
reply to post by thedoctorswife
Dear thedoctorswife,
I want you to know that I have not eaten today, it is almost 8 at night and I have had two glasses of wine, so, I now believe I am almost ready to discuss the finer points of tea, coffee and cream; but, another glass of wine will be required so there may still be a delay. Be well in the meantime. I also wish to ask a question, I have known a few Russian ladies (your Vodka reference and picture have me inclined to believe you may be Russian or from that area). If so, I have to ask you a question about a phrase that I have heard. Now, to the wine, no cream.
i know find myself living in a world where a starbucks coffee costs 3 quid, i can buy a meal in a caff for that, please no offence meant to you americans personally, been a few times and i love americans but god how bizarre a 3 quid cuppa coffee. i think i should ask for cream just to get value for money.


text: Ok, here is the story: I have a WRT54G v3, and I tried to flash it with DD-WRT mini generic firmware. During the flashing process, an error occured, saying something like "Upgrade failed" and of course the router got screwed up. I couldn't ping 192.168.1.1, so I had to open it and short it following the instructions. I was able to get again to ping its interface, but when I go further and try to load the firmware thru tftp, it gives me an error : Timeout or something with code error. Bottom line is that I'm not able to flash it again, so this is my problem. Any sugestions will be greatly appreciate it.


text:
Cultures, Communities and Conflicts in the Medieval Mediterranean
Biannual Conference of the Society of the Medieval Mediterranean. Keynote speakers: Professor Graham Loud (University of Leeds); Professor Anna Contadini (SOAS, London).
2011-07-04 09:15
2011-07-06 18:15
|University of Southampton
|Contact Name
|Rebecca Bridgman
|Contact Email
|Add event to calendar
The University of Southampton is proud to host the 2011 biannual conference of the Society for the medieval Mediterranean. This three-day conference will bring together scholars to explore the interaction of the various peoples, societies, faiths and cultures of the medieval Mediterranean, a region which had been commonly represented as divided by significant religious and cultural differences. The objective of the conference is to highlight the extent to whichthe medieval Mediterranean was not just an area of conflict but also a hightly permeable frontier across which people, goods and ideas crossed and influenced niehgbouring cultures and societies. We invite papers, together with abstracts, in the fields of archaeology, art and architecture, ethnography, history (including the history of science and medicine), languages, literature, music, philosophy and religion.
Please send abstracts of papers of 300 words maximum together with a brief CV to the organisers, Dr Francois Soyer (email@example.com) and Rebecca Bridgman (email@example.com). Please send any other enquiries ot this address too.


text:
Owls assistant coach Lee Bullen is tipping Barry Bannan to earn a Scotland recall.
But Bannan won the last of his 20 caps for Scotland in November 2014 when they lost to England 3-1 in a friendly.
Former Owls skipper Bullen said: "Barry will be knocking on the door again soon. I don't want to be telling Gordon how to do his job but if he keeps putting in performances like the one against Arsenal I don't think he'll be far away from a recall."
Bannan says he is focusing on his club form but told The Star: "I want to get called back into the (Scotland) squad but my main aim is to keep winning games here. We have a lot of good players and you can't rest on your laurels."
Bullen, meanwhile, has also praised Ross Wallace's performances, claiming the experienced winger should have played on more occasions for his country.
He said: "Ross has been unlucky not to have played his part in the Scotland set-up. Don't get me wrong, he's had one or two injury problems but has been consistently operating at a high level for years and can deliver a ball from wide areas as well as anyone I've worked with.
"Give him half a yard and he'll put it on a sixpence for someone. There are not many guys these days who have the whole package any more.
"Plenty can burn a defender off for pace but the thing that lets them down is their last touch, the most important thing – the delivery of the cross.
"But Ross has the ability to steal that half yard and the accuracy to do something dangerous with it. You saw that against Arsenal.
"He's a key man for us in terms of the experience and creativity he brings to games and the character he shows in the dressing room.
"It's a shame his chances of being involved in the Scotland squad are probably past now because of his age.
"I can understand Gordon Strachan is looking for younger players and already has Shaun Maloney as an experienced player in who can fill that wide role."
For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here
For more news from Hillsborough click here


text:
Zion Development names new executive director
Online Staff Report
Rockford's ZION Development Corporation has announced Bob Campbell as its next executive director.
Campbell, who will begin in his role Jan. 20, was the executive director of the Rockford Area Affordable Housing Coalition for seven years prior to its merger to become HomeStart, where he served as the deputy director for two years.
Campbell has a master's degree with an emphasis in nonprofit management, doing his thesis research on the public value of the wellness program at ZION's Longwood Gardens. He has recently completed an executive education program with a focus on community development from the Kennedy School of Government Executive Education Program at Harvard University in conjunction with NeighborWorks America.
Beyond his experience and education, Campbell brings a passion for the city of Rockford as a whole as well as for the neighborhood that has been his home for more than 10 years, the Midtown District.
ZION has grown from an organization that was formed to respond to high unemployment among Midtown residents in the 1980s to an organization that has invested more than $27 million in housing and economic development in the neighborhood.
Major projects developed and managed by ZION include Longwood Gardens apartments for seniors with limited incomes and its world‐class Walter D. Williams Wellness Program (1055 E. State St.), the Grand Apartments permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless men and women (1146 Broadway), and the Lantow Lofts condominiums above Katie's Cup coffee bar (502 Seventh St.).
ZION's previous director, Brad Roos, announced in October that he would be stepping down at the end of 2014. Roos had served the orgainzation since 1990.
ZION Development is at 910 Fifth Ave., No. 1E, Rockford.
Posted Jan. 8, 2015


text:
Zero waste is a philosophy that aims to analyze mass flow of a system and redesign it to achieve the goal of reducing waste to zero, either intrinsically or in combination with other processing facilities. A Zero Waste paradigm calls for the engineer to account for all constituents in anthropic use, have a thorough understanding of the ecosystem(s), and properly design systems to capture those materials so the waste products can be converted to a usable form with minimal environmental impact. Value Chain analysis helps enterprises innovate by accounting for all of the activities upstream, in process, and downstream of the core system. The combination of the Zero Waste and Value Chain analyses enables wastewater utilities to quantify the supply chain, in process, and downstream activities associated with the system. By combining these analyses with the principles of sustainability as criteria for performance measurement, wastewater professionals can better evaluate the benefits and costs of processing wastewater throughout the Value Chain for making more sustainable decisions. The objective of this process is to give wastewater professionals tools for communicating the value of the service provided and promote progressive thinking for waste minimization.
Value Chain analysis, Zero Waste, sustainable practices, wastewater mass/energy balance, ecoindustrial design


text:
Some households get so much back from the state that they're "effectively" not paying tax, says Bill English. Is that fair comment? And should we all be held to account for what we use in state services? Or just some of us?
At what point do the government-funded benefits and entitlements you gain as a citizien of this fine country amount to you getting off scot-free when it comes to paying your taxes? (And for those who are interested, it seems "scot-free" is the correct phrase as "scot" is an old word for tax). Are you one of Bill English's free-loaders "effectively" not paying any tax?
It's a question prompted by a press release by the Finance Minister in October, highlighted by Andrew Osborn in the thread on one of Josie's a recent posts. Here's the release. And here's the sentence that leapt out to me:
"At any particular time, a large number of households effectively don't pay tax.
"The income tax paid by these households is exceeded by the amount they receive from welfare benefits, Working for Families, paid parental leave and accommodation subsidies. That's entirely appropriate for those families genuinely in need."
It's a telling point; that is, it tells us a bit about Bill English. It's not the first time he has used this line, so I can only assume he genuinely views the world this way. And I imagine he'll use it again this election year. But it disconcerts me. "Effectively" is a word that hides all sorts of spin.
First, is it in any way fair or accurate to say that if you consume a lot of government services you're "effectively" not paying tax? And second, why does English pick out benefits, WFF, paid parental leave and accommodation subsidies as the four things that counter-act tax payments? It seems an oddly random group to select. Why not a university education? Roads? Health services? Superannuation? Legal aid? The Olympics? Emergency rescues and disaster relief? Or any other tax-payer funded activity?
The only thing that seems to link the four categories selected is that they are things that National governments pay reluctantly and are for those towards the bottom of society; they are labelled by some as government services for "bludgers".
Yes, English clearly points out that it's "entirely appropriate" to support those in genuine need this way. He says nothing about bludging, it's me raising the question as to where that line is. Yet isn't there a dog whistle behind that suggests something pejorative and that these people are getting more than their fair share? At very least the release is urging us to appreciate how much the wealthy contribute to our government services and consider how little the poor contribute.
So is it fair to say this large number of households "effectively" don't pay tax? Well, it's English and his peers who set the tax and benefit rates, so if he's suggesting some aren't paying enough or are getting too much he can and should do something about it. If there's something wrong with poorer households not paying enough tax, he should act. If there's not, what point is he making?
By the end of the release he seems to answer my question: his point is that Labour is wrong to call for "even greater transfers to low income families". Which implies that the settings he has are just right – bang on – and in fact these families effectively paying no tax are paying exactly the right amount. And they should thank him for that with their vote. And fair enough, this is politics, after all.
But why name only those government services?
By English's logic you could argue that the likes of Hamish Carter and Dean Barker at certain times in their careers have "effectively" paid no tax. Is that bad? What about some farmers in a drought year, who might minimise their tax return and at the same time accept state support? Do public servants who go on taxpayer-funded trips (English and his staff included) have those costs calculated and put against their tax bill? Why not add to the list the flash new tech start-up which gets a government grant and maybe some NZTE advice and promotion, which yet pays sod-all tax? Are they also case studies to use against a more progressive tax system?
English mentions accommodation subsidies. What about the landlords who use those to hike up their rents? Then there are those who individuals who spend longer in the education system, those who spend more time driving on the roads and those who get sick more often (many of whom would fall inside that "benefits" category). You can go on and on.
And of course there are the elephants in this room – retirees. The elderly especially tend to be net tax-takers, so why aren't they on that list? Perhaps because many vote National and English doesn't want us tsking at them? If those households were added to English's list, I wonder what it would do for his other numbers and underlying argument.
I'm intrigued by English's claims in the release – and if lower income households are paying a smaller proportion of net income tax than they did in 2008 then well done to him. And I've got no problem with him arguing that higher income New Zealanders are more than paying their share.
My concern is the pejorative nature of that list and the fact that only those few categories were selected, as if road-users and export-subsidised business-people and aid-assisted farmers and Phd-educated scientists and anyone else who uses taxpayer-funded services are more entitled, more worthy than beneficiaries and women going back to work after having had children.
More, my problem is that the poor will always be at the wrong end of this metric. The rich can always afford choices and elite private options the poor cannot and are less reliant on the public sector. But isn't the whole point of a thriving public sector so that even those with less can still themselves thrive in New Zealand?
So sure, let's have the argument about how much taxes should redistribute and how much those with plenty should be willing to chip into a society so that those with little can also participate and even flourish. But Mr English, either flesh out your list or put it back in the drawer, eh?
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text:
Just a second
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Labels: Humour
posted @ 12:38 PM, ,
We all need home security!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Labels: ADT, adt home alarm, adt monitoring, ADT pricing, home alarm, security
posted @ 9:28 PM, ,
Friends That Matter
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friends of Thatta Kedona Self Help Project that made all possible snapped in front of Pakistan House Potsdam, Germany.
Labels: Thatta Kedona, Volunteers
posted @ 12:32 PM, ,
Dolls, Toys and More - Book by S A J Shirazi
Friday, October 23, 2009
Labels: Books, Thatta Kedona
posted @ 7:39 PM, ,
Punjabi Taliban
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Extremists from Punjab had increasingly taken control of the Taliban forces fighting the army in Waziristan, but might now be fleeing back to Punjab "which already has been the scene of multiple suicide bombings" before the army launched the offensive.
Labels: Madrasahs, Pseudo Islam, War on Terror
posted @ 11:49 PM, ,
Friends, not masters
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The News International, Pakistan in its editorial of Wednesday, October 21, 2009 writes,
Senator John Kerry has described the meetings he held during a brief visit to Pakistan to 'clarify' the concerns raised over conditionalities attached to the $7.5 billion aid to be extended under the Kerry-Lugar Bill as 'positive'. It is significant that the US lawmaker focused the time he had available on meeting those who had most reservations about the bill – Mian Nawaz Sharif and General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani. But reading between the lines, it seems clear that Mr Kerry found the going tough. This is evident from the fact that he carefully declined to say if fears raised by the bill had been allayed and on several occasions looked quite visibly frustrated by the response to it. But the US lawmaker also made several things quite clear. For one, he stressed that the intentions behind the bill were good and that he for one ranked himself as a friend of Pakistan, eager to do what he could to help the country and to strengthen democracy within it. He also pointed out Pakistan was free to refuse the aid package. The plain talking from one of the most experienced US Senators should make us all think. The question is whether as a country strapped for cash, and trapped in a quagmire of problems made up by political instability, economic desperation, a militant threat and a devastating shortage of energy, we are in any position to choose. The country, quite simply, cannot do without assistance. Its people cannot do without the improved access to education and healthcare that the Kerry-Lugar Bill offers. This is the reality that we should be talking about.
Late President of Pakistan Field Marshall Ayub Khan said, " We need friends, not masters". But in the dictionary of international relations, the word friendship does not exist. Agreed, that we are strapped for cash. When have we not been? How many times have we got loans and aids in billions of dollars since independence, all in the name of alleviating poverty and educating the masses? Whither has it gone? Same is going to happen to this money. These loans and aids suit the government officials as it are they who benefit from it the most. So, I beg to differ with the conclusion of the editorial. Losing integrity, allowing other countries to interfere more and more in our internal affairs for any sum what to talk of a paltry sum of $ 1.5 bn which too is going to be eaten by officials in the name of masses isn't a good bargain at all. Let's learn to stand on our own feet.
Labels: Government, US Aid, US Pakistan Relations
posted @ 6:52 PM, ,
India warns of fresh militant attack
NEW DELHI: India's prime minister on Tuesday warned of a fresh militant attack and urged the armed forces to take measures to tackle security challenges nearly two weeks after a bomb attack on its embassy in Kabul.
Labels: Indo US Nexus, IndoPak Relations, Military Operation in South Waziristan, War on Terror
posted @ 6:28 PM, ,
Fight terrorism actively and not pasively
All government and private schools, colleges and universities have been closed throughout the country because of fears about militant attacks after twin suicide bombings at a university campus in Islamabad on Tuesday, officials said.
Labels: Government, Leadership, War on Terror
posted @ 6:04 PM, ,
NATO vacates check posts on Pak Afghan border!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
RAWALPINDI: NATO forces vacating checkposts in Afghanistan allow Afghan Taliban to cross the Pak-Afghan border and join the Pakistani Taliban in South Waziristan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani said on Monday.
Labels: 9/11, Military Operation in South Waziristan, NATO Troops, Terrorism, War on Terror
posted @ 4:14 PM, ,
How Many SIM(s) are Issued Against Your Name?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
posted @ 5:45 PM, ,
Diwali greetings to all followers
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Labels: Festivals
posted @ 8:22 PM, ,
Mitigating Supremacy of Pakistani parliament?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Labels: Democracy, Governance, Parliament, US Aid, US Pakistan Relations
posted @ 7:45 PM, ,
Hughes Net Satellite Internet
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Labels: broadband internet, Internet, satellite internet
posted @ 7:29 PM, ,
Internet Radio Comes to Thatta Kedona
Sunday, October 11, 2009
posted @ 4:20 PM, ,
Clear Wireless Satellite Internet
Friday, October 9, 2009
Labels: Clear Broadband Internet, Clear Wireless Internet, Clear Wireless Internet 4G
posted @ 8:12 PM, ,
Will the parliamentarians rise up to the occasion?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The ball is now in the court of Pakistan's elected legislators. As they formulate a response they must recognise that if Pakistan faces a financial crunch, the United States faces a strategic one. For the US to walk away from Pakistan is a virtual impossibility at this juncture. It is far more unaffordable for them since Pakistan occupies more than 50 per cent of the space in their strategic calculation. Meanwhile $1.5 billion accounts for roughly three per cent of Pakistan's federal and provincial annual budgets.If Pakistan's legislators are able to rise to the occasion and craft a consensus response to the Kerry-Lugar bill, they will have proved their worth as men and women who are capable of promoting and protecting the interests and dignity of the citizens of the country. Otherwise, whether democracy or dictatorship, Pakistan's parliament is merely a rubber stamp which follows the will of a handful of individuals who exercise their authority overlooking constitutionally defined institutional mechanisms like the Cabinet, defence committee the parliament.
Labels: US Aid, US Pakistan Relations
posted @ 6:52 PM, ,
Efficient Home Alarm System
Taking care of the security of our homes is imperative as without any home alarm system, you are vulnerable to hazards like burglary, fire, medical emergency etc. The alarm system should be such that it is functional round the clock i.e. 24/7 and is prompt in response to the extent that the requisite help reaches from the concerned agencies without loss of valuable seconds.
A few days ago fire broke out in our neighborhood. We came to know about it because of the buzzing of fire fighting vehicles. We were happily surprised to note that the fire had still not expanded. Only smoke was coming out of the house. It appeared as if the fire had broken out only a few minutes ago and the fire fighting staff had reached well in time to control and extinguish the fire. They took control of the situation and were able to extinguish the fire without any loss of time. It was all over within a few minutes. There was no loss of life and loss to the property too was far less than what one can imagine under such circumstances.
Later, we learnt that there was only an old sick man at home who saw some simmering fire in the garbage bin. He could not do much on his own due to his indisposition. Fortunately, adt alarms was installed in the house. The old man, using remote key pad, passed the alarm message to the ADT staff who very promptly passed on the emergency information to the nearby fire fighting staff. That is how a catastrophe to a house was averted.
posted @ 4:44 PM, ,
Style of governance!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
During the question hour, Mr Tarin made a written revelation that the powerful bureaucrats sitting in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had quietly spent a World Bank loan of Rs150 million on purchase of office furniture from China. At the same time he made another disturbing confession that during the last one year in office, his financial team put a new burden of Rs100 billion loan on the nation to meet the rising difference in income and expenditure.
Labels: Governance, Government
posted @ 10:02 PM, ,
UN offices to continue despite suicide attack threats
ISLAMABAD: The representative of the United Nations Tuesday said the UN is not dismantling the operations in Pakistan; only a few offices have temporarily been closed; however, important offices will remain open uninterruptedly.
Labels: 9/11, Suicide Attacks, Taliban, War on Terror
posted @ 9:52 PM, ,
30% Parliamentarians fail to submit Assets' details
ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued list of as many as 349 parliamentarians who have failed to submit their assets' details to commission, Geo news said on Tuesday.
Labels: Government, Parliamentarians
posted @ 9:50 PM, ,
Mud Architecture in Lahore
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Labels: Mud Architecture
posted @ 7:13 PM, ,
Postponement of Bye Elections
The LHC has called the attorney general and chief election commissioner to appear before it in a case involving the Punjab government's petition to stay by-polls to four National and provincial assembly seats. The court also declined to stay the polls, scheduled for November 7 by the CEC, holding that the Election Commission was under no obligation to consult a provincial government when setting dates for polls.
Labels: Democracy, Judiciary, PML(N), Politics, PPP
posted @ 5:28 PM, ,


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AJ Scarcella
Designer of things.
My name is AJ and I do many fun things including video, graphic design, CGI, retouching, print, illustration and other multimedia content. I'm also a writer, musician and an improvisational actor.
I've completed a Bachelor of Digital Media degree at the University of New South Wales.


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Directions: Brown ground beef in large Dutch oven size pan. Drain well. Drain and rinse the kidney beans, but add corn and tomatoes with the juice. Heat to simmering, then add cheese and continue heating until cheese is melted, stirring occasionally, until ingredients are well blended. Serve with bite size Tostitos and relishes.
Notes: If any is left over, I freeze it in serving-size containers to use as needed.


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Originally posted by Financial Social Media
By: Amy McIlwain
For the past several years, social media has been a conversation that was spoken of being as a "new" phenomenon. At first, people adapted to the new technologies, then businesses, and then virtually all relevant entities. Now that over one-third of the world is acquainted with social media, we are approaching an era where people and businesses are harnessing it and weaving it into their daily routines. The question of "why" is dissolving as the question of "how" emerges. As we enter 2013, social media will continue to evolve and grow in new ways. Here are 13 powerful factoids for your business to consider as 2013 approaches.
How do you plan to improve your social media presence in 2013?
Log in here to post a comment or reply, or register for a new account with us.


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Wednesday, October 2, 2013
The "Centerline" Exhibit In October At The Zhou B Art Center "With Love & Respect"
I always wanted to make a life-sized piece so I did!!!!!!!! This baby is 5 1/2 feet tall. I decided to use the old Japanese fan & the skeletons & skulls I had & make her into a Day Of The Dead piece. Día de Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. They also leave possessions of the deceased.
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In The Box
- Compatible for Samsung Galaxy Note3 LTE n9005
- under the Warranty of Samsung Malaysia
Product Features
Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch
SM-V700 Grey
The time has come
Be free with the Samsung Galaxy Gear. This stylish wearable device connects seamlessly with your Samsung smartphone to make life easier on the go. With the Galaxy Gear on your wrist, you can control your phone, make calls and answer them, see new messages and more.
Calls always within reach
Have you ever missed an important call because you couldn't hear or reach your phone? Not anymore. When you're wearing your Samsung Galaxy Gear, you can answer and make calls from your wrist. It's always conveniently at hand whenever you need it.
Smart Relay
Seamlessly linked with your phone
When you get an important notification on the GALAXY Gear, your phone will automatically show the message by picking up the phone.


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Dan Houser is world's best developer, says Edge
Dan Houser, the co-founder and vice president of creative for Rockstar, has taken the number one slot in the Edge Hot 100 Game Developers of 2009 list.
Edge cites his role in the conception and ongoing success of the Grand Theft Auto series as the key reason for him topping the list. The consumer website also points to the protracted retention struggle that saw Take-Two clinging on to what many consider its most important asset as evidence of Houser's influence in the industry.
Houser beat EA's Rod Humble, Nintendo's Hideki Konno and Shigeru Miyamoto and Neversoft's Scott Pease, who all featured in the top five.
To read the full list, visit Edge's website.


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All I can say is that its only August and I'd rather lose a game like that now with 30 to play then when we are 2 back with 3 to play.
One of the best games of the year if your a Philly Fan. The Mets did nothing after the 4th innning! NOTHING!!
It never should have gone into extra innings. The real hero is Eric Bruntlett who was hitting .214 before his 2 out hit in the 9th off of Luis Ayala tied the score
To read more about this game click here
Ramon Castro came out of the game with a hamstring injury
Scott Schoeneweis wasn't talking after last night's game . Read about Ramon and Scott here


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This is the blog page for Urban Life Magazine; London's premier (free) luxury lifestyle magazine...
About Me
- Urban Life Magazine
- London, United Kingdom
- Urban Life is a London-based luxury lifestyle magazine. It is a hard-copy publication; A4 in size with a glossy finish. Our regular features reflect the tastes and aspirations of our discerning readership, thus cover fashion, beauty, travel, technology, high-jewellery, luxury watches, motoring, art & culture, restaurant reviews, nightlife and celebrity profiles and interviews. This blog is mainly for those things we would like to cover in the magazine, but due to publication schedule, may not always be able to. We will also highlight what's in the magazine from time to time, drawing attention to specific articles, competitions and reader offers etc...
Thursday, 25 June 2009
R.I.P Micchael Jackson
We are receiving unconfirmed reports that Michael Jackson has died of cardiac arrest.
We are all watching the developing news for updates. Our thoughts are with Michael and his family at this time...
It is now confirmed that Michael Jackson has passed away.
Aged 50, Michael leaves a legacy of being the biggest selling artist of all time and a global musical icon who's influence has shaped modern popular music across all genres.
He was an inspiration to generations of people from all walks of life, all over the world. A true musical genius, he will be remembered for his showmanship, generosity and humanity.
Our thoughts are with Michael's children and family.
Rest in peace Michael, you will remain in our memories forever...
Posted by Urban Life Magazine at 23:21
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I have been told a million times that people think I totally have my shit together. But you know the old saying, no one knows what happens behind closed doors. I am sure that if you looked into other people's lives when they were not watching, you would see that so many of us don't always have our shit together. I may not be at the stage anymore with babies/toddlers crying & demanding my full attention but I now have grown up issues. It is emotionally draining. I feel like I have had to give so much of my own feelings to everyone else that I am feeling so incredibly raw & completely vulnerable. It is not just the stress of having teenagers but it is also the shifting in life, accidents, illness & financial issues. So many things have changed and are about to change in our family & I have no control. I can be there for the ones I love but I feel lost to not be able to help fix them. I have always been the one to fix everything & it hurts when I have to let go. It weighs so heavily on my heart.
I know that people will say, everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it is so hard to see that reason when you are in the middle of it. In the middle of turmoil, decisions, life changes......and no one sees you standing there. You can wave, stomp your feet, yell, scream and yet no one sees you. Because they are so busy dealing with the cards they have been dealt. And it makes it even harder when they struggle to cope with being part of a team. The family team. When being part of a family team is completely foreign to them, how do you let them know that you are just there to help?
When the issues belong to someone else & it is not your story to tell, it becomes a weight that can not be shared. You carry it in your heart, your mind & your soul. How do you then just let go? How do you step to the side instead of directly behind? Do you just throw your hands up and say, "I give up?" How do you hold your shit together? How does someone who has always had control, hand control over to strangers to decide what is best for a loved one?
Somedays being a grown up is not all it is cracked up to be. Somedays you just don't have your shit together. I am starting to think that it is all part of this crazy fucked up journey called life. Let's just hope that life deals us a perfect hand soon.


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World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Welterweight Champion Austin Trout is set to defend his title for the first time on June 11, 2011. Since beating Rigoberto Alvarez in February to claim the world title, Austin has been rumored to have many fights in line. Out of all the names, the biggest one was easily Floyd Mayweather Jr. This Q&A goes over rumors, future fights, and Austin's thoughts about his first fight as the WBA Champion.
Q: Since becoming the champion, a lot of people have called you out. Is there anyone that grabbed your attention more than others?
A: Well Yes! Immediately after beating his brother Saul Alvarez challenged me to fight for my belt, I accepted then and there, although I didn't agree to going back to mexico to do it. After winning his wbc title over matthew hatton all that revenge talk stopped. I would love to fight canelo but that wouldn't be a good career move for him right now
Q: Explain the situation with you and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. If the two of you want to fight each other, what is the problem?
A: I would start with the promoters. In most cases if it was left up to the fighter they would take every fight that was available. Since this is a business, the promoters make the best business move there are to make when matching fighters. Fighting me isn't a good business decision because I will win and truthfully im not a name big enough to take that chance. Reckon im gonna have to beat up some one famous to get my shots at the likes of Cotto or Saul.
Q: There was a rumor that a possible fight between you and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is in the works, is there any truth to that?
A: There is some truth to this, my name is in the list of others to fight Floyd. Im not holding my breath nor waiting for it, if the opportunity presents itself ill take it God willing.
Q: You have been Miguel Cotto's mandatory for awhile now. Can we expect a Miguel Cotto vs. Austin Trout fight in 2011?
A: Probably not 2011, I'm praying for 2012! Until then I will keep busy and stay getting better
Q: How do you feel, going into your first title defense?
A: I feel good I've been training roughly a month already and just excited to get back in the ring aka my office. David Lopez is a good tough strong fighter, and I want to make a statement against him
Q: David Lopez has won his last 16 fights and is ranked as one of the top 15 fighters in the world, how are you going to stop him?
A: I'm going to pick him apart and try to discourage him with counters, and effective aggression, he's tall so I will have to use angles to get in and stay in
Q: How would you describe David Lopez as a fighter?
A: He's a brawler with good fundamentals, good chin and decent punch
Q: Is there anything that you want to prove in this fight, if so, what?
A: That I am where I belong, the elite need to be weary of me because I am hungry and coming for the #1 spot
Q: What are your plans after this fight?
A: Another fight with someone famous hopefully
Austin Trout has been one of boxing's best kept secrets and now he looks to show the world that he is the real WBA champion. Taking on David Lopez (his mandatory) is the first step to showing he belongs with the elite. Miguel Cotto and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez are on the top of his hit list; however, the main objective is to show that he is the real champion in a stacked division. He can only be avoided for so long until there is 'no doubt' about Austin Trout.


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Cultural ProbesPosted: November 24, 2011 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Cultivating Communities Leave a comment
I have created a cultural probe research kit for the Cultivating Communities project. The kit is build around an assignment booklet. The assignments challenge the students of 'Juf Miranda' to create their own sustainable scenario. The students will conduct interviews, gather inspirational materials, create persona's and make their own storyline. They have about 3 weeks to finish the assignments, afterwards I will try to make a collective scenario out of their story's. The idea is to gain extra insights into the students living world through this research kit.
Collective drawingPosted: November 14, 2011 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Collective Drawing, Cultivating Communities Leave a comment
After the first observation session in "het schommelbootje" I've tried to summarize my thoughts of that day in a drawing.
When I returned to the school I used this drawing to start a conversation with the students of 'Juf Miranda', the group I will be working with this year. I invited them to draw their own thoughts on the drawing I made. This turned out to be a very fun and creative exercise. Some students just used the template and added colour. Others made up their own ideas. Check out the results here


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For exporters, risk can come in many forms. It could be the risk of not getting paid, of violating U.S. export regulations, or of not being adequately protected by commercial agreements and contracts. To be successful and to make the most of opportunities afforded by international markets, an exporter needs to manage risk in a way that protects the company without diminishing competiveness and appeal to foreign buyers.
Join in for a day-long seminar that will help companies better understand areas of export related risk, identify tools and resources useful in conducting effective due diligence, and develop sales-positive strategies for mitigating risk. Private and public sector experts will lead sessions on:
Commercial Risk
- Tools and resources for screening and identifying potential customers and partners
Financial Risk
- Reducing concerns of non-payment while not diminishing competiveness
Legal and Regulatory Risk
- Creating protective agreements and contracts
- Understanding and complying with U.S. export regulations
- Ensuring compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
Seminar Details:
- Thursday, November 5, 2015
- 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Two Chatham Center, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- $75 – Lunch included
For more information, please contact Steven Murray at email@example.com or 412-644.2819


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Waste sorting and recycling
Rosk'n Roll Waste Management Service is provided by Rosk'n Roll Oy Ab and Itä-Uudenmaan Jätehuolto Oy.
The task of the companies is to take care of the main waste management obligations of the municipalities, according to the regulations and orders, among other things. The tasks are performed in effective manner and saving the environment, irrespective of the boarders of the municipalities.
The owner municipalities of the Rosk'n Roll Oy Ab are Lohja, Raasepori, Vihti, Hanko, Karkkila, Inkoo and Siuntio in Western Uusimaa and the owner municipalities of the Itä -Uudenmaan Jätehuolto Oy (or Eastern Uusimaa Waste Management) are Porvoo, Sipoo, Loviisa, Pornainen and Askola in Eastern Uusimaa. The number of the inhabitants in the territory is 228 000. The customers are all the regular inhabitants and summer residents of the municipalities.
The companies are offering services such as,
- reception of waste on serviced waste stations, recycling points and mixed waste points, in touring collection vehicles and in reception points of the hazardous waste
- waste collection from households
- arranging the recycling of waste materials
- advisory services for recycling and waste management.
The companies have around 70 employees. Furthermore, the companies employ dozens of workers as the waste transportation and reception services are supplied by subcontractors.
The companies have 15 waste stations with service personnel. The offices of companies are located in Porvoo and in Lohja.
You can reach the customer service on weekdays from 8.30 to 15.30 by phone 020 637 7000 and via e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com.


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This is a Techmeme archive page. It shows how the site appeared at 9:50 AM ET, January 4, 2016.
The most current version of the site as always is available at our home page. To view an earlier snapshot click here and then modify the date indicated.
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Clint Myers Hired as Head Softball Coach at Arizona State University
June 29, 2005
Clint Myers, a former baseball student-athlete and graduate of Arizona State University, will be returning to the athletic department this fall as Sun Devil softball's head coach, Lisa Love, Vice President for Athletics, announced Wednesday. Myers, who is just the third head coach in the 35-year history of the team, replaces Linda Wells, who retired following the conclusion of the 2005 season after 16 years with the program.
''I am very excited for the opportunity to return to Arizona State,' Myers said. 'It is every player's dream to be able to coach at the institution in which he played. I said during the interview process that I have been a Sun Devil since 1970 and it is very nice to come back over 30 years later and coach such a successful program. I am excited and fortunate for this chance and enthusiastic about the possibilities that I will have coaching at Arizona State.'
'ASU engaged in a national search and all things pointed to Clint Myers,' says Love. 'He is our No. 1 choice and we are thrilled about the prospect of championship softball under his leadership. We were very impressed with his championship mentality, his integrity and family values.'
Myers, who will be making his NCAA Division I head coaching debut next spring, inherits a Sun Devil program that finished the 2005 season with a 30-26 overall record after advancing to the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional. ASU's regional berth was its eighth in the last nine years despite a 4-17 mark in the Pac-10 Conference.
'Linda Wells did a great job with the program over the past years to keep Arizona State among the best in the nation,' Myers said. 'We will play with a new philosophy and go out and compete with a certain amount of knowledge of how the game is played. I expect the winning ways Arizona State is accustomed to will continue in the upcoming years, as well as down the road.'
A coach at various levels in both softball and baseball, Myers comes to Tempe by way of 19 highly successful years at Central Arizona College where he compiled an overall record of 887-235. Prior to coaching the baseball team at CAC from 1996-2005, Myers ran the Vaqueros' softball team, building a record of 481-43 and guiding the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) powerhouse to six national titles, including five in a row (1988-1992), while earning the NJCAA National Coach of the Year honor six times. His teams also captured seven regional titles and nine ACCAC Conference titles. An inductee into the NJCAA Softball Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Arizona Softball Foundation Hall of Fame in 2001, Myers also was selected as the National Softball Coaches Association (NSCA) regional and national coach of the year in 1990, 1991 and 1992.
All of Myers' success and honors led up to him taking over the baseball program at the start of the 1996 season. In his 10 seasons with the team, Myers compiled a record of 406-192 with two appearances in the Junior College World Series in Grand Junction, Colo. The team's most recent trip culminated with the 2002 national title. The NJCAA National Coach of the Year in 2002, Myers' teams won the Western District twice (1999, 2002) and finished runner-up three other times (2000, 2001 and 2004). The Vaqueros' also won ACCAC Conference titles on five occasions (1997, 2001-2004) and were crowned NJCAA Region I champions five times as well (1999-02, 2004).
Prior to his first head coaching jobs on the collegiate level, Myers served as a coach in other capacities, particularly around the state of Arizona. After his playing days, Myers began coaching in the Connie Mack Baseball League as the skipper of the Long Beach Cardinals from 1975-1976. In his two years, the Cardinals posted solid finishes, including the 1975 Connie Mack World Championship and the 1976 runner-up. From there, he made his way back to ASU for one year as he guided the junior varsity team to a 35-9 record while assisting Jim Brock with the varsity squad that placed third at the College World Series.
After the CWS, Myers coached at Casa Grande Union High School for three seasons and led the team to league championships in 1977, 1978 and 1979. In his second season at the school, Myers was voted as the Arizona High School Baseball Coach of the Year after his team won the state title. In the fall of 1980, Yavapai College in Prescott, Ariz., came calling and Myers headed north for three years. In his time, his teams again claimed gold, this time in the form of the 1981, 1982 and 1983 Arizona League Championships. Then, in 1983, Myers moved on to Eastern Washington for one season as he attained his M.A. in Education while also serving as an assistant coach. Upon receiving his degree, he returned to Prescott for one year to serve as a supervisor in the Parks and Recreation Department before taking over at CAC.
On the field, Myers got his start playing for Lakewood Senior High School and helped his team to the 1970 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Championship. He then headed east and joined the Sun Devils, playing from 1970 through 1973. With the maroon and gold, Myers was a member of the CWS National Runner-up in both 1972 and 1973 before being drafted in the third round of the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973. In the Cardinals' organization, Myers played three years at the single, double and triple `A' designations before jumping into the coaching ranks following the 1975 season. His son Casey Myers, also played and starred for the Sun Devils, winning the Pacific-10 Conference baseball Player of the Year honor in both 2000 and 2001.
TODAY | 5:00pm PTLive
Airing on:
- Pac-12 Network
- Pac-12 Mountain
TODAY | 7:00pm PTLive
Airing on:
- Pac-12 Network
- Pac-12 Oregon
Pac-12 PlaylistTODAY | 9:00pm PTLive


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In recent weeks, our office has been visited by an unusual number of concerned local residents. They share no obvious connection with each other – only that they live here, own property (diminished in value), and seek to have either friends or family remain or join them here. Still, they sought answers to the same questions.
"Will there be an economic future here?"
"When will (the) Packing Plant (project) begin operating?"
"What has to happen to make these things – and more — happen here?"
It is energizing to hear from non-political folks about their keen desire to see a brighter, stronger economic future in Tama County. I answered their questions with genuine enthusiasm that yes, they can (and will) happen here.
It's not enough for me to believe it. To make real progress, the majority of the residents of our county are going to need to believe. Reality check time, let's be completely honest; we have a good number of Tama County detractors right here in our own county. Don't get me wrong. I know it is human nature to be negative, but in our current situation we cannot afford negative talk. For right now if you are skeptical KEEP IT TO YOURSELF. Do not be negative and derail whatever progress and/or success we've achieved (or strive to achieve).
Can it happen here? Yes. There are also numerous items invented or manufactured in the Midwest, and several 'firsts' that happened here. Here's just a few of these discoveries, products and 'firsts' that have a Midwest connection.
- The first Pizza Hut store opened in Wichita, Kansas in 1958 by brothers Dan and Frank Carney.
- Cheeseburgers were first served by a restaurant in 1934 in Louisville, Kentucky.
- The first commercial oil well was located on the Cumberland River in McCreary County, Kentucky. This occurred in 1819.
- The first rodeo (Buffalo Bill's) was held in North Platte, Nebraska on July 4, 1882.
- The first enamel bathtub was made in Louisville, Kentucky in 1856.
- In 1899, a plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee first bottled Coca-Cola.
- Kool-Aid was invented and first manufactured by Edwin Perkins in Hastings, Nebraska.
- Eskimo Pie created by Chris Nelson, an ice cream shop owner from Onawa, Iowa. He thought up the idea in the spring of 1920.
- At the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, Richard Blechyden served tea over ice cubes, making the first iced tea.
- Ice cream cones were invented at the 1904 World's Fair. An ice cream vendor had run out of cups, and enlisted the help of a nearby waffle vendor. The waffle vendor rolled the waffles into a cone shape to hold the ice cream.
- The 1904 St. Louis World's Fair also introduced America to Cotton Candy. Two Tennesseans, William Morrison and John C. Wharton sold the spun sugar, then called "Fairy Floss" in boxes for 25 cents.
- A sandwich made of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, and served on Rye bread, was concocted by Reuben Kulakofsy around 1934 in Omaha, Nebraska. It was named the Reuben sandwich.
- Quaker Oats Cereal is manufactured in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
- Aunt Jemima pancake flour was created in 1889 in St. Joseph, Missouri and was the first ready-mix food sold commercially.
These are just some of the creations used today that had their start in the Midwest. There are many more Midwest inventions, firsts, and products not listed here. Proof that yes, it can happen here.


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USC Women Capture 82-61 Win Over Montana State
Dec. 13, 2008
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. - The USC women's basketball team pocketed an important home win on Saturday afternoon, putting together another well-rounded effort at the Galen Center en route to a 82-61 victory over visiting Montana State. The Women of Troy had five players finish in double figures, receiving a career- and game-high 13 points from Hailey Dunham along with 12-point nights from Camille LeNoir, Ashley Corral and Nadia Parker and a 10-point game from Aarika Hughes. USC improves to 5-3 with the win, while Montana State moves to 4-5 overall.
USC trailed by seven during the first half, but worked quickly back into control. Leading by six at the half, the Trojans shot 49 percent in the second half and got up by 20 entering the final five minutes of play. Fouls stalled out the final stretches of both halves, with three Bobcats fouling out in the game. Montana State nailed nine 3-pointers in the game, while USC hit five, including three from Corral. The Trojans ended the game shooting 44 percent to MSU's 34 percent, and outrebounded the Bobcats 51-28, ending up one board shy of a season high.
The lead changed hands three times in the first 10 minutes of play. After trailing by seven at 13:55, USC worked back on top thanks in part to back-to-back threes coming from Camille LeNoir and Ashley Corral. Montana State nailed a three to tie things up 25-25 with 4:50 to go in the half, only to see Corral drain her second just seconds later to get USC back in the lead. With both teams in double bonus, the last three minutes of the half were spent largely at the free-throw line. USC's four-point from Corral's third three of the night at 3:20 in the game was cut into, but free throws from Briana Gilbreath and Aarika Hughes helped the Trojans hold a 37-33 lead for the final minute of the half. Nadia Parker capped off the half with a pair from the line, giving USC a 39-33 lead entering the locker rooms.
To open the second half, USC answered a pair of Bobcat baskets with a 9-0 scoring run, as Brynn Cameron hit a jumper and a three around a Hughes bucket in the paint, and Hailey Dunham sank a pair of free throws, taking USC ahead 52-38. USC came out the gates with a 5-1 rebounding advantage as well through the first five minutes. Montana State ended USC's scoring spurt with back-to-back 3-pointers from Sarah Strand - her second of the day - and Erica Perry to make it 52-44 USC at 12:55.
Some slick passing helped push USC back up by 12 after a Hughes take, as Corral hit LeNoir low, and LeNoir slipped a quick pass to Gilbreath for the make. LeNoir followed her assist with a long two at 9:45 to get USC back up to its largest lead of the game at 58-44. A steal and a layin from Heather Oliver helped push the Trojans along on a 7-0 scoring run for their biggest lead at 69-48 with just over five minutes remaining. The Bobcats snapped the run with another three from Strand to make it 69-51, but LeNoir drained a pair of free throws at 5:06 for a 20-point lead for USC at 71-51.
USC's next competition comes up at the Galen Center next week at the Women of Troy Basketball Classic. After a 4:45 p.m. game between Harvard and Siena, the Trojans open against Duke in an 8 p.m. game televised by FSN on Saturday (Dec. 19). Bring a toy worth $10, and get in free along with a friend to Saturday's Toy Drive. On Sunday, USC will play Harvard at 4:45 p.m., and Duke and Siena face off at 7 p.m.
Football: Inside Pac-12 FootballTOMORROW | 6:00pm PTLive
TOMORROW | 7:00pm PTLive
Airing on:
- Pac-12 Network
- Pac-12 Oregon
Basketball Pre-Game ShowSat 12/15 | 11:30am PTLive


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Manufacturing Assembler
John Deere
Contact: 515.289.1350
825 SE Irvinedale Drive
Ankeny, IA 50023
Working on the production floor, I am certified across most of the production lines within the Des Moines facilities and particularly knowledgeable in over 75% of the applications production. Work toward continuous improvement, efficiency, quality and zero-incident safety record as in a cooperative and diverse environment. Certified operator (driver) in sprayers, gators, and jeeps onsite.
Starting Wages: $14.50 hourly Ending Wages: $23.00 hourly
Reason for Leaving: Temporary Job


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Well seems this page is getting a lot of traffic, so I'm fast tracking a post about myself to give a better feel of what this blog is about. This is just a introduction into one part of my life, the start of my passion for cars and some of my early thoughts about vehicles.
I always wanted to be a car collector since childhood, my Hotwheels collection was stacked and I built many models. When time came to get into remote controls I decided (like my dad with airplanes) I want to do the real thing instead of this half step of simulation collecting R/C cars. R/C cars are fine for those who don't have the resources, room, energy or even interest for full sized vehicles, but for me I felt at 17 I was ready for to take the step.
My mother had always wanted to help me with cars, but with no father for most my childhood and definitely no male role models to teach me to turn a wrench. I didn't really become mechanically inclined until i got my first car and bought my first tool set. My main passion is BMX, so i followed that for most of my teens but at 17 I decided enough was enough. It was time to start my car collection and also learn to fix cars because I wouldn't be able to afford to pay someone to fix mine, or have the income to buy pristine cars. So I got at job at the local Toyota dealership as a detailer. I picked that dealership because it had auto body and mechanic bays, so I would be surrounded by all the knowledge I could ever need, and I tend to ask a lot of questions freely so apprenticeship wasn't needed nor an offered position since I just walked in there with a resume and said I love Toyotas give me a job. I cleaned cars and managed the lot. Learnt a lot about life, proper work etiquette, but most of all the library of Hans manuals. That was my favorite part on breaks, lunch and even checking them out and taking them home, I just loved learning about the mechanical engineering and how these cars worked in literal detail.
My favorite cars were always Porsches even at age 7 I told my mom i never wanted to be 6 ft tall because I wouldn't be comfortable in a 911. They are a real piece of art to me, such amazing lines and perfect proportions. Were most cars excel at one or two things the 911 has beauty, power, prestige, uniqueness, danger, and technicality even to operate….but the 911 will be a whole post itself I'm sure. Anyways, being a frugal BMX'er with no mechanical skill I quickly realized with my detailing job I would not be driving a Porsche anytime soon (although with my 1st pay check I started a saving account for a mid life crisis to the Porsche dealership) and so I had to find a more realistic vehicle goal and had to prioritize what I Loved about cars.
A MAN. Cars to me were one of the many things that make up a true man to me, or the man I want to become. As a child it didn't matter your job, your class or your house. All that mattered was what you drove, to me it showed where your priorities were. Every guy I looked up to wants a sports car, but how many make the sacrifices to get one? Everyone compromises in some way, and to me no compromise in what you drove was a test. So as a child i judged quite a lot of the older males around me and never did find a really cool one. But zero compromise was something that formed my opinion on what I liked so I wanted the most technically hard and pure driving experience, power wasn't a goal I wanted to push hard and make up for it with skill and teach myself to drive…RWD was obviously the route to take, 2 doors, no assists and something I could learn on. I value modesty and efficiency much more than forced presence and over flowing power, something most people strive for but not true to myself I feel. So factoring where I worked and what I liked I settled on the AE86, a small, light under powered Japanese modesty box. Nothing flashy so I could drive it as hard and stay under the radar, also not enough power to get me in trouble. But they had street cred and drifted and seemed to fit the bill.
As luck would have it, n my prairie town of 35,000. A skateboarder at the park I spent everyday at happened to have a cousin with one. One day when his cousin showed up in this red Trueno, I ran over awkwardly introduced myself and offered to preform fellatio for a ride in the car…which in hindsight was a bad joke to say to a guy you have never met, as it creeped him out and he didn't really ever come back to the park. But a couple months later I got a hold of him and he offered to sell it to me, I actually over bid on it and he told me it wasn't worth that much money, So I went and got him to pick me up and drop me off with the car since I still had my learners license! I was now the owner of my first car a 1987 Toyota corolla GTS and my car life had finally started…


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Corio Mk2 Upholstered Bar Stools
Brand: Duraseat
Modern minimalism at its finest, the Corio Mk2 commercial bar stools will have your bar or restaurant looking chic with its contemporary style. The chair is available in your choice of Black, Chocolate, White or Beige upholstery to coordinate perfectly with the colour scheme of your decor. All four options are premium commercial grade vinyl that has a leatherette feel but is easy to wipe clean.
Built tough to hold up to frequent use, the modern stool has a rugged welded tubular steel frame finished in sleek silver chrome. Comfortable features like padding in the seat and a base rail for resting the feet will encourage patrons to stay at the bar for hours.
The stool is 400 mm wide by 450 mm deep and has a 770 mm seat height.
- 2 year structural warranty
- Chromed steel welded frame, commercial vinyl upholstery
- Dimensions: 400mm wide x 450mm deep x 1010mm total height and 770mm seat height
- Stocked in Black, Chocolate, White, Beige(Cream)
- Suitable for indoor use only
- Supplied unassembled
- SWL: 120 kg


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School Board April meeting highlights have been posted. Click here to read highlights. Official minutes can be read in the school office during regular office hours.
Home > Hot Topics >
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April 2011 School Board Meeting Minutesposted May 9, 2011, 6:22 AM by Mike Tuntland


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Solar Power in New Mexico
Join the 900,000 homes powered by solar.
New Mexico Solar Panel Pricing
New Mexico has the lowest average monthly electric bill in the country—$75—which is 30 percent cheaper than the national average. While electric rates are fairly inexpensive, homeowners in New Mexico are in a unique position to save more with solar. That's because the state gets 300 days of sun per year and solar kilowatt prices are just three to nine cents per kilowatt. Compared to New Mexico's average 11 cents per kilowatt for grid electricity, it's clear to see the savings opportunity.
If you want exact numbers, you can fill out a form to get a quote from a top solar company. Or, use our solar cost calculator to estimate your solar savings.
Federal Tax Credit
The entire nation can benefit from a 30 percent federal tax credit on solar panels. That means if you purchase solar panels, you can get 30 percent of the purchase price back in credits. Homeowners who lease, finance, or have a solar PPA probably can't take advantage of this big tax break, but it's a great incentive for people who buy solar panels outright.
Local Utility Incentives
There are 72 programs New Mexico homeowners can leverage to save on solar. Browse the solar credits and rebates in your area to cut your energy costs even more.
Excess Energy Rebates
Sometimes solar panels produce more than enough energy to power your home. If you're hooked up to city utilities, this power flows back into the grid. What does this mean? Money back in your pocket. People who own solar panels receive energy rebates from utility companies, but check to see if your solar company offers these incentives for solar PPAs, leases, and financing.
SunPower is an innovative company with 600 patents for solar technology and a world record-setting plane, the Solar Impulse 2.
In addition, SunPower has an app that allows customers to view real-time energy data from their solar panels, solar cells that produce 70 percent more energy over 25 years than conventional panels, and a sleek panel design that blends in with your home. If you're looking for high tech and high design, SunPower is an ideal company for you.
In 2011, Vivint launched Vivint Solar.
Today, people in 12 states and Washington D.C. can tap into the company's 10–30 percent savings on energy bills. You can also opt to lease, finance, buy, or get a solar PPA from Vivint Solar. And, if you're interested, you can upgrade your home with Vivint home security and automation products. Vivint is a one-stop shop for those who want a truly modern and efficient home.
Solar Legislation in New Mexico
New Mexico has grand plans to install nearly 1,500 additional megawatts of solar capacity by 2020. However, state lawmakers are jeopardizing this goal. In 2016, the state did nothing to extend a bill that provides tax credits to homeowners who install solar. It also didn't act to expand state tax credits that benefit and encourage energy companies to come to New Mexico. While there are 72 local programs homeowners can tap into to save on solar, New Mexico needs to do more to make solar a popular and feasible option for its citizens.
Almost 1,900 people work for New Mexico's 114 solar companies.
New Mexico installed 56 megawatts of solar capacity in 2015, ranking them 15th in the nation for that year.
New Mexico invested $86 million in solar installations in 2015.
New Mexico has the 13th most solar capacity in the nation—400 megawatts.
People in New Mexico who have solar or are interested in learning more can use these resources:
This organization regulates utility companies. Read about what's happening in your area and get in touch with employees.
See how upcoming legislation will affect your solar savings.
Find all of the money-saving programs in your area.
Check out energy stats, find contact information, and more.
- http://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=NM
- http://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/new-mexico
- http://www.electricitylocal.com/states/new-mexico
- http://www.seia.org/research-resources/national-solar-database
- http://www.thesolarfoundation.org/solar-jobs-census/
- http://www.seia.org/research-resources/us-solar-market-insight
- https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/New-Mexico/annual-days-of-sunshine.php
- http://www.sfreporter.com/santafe/article-11684-spinning-out.html


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View the latest research articles on Assistive Technology written by faculty from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine.
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Pre-PostGame Inc. CEO to Speak on Feb. 17th Event in Washington, D.C.
Pre-PostGame Inc. founder and CEO Robert T. Green has been selected to a group of highly respected panelists for an upcoming event by the DC chapter of the LexisNexis® African American Network. The program, entitled The African-American Athlete: Challenges in Today's Sports World, will be taking place on Feb. 17th in Washington, D.C.
"The sports business in America and abroad has never been bigger regarding its platform and responsibility," Green stated. "It's undeniable that it has a direct correlation and impact on the African American athlete on the social and economic level. Pre-Postgame Inc. is honored to be a part of this great event and thank LexisNexis for allowing us to be part of this extremely needed educational process."
The event will feature prominent, former college and professional athletes who have gone on to make their marks in the academic, business and entertainment arenas following their successful days on the playing field. The objective of the panel is to provide insights and perspectives on a number of interesting and timely topics, including the portrayal of African American athletes in the media, as well as the educational, career and financial challenges facing professional athletes following their playing days.
"The prominent role of sports in American society cannot be understated," said Femi Richards, Vice President, Information Assurance and Assessment, RELX Group and President of the DC chapter of the LexisNexis® African American Network. "Indeed, sports are an important vehicle for communicating our shared values and individual identities. But, beyond the cheering and the accolades, the world of sports provides a valuable prism through which to examine and discuss sensitive societal issues such as racism, sexism and classism. We hope that by convening a stellar panel of prominent former athletes, we can engage in a substantive discussion that heightens awareness of the unique challenges facing Black athletes in today's sports world."
Joining Green as featured speakers are former NFL defensive back Shawn Springs, former Duke basketball player Ronald Burt, former Maret High School basketball coach Butch McAdams and former professional soccer player Robbie Russel. Each participant has gone onto significant business ventures since their playing days concluded. Serving as the moderator for the event will be Professor N. Jeremi Duru from the American University Washington College of Law.
The African-American Athlete: Challenges in Today's Sports World forum is being presented by the DC chapter of the LexisNexis® African American Network. The event is for LexisNexis® employees and will run from 3-5:00 PM on Feb. 17th, and this panel is being held in honor of Black History Month. The LexisNexis African American Network is organized as a voluntary group of employees within the RELX Group family of companies. The DC Chapter of the LexisNexis® African American Network embraces RELX Group's corporate diversity initiatives aimed at improving the Company's competitiveness by increasing the representation, development, promotion, and retention of people of color. The D.C. AAN supports the premise that the success of the corporate diversity initiatives is contingent upon the existence of an inclusive support system that provides the understanding, counseling, coaching, mentoring, and role modeling that is generally required for success in the workplace. The D.C. AAN is organized to (1) foster support for the corporate diversity initiatives (2) provide and encourage self-help for workplace success (3) strengthen linkages with the community, and (4) engage in dialog with corporate officials regarding barriers that hinder the achievement of the corporate diversity goals.
#WEREHERE to build a bridge of social, business and economic development. We provide broad based opportunities for our team in transition from one phase of academics, athletics and entertainment opportunities to the next built on a strong sustainable foundation of credible resources and networks in numerous areas including, creating stability in business, family, finances and mental well-being. Our driving force that will ensure that you are Responsible, Respected, Remembered
For more information on Pre-PostGame Inc., make sure to visit www.pre-postgame.com.


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Benefits of Travel
Traveling is fun and stressful as well. It is usually good to travel for enjoyable and also see items that you have got never ever seen before. There are lots of great things about vacation. Individuals have a tendency to stress when they travel a lot more than have fun. Once you travel, you need to be in a position to understand what your location is and where you stand going. Once you travel, you can discover many brand new places, have a good soothing time, and discover most a location. It is all Discovery is talking about. Taking a trip is enjoyable! Some benefits of vacation tend to be:
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Falling: extract from The Sea, The Sea by Iris Murdoch
As I am writing this story it will be evident that I survived, and I cannot hope to convey what the experience was like, how long it was, how terrible, how hopeless: a primal experience of a total loss of hope. Falling, what the child fears, what the man dreads, is itself the image of death, of the defencelessness of the body, of its frailty and mortality, its absolute subjection to alien causes. Even in a harmless fall in the road there is a little moment of horror when the faller realizes that he cannot help himself; he has been taken over by a relentless mechanism and must continue with it to the end and be subject to the consequences. 'There is nothing more I can do.' How long, how infinitely expansible, a second is when it contains this thought, which is the effigy of death. A complete fall into the void, something which I had often imagined on aeroplanes, is of course the most terrible thing of all. Hands, feet, muscles, all the familiar protective mechanisms of the body are suddenly useless. The enmity of matter is unleashed against the frail breakable crushable animal form, always perhaps an alien in this hard mineral gravitational scene.
It was as if each part of my body experienced its separate despair. My back and waist felt the dreadful imprint of the hands which with great sudden violence and indubitable intent propelled me over the edge. My hands reached out in vain for something to clasp. My feet, still touching the rock with which they were parting company, jerked in a weak useless spasm, a last ghostly attempt to retain balance. Then they were jerking in empty space and I was falling head downward, as if my head and shoulders were made of lead. At the same time I felt, or thought of as a kind of final thought, the fragility of my head and even knew that my hands were now trying to protect it. My trunk twisted sickeningly, trying in vain to make sense of its position. I actually saw, in the diffused midsummer darkness-light, the creamy curling waves just below me, and the particular spiral of their movement in the confined space. Then I was in the water whose intense cold surprised me with a separate shock, and I made the instinctive swimmer's movement of trying to right myself; but my body was aware that no swimming could take place in that vortex. I felt as if my neck were breaking as I looked up to see a dome of dark faintly translucent green, the wave above me. I was choking and swallowing water, absorbed in the one task of getting another breath. At the same time I was able to think: this is the end. I fought, my whole body fought, now flailing senselessly in a maelstrom of powers which seemed about to dismember me. Then my head struck violently against the smooth rock and I lost consciousness.


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|DCRP Review: Toshiba PDR-M4
by Jeff Keller [DCRP Creator/Webmaster]
Last revised:
The 2+ million pixel market is getting more crowded indeed! While more competition is welcomed, it's getting harder and harder to choose the best camera!
After our reviews of the Nikon, Olympus, and Ricoh cameras, Toshiba was anxious to let us try a PDR-M4, and we were happy to oblige!
What's in the Box
Toshiba throws in all the necessities in the box: There's the camera (you would hope!), USB, serial, and video out cables, software, an 8Mb SmartMedia card, and two manuals. A very nice feature of this camera that I was happy to see was the inclusion of a rechargable Lithium Ion battery and an AC adapter! If you can buy another battery for it, you should be set!
The manual is well written, still a rarity in the digicam world. There's also a separate manual for the included software, Image Expert. There's also USB drivers for Mac and PC on the CD-ROM!
Look and Feel
The camera designers are getting a lot better -- the M4 is the best designed 2Mpixel camera I've used yet! The PDR-M4 is a small, attractive camera that's well built too!
The back of the camera has just five buttons: The round one is a hat switch of sorts: it can go in four directions, as well as being pushed in. This is the only control I think they need to work on... I found it a little difficult to push that enter button sometimes!
Another minor quibble is common: When looking through the optical viewfinder, your nose smudges the LCD screen. Such is life, I guess.
The four other buttons are easy enough: Menu, Display, Macro, Trash. You use the round button for scrolling around in the menus.
Above is a look at the record menu. You'll find that everything is pretty intuitive... you want to make a change, just scroll to that item and push the round button to the right. You can then make your selection by moving up or down, and then push the enter button to save it! Moving around the menus is very easy indeed.
The top of the camera has the feature that got the "Why didn't someone think of that before?" award. See that LCD display on the left side? It has a backlight! Yes, you can actually view how many photos you have left after dark! Amazing!
Besides that feature, the LCD also shows battery life, photos remaining, and quality level. When the camera is off, it's a clock. Below the LCD are buttons for the timer, quality (described below), and flash settings. The wheel on the right has setup, PC connect, play, and two record modes, which will be explained further ahead in our review.
The quality settings are a bit unconventional, but easy enough to understand. There are two "sizes" available: Full, and Half. Full is 1600x1200, and Half is 800x600. The M4 has three levels of quality (how much compression is applied to the images) as well. Instead of the usual "Fine, Normal, Economy" thing, they use stars... with * being the lowest quality, and *** being the highest. Makes sense, no?
There's a door on each side of the camera: One for SmartMedia, and the other for output and power. The Smartmedia door is well designed (see above): you hit the little switch and the door swings open. Push the button inside and out pops the card! The other door isn't quite as sturdy, but it should hold up. There seems to be a trend with these USB connectors on the Ricoh and Toshiba cameras though: it's hard to unplug the cable!
Using the Toshiba PDR-M4
The PDR-M4 is truly a point and shoot-- there are some manual settings, but not a lot. You've got two choices for record mode: Auto and Manual. When you put it in either record mode, the small lens cover opens up, since it's somehow attached to the mode wheel on top of the camera--cute!
Once it's on, you can shoot through the viewfinder or the 1.8" LCD screen, though the latter eats through the battery pretty quickly. Hitting the Display button gets rid of the LCD, and you can also turn off the preview feature, which shows you the photo after you've taken it (why is it called preview then?) Getting into macro mode was easy enough-- you just hit the button on the back. Changing flash settings is equally simple, with the button on the top.
When you hit the menu button (see the photo above), you're presented with a list of options. The first option is Record mode, and you've got four choices: 1 Shot, Burst, Multi, and Bulb. 1 Shot mode is pretty self-explanatory. Burst mode is a "shoot until the buffer is full" mode. Unlike other cameras I've tried, the M4 gives you the results of your rapid fire immediately after you're done-- you can look at what you've just shot and choose which ones to keep!
I was very happy to find another camera with the 16 shot mode (Multi) that my Coolpix 950 has. While not the most useful feature in the world, it's very cool for action shots! I'm not sure where the Bulb term came from (I'm not a pro photographer either, so that could be why), but it's basically a mode which keeps the shutter open for 1, 4, or 8 seconds. That's the only control of shutter speed that you'll find on the M4--there's no aperture control either. Then again, the other camera in the price range that I looked at (the Ricoh RDC-5000) didn't have it either, and I'm not sure if even the Coolpix 700 can do it.
Another feature you won't find is an uncompressed TIFF mode, though I certainly don't miss it.
Getting back to the menu in record mode: You can turn the "preview" on or off (more like the post game show...), choose color or B&W photos (no sepia mode on this camera), tweak the sharpness settings (normal, hard, soft), and change the self timer and LCD brightness settings.
So what does manual mode add? Well, not that much that we haven't seen before... If you look at the photo above (these are taken on my Coolpix 950, BTW) you'll see the four boxes on the bottom of the LCD. Here you can control white balance, exposure compensation, flash intensity (don't see this often), and another new one: focus area (selected on my screen shot above). You can choose what area of the field the camera tries to focus on. I would think you could just point the camera towards that object, depress the button halfway, then move back to center and fire--but who knows?
Enough talk about menus already-- it's time to take photos! And the PDR-M4 does it QUICKLY! This is the fastest camera I've ever used! In less than 2 seconds after turning the mode dial, it's ready to go. Even in the highest quality mode, you can take another photo in under a second-- and rapid fire mode has to be seen to be believed! You'll see some of the samples from this speedy guy further down the page! Photos are numbered sequentially like on other cameras these days.
A brief note about PC connect mode: I didn't try the Image Expert software, but I did use the USB connection on my PowerMac G3 to get the photos off the camera. Like with the Ricoh, USB is THE way to go! It's just like having a card reader -- You can download the whole card in seconds! On my Mac, they appear on the desktop as JPEG files, which can easily be opened.
The PDR-M4 has the best "play" mode of any camera I've tested. The camera's speed allows you to quickly move from one photo to another, and deleting is a snap. When you find a photo you want to get rid of, just hit the "trash" button. Want to delete or format the whole card? Keep holding down the trash button and those options appear. (Along the way, the M4 emits different beeping sounds, which provide good feedback as you move through the menus). You can also do the usual slide shows (with nice transitions between photos), protect certain photos, resize photos on the camera (from full to half size), categorize them, and more.
One of my favorite features in play mode is the "live" zoom mode. On my Coolpix 950, you can zoom into a picture on the LCD, and you can move around it in. But it's jumpy: it just redraws that part that you're moving over to. Not on the M4. Here you can use the round button to move freely through the photo in real time, a very nice touch!
How does it compare?
I really like this camera -- but I wouldn't buy it for one reason: no zoom lens. Now not everybody needs a zoom lens, but I can't live without it. If you can live with digital zoom (see the sample below), then I'd highly recommend this camera. The speed is amazing, and it has a great feature set for the price.
For the same money, though, you can get the RDC-5000 with a true 3X optical zoom lens. I'd give the Toshiba the edge over the Ricoh, if the zoom isn't important, though. I will try to take some comparison photos between these two!
If you can wait a bit, you might want to grab the PDR-M5, which should be coming soon, with a real zoom lens. Other similar cameras available include the Coolpix 700, and the Fuji MX-2700, which also lack an optical zoom.
Photo Gallery
Be sure to blow up the thumbnails to take a closer look! All photos were taken in Full ** mode.
Quick Macro Test
Digital Zoom Test
Other Photos
More photos are available in the PDR-M4 gallery!
You might want to compare these with my Coolpix 950, Olympus C-2000Z, and RDC-5000 galleries.
Steve's Digicams also reviewed this camera, in case you want a second opinion.
Jeff welcomes your comments or questions. Send them to firstname.lastname@example.com.
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