text:
Fostering a Mystery
by Joe Martin | September 23rd, 2015
Book Review – At The Center by Dorothy Van Soest
Sixty-year-old Sylvia Jensen is a veteran social worker and supervisor of a crucial program responsible for the placement of vulnerable children in safe and appropriate foster homes. A white single woman, Sylvia has long had a deep interest in Native American life and culture. Though an outsider, she participated in the early days of the American Indian Movement "cooking and doing the dishes while the protesters planned their strategy, sleeping with a couple of them." Her office is decorated with Indian art and artifacts along with a print by the famous photographer Edward Curtis titled "Mohave Water Carrier."
In June of 2005, Sylvia is plunged into a heartrending case of a foster child's death.
"At the Center" is the second novel by Seattle resident Dorothy Van Soest. A prolific author of books and nonfiction articles, Van Soest is the former dean of the UW School of Social Work. In this current mystery she explores the personal and systemic vicissitudes inherent in the network of foster care. Problems that permeate contemporary society bring psychological misery and physical danger to unfortunate children exposed to the egregious carelessness and violence of parents and other adults. The foster care system is a necessity but one that sometimes manifests deep and regrettable flaws. Supreme among such flaws are traumatic injuries sustained by innocent kids, or worse, the death of a child placed in what is supposed to be a protective environment.
A native boy, Anthony Little Eagle, was seven years of age. Anthony had been removed from his hard drinking parents after police found them passed out and an uncle "screaming and waving a gun around." Young social worker Lynn Winters, under Sylvia's supervision, had been responsible for placing the child in the licensed foster home of Paul and Linda Mellon. Usually efforts are made to place Indian children with Native American families, but it was late on a Friday afternoon. The Mellons, a white couple, were available. The alternative was to put the little guy in the juvenile detention system where mostly tough teenagers bided their time. Lynn wanted to avoid that.
Anthony had been in foster care for only three days when he fell through a railing to his death, an apparent accident. Lynn and Sylvia are devastated. Sylvia pondered: "The boy had died under my watch. That made me responsible. What happened was my fault. I had failed to protect him." The strain and uncertain ramifications of this tragedy has shaken Sylvia's hard-won sobriety. In her younger days she had become immersed in a world of ample booze and random sex. With onerous guilt and the haunting image of a little child dead she could easily relapse. There was oblivion in alcohol. While driving she spotted a bar: "It would be so easy to go inside, erase everything from my mind, obliterate my loneliness by sharing intimacies with people I didn't know, have drunken sex with whoever I wanted or whoever was available. But then I remembered what it was like to wake up in the arms of a stranger, my loneliness worse and smothered with shame." She drove on.
In the immediate wake of the tragedy, Sylvia is visited by no-nonsense investigative reporter J.B. Harrell. He has proven his mettle with penetrating exposés about the illegal drug trade and fraud in the banking industry. Harrell is of Native American stock but sports no romantic attachment to his Indian roots. "In his perfectly tailored three-piece gray suit with a blue and maroon striped tie, and his chiseled cheekbones set off by an expensive salon hairstyle, he looked more like a corporate business executive than a journalist." He sits and gives a quick survey of the items that festoon Sylvia's office. She senses that Harrell thinks she must be a typical bleeding heart: "Someone not to be trusted."
He begins grilling Sylvia about the boy's death. She had been admonished by her organization's attorney "not to say anything that could be misinterpreted or that might reflect negatively on our agency." Harrell is relentless and suggests that Anthony may have been murdered. He stuns Sylvia by revealing information unknown to her that a little girl had been injured five years earlier in the Mellon home. At that time Sylvia was in rehab for alcoholism. Their meeting ends and Sylvia is determined to research Anthony's case. Her own suspicions are stoked when she is told that she will not be able to access the contents of the case file. This initiates an unlikely alliance with Harrell as they work together to reveal the truth. As they unravel a skein of alarming facts, they come face-to-face with something truly monstrous.
Van Soest limns a convincing portrait of the vagaries of large bureaucracies and the individuals in those systems given the responsibility to address society's ills. Sometimes lamentable incidents of malfeasance and neglect occur. The sheer size of bureaucratic systems can obscure regrettable realities that only persistent and courageous investigation can bring to light. Weaving throughout the sad tale of Anthony Little Eagle is a parallel story set in the 1970s involving another Indian boy.
"At the Center" is a taut mystery that should have the reader cheering for the unlikely pairing of Sylvia and J.B. in their determined search for justice.
Reference: http://www.realchangenews.org/2015/09/23/fostering-mystery


text:
The Holders
Beyond The Holders
|Log in | Register
Be sure to read Pondera before this.
"Come, Essum. It's time to end this."
Music to my ears.
Bolts of white light arc from Balance's outstretched fingers, scoring grooves in the stone floor. One tendril whips out at me, and I catch it with my left hand, applying pressure until the ethereal but somehow substantial light [Kill-] shatters. Taking advantage of the opportunity, I push off with my right foot, propelling myself through the shards at Balance. He grabs my arm, aiming a kick at my head. Ducking, I avoid the kick before breaking his hold and making another attack. Our fists hit each other dead-on, the reaction force causing us both to skid backward.
Pity. I expected so much more.
"I'm not finished!"
Balance charges at me-
-And stops. He looks away from me, eyes fixed to something to my right. Following his gaze, I see what it is. His former paramour is attempting to stand, surprise and fear on her face.
"Shelby!" Balance shouts, rushing toward her. Using the Void to bend the distance, I appear almost instantly in front of him. I grab him by the face, using his own momentum against him to launch him backward. He skids across the ground before standing up again.
You really can be a pest sometimes, Balance. Rescuing the damsel in distress means going through me. I told you this already.
"Stand aside, Essum!"
Kill me first.
Balance launches himself at me again. I shunt his attack, forcing him away.
You still aren't taking this seriously.
"Give way, Essum."
It's hurtful, you know, that you're ignoring me like this. I spent decades, centuries, even, amassing my army, finding the Conduit. My legion is marching across the world as we speak, razing and destroying it. And still, you care more about the girl. It is rather irritating. I suppose I'll have to force your interest.
I hold out my hand, and his love's nephew's eyes snap open. He stands, staring blankly ahead of him. His head turns slowly, stare connecting with Balance's. His mouth curls into a Cheshire smile.
"What are you doing?"
I'm making you interested.
Without warning, the Shelby's nephew begins to laugh. It begins slowly, softly, crescendoing into a loud, grating, screeching sound. Balance cringes, disturbed by the sight. The nephew rises into the air, the laugh growing louder all the while as he gravitates slowly toward the edge.
I flick my wrist.
The nephew flies from the edge. The laugh slowly grows more distant as he falls, eventually petering into nothing.
Balance stares at me in shock and horror. Slowly, his features harden into anger and hatred.
"Alright, Essum. You have my interest. I will focus all of my energy upon destroying you. When I finish, not a single atom of you will be bonded to another.
Suddenly, light surrounds Balance, a deafening roaring sound following it. He is saying something, but I cannot make it out. Another robe materializes around him, one I recognize to be the Toga of the Gods. The Brace of Submission forms around his right wrist, clamping on. At the end of the chain, a shaft of the white light begins to grow, lengthening into a sort of halberd with an elongated blade. The light dissipates, revealing a purely white blade, that of the White King's Sword, the chain of the Brace fused to the weapon about half a foot from the white blade. Balance levels it at me, the hate in his eyes shining with a mad energy.
Interesting. You've fused the Objects together with your own power.
"Stand aside now."
Make me.
I hold out my hand, and the Black King's Sword materializes, the blade longer than before, and ground infinitely sharper by my power. The hilt is no longer elegant and ornate, the once cross-shaped guard now a wicked, claw-like curve toward the blade. It ignites, the blade becoming wreathed in black flames, leaving a trail through the air as it moves.
Balance charges, and I meet him, the force of our blades' contact sending a powerful gust of air in all directions. Balance's former lover is thrown back into my Experiments, who dig into the ground to keep from being falling from the edge. Balance swings again, sparks flying from our clashing blades, the impacts so fast that they seem to almost blur into one sound. [Praetorous-] Our weapons become locked against each other for a moment, our faces less than a foot apart. The Objects Balance has begin to glow as he draws more energy from them, trying to overpower me. I myself begin to struggle, drawing out more of my strength, the force of our blades roughly equal. I break the lock, causing Balance to stumble back. I whirl the Black King's sword, making my moves [Destroy-] unpredictable, moving it faster and faster until it is scarcely a blur, dancing around me. Balance's eyes follow it intently, trying to read me. A few moments pass as I speed up, occasionally scoring small gashes in the floor. Suddenly, Balance looks directly at me. He's predicted where I'll swing from.
Which causes my kick to his face to come as a surprise to him.
The angle of the attack causes him to fly upward, slamming into a stone column. Shards of it rain down from where he impacted it, the force making a sizeable impression in the stone. Balance dislodges himself, landing on his feet, spitting out blood and cracking his nose back into place.
In an instant he is in front of me, making a slash at my neck. I duck, but not in time, as his weapon slices one of my horns off. I cannot feel pain in the traditional sense, but I can feel the injury, and it annoys me. I retaliate, swatting Balance's right arm aside with my left and lunging. He jumps backward, but not before I've scored a shallow would across his chest. He touches it with his left hand, and the wound knits itself back together.
We charge at each other again, swords clashing, tongues of white light and black fire scorching and slicing at both of us. We both skid backward, breaking the trance. Looking down at myself, [You-] I can see that part of my cloak is gone, revealing the black flame in my chest. Balance and I both are covered in superficial wounds, but he has a rather deep cut midway between his shoulder and clavicle. He glares at me, panting, the hate in his eyes palpable. Suddenly, his eyes narrow, and I realize that he has spotted the hole in my chest that contains the black flame. The source of my power. White light surrounds him, and the chain of the Brace somehow extends. Grabbing it, he tosses his weapon in the air, whirling it in a perfect circle at blinding speed.
"It's time to end this, Essum." I realize his intention too late.
The halberd goes speeding toward me. I have no time to react as the blade slides into the hole, penetrating the flame perfectly as it passes through. I stumble back, grasping the shaft to prevent the blade from passing farther into me. I take a deep, rasping breath.
"Do you see now, beast? You cannot hope to compare to me. I am the Balance, and you are an agent of chaos, a slave to disorder. To balance you, my power will swell to become greater than yours, a thousand times yours." He grips the shaft of his weapon. "Die now, and sink back into the void of nonexistence you arose from."
My head inclines, and I allow my grip on his weapon to slacken. I stumble backward slightly, falling to my knees. My eyes close.
And open again.
You poor deluded fool.
Spidery veins creep through the blade of Balance's weapon. I rise and take a step toward him, the motion driving his weapon deeper into my chest. Shock and disbelief cross his face.
Did you really think killing me would be so easy, Balance? Really think that after all these years, with all my planning, and all my power, that I would have some sort of "weak spot" that was unaccounted for? You fool.
The veins creep further, moving up the shaft of his weapon, and moving into his hand. He gasps in pain as they move further under his skin, traveling up his arm.
You may be able to resist my corruption, but I've yet to see anyone who can resist it when they touch its source.
He gasps, trying to breathe as the veins crawl up his neck and to his face. He stumbles back, pulling his blade from me, but it is too late. The corruption continues to move through him.
The hilt of the Black King's sword collides with his forehead, knocking him to the ground.
You are right about one thing, however, I grab the front of his tunic, lifting him up in the air and throwing him down again. It is time to end this.
Balance tries to stand, and I kick him hard in the face, sending him flying into a stone column. Cracks bloom across it, and it crumbles, coming crashing to the ground. I jump onto the wreck, dragging Balance from the rubble. I grab him by the throat, lifting him off his feet. He gasps and claws at my hand, but to no avail.
You know, Balance, there is something I want to tell you before I kill you.
"What… do you want…" he rasps, voice hoarse and strained.
I was created when the Reunion failed. I'm sure you know this. But do you know why? I'll tell you. The man who tried to bring Them together was stopped by the Balance. The Balance that came before you.
Balance makes a weak choking sound in response.
Do you know why you're needed, Balance?
I release my grip on his throat, and he falls to the ground, coughing, the spidery veins covering his face.
I killed him.
Balance stands, something [Essum-] I did not expect him to be able to do in his state. He makes an attack with his weapon, at a surprising speed. Nonetheless, I avoid it easily enough. I make a riposte, and he blocks the blow with the staff part of his weapon, straining in his weakness. Suddenly, and without warning, the Black King's Sword shears entirely through Balance's weapon, slicing a deep path in his torso. I reverse the Black King's Sword in my hand, using the [Destroy-] leverage and momentum to make a powerful thrust. A wet, almost grating sound ensues as the Black King's Sword slides into Balance's stomach. A cracking sound follows as it parts his ribs, exiting through his back. He gasps in pain, bloody vomitus exiting his mouth. He falls to [Engineered-] his knees, and then to all fours, coughing and hacking. I bring the blade of the Black King's sword to Balance's neck, drawing blood. I draw it back.
Goodbye, Balance. Die with the knowledge, deep in your soul, that you role was always futile. And know, completely and utterly, that you have failed to play it even more bitterly than your predecessor.
I swing down.
To be concluded in Consilium.
Part of the series Ieiunitas, Infectus, Talius.
|Last modified on 2009-08-13 10:57:27Viewed 6286 times

subset: commoncrawl


text: Exit full screen 'Cyprus: the final wall in Europe' from Le Monde (19 January 2002) Text On 19 January 2002, commenting on the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union, the French daily newspaper Le Monde speculates on the future of relations between Turkey and Greece and on the division of the island. FR (Orig.) Share Twitter Facebook Email Source and copyright Source: Le Monde. 19.01.2002. Paris: Le Monde. Copyright: (c) Le Monde This document is also available in… Historical events in the European integration process (1945–2014): 1998–2009 The unification of Europe The PDF content cannot be displayed in the browser. To view the content, please install Download Content


text:
Spring Hobonichi Kit || Weekly Planner Sticker Kit || Foiled Stickers ||
Stickers are printed on our new and improved "buttery goodness" premium matte paper.
Available non-foiled and foiled in Gold, Rose Gold, and Silver.
Stickers are cut to fit Hobonichi Weeks.
Each sheet is approximately 3.50 in x 7 in.
Please note, colors might vary slightly due to different screen settings.
Please follow @jaxandpepper on Instagram for updates, sneak peeks and coupons!
All stickers are handmade by me.
I really hope you love my stickers just as much as I do. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me through Etsy and I will respond as soon as possible.
♡ Lena


text:
One of my James Ellis card designs has been turned into a little animation by jeego for a phone app. I've always thought it would be exciting to see my stuff animated so I'm really chuffed with this : )
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
Friday, 25 January 2013
illustration friday
Posted by Julie Fletcher at 06:12 3 comments:
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
new year, new cards!
It has been quite some time indeed since I last paid my blog any attention, so I'm very glad to finally be able to share my new children's card range for James Ellis, fresh from the printers today :)
I'm working on a lovely board book project at the moment and hope to be able to show you some sneaky peaks soon....
Posted by Julie Fletcher at 13:00 No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Rock Rooster is a professional manufacturer, supplier of industrial-safety-shoes, we provide industrial-safety-shoes OEM & ODM wholesale, industrial-safety-shoes price and more questions, please contact us and follow our Facebook , We will respond in a timely manner, we are not the lowest price of industrial-safety-shoes, but we will provide you with better service.
Found 1 products
View: ListShowcase
Min. Order: 1 pair
ELURA---Fly Knitting safety footwear with composite tole and COOLMAX linging
Do you need help ? Just Email, or Call us!


text:
Verdi at Uluru
The first ever orchestral concert at the iconic landmark was an event to remember, writes Rebecca Franks
Two trains, three flights, five films and 25 hours of flying isn't how I ordinarily get to concerts, but then this concert was not exactly ordinary. Last week, along with three other European journalists and a 750-strong audience, I heard the first orchestral concert to take place at Uluru (also known as Ayer's Rock), in Australia.
Surreal doesn't begin to sum up how it felt to land in the centre of Australia, in the seemingly endless desert. The sun was strong, the heat fierce. Nothing stirred in the surrounding bushland. With its distinctive red sand and the huge monolith of Uluru in the background, the outback could have been Mars. And I was there to hear... Verdi.
It was in many ways an unexpected choice for this event, but 2013 is the Italian composer's bicentenary, and, really, Wagner might have been stranger. And 'Viva Verdi' offered a chance to showcase two singers, which was perhaps wise given that the Darwin Symphony Orchestra is a volunteer ensemble, with only a few pros flown in for the occasion. The soloists, soprano Emma Matthews and tenor James Egglestone, made an entrance – arriving on camels. A gimmick, for sure, but an amusing one and not so out of place given they made their way in at the end of the first item on the programme, the 'Triumphal March and Ballet Music' from Aida - set, of course, in Egypt.
If for a moment it seemed as if Meryl and Ned might upstage the singers they carried, Matthews's first aria 'Merce, dilette amiche' from I vespri Siciliani quickly showed the camels they'd have to do more than flutter their long eyelashes at the cameras.
And Matthews proved to be the star of the show. A national treasure in Australia, she has a finely focused, superbly controlled and beautifully clear voice. On good form in the first half's chunk of Rigoletto, she was outstanding in the second half - an ineffably moving Desdemona, singing the 'Willow Song' from Otello; and a Violetta of depth and complexity in the extracts from La traviata. Matthews conveyed every nuance of the doomed courtesan's character: from her champagne-swigging love of the high life, to the tenderness stemming from her love for Alfredo. Violetta's decision to fulfil the wish of Germont, Alfredo's father, to leave his son alone ended in a heartbreaking 'Addio'.
Alfredo to her Violetta, and the Duke to her Gilda, James Egglestone couldn't match the effortless musicianship of Matthews. At times the Australian tenor strained for the high notes, and fudged some of the fiddlier twists and turns. But there were moments of beauty, in the more lyrical passages. A shame that cheap gags at the start and in the middle of 'La donna è mobile' undermined an otherwise credible portrayal of the lustful Duke.
The Darwin Symphony Orchestra provided adept accompaniments to the singers. The other two orchestral only numbers, the Overtures to Nabucco and La Forza del Destino, were well rehearsed and full of feeling, but missed the gleam of a full string sound. Still, this always enterprising orchestra - it gave one of its first concerts on floating pontoons in the Katherine Gorge - looks set to enjoy exciting and ambitious times under the baton of its new chief conductor Matthew Wood. This year Verdi at Uluru; next year Wagner?
To read my blog about the second concert at Uluru, click here
- Article Type: | Blog |


text:
Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams
Exploring the further adventures of Carmen and Juni Cortez, who have now joined the family spy business as Level 2 OSS agents. Their new mission is to save the world from a mad scientist living on a volcanic island populated by an imaginative menagerie of creatures. On this bizarre island, none of the Cortez's gadgets work and they must rely on their wits--and each other--to survive and save the day.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, FamilyActor: Alexa PenaVega, Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Cheech Marin, Danny Trejo, Daryl Sabara, Matt O'Leary, Mike Judge, Steve Buscemi
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Country: USA


text:
Invitation for Applications: Teaching Artists
Brooklyn Arts Council's Arts in Education invites dynamic, experienced and creative Teaching Artists for after-school and in-school residencies in New York City public and private schools, Kindergarten through high school. BAC employs Teaching Artists that work in (but not limited to) the following disciplines:
•Visual Arts – Mural, Painting, Sculpture, Air-Dry Clay Techniques, Collage, etc.
•Digital Media - Animation, Photography, Website Design, etc.
•Theatre - Puppetry, Playwriting, Devising, etc.
•Vocal Music - Chorus, Musical Theatre, etc.
•Instrumental Music - Beginning Instruments, African Drumming, Rock band, etc.
•Dance - Hip Hop, Jazz/ contemporary, International/Folk genres, etc.
•Literary - Storytelling, Graphic Novels, Poetry, etc.
Each site-specific residency is unique and developed to meet the needs of the individual school. Residencies generally range in length from 12-16 weeks (with the bulk of residencies occurring in Spring), and are carefully planned by BAC Arts in Education, the partner school, and Teaching Artist.
Through our residencies, BAC provides and promotes quality arts education programs that:
•Foster creativity and imagination
•Expand verbal and non-verbal communication skills
•Enhance capacities for critical thinking and problem-solving skills
•Fortify social-emotional skills
Teaching Artists in the following disciplines are particularly encouraged to apply: hip-hop dance, digital media, vocal and/or instrumental music, and puppetry.
Teaching Artist Responsibilities Include:
•Designing and executing an age-appropriate, project-based arts curriculum.
•Preparing for and producing culminating presentations at assigned site(s).
•Collaborating effectively with coworkers, and communicating regularly with supervisory staff.
•Submitting complete lessons plans, timesheets, reports and other vital administrative documentation in a timely manner.
BAC selects Teaching Artists who embody the following qualities:
•Artistic Excellence, including quality and scope of professional artistic work, and depth of knowledge within an artistic discipline.
•Engaging Teaching, especially incorporating the creative process, reaching students across diverse developmental levels, yielding quality student work, strong understanding of arts learning standards, and substantial experience in NYC public school classrooms or working with urban youth, including strong classroom management skills.
•Professionalism, including abilities to plan with others, to articulate goals and objectives, and to adapt to varying student populations and school environments.
The BAC Teaching Artist pay scale is based on experience and expertise. Our Teaching Artists, on average, earn $50/hour. Teaching Artists are also paid for planning time, and BAC covers the cost of supplies.
All applicants must apply using BAC's online application, found here, on our Submittable. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by a staff member. Questions may be directed to 718-625-0080 x231.
BAC's website is http://www.brooklynartscouncil.org
BAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and strives to build a staff and board that reflect the cultural diversity of New York, the constituencies and neighborhoods BAC serves.


text:
Photo by Nick Caldwell, on Flickr
Creative Commons Licence
In January 2011, Brisbane experienced its worst flooding since 1974. After many weeks of heavy rain, the sodden city's brown river broke its banks on 11 January. In the natural disaster context, there's much talk about climate change, weather variation, disaster mitigation and land use/urban planning with a particular focus on how to 'build back better'. This has prompted posturing about the future of the city and the implications of climate and geography for a growing sub-tropical city. There are some opportune ideas being cast into these considerations including some thoughts by Griffith University environment and landscape planning professor Darryl Low Choy who proposed forests and farms could be a better use of the inundated areas of the city. However, there are also lost opportunities such as Aboriginal knowledge of the terrain and the weather and the possibility of learning from the cultural knowledges embedded in deep history of the continent.
Reported in The Sydney Morning Herald, Choy said that the flood basins and riparian zones provide a natural buffer during flooding and could be recultivated as urban forests and urban agriculture. In Sprawltown: Looking for the City on its Edges, Richard Ingersoll proposes 'agri-civism' – the insertion of agriculture in urban situations – as a tactical possibility for crossing agricultural activities with urban life to enhance social meaning and civic relationships. He also proposes 'agri-tourism' as a complimentary educational and recreational enterprise potential arising from a 'greening and growing' agenda. This would support the maintenance of these landscapes of urban orchards, farms and gardens alongside rehabilitated bush and wetlands. Since 1974, the city of Brisbane has changed – population growth, increased housing and other development along the river and across its plains – and while the flood didn't peak beyond 1974 levels, the damage and destruction was compounded by the pattern of development. In offering these ideas, Choy is also challenging communities and decision makers to rethink urban development as an integrated and resilient mix of natural, agricultural, economic, cultural and social uses. An urban farm is also enterprise, cafe, a community centre, a market, a social network, a learning platform and much more. As Ingersoll states, agriculture in an urban context can cultivate a renewed civic identity. Achieving this would mean rethinking typologies and hierarchies of urban and suburban space. It would also mean different kinds of urban systems that engender diverse approaches to place and belonging and what it means to be urban.
Courtney Trenwith, 'Forests and farms a flood solution?', Sydney Morning Herald, February 16, 2011
Richard Ingersoll, Sprawltown: Looking for the city at its edges


text:
« This is our route |
| Dawes Galaxy Plus »
Yeah yeah yeah! Can't wait. Watch this space :)
Posted at 07:41 AM | Permalink
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
Unfold the fabric, then cut slits between the scallops toward the center of the flower, without cutting the petals all the way apart.
Posted by:
squeaky shoes |
Monday, 27 June 2011 at 03:45 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.


text:
Grubs are a serious pest and can kill your lawn. Ravenous from day one, they live to do nothing but eat. They eat the roots and the stems off your lawn grasses, killing them until they turn into ugly brown patches. Unless you control the grubs now, they'll infest your entire lawn by summer's end and turn into beetles that destroy your plants and flowers.
This is why smart homeowners use proactive methods as a preventative and protective part of their spring lawn care chores.
Here's How to De-Grub Your Lawn:
- First, look for grubs. They look like cooked macaroni. If you have brown grass patches, look for pencil-thin holes on the soil surface. Or lift the sod to see if any are just beneath the surface. Look for them at night, on top of the soil.
- Choose a product that works for you. Granular products are easy to apply with your drop spreader. Liquid base or soluble crystals you mix and apply are sprayed onto the lawn.
- Apply to a dry lawn. Make sure sprinklers are turned off.
- Adjust your spreader to the application rate recommended on the package.
- Wear safety glasses and a face mask to protect against granule dust.
- Fill the hopper with grub killer.
- Carefully apply grub killer to the entire lawn.
- Water heavily to activate the product, but do not allow water to run off into other areas.
- Keep kids and pets off the lawn until the lawn grass has dried.
- Return left over grub killer to the original container and store in a cool, dry place.
Product Checklist:
- Grub killer, liquid and application gun
- Or grub killer granules and drop spreader
- Close-fitting safety glasses and rubber gloves
- Elastic mouth and nose mask


text:
editor's perspective
In Time, We Will Have to Release Prescriptions
The Burr legislation (The House Energy and Commerce Committee) "Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act" (HR 3140) may have passed through the House of Representative in Washington by the time you read these words. If this bill becomes law, then we must release our contact lens prescriptions. The law will hopefully make clear what fitting and follow-up procedures are acceptable before release of the prescription, as most good state laws specify. This is the only ethical approach, of course.
I know what you're thinking: "But the mail-order, web-based, phone-based sellers do not behave ethically!" Correct, and these practices are likely to continue until the Federal Trade Commission tracks down and punishes enough illegal, unethical sellers. The proposed legislation contains provisions against sellers for selling lenses without valid prescriptions. A logical verification process and a reasonable time to determine if a prescription is valid are critical elements of the legislation that the American Optometric Association is attempting to influence in a good way for their doctors and for their patients. The law would specifically prohibit sellers from altering contact lens prescriptions. In the past they have changed powers and base curves and even lens brands. At least this bill will bring some order to an area I have previously referred to as anarchy.
What impact will this have on our practices? Very little, I expect. If you provide good service and make it too convenient for patients to obtain their lenses from you, then they will have no need to turn to a nonprofessional lens provider.
Another wild card of this issue is eye infection and loss of vision from improperly purchased lenses and poorly monitored lens care. If you see any serious complications that are sight threatening, such as corneal ulcers, publish them or report them to the FDA at (301) 594-2735 or firstname.lastname@example.com or visit www.arbo.org/complications.htm.


text:
Audio but no video
I have a rather large video I need to embed on a page (7.2gb), I and able to embed it but the video doesn't play only the audio. I'm assuming that the size is an issue, but perhaps there is another explanation, no?
Prescott …
I assume you try to embed a file directly and not embedding one from a video hoster?
Your video must stream must be in a format playable by webbrowsers. The file extension like .mp4 or .webm does NOT grantee the right encoded video stream is inside like x264 or VP9. You did not follow the instructions, did not provide a example … so I have do a guessing game. I am not aware of any size limitations. Try to open the file directly with the browser and see if it get played, if not then this is because of your wrong video stream.
How long is that video and what resolution does it have? 7.2gb sounds like it might be to big anyway and re-encoding it would also save you space.
My apologies, I never saw any instructions. Yes the video is an mp4, I've uploaded it to YouTube and it's being "processed" right now. I'm not real familiar with the video formats/encoding so I trust YouTube will get it where it needs to be. If YouTube works for me, I'll stick to that. I'll post the results here.
Prescott …
https://nextgenthemes.com/support/ask/ You should see a lot of text above the question form. Did you not see that? Youtube will re-encode the video for you and if you want independence and host it yourself you can actually download the files processed files from YouTube with tools like https://rg3.github.io/youtube-dl/


text:
14 August 2012
Taking photographs provides a visual to show the places I've recorded environmental, natural and man-made sounds, to produce soundscapes.
The photographs are currently on exhibition at The Leicester Photographers gallery, until Monday 20 August and are part of a group exhibition with Leicester's lo-fi photography group. Using colour slide film, the photos have been cross processed; a procedure associated with lo-fi photography, whereby a chemical solution intended for a different type of film is deliberately used to process photographic film.
The images show three locations in Leicester where I have taken sound recordings. The first is at the Rally canal with lots of hungry feral pigeons and a bread suit, the second at Embrace Arts, along their fire route to capture the sound of a dripping tap using a contact microphone and hydrophone. The last photograph shows the taxi rank on Humberstone Gate, featuring the taxi drivers opinion on the area they work in.


text:
Sculpting CoachAndre Houle
Year Released: 2004
Categories: Total Body Workouts
Video Fitness reviews may not be copied, quoted, or posted elsewhere without the permission of the reviewer
Show oldest reviews first
This dvd is produced by Sara's City. The production quality is on par with CIA videos. It's a total body strength workout using tubing, dumbbells, a stability ball and a mat. There is a very brief warmup (2 minutes or so), a 48 minute workout and an eight minute stretch. There are 2 male and 2 female backgrounders. The music sounds like a Dynamix version of classic rock. Andre hits every body part but there is not much ab work. Tubing is used for most of the workout, for both upper and lower body. The stability ball is used for hamstrings, abs and back work. Andre starts off each exercise using very slow and controlled movements, then picks up the pace. Lots of emphasis on correct form. Andre's sense of humor really comes through and this is a fun strength workout for those who like to work with tubing. There is a nice, relaxing stretch at the end.
Instructor Comments:
Andre is very enthusiastic and motivating.


text:
The Hengst incentive: pioneering leading-edge technology
Innovative filtration solutions are an integral part of pioneering vehicle and engine technology. At IAA Commercial Vehicles from September 20 - 27, 2018 the Münster-based specialist Hengst SE – at Booth C28 in Hall 13 – will not only present its latest products and developments, but will also be celebrating the company's 60th anniversary. 60 years of Hengst also mean 60 years of expertise in filtration and fluid management, as well as long-standing close cooperation with the commercial vehicle and engine industry.
Blue.maxx: A new level of diesel filtration
Modern diesel engines put high requirements on the purity of diesel fuel. Differences in fuel qualities around the world necessitate efficient cleaning with modern fuel filtration concepts. That is why Hengst developed Blue.maxx – an innovative fuel filtration system in which the pre-filter and main filter are no longer considered separately. Instead, they form a well-coordinated overall system that combines single components on the basis of customer requirements. Up to five filtration stages achieve significantly better performance with respect to particle filtration, water separation and differential pressure combined with an optimal filter life, while also reducing the space needed for installation.
Customized Blue.maxx solution for MAN
For its customer MAN Truck & Bus, Hengst used the Blue.maxx modular system for diesel filtration as the basis for development of a custom solution: the Fuel Service Center (FSC).
The "new" FSC is a five-stage filtration system with lifetime water separation, in which the single stages are optimally integrated in a pre-filter and main filter. The special feature of this custom application is the mixing valve. At cold temperatures (during winter operation) warm diesel fuel from the return flow of the common rail system is mixed with cold diesel from the fuel tank. This prevents blockage of the filter insert by paraffin crystals. The system also ensures reliable operation during the transition period from summer to winter. This makes it possible to eliminate the electric heater in the pre-filter for normal use. The FSC will first be installed in MAN's new D15 engine series.
Multi-functional module with hybrid design for Weichai
Hengst developed a fluid management module for the Chinese engine manufacturer Weichai that is used in all engines of the WP9H and WP10H series. These engines are installed for example in the models of the Shaanxi Automobile Group and the FAW Group Qingdao.
The new module from the Münster-based specialist combines numerous functions. In addition to the oil filter and oil cooler there is also an oil pressure control valve. In this new design, the valve is located downstream of the oil filter and therefore controls the pressure of the filtered oil, regardless of the differential pressure of the filter insert or other components. In addition, an oil filter service valve, a filter bypass valve, a check valve, and the heat exchanger bypass valve are integrated in the module. It is available with or without a lubricating oil centrifuge. The centrifuge removes the soot from the oil to prevent excessive wear of the bearings as a result of high soot content. An important element of the system is the central oil return channel. The oil flowing from the optional centrifuge, the service valve and the oil pressure control valve are fed back to the oil pan through a central return flow channel made of plastic. The hybrid aluminum-plastic design reduces the weight by 7 % in comparison with a version constructed using only aluminum. Other components integrated in the module are the coolant feeder, including a coolant filter and a service valve. The service interval is 60,000 km.
CO2 reduction through use of multi-functional modules
Hengst continuously conducts R&D activities in lightweight construction, integrated thermal management and differential pressure reduction to develop filtration solutions that reduce CO2 emissions. While individual measures already achieve fuel savings of 0.5 %, the combination of different measures can save about 1.7 % in comparison to previous solutions.
Lightweight construction: Heavy-duty plastic also in commercial vehicles
In the area of lightweight construction, customers of Hengst benefit from the use of thin-walled aluminum components in combination with high-strength plastics to achieve a hybrid solution. In the interest of reducing weight, Hengst is increasing the amount of strong plastics that are resistant to oil, chemicals and hydrolysis. Within two generations, continuous research and development in this area has increased the strength of plastic components by more than 40 % with respect to burst pressure and 60 % for dynamic pressure pulsation load. These high load capacities allow the increased use of plastics especially in commercial vehicles, which operate in harsh conditions. As a result, the partial use of plastics helps to reduce the weight of oil/coolant modules.
Integrated thermal management: Precise operating point saves fuel
In the area of integrated thermal management Hengst strives for designs with compact installation space by integrating different functions – such as efficient filters, heat exchangers, sensors, and control valves – in one commercial vehicle oil/coolant module. In the most current modules, oil and water thermostats are implemented in a space-saving design. The latest developments from Hengst enable lower system costs, larger opening strokes, and expanded free flow cross sections and therefore less reduction of performance in the fluid circuits. Fast response and control characteristics allow precise control of an operating point at higher temperatures, which reduces friction as a result of lower viscosity and prevents unnecessary harm to the oil.
Differential pressure: High potential due to new production process
A special focus of the Hengst engineers is on reduction of the differential pressure. For example, interdisciplinary teams use CFD (flow simulation) and new filter media and processing techniques to develop new potentials. The goal is to achieve high dust holding capacities and filter efficiency in combination with low differential pressures. An example of the use of new production methods is the optimal shape of a media-conducting channel. The Hengst engineers are researching ways to manufacture casted parts by utilizing lost cores or by optimizing joining techniques to make them suitable for series production. This allows the implementation of cost-efficient shapes that reduce the differential pressure by up to 70 % compared to standard components, with the same installation space and cross section.
Custom-tailored filtration solutions from Hengst
There are no standard solutions for oil filtration under the hood. Countless influences and requirements necessitate a separate solution for virtually every individual case. But they all have one thing in common: Hengst provides its customers with the optimal combination of filtration efficiency, cost-effectiveness and reliable operation over an extended period.
Fully synthetic filters for improved water resistance
During the combustion process in gas engines, high quantities of water can occur in the oil. This effect is intensified by the ambient conditions, the use of start-stop systems, and water injection. Conventional cellulose filters would be softened by the water, causing the differential pressure to rise and the filter bypass valve to open sooner, so that more unfiltered oil reaches the filtered side. This can be prevented by using a fully synthetic filter from Hengst.
Stack filters for high loads and differential pressures
The operation of motor vehicles in countries where extremely low temperatures prevail results in engine oil with a very thick and highly viscous consistency. When it impacts the filter, this highly viscous oil generates an enormous differential pressure, resulting in high strain on the filter. Although the filter bypass valve opens, this is delayed. The solution developed by Hengst is the stack filter. Special intermediate plates embedded in the filter cartridge shorten the pleats, giving a significant boost to stability. At the same time, these plates keep the pleats open, thus keeping differential pressure and filtration performance at optimum levels.
Multi-layer filters: The ideal solution for use in dusty environments
Hengst also has the ideal solution for construction machines, which are used for example in gravel pits in the Arizona Desert. The problem consists of large quantities of very fine dust, which also gets into the engine and contaminates the oil. If a fine filter is used, it becomes clogged very quickly. A coarse filter does not clog as easily, but the filtration capacity is also less than optimal. As a solution to this trade-off Hengst offers multi-layer filters that can be adapted exactly to the prevailing conditions to achieve the ideal combination of long service life and high filtration efficiency.
Download Pressrelease
Download Picture material Blue.maxx
Download Picture material MAN KSC mainfilter
Download Picture material MAN KSC prefilter
Download Picture material Weichai
Download Picture material Synthetik filter
Download Picture material Synthetik filter chart
Download Picture material Stack filter
Download Picture material Multi-layer filter chart


text:
作者:Elaine Heney
步骤2:限制这些网站的使用。我使用了StayFocusd Chrome Extension。我的主要问题源自Facebook,所以现在我规定自己每天只能花3分钟去浏览该网站。当然了,这是一种习惯,我仍会习惯性地在低质量上输入"F"并敲回车键。不过现在比起打开Facebook,我会看到一个写着"你现在不是应该在工作吗?"的页面,我便会笑笑并重新回到工作中。
12 Ways To Be More Productive And Grow Your Games Business
by Elaine Heney
The aim of life is to play, not to work. I'll be the first person to tell you I love my job. But I was finding myself working too much on my games business, so I started to make a calculated effort to change my work habits. I wanted to work less. And I wanted to have more free time to play, exercise, spend time with friends, ride my horse, read a book, chill out and relax. Here are my 12 tips to grown your business AND have more time off. I do all of these religiously and they are working really well. My apps business is growing, I'm happier, healthier and more relaxed, and I have more free time. I hope they help you too.
STEP 1: Find out where you are wasting most of your time. Install rescue time and monitor your internet use. Find the top 3 websites you are spending too much time on. My biggest nemesis is facebook. Love it. Hate it.
STEP 2: Block these websites. I use the StayFocusd Chrome Extension. My main issue is facebook, so I have now set it up that I only have 3 minutes per day on this website before the site gets shuts down. Of course it's a habit, so I still type in 'F' into the address bar and hit return. Now instead of opening facebook, I get a page that says 'Shouldn't you be working?' Makes me smile every time. Then I go back to work.
STEP 3: Another excellent time waster is all those social media alerts you get on your smartphone. Someone sent you a message. Someone replied to a post. Someone favourited your tweet. Get rid of these as well. Delete the main app culprits (in my case the twitter and facebook apps) from your phone. Then something beautiful happens. Total silence. No beeps. No alerts. The world is calm.
STEP 4: While you are now disconnected from social media, you can actually be more productive on it than ever before! Create a free account with Hootsuite. Line up 4 weeks of status updates and sync you facebook, twitter, linked in, google+ etc account for free. This is pure genius. I have saved myself at least 45 minutes daily from these first steps. Total time saved per week: 5 hours 15 minutes.
STEP 5: Now it's time to 80:20 your work life. Write down all the tasks and projects you are currently working on. I normally have a long list of stuff that's in motion. Rearrange them in the order of which WILL make you the most money, or which HAVE THE POTENTIAL to make you the most money. Be truthful here. It's time to be brutally honest with yourself. Concentrate on the top 2 things on your list. Delete anything that is not in your top 3. This will free up A LOT of time that you were spending on things you enjoyed etc, but which were not making strong business sense. Total time saved per week: 3.5 days.
STEP 6: Outsource everything you can. Hire a project manager, a developer, an artist, a team lead, a programmer, a VA, whatever you need in your business. I've saved HOURS daily by doing this and my business has grown faster because of it. I get emails in nearly daily from people thanking me for giving them the push to do this also, and stories of how big a difference it's made to their business.
STEP 7: Don't tell me your problems. Instead find a quiet room with no one in it where you will not be interrupted. Think of it as an oasis – somewhere to relax completely. You should not be able to hear anybody else in other rooms. Sit in a comfortable chair. Relax. Breathe deeply. Now you are going to complete a power analysis. This will be the most productive part of your day. Close your eyes for 20 minutes. Think about all of your business problems. Take your time there is no rush. Keep focusing on all your problems. You will find the answers you have been looking for.
STEP 8: It's difficult to work and think properly when you are hungry. Find a breakfast you like that's healthy. No coco pops or sugary American cereals. I like to start work straight away in the morning, and work solidly until lunchtime. Work expands to fit the time available. If you give yourself a tight deadline you will become more productive as you have no other option. I also like to use a reward system. If I work really hard until lunchtime, the reward is that I can take the afternoon off. Result! Think of how you can motivate and reward yourself for your efforts.
STEP 9: Be kind to yourself. You will work better when you are awake and you feel good in your skin. You will not work well when you are hungover, after 3 hours sleep and high on quadruple expressos. This is a marathon, no matter what way you look at it. YOU are the most important asset in your business right now. So take care of yourself.
STEP 10: Be healthy. Exercise every day. If you can, join a group. Find your local bootcamp, basketball team, football club, tennis club, go surfing with friends, or whatever you enjoy doing. Jogging or exercising on your own is fine, but I always find myself emotionally happier when I've spent time having fun playing sports with real life humans. Connect with your biological peers.
STEP 11: I always work better when I feel happy. Here are two really fast effective ways to feel happy. Firstly you can make yourself smile by paying someone an unexpected compliment. This is SO POWERFUL! From something simple like 'I really like your shoes', 'you are a great cook!' 'you're looking really healthy!' to 'you did a really nice job with that'. For the strongest effect this must be done in person, so you can see the reaction on their face. I guarantee their smile will light up the room. This is guaranteed to make you smile too! Remember, the more unexpected the compliment, the more powerful. Secondly, help someone who doesn't expect any help. Surprise them with a kind gesture. This gives you incredible feel good vibes. Again really powerful.
STEP 12: Plan out weekly and monthly rewards. Each week take a few hours off and treat yourself to something special. Maybe it's a hike up a mountain, a catchup with friends, a pampering session at the local spa. Find a treat you would love. Use it to motivate you and you celebrate your progress that week. For your monthly rewards, take a full weekend off. From 4pm on Friday until 9am Monday morning. Turn off all your devices. Including your phone! Plan something special with your friends and family, travel somewhere or do something crazy. Celebrate your progress and achievements.
Are you the espresso addict or the person who just can't delegate to save your life? Have you got any other tips you use in your life to become more productive? Let me know in the comments below.(source:gamasutra)
上一篇:Joshua Howard称设计理念也适用于团队管理


text:
Former Edmond church worker accused of theft
A former church employee accused of stealing nearly $18,000 was charged Wednesday with nine counts of embezzlement, Oklahoma County District Court records show.
Chalea B. Crow, 37, of Edmond, is accused of embezzling $17,883 from Highland Park Baptist Church between January 2011 and this past March, a probable cause affidavit filed with the charges shows.
Crow was suspected of embezzling nearly $20,000 from the church, but she returned $1,960 in cash from a March bank transaction on the same day last month she confessed her crimes to the church pastor, Edmond police reported.
In most instances, Crow withdrew money from the church's checking and savings accounts, purchased cashier's checks for part of the amount and pocketed the rest, the affidavit shows.
Read more: http://newsok.com/former-edmond-church-worker-accused-of-theft/article/3671793#ixzz1trWbkMUM
SOURCE and Read More:
- TIM WILLERT, Former Edmond church worker accused of theft , newsok.com
If the link is dead or no longer live please email us at [email protected] for assistance.
Category: Church Security


text:
Carpet, Rug, Sofa, Upholstering Cleaning & Stain Removal - Hemel Hempstead
Murray's specialise in carpet & upholstery cleaning in high wycombe and the surround areas of Hemel Hempstead. We use the latest machinery and industry approved cleaning solutions, stain removal and protectors. Your carpets and upholstery will be cleaner and fresher, with a fast drying time and no residue.
Our cleaning improves indoor air quality by removing soiling, bacteria, odours and allergens from deep within fibres to provide outstanding results.
We are full members of the NCCA (National Carpet Cleaning Association).
The National Carpet Cleaners Association is the only nationally recognised trade association dedicated to the cleaning of carpets and soft furnishings.
The NCCA membership comprises of fully insured companies and professionally trained technicians that follow a regulated Code of Practice.
Please use the contact form today for information on any of our services and FREE quotes. Alternatively you can call us on 01442 250679 or 07952 544666.


text:
Coming up on episode 78 of The Meeting Stone!
Roll up your sleeves, it's Warcraft movie time!
Hope you didn't over pay for Fallout 4… cause it was FREE
Overwatch is really, really big deal
Blizzard gaming is about to get a lot more social
Supergirl's cousin there to welcome her on her new network
Is Street Fighter V's story mode free? Or is it really $60
We're fresh out of the theaters and ready to break the Warcraft movie down piece by piece, all that and much, much more on this eve of E3 episode of… The Meeting Stone!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download


text:
Dream Of Flight
Dream Of Flight Has A New Domain !
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Joy Flight to Malacca May 2011
Did a joy flight on May 2011 from Seletar to Malacca. Had the company of Mark, Justin and Taige. The journey to Malacca took about 1 1/2 hrs one way. It was a fun and fulfilling trip to be able to see Malacca again which I had not been for about a year. Also wonderful experience for Mark and Justin I am sure to experience the joy of flying as well as to see Malacca in another perspective.
Below are some photos taken. Enjoy.
Overhead Batu Pahat
Overhead Muar
Malacca Runway
On Final Malacca Runway
Enjoying the Famous Chicken Rice
Lose some weight after chicken rice
Hungry after walking. 2nd round of Laksa! Yummy.
Posted by
0 comments
Email This
Share to Twitter
Share to Facebook
Share to Pinterest
Newer Posts
Older Posts
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)


text:
For Media
- Newsroom
- APIC Announcements
- News Releases
- Interview/Speaker Request
Arlington, VA, February 8, 2017 – Linda R. Greene, RN, MPS, CIC, FAPIC, infection prevention manager at Highland Hospital in Rochester, New York, will serve as 2017 president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
"We are pleased that Linda will lead our association as 2017 president," said APIC Chief Executive Officer Katrina Crist, MBA, CAE. "She has long been recognized as a national infection prevention expert, generously sharing her expertise with fellow APIC members and the broader healthcare community through participation in numerous task forces and committees. Her extensive knowledge of the field, and her leadership experience will be a tremendous asset to APIC and as we seek to advance our patient safety mission."
With more than 25 years of infection prevention experience, Greene has served APIC in numerous leadership capacities, including president of her local chapter, president of the New York State APIC Advisory Council, and as a board member and secretary of the APIC Board of Directors.
Greene has represented APIC and infection preventionists on various expert panels including the New York State technical advisory panel for public reporting of hospital-acquired infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Ventilator Pneumonia workgroup, and the CDC's Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) surveillance workgroup.
In addition, Greene was the lead author for multiple APIC position papers including a paper on mandatory influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel and one on the importance of surveillance technologies in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). She contributed to the Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals and to the American Nurses Association's catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention tool. She also serves as faculty for several national HAI reduction projects.
Greene has lectured extensively at the state, national, and international level. In 2005, she received the Hospital Association of New York State's Pinnacle Award for Quality for her work as team leader on a project which resulted in a 72-percent decrease in hospital-wide rates of line-associated bloodstream infections. In 2006, Greene received APIC's Heroes of Infection Prevention award for her role in significantly reducing healthcare-associated infections. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of the State of New York and her Master of Administration from Alfred University.
About APIC
APIC's mission is to create a safer world through prevention of infection. The association's more than 15,000 members direct infection prevention programs that save lives and improve the bottom line for hospitals and other healthcare facilities. APIC advances its mission through patient safety, implementation science, competencies and certification, advocacy, and data standardization. Visit APIC online at www.apic.org. Follow APIC on Twitter: www.twitter.com/apic and Facebook: www.facebook.com/APICInfectionPreventionandYou. For information on what patients and families can do, visit APIC's Infection Prevention and You website at www.apic.org/infectionpreventionandyou.
# # #


text:
It might help to send picture of what the artifacts look like and what software you are trying to use. Pictures of task manager don't tell much.
Kane Peterson
Solutions Architect
NewTek, Inc.
Kane Peterson
Solutions Architect
NewTek, Inc.
Yes it's pre and post NDI.
I choose this picture because there is a lot of detail.
More details = more compression artefact
I use the lastest version NDI (3.1) of scan converter and monitor.
I try an older and it's the same problem.
What is OBS ?
OK, thanks. I was able to repeat your results here, and see the same two issues - that is, some color fringing on (for example) the fine green lines of the graph, and some compression artifacts around areas of very fine detail.
With regard to the first issue, I'm sorry to tell you this is primarily the result of the conversion to 4:2:2 color sampling for use in video. In this process, very thin (really, mostly single pixel) lines can be blended them with neighboring pixels, resulting in a color shift in places. I would predict much the same thing would occur if you were able to shoot an equally sharp image with even a very expensive video camera. Please bear in mind that NDI has been engineered for the video production realm. Very thin lines like this virtually never exist in nature, or in video. When computer graphics are supplied, thin lines are typically avoided for this and a number of other reasons.
The compression artifacts are a different matter. In moving video, compression is extremely difficult to see ... but as you can see, they are not invisible on a freeze frame. Really, very much greater compression artifacts are often obvious even in broadcast video on close inspection. That said, we are continuing to devote a lot of engineering resources to continual advancement in this respect, and I have good reason to anticipate improvements in due course.
Regards, Steve
Forum Moderator
("You've got to ask yourself one question ... 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, spammer?")
thank you for your response
I must found another solution now !
I too have noticed in versions 2 and 3 that "rudimentary" feeds have these artifacts. In some of my testing I'll send some basic black text on white background and get these artifacts. I didn't think much of it because when more complex feeds are used (ie. cameras), you don't notice it.
Zach Schuster
SuiteCG- Sports Scoreboard and Stat Tools
Tricaster 855/460
Zeplay Instant Replay
Sony NX5U
I'm happy to see I'm not the only one with this problem


text: ERIKA BROOKES is a veteran technology and marketing executive. As vice president of product strategy for Oracle, she works on the Oracle Social Cloud business to help guide product strategy and development. Throughout her career she has held numerous executive-level marketing positions with leading technology firms like Oracle, Vitrue, MindSpring, Earthlink and Rackspace. During her tenure at Vitrue, Brookes oversaw all marketing and communications efforts for the company's SaaS-based social marketing platform including working with its premier partners like McDonald's, Procter & Gamble, NBC Sports and American Express, as well as more than 75 agencies worldwide. Before joining Vitrue in May 2010, she was the vice president of sales and marketing for Jungle Disk (a division of Rackspace), a cloud-based data backup targeted at small to medium-sized businesses. Brookes joined MindSpring enterprises in 1995 as director of product marketing. From 1997-1999, she was the vice president, product marketing, for MindSpring Enterprises. From 2000-2006, Brookes was vice president, brand strategy and product marketing. She served as vice president of marketing from 2008-2009. Brookes earned a B.S. in business administration from Berry College and has completed post-graduate executive level education in finance and marketing. @oracle


text:
Weekdays 08:00 to 17:00 Saturdays 08:00 to 12:00
(When agents are available)
Everyone loves to keep a stash of snacks so it's safe to say that everyone would agree that gourmet dried fruits and nuts are a great gift to give and receive all in the name of mid-day nibbles. Finding a gift for a loved one should never be difficult when you have NetFlorist to help you find and deliver delightful treats straight to their door. Not only is there a fabulous range of gourmet dried fruits and nuts that includes treats like crates filled with nuts and fresh fruit or a festive snack hamper but there is a range of personalised gifts that are sure to put a smile on your loved one's face, too. Surprise your loved one and have the gift delivered straight to them anywhere in South Africa from Port Elizabeth to Pretoria to Johannesburg and more.


text:
At Generator Supercenter of Wilmington, our extensive knowledge and years of experience, combined with our around-the-clock ability to deploy teams of highly-trained service staff, is unmatched. We employ more customer service and maintenance staff than any other generator company in the country. As the largest Generac dealer and installer in North America, we are well-equipped and fully-staffed to handle any need.
At Generator Supercenter of Wilmington, we strive to keep customers for life. From the initial installation to the annual checkup, we provide fast, comprehensive services that will keep your home or business protected for years to come. Because we genuinely care about our customers, we strive to exceed their expectations. We care more about creating strong relationships than making a quick buck.
It doesn't matter how large or small your home or business is. Generator Superstore of Wilmington can handle a variety of generator services that will keep you going when the world around you stops. Call our generator shop in Wilmington, NC, today at (910) 627-0147 for a free power needs analysis, and don't go another day without backup power protection!
Come visit us online @
Accepted Payment Methods:


text:
I am extremely proud & honored to be a part of the upcoming 30 Screaming Years Touring Art Show which is coming right here to Austin, TX this month.
I remember first seeing Jim Phillip's iconic, "Screaming Hand" image when I was very young & it forever being tattooed to my brain. So to finally have an opportunity to reinterpret The Hand & present it in an official manner makes me as excited as a kid on a skateboard! Here's my version/vision:
"Full Scream Ahead"
12" x 12" acrylic/ink on wood panel
I hope you join the party & attend this special event presented by Spratx & Fast Forward Skate Shop on Feb. 19-20 from 6-10pm. There will be limited merchandise & pieces from the show's amazing sponsors: Santa Cruz Skateboards, Vans, Kidrobot, Juxtapoz Magazine, NHS Skate Museum & Skullcandy. All event details & info can be found HERE.
I really look forward to high fiving YOUR Screaming Hand!
Feb. 19-20, 6-10pm
Spratx Gallery
2400 E. Cesar Chavez #316B
Austin, TX 78702


text:
What Are You Up To This Weekend?
As you get older, asking someone out gets easier. Knowing whether or not they'll say yes, however, stays just as difficult until you die or get married.
I can walk into a room, take a quick glance around, and know who is into whom immediately. But when it comes to whether or not a girl likes me, I am as clueless as a PC user looking at a Mac. And my use of analogies like that doesn't help me with the whole dating thing.
One of the reasons I have such a hard time knowing what someone really thinks of me is the distraction of what I want them to think of me. In high school, I'd make sure to say hi to this one girl as we passed each other in the hall. Usually, she'd smile and keep walking. But one time, she stopped to talk to me, even saying hello first. That had to mean she wanted me, right?
But a bigger reason that I have difficulty grasping whether or not a girl is in to me is because people lie. Many do not lie on purpose; it's a subconscious thing. I have seen many girls flirt with guys simply to get a confidence boost and a few free drinks. These girls have no intention of ever seeing the guy again, but they want to be able to say that they were the ones who turned someone down. Guys occasionally do this, but less often since we'll usually go home with any girl if she says yes.
The reason that asking someone out is so difficult is because we cannot predict their response. There's a comedian named Dustin Chafin who has a bit about how we handled this in elementary school. You'd simply pass a note - "I think you're foxy. If you dig me, check the boxy.†If we could still do this, life would be much easier. Lamer, sure, but easier.
I once had a long conversation with a female friend to whom I was quite attracted. The subject turned to how a guy could tell if a girl likes him or not. Okay, I outright asked her how a guy could tell if a girl likes him or not. She told me about a few signs – laughing a little extra at his jokes, touching him whenever possible, and steering the conversation towards dating or sex. She'd been doing all three of these things all night, so I took a chance and called her on it. She laughed, touched my arm, and told me that I was being ridiculous. After all, these signs didn't count when they happened between friends. And then she asked me about my first sexual experience. In a friendly nature, of course.
We all know how difficult it is to get out of the friend zone, but the "I barely know you zone†doesn't work either. Meeting someone at a bar can be fun, but the possibility that it turns into anything substantial is more uncommon than an English major getting an A in a physics class. Wow – I have really got to quit using those analogies.
The easiest way to meet someone is through a friend. But the third party introduction can lead to problems of its own. If you hit it off, you may step on your friend's toes because they might have been after the person they introduced you to. And if it does work out, you better get married. Because if that relationship fails, you'll have to argue for custody over your mutual friend since the three of you can never co-exist again. Don't bother trying – there's nothing worse than going out to a bar with an ex. "I'd like to buy a shot of awkward for my friend here. Make it a double.â€
In the quest to couple off, we are left, then, with one way out – being completely inadvertent. Meeting someone accidentally is a wonderful thing, since you have no way of learning most of each other's flaws until a few dates in. And the older you get, the more someone is likely to give at least one date a chance. If they turn you down when you ask them out, that's okay too – they weren't in your life before, so what's so much worse about them not being in your life now? As long as you don't ask anyone out over a loudspeaker, rejection is not humiliating because no one has to know it happened. Unless she writes a memo to your friends.
"I thought Steve was gay, so I said no way.â€
Maybe it's better that we're beyond the whole note thing.


text:
By its nature, family law often involves very personal matters. Legal matters relating to paternity testing, child custody and visitation rights for fathers are often emotional and contentious. Whether you need help legally compelling a person to take a DNA test or want to reverse a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity you signed, it's important to choose an attorney with whom you feel comfortable.
Contact us to discuss your specific circumstances. We know that paternity issues can become complex and can involve out-of-state custody proceedings and international laws, including the Hague Convention. At Michael L. Lodermeier P.C., you have our experience at your service.
Like all legal matters, paternity law can become extremely complex, particularly when custody and child support are primary issues at this emotional time. You will be working closely with your lawyer on some very emotional and important issues. Choose an attorney who offers years of experience and a strict dedication to each client.
Paternity issues involving children are typically very sensitive, even when there isn't a custody dispute. From child support arrangements to child visitation agreements, there are a number of matters that need to be taken into consideration. Most importantly, the well-being of the children needs to be the top priority for both parents. Michael L. Lodermeier, P.C. can help you work through these issues to the best possible outcome for your children.
Paternity refers to the legal determination of who is the biological father of a child. While the identity of a child's biological mother is usually known, the father's identity may not always be as certain. Paternity issues often arise in cases involving child support, but they can also be important in relation to adoption, inheritance, custody and visitation, health care and other issues.
An action to establish paternity is a civil proceeding. Most states require that paternity be established by a preponderance of the evidence, which means that it must be more likely than not that the man is the biological father of the child.
DNA profiling is a major breakthrough in paternity testing. In a DNA test, the scientist examines the genetic material that the child inherited from his or her biological parents. First the child's genetic characteristics are compared to those of the mother. The characteristics in the child that are not found in the mother are determined to have come from the father. If the man being tested does not have these genetic characteristics in his DNA, he can be scientifically excluded. If he does, the probability of his paternity is calculated. DNA testing can establish a father's paternity with over ninety-nine percent accuracy and can also be done even before the child is born. Along these lines, DNA testing is generally done only when a party contests paternity allegations. For instance, the putative (or alleged) father in a paternity action, that is the basis for child support, may require proof that he is the child's father before he consents to payment of support. In other situations, the mother may contest the putative father's paternity, such as when a man attempts to gain custody of, or visitation with, a child he believes to be his.
In contrast, paternity may also be established by circumstantial evidence, such as when a man takes a child into his home and holds the child out to the public as his own. A married man is presumed to be the father of a baby born to his wife during or shortly after their marriage as well.
Once paternity is established by DNA or circumstantial evidence, the father may be ordered to pay child support for his child. A father who is not married to the child's mother generally will not be awarded custody of the child if the mother is providing reasonable care, but he may receive preference over third parties, such as grandparents or prospective adoptive parents.
Paternity issues, like most family law issues, can have far-reaching implications, both financially and emotionally. It is important when faced with these issues to seek the counsel of an objective, experienced lawyer who can guide clients through the legal maze of these difficult, emotionally charged issues.


text:
Saturday, 7 June 2014
The Kids Of Rec. Road in: To Swap or Not To Swap
As I've mentioned before, when I was a kid, me and my two best friends Sean Phillips & David Holman did many, many pages of a comic strip all about ourselves called The Kids From Rec. Road.
Well, a couple of years back, our comic counterparts had a rollickin' reunion, when me & Philbo did the following strip as part of the Thought Bubble festival in Leeds.
I'm including this here, not just because it's a great piece of work by Sean ( and not a bad bit of writing from your humble host ), but because if anything sums up the Bronze Age, and how we three in particular lived through it, it's this strip.
See if it relates to you too...
6 comments:
Hasn't been updated for a while, but the first few Kids From Rec Road strips are online here...ReplyDelete
- Edo Bosnar7 June 2014 at 13:58
That's pretty funny. I didn't really do much swapping though: early in my comics reading career, my friends and I would just pass around our comics, but usually ended up with our own in the end; most of these guys stopped reading after a bit, so in my class at school there was eventually only two of us left, and again, we didn't swap, we just borrowed each other's stuff.ReplyDelete
One thing I can relate to, however, is: "Yuk, Frank Robbins inside!" Although personally, I had that reaction even more when it was Infantino inside...
Ah you missed out Edo, as we've said, 50 DC's for one lame issue of Marvel Team-Up?!! Can anyone do better than that?ReplyDelete
Hi Guys! Just wanted to say I had a great day in Cardiff yesterday! I don't know if you've ever had dreams of mooching around a market and finding cool comics(I have them regularly!)but I did just that in Cardiff,but it was real! I picked up a run of Herb Trimpe Hulk issues for a song,and spent the train ride home browsing and sniffing the pages. Nostalgia IS what it used to be:)ReplyDelete
Er yeah, we all have that dream, Dave, that's why I do this blog! Sounds like a good one...what'd you get me???ReplyDelete
Nothing Pete! But that reminds me I have a parcel to post to you tomorrow with those old 70s Valiant issues I promised you some time ago.Free Jesus Blasco art! How can you refuse?ReplyDelete


text:
A couple of interesting posts on the blogosphere, one from Nils and one from Tobold, have both raised an interesting issue: the use of story in video games. In Tobolds case he talks about the Star Wars MMO and how the team at Bioware are putting a lot of their socks into the story-telling basket, and he ponders if this is such a good idea. Nils has been playing, and hating, Dragon Age 2. Apparently there are lots of cut scenes, and the gameplay boils down to setting your party up and sitting back and watch it all unfold.
This urge to tell a story on the part of game designers is interesting, as in watching a train wreck is interesting. What seems to have been forgotten is the fact that when you are playing a game, and in particular a role playing game, then the player needs to be the driving force behind the story. Sure you can set up some form of broad outline for the player to habit within, but it is the experiences of each individual player and the choices that they make which give a game depth and long life. Witness the almost total unreplayability of the new zones in Cataclysm. Running subsequent characters through those new levels takes repetition and boredom to startling new heights. And the primary reason for this is the fact that the railroading and tight scripting leave the player with only one road to take. Do it once and you've done it. Which is extraordinary bad game design for a game needing to hold players for a long period of time.
Games are not movies where the viewer watches in a passive state. A game is something that gives players interesting choices, and more importantly, the consequence of choice. By playing the game you can also learn something. Unfortunately, with a great many of todays games, the only thing that you learn is that once is enough.


text:
Forhey is the most convenient way to do your dry cleaning and laundry in Ghana. Using our mobile phone app or website, you are able to request an immediate pickup or schedule one for any time between 7am to 12pm, Monday to Saturday of the week, to do your laundry and dry cleaning. We'll come, pick up your clothes, and do all the cleaning. When your clothes are ready, our friendly Heygirl will deliver them at the convenient time you scheduled.
Forhey provides the same laundry and dry cleaning you should expect. We launder your clothes, fold and return them in a bag and according to your preferences.
Download the app from Google Play. When you open the app for the first time, click on "Sign up" button. You will then see a form to fill out. Provide us with your name, valid home or office address, email address, and phone number.
Or go to our website and place your order from there. It's that simple!
Separate your clothes into three separate groups:
a.) dry cleaning
b.) wash & press shirts
c.) wash & fold
We will provide you with free Forhey bags to use and you will need an extra ten minutes for your first pick-up to transfer your garments into the Forhey bag(s).
Please write ALL instructions for your laundry and dry cleaning in the Special Instructions section in the app for each order you place. Your Heygirl will always be happy to help. However, all cleaning instructions should go in the Special Instructions section of your app. For any questions about the service, please email firstname.lastname@example.com. Our support team is available from 6am to 7pm, 7 days a week.
You don't need to worry about the weight for all "Wash & Fold" as there is a fixed price per laundry bag. Items for dry cleaning/shirts that should be washed and pressed will be billed on an itemised basis.
For each Forhey pick-up, there is a place to add specific instructions. Before you place and confirm your order please enter all information in the Special Instructions section of the app. We'll make sure that all information in Special Instructions is passed along throughout the cleaning and delivery process. If the instructions relate to a specific item, please give a very detailed description of that item. The more specific and clear your Special Instructions are, the better.
Further please note that Special Instructions are done per order and are not permanently stored, so please provide your Special Instructions for every order.
Finally, your Heygirl is happy to help you in any way. However, if you have any instructions about your order, please note them in Special Instructions instead of telling your Heygirl. This will ensure that the information is communicated to our entire Forhey team.
Forhey prices are transparent and simple. Simply see the price list on our website to estimate the price of your order. Please also note that for every order there is a flat Service & Handling charge of GHC20
Our well-rated partner laundry facilities with track record of flawless service wash, fold, and press your clothes according to your specifications. If you have any questions, please email firstname.lastname@example.com
We pickup and deliver between 6am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.
We hope this won't be neccessary in your case! However, if you have to really cancel, please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com
You can use all devices to place your orders from our website. Those with Android phone can use the Forhey app from the Play Store. Forhey for iPhone will be available soon.
For Wash and Fold service, we provide service within 12 - 24 hours.
For dry cleaning items, the turnaround time is within 24 - 48 hours depending on the day of the week and time of the day that we pick up your order. If picked up on the weekend, this time may be longer. In addition, special items, including those with materials or details that are difficult to clean, may take longer. We will give you an ETA (estimated time of arrival) for each order and of course, we'll let you know when your clothes are ready.
* For Express service, we provide service within 12 hours.
If items are missing from your order, we will do our best to find your items. We recommend that you check your laundry or dry cleaning order as soon as possible for any missing items. The likelihood of finding your items is greatly increased if we receive your claim within 2 days of delivery. Please note that the process to find missing items can take up to a week.
If we are unable to locate your missing items after a week, we will issue a Forhey credit based on the timeline in which you filed your claim. All missing item claims must be filed within 5 days of receiving your laundry or dry cleaning to be considered for Forhey credit. However we do reserve the right to use our discretion for any missing item claims filed beyond 5 days of delivery.
Currently payment is made at pickup of order or at delivery of clean clothes in cash. Moving forward, once you signup, we'll ask you for your payment details. We will use these details to process the payment when your garments are delivered.
Forhey is currently operational in the following neighborhood:
- Spintex
- Cantonment
- Labone
- Osu
- Airport Residential Area
- Sakumono
- Ridge
- Regimanuel Estate
- Amenfi Kasaglobal
- Savannah Hills
- Serenity Estate
- Adenta
- Adjringanor
- American House
- Bawalashi
- Botwe
- East Legon
- East Legon Hills
- Madina
- Shiashie
- Trasaco Valley
Forhey is working on expanding into new neighborhoods. Right now if you are on the wait list, it is because we are not currently servicing your neighborhood. Sign up: here and we will email you when we are in your area and you can schedule your first pick up.
Feel free to contact us on firstname.lastname@example.com or call us (233)50-291-1370.