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THE KING - His Majesty King Tupou VI
Role of the King
The King has two roles as:
The Constitution of Tonga acknowledges that these two roles of the Monarch are combined within the dignity and body of the one person.
The form of Government for the Kingdom is a Constitutional Monarchy under His Majesty and successors, as provided under the Constitution.
Head of State -
The Monarch as Head of State may exercise key constitutional functions in accordance with the Constitution, by himself or in Privy Council, including:
By the King alone -
- being Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of Tonga
- initiating elections for representatives of the nobles and the people to sit in the Legislative Assembly
- calling and dissolving the Legislative Assembly
- making treaties with Foreign States, in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom, appointing diplomatic representatives overseas and receiving foreign Ministers (cl 39);
- bringing matters of concern to the attention of the Legislative Assembly in writing (cl 40);
- assenting to legislation that has been passed by the Legislative Assembly (clauses 41, 56, 67, 68 & 79);
- conferring titles of honour and honourable distinctions (cl 44);
- proclaiming martial law in the event of civil war or war with a foreign state (cl 46);
- appointing and dismissing the Prime Minister (chosen by the Legislative Assembly) and other Cabinet Ministers (nominated by the Prime Minister) (cl 51);
- appointing, on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Governors of Ha'apai and Vava'u (cl 54);
- appointing the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly) (cl 61); and also the following functions that are to be exercised by the King and Privy
All of these powers, and indeed all other powers where His Majesty is acting as Head of State, are exercised within the Constitution, statute law, common law and constitutional conventions.
Traditional Role - Hau 'o e Fonua
The King's traditional role of Hau 'o e Fonua (the second role referred to in paragraph 11 above) has always been in existence, is fundamental to Tongan society and is expressed in a wide variety of ways. One way is in the Constitution which His Majesty King George Tupou I granted in 1875 to the Nobles and People of Tonga. The Constitution protects the Monarchy and its relationship with the Nobility and People by many methods, including the following:
- succession to the throne is determined by hereditary rules and no member of the royal family likely to succeed to the throne may marry without the Monarch's consent (cls 32 & 33);
- Sovereign of all the Chiefs and people (cl 41), the Monarch may grant hereditary estates (cl 104) and confer title and estate upon any person
where an estate has reverted to the Monarchy (cl 112); and
- the person of the Monarch is "sacred" (cl 41), the Monarch's own lands and property may be dealt with as the Monarch pleases (cl 48) and the dignity of the Monarch is protected in several ways in the Constitution.
The Privy Council consist of advisors appointed by His Majesty from time to time to advise him on matters general or particular, as His Majesty decides.
In addition, the Constitution establishes as a Committee of the Privy Council, the Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel, comprising a fixed membership, including the Law Lords appointed from time to time, whose purpose is to advise upon His Majesty's Judicial related functions (cl 83C).
Matters that must be decided by The King in Privy Council under the Constitution are also listed above and include -
- granting pardons to people convicted of criminal offences (cl 37);
- hearing appeals from the Land Court (cl 50(2));
- approving (along with unanimous Cabinet) changes to the Constitution(cl 79);
- the appointment of Judges after receiving advice from the JudicialAppointments and Discipline Panel (cls 85, 86);
- approving the terms of leases of more than 99 years (cl 114).
In addition, other Acts provide powers and functions for His Majesty, alone or in Privy Council, especially relating to foreign affairs, formal matters and
some emergency powers.
The Constitution now provides in clause 50A(3) that -
The Prime Minister shall regularly and as required report to the King upon matters that have arisen with the government and upon the state of the country.
The Cabinet will be advised in due course, and from time to time, of the administrative arrangements for the Privy Council
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications, 2015


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Haunted House on Sorority Row in streaming. A fledging sorority moves into a dilapidated house only to find something evil is lurking in the shadows. Is it an elaborate hazing ritual? Or is something sinister - something paranormal - behind the mental and physical assault?
Mike Hilinski, Brandi Baird, Chandra McCracken, Rachel Ritter, Eric Widing, Tara Clark, Marylee Osborne, Joe Kidd, Joni Durian, Erin R. Ryan, Haley Madison, Tonjia Atomic, Iabou Windimere
Directors: Henrique Couto
Duration: 81 min
Year of release: 2014
Genres: Horror
Click the links below to watch Haunted House on Sorority Row in streaming:
- Alternate links
- 01
- 02

subset: commoncrawl


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New Catalog Search
Make a Model Magic Snowman
Craft Tables
Come make paper doves, cardinals and blue jays this week at the craft table.
Coming up next: paper wreaths.
Make a penguin!
Mitten Garland Craft
craft page info
Make a wreath
Make a sled
Next Craft Project....
Snow coloring page
Mosaic Penguin Craft
Trace outline of penguin on piece of paper.
Add a simple line behind the penguin's body, just a few inches above the penguin's foot to make it look like the penguin is standing on the ground.
Apply torn pieces of black and white paper with glue stick to small areas of the blue paper, using your tracing as a guide. Start building the "ground" first, pressing white paper scraps in place.
Work in small areas so glue doesn't dry before you get to it & press on all the black paper areas. Finish with the white area in the center of the penguin.
Tear or cut out a triangle beak from the orange paper and glue on to the face. Use black marker to add eyes.
Tear or cut out a bow from pink paper and glue it on top of penguins head. For a boy place it under the neck like a tie.
New Books
Find out what new titles are coming into the Library's collection
Signup for new title alerts


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Cherwell District Council confirm the start of construction works for Castle Quay
The exciting arrival of the new Castle Quay development in Banbury has moved a step closer with full construction works set to begin.
In the coming weeks, hoarding with new imagery of the development will be installed, allowing the public to see how this transformed space for Banbury will look when completed. The programme of construction works will be phased to minimise the impact on the local community, and we will be working closely with the contractor to keep the local community regularly informed. The team is already onsite carrying out early preparatory works, and will be based in the former BHS unit for the duration of the construction. The build is set to take 100 weeks.
The Castle Quay development will deliver a new restaurant and leisure offering for Banbury, anchored by Lidl, The Light Cinema and a Premier Inn hotel. The new development will act as a link between neighbouring sites such as the Spiceball Leisure Centre, The Mill and the exciting Castle Quay shopping centre, improving connectivity within the town centre and ensuring a dynamic evening economy for residents and visitors alike.
Cllr Tony Ilott, Lead Member for Financial Management & Governance at Cherwell District Council, commented:
"With visible works due to begin shortly on this new development, this is a defining moment for Banbury and its residents. The council will deliver an exceptional new offering for our town centre, an investment that will allow us to provide the best in class for our residents. This includes upgrades to the existing shopping centre so that customers and residents can continue to have a pleasant shopping experience.
"As a council, we look forward to working with the community as we reach the delivery phases of the next stage in our town centre's life".
Over the past 8 weeks, preparatory works have been carried out on site before full construction could commence. A team of experts have also been working to improve the original design inherited by the council, to ensure this development better suits the needs of the local community. For example, looking to the future and ensuring that the new destination remains relevant in years to come, electric charging points are being installed within the new car parks, and a new pedestrian bridge will be installed to improve ease of access throughout the site and into other areas of the town.
The work to the town centre in Banbury is one of a number of planned developments to improve the area for its residents.
Cllr Lynn Pratt, Lead Member for Economy, Regeneration and Property at Cherwell District Council, commented:
"The forthcoming Castle Quay 2 development is just one of the projects underway to regenerate the wider Banbury area. We are working towards a Banbury that continues to thrive and attracts the best new retailers and restaurants, while meeting the needs of our residents. We are proud that we have progressed the plans for Castle Quay 2 and, under the council's ownership, we will protect our town centre for the future whilst attracting further investment to the area".
Further updates will be provided to local residents throughout the duration of the build.
For further information, contact:
Natasha Lee, Redwood Consulting
020 7828 5553
Clare Hartshorne, Redwood Consulting
020 7828 5553


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In this age of the 15-minute appointment, it's difficult to address the emotional component of a patient's condition. As we know, emotions can be integral to a patient's sense of well-being, their healing, and the perception of quality health care. Many patients leave their doctor's office feeling rushed, not having had enough time to process information and ask appropriate questions. And fair or unfair, this can leave patients with the impression that clinicians are uncaring or unfeeling.
One way to address patients' emotional needs in a time-efficient way is through technology (ironic, isn't it). There are several tools/apps that can assist physicians with patients who are trying to cope with illness and potentially difficult treatment processes. Some have a support group feel, and others focus on patient engagement. The purpose of all of them, however, is that they give patients a platform to tell their story. Feeling "heard" can go a long way in patient care and healing.
The App HerStory
Created by behavioral scientist-turned-software exec Bob Quinn, HerStory is a new app for patients who need support while going through treatment. Still in testing, this app helps women dealing with breast cancer and mastectomy. (Other women's disease categories will follow.) Built with input from patients, doctors, and support groups, HerStory allows patients to easily record their personal stories to help other breast cancer patients with advice and emotional help.
"Patients who have gone through similar situations can provide the greatest support," says Quinn, who points out that the app is set up to review stories before they are published to make sure that the community is helpful and supportive.
Clinicians and behavioral scientists from Stanford and George Washington University have played a role in advising the developers of HerStory, which provides immediate, real-time support and practical advice via story telling and story sharing in a community of women going through the same challenges. For physicians looking for tools to help patients with emotional support outside of the office, this can be a helpful therapeutic tool.
"Research shows that with any illness, there is a tremendous need for social support," says Dr. Sarah Adler, PsyD, clinical instructor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stanford University Medical Center. "The mind has a significant impact on physical health. Support, empathy, and connections are fundamental to reducing the stress that comes with needing medical care."
1. Gowan J. Why sharing stories brings people together. Available at: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/you-illuminated/201106/why-sharing-stories-brings-people-together. Accessed December 2, 2014.
2. Campion-Smith C, Austin H, Criswick S, et al. Can sharing stories change practice? A qualitative study of an interprofessional narrative-based palliative care course. J Interprof Care. 2011;25:105-111. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21043556. Accessed December 2, 2014.
3. Greenhalgh T, Campbell-Richards D, Vijayaraghavan S, et al, for the National Institute for Health Research Service Delivery and Organisation programme. The sharing stories model of diabetes self-management education for minority ethnic groups: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Available at: http://www.nets.nihr.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/64503/FR-08-1504-111.pdf. Accessed December 2, 2014.


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Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Shaw Cable filmed Col (Ret'd) Sam Dunbar, Capt(Ret'd) Bill Stone and MWO(Ret'd) Ed Ashley. The short documentary starts about 30 seconds into the video. Share it with your friends.
Proposal to restore the saluting base from CFB Chilliwack. The Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack Historical Society in collaboration with Retired Sappers Reunion Commmittee, University of the Fraser Valley, Canadian Military Engineer (CME) Branch Council, Canadian Military Engineer Museum (Gagetown NB), 192 Construction Engineer Flight, and 54 Engineer Field Squadron have combined to form a committee for the purpose of creating a landscaped memorial park incorporating existing CFB Chilliwack Memorials and saluting base.


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There's never a dull moment in the structural department! It's amazing to be part of the process of tackling challenging structural problems to bring a new building to life.
It's very exciting to come up with creative and innovative design solutions. What we do is very important because we create stability in buildings that will be used by people every day.
Working in the Dublin office, I'm currently involved in the early design stage of a Lab project for a confidential Food manufacturing client. As a graduate, being able to work on a project right from the beginning and see it progress through the different stages is a fantastic experience. I'm looking forward to getting to the construction stage and seeing our designs come to life.


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Search for a story:
News in brief - Date: 06 December 2018
Written by: Jo Robinson / Viewed: 279
The seventh and last prisoner to be re-arrested after escaping from the Kutama Sinthumule Maximum Security Prison in October 2017 was slapped with an additional four years onto his existing sentence by the Louis Trichardt Regional Court on 27 November.
The 31-year-old Raphael Nyota, a Zimbabwean national, had previously been convicted of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The robbery conviction related to a violent home invasion when he and his fellow criminals broke down security doors one after another in a home in Louis Trichardt. They relentlessly tried to get to the homeowners, breaking down barriers in their way and forcing the terrified family into a slow retreat. The victims ended up in a bathroom with a door that did not lock. At the point where they were sitting on the floor, trying to keep the door closed with their bodies, they finally saw the flashing blue light of a police vehicle outside. One of the homeowners shouted that the police had arrived, after which the invaders fled.
After being apprehended and finally incarcerated, Nyota attempted to flee and almost succeeded in escaping the serving out of the remainder of his 15-year sentence. He broke out of prison with fellow inmates Chris Faku (38), Jabulani Isaac Mahlangu (33) from Pretoria, Ntshengedzeni Manukha (27) from Thohoyandou, Ntshavheni Thomas Munyai (31) from Riverside, Justice Makamo (29) from Zimbabwe and Phathutshedzo Nemadodzi (35) from Thohoyandou. All of them have since been caught and are once again serving out their full sentences. Nyota is the final of the seven to be taken back into custody after being apprehended near the Ivory Park taxi rank in Gauteng on 7 September.
At the time of their escape from Kutama Sinthumule, the Zoutpansberger reported that the wardens had been neglecting their duties because of a pension-fund dispute with South African Custodial Management (SACM). Following a dramatic eruption of violence at the prison after a group of prisoners initially set fire to some mattresses, inmates were out of control. In the chaos that ensued, the seven prisoners escaped easily.
Assistance had to be called for to help control the situation after the fire spread, destroying large parts of the facility. Firemen from the Makhado Air Force Base, local police and members of local farm watch groups all assisted at the time to regain order and secure the prison perimeter. The reimprisonment and sentencing of Nyota brings this particular drama to an end.
The 31-year-old Raphael Nyota. Photo: Limpopo SAPS.
Jo joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2018 pursuing a career in journalism after many years of writing fiction and non-fiction for other sectors.
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Dialog's Google Solutions Practice provides licensing for all the Google Cloud products (G Suite, Maps, Cloud, Chrome Devices and Jamboards).
We are the Australasian specialists for Google Cloud products such as G Suite, Google Maps, Glass Enterprise, and Google Cloud Platform.
You can order the following products online with this order form: Contact Form
Google Maps
Google Enterprise Search
Google Drive
G Suite
Google Cloud Platform
Google ChromeOS Management Console
Digital Globe Imagery
And any further licensing enquiries.
Dialog is the Google Cloud Premier Partner in Australasia. Delivering Google Maps, Cloud and G Suite licensing and solutions for many of the region's largest Corporations and Government Agencies. Dialog specialises in deploying and integrating Google technologies with legacy corporate systems and platforms for our clients, providing scalable, robust and secure solutions that are popular with their users.
Email: email@example.com
Phone: 1800 491 710
Address: 35 Boundary Street
South Brisbane QLD 4101
For Customers with Support Arrangements


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As part of its special report on ageing populations, Economist has a section on China's dramatic rise in dependency ratio. The chart says it all. Check it out here.
Perhaps, if you are on the subject of ageing, you should treat yourself to Lucy Kellaway's always-a-pleasure to read piece on ageing and the comparisons that ageing people engage in. Hard to combine fun with messages. Lucy Kellaway has few challengers in that respect.
Over at www.voxeu.org, the Chief Economist of OECD Helmut Reisen deftly deflects talk of the renminbi replacing the dollar by concentrating on the potential for Special Drawing Rights (SDR) to play that role. Two citations that he refers to are interesting. One is by Avinash Persaud and the other is by a former European Central Bank official. In my humble opinion, both peices fail to take into account non-economic factors that could come in the way of the world accepting the renminbi as a reserve currency.
The financial blogging world was abuzz with chatter about Matt Taibbi's piece in 'Rolling Stone: 'The Great American Bubble Machine' – "From tech stocks to high gas prices, Goldman Sachs has engineered every major market manipulation since the Great Depression – and they 're about to do it again". It is not possible to link to that article here but this comment by Felix Salmon is interesting in itself.


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A team of investors from Kazakhstan visited Amirabad Port to consider situation for rail transport of grains.
The delegation is considering transport of 2.5 million tons of grains annually from Amirabad Port to Shahid Rajaei Port in Persian Gulf via railway.
In a meeting here, Director General of North Railway Yusif Geranpasha and deputy head of port administrative in financial affairs presented explanations on goods transit process through railway.
Deputy head of Amirabad Port presented information concerning possibilities, capabilities of the port in different fields and said that the port as grain hub of northern ports has the most modern equipment and facilities for loading and unloading grain.
He added that Amirabad Port has nominal capacity for 4.5 million tons of goods transport and by developing infrastructures in the port it will increase to 7.5 million tons in a few months.
He also announced construction of silo to store grain as one of advantages of investment here and added that currently the port has volume capacity of 120,000 tons grain in its silos, which is to be increased by more than 500,000 tons soon.
The port official said that by modern equipment here grain could be unloaded directly from ship to wagon and added that by using the new equipment 600 tons of grain could be transferred from ship to wagon in one hour.
Railway official, also for his part, announced railway readiness to transport grain from north to Persian Gulf port by 900 special wagons for carrying grain.
The Kazakh delegation visited operational area and port possibilities and equipment on Saturday.


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York Photo: Personalized Playing Cards for $5 (Fun Gift Idea!)
York Photo is offering their personalized playing cards for just $5 (regularly $19.99)! Just use coupon code PLAY5 at checkout. Shipping is $3.99, meaning you'll pay $8.99 shipped.
Even at $8.99, this is a really unique and fun Christmas gift idea for family or friends! Plus, it's a gift that provides hours of free entertainment! This would also make a cool stocking stuffer idea.
If you're a new sign-up with York Photo, you'll also receive 40 FREE photo prints.


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Frequently Asked Questions - Normalization
1. What is normalization?
Inconveniently, brains come in all different sizes and shapes. But the standard statistical algorithms all assume that a given voxel - say 10, 10, 10 - samples exactly the same anatomical spot in every subject. So you'd really like to be able to squash every subject's brain into exactly the same shape and exactly the same space in your image. That's normalization - it's the process by which pictures of subjects' brains are squashed, stretched and squeezed to look like they're about the same shape
2. How does normalization work?
A lot like realignment. Normalization algorithms, just like realignment algorithms, search for transformations of the source image that will minimize the difference between it and the target image - transformations that, as much as possible, will make the source image 'look like' the target template. The difference is that realignment algorithms restrict themselves to rigid-body transformations - moving and turning the brain, but not changing its shape. Normalization algorithms allow nonlinear transformations as well - these actually change the shape of the brain, squeezing and stretching certain parts and not other parts, to make the source brain 'fit' the target brain. Different types of nonlinear transformations can be applied - some use sine/cosine basis functions, some use viscous fluid models or meshes - but all normalization can be thought of this way.
An important point about normalization is that any algorithm, if allowed to make changes on a fine enough scale, can precisely transform one brain into another, exactly. Sometimes, though, that's not what you want - if you're interested in looking at differences of gray matter in children vs. in adults, you'd like to normalize the general anatomy, but not at such a fine scale you remove exactly the difference you're looking for! Other times, though, you'd love to match up every point in a subject's brain exactly with the identical point in another subject's brain. Care should still be taken, though - normalization algorithms can align structural anatomy precisely, but can't guarantee the subjects' functional anatomies will align perfectly.
3. Why would I want to normalize? What are the drawbacks and/or advantages?
The advantage is simple: Brains aren't all the same size and shape. The simplest and most widespread methods of statistical analysis of brain data is to look each voxel across all your subjects and compare some measure in that voxel. For that method to be reasonable, equivalent voxels in each subject's images should match up with equivalent locations in each subject's brain. Since brain structures can be quite variable in size and shape, we need some way to 'line up' those structures. If you want to do any kind of voxel-based statistical analysis - not just of activation, but also of anatomy, as in voxel-based morphometry (VBM) - across a group, normalizing can largely remove a huge source of error from your data by removing variance between brain shapes.
The disadvantage is just as simple: Like any preprocessing, normalization isn't perfect. It generally requires interpolation, which introduces small errors into the images, and even with normalization, anatomies may not line up as well as you'd hope. It can also be slow - depending on the methods and programs used, normalizing a run of functional images can take hours or days. Still, to use voxel-based statistics, it's a necessary evil...
4. When is it unhelpful to normalize?
If you're running an analysis that's not voxel-based - say, one that's based on region-of-interest-specific timecourses - then normalization makes a lot less sense. An alternative to voxel-based methods is to compare some measure activation in particular structures hand-drawn (or automatically drawn) on individual subjects' images. Since a method like this gets summary statistics out from each subject individually, without requiring that any statistical images be laid on top of each other, normalization is totally unnecessary. Some researchers choose to preprocess their data on two parallel paths, one with normalization and one without, using the non-normalized data for region-of-interest analysis and the normalized for traditional voxel-based methods.
As well, several factors can make normalization difficult. Lesions, atrophy, different developmental stages, neurological disorders, and other problems can make standard normalization impossible. Some of these problems can be easily addressed (see Brett et. al in NormalizationPapers), and some can't be. Anyone using patient populations with significant neurological differences from their normalization templates should be advised to explore the literature on normalizing patients before proceeding.
5. How important is it to align images to AC-PC before normalizing?
This varies between programs. For AFNI and BrainVoyager, it's pretty important. The nonlinear transformations can account for non-aligned images in theory, but if you start the images off in a non-aligned state, the algorithm is more likely to get caught in a local minimum of the search space, and give you strange normalization parameters. If you aren't realigning before normalizing, it's best to make sure to examine the normalized brains afterwards to make sure that your normalization ran okay. SPM's normalization algorithm has a realignment phase built in that runs automatically before the nonlinear transformations are examined, so doing realignment beforehand isn't necessary. It can't hurt, particularly when realigning runs of functional data, and it's still wise to examine the normalized image afterwards as a sanity check...
6. How important is it to make sure your segmentation is good before normalizing to the gray template?
Very important. The gray template contains, in theory, only gray-matter voxels. Normalization algorithms find their transformations by trying to minimize the voxel-by-voxel intensity differences between images, and white matter, CSF and gray matter all have notably different intensity profiles. So if you have left-over fringes of white matter or CSF or occasional speckles of white matter included by error in your gray-matter image, they'll be treated as error voxels even if they're in the right place. The algorithm may still converge to the best gray-matter solution, but you can greatly increase your chances of getting a good gray-matter normalization by making sure your segmentation is clean and only includes gray-matter voxels.
7. Should you use the inplane anatomy or the high-res anatomy to determine parameters?
There's not a perfect answer, but probably if you have a high-res anatomy, you should use it. In theory, the high-res anatomy should provide you a better match, because it has more detail. However, if you have significant head movement between the high-res scan and the functionals, there will be an additional source of error in the high-res (even after realignment) that may not be there in the inplane if there's less movement between the inplane and the functionals. In general, though, the increased resolution of the high-res will probably provide better precision for your normalization parameters. In practice, the difference will probably be small, but every little bit helps...
8. When in my analysis stream should I normalize?
There are two obvious points when you can normalize - a) in the individual subject analysis, before you estimate your model / do your stats, b) after you've done your stats and calculated contrast images for each subject, but before you do your group analysis. In case a), you'll normalize all your functional images (usually after estimating parameters from an anatomical image); in case b), you'll normalize only your contrast images (always after estimating parametes from an anatomical image). In general, the standard is a), but I'm not sure exactly why. One problem with b) might be that interpolation errors are being introduced directly into your summary statistics, rather than in the functional images they're derived from. To the extent that contrast images are less smooth than functional images, this will tend to disadvantage b). As well, those interpolation errors are then going to be averaged over far fewer observations in b) - when you're combining only one contrast image for each person - than in a) - when you're often combining several hundred functional images for each person. Not sure whether this will make much difference, though... This is a test that should be run.
9. How can you tell how good your normalization is?
There are possible automated ways you can use to determine quantifiably how close your normalization has gotten - see Salmond et. al, (NormalizationPapers) for one - but, in general, the easiest way to go is just to compare the template image and your normalized image by looking at them side-by-side (or overlaid). Check to make sure that the gross structures and lobes line up reasonably well, and if you have any particular area of interest - hippocampus, V1, etc. - check those in detail to make sure they line up okay. If they don't, you may want to align your source image differently before normalizing, or try normalizing just your gray matter.
9. What's the difference between linear and nonlinear transformations?
Roughly, linear transformations are those that treat the head as a rigid body, and allow it to be transformed only in ways that don't affect its shape or the shape of anything inside it. Rotations, translations, and scaling all fall in this category. Nonlinear transformations are any transformations that don't respect those constraints; these include any transformations that squeeze parts of the image, stretch parts of the image, or generally distort the shape of the head in any way.
10. How do I normalize children's brains? How about aging brains?
There is a monster literature out there on normalizing various non-standard brains, too large to survey easily; the Wilke et. al is a good start for children and contains some good citations into that literature, and the Brett et. al contains some similarly nice citations for aging brains (both on NormalizationPapers). Anyone who knows this literature well is invited to contribute links and/or citations...


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If you can't own them, copy them
Details have emerged of a new Google product similar to popular coupon start-up Groupon.
The search giant reportedly attempted to buy Groupon in November 2010 for $6 billion (£3.8 billion), but was turned down. Google told Mashable: "Google Offers is a new product to help potential customers and clientele find great deals in their area through a daily email."
However, it seems Google Offers and Groupon will also be competing with a Facebook group buying product. Mashable reported today that the social media site is testing "Buy With Friends", which will give users discount on products their friends have already purchased.
Social buying
However, there are some key differences between the three services. So far, Google Offers does not appear to be a group buying scheme, but rather an initiative partnering with local businesses. TechCrunch managed to find some test coupons for almost 42,000 small US businesses, all offering simple discounts. These are currently displayed within Google Maps, due to their local nature; it's unclear whether Offers will be extended to search results.
Perhaps Groupon has more to fear from Facebook's offering, which will harness the power of social media marketing to bypass the Groupon-style email system. According to Mashable, Buy With Friends will require the use of Facebook credits in an in-app shop; both relatively new concepts in the UK. Users will then be able to share their purchases in their News Feed to let their contacts reap the benefits.


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In: Glossary
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
The final stage of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection when the immune system has been diminished to the point that the body can no longer fight life-threatening infections.
Can you spare 5-8 minutes to tell us what you think of this website? Open survey


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OpenStack isn't just a way for tech giants like HP and IBM to mimic Amazon's wildly successful cloud services. It's also a teaching tool.
Created little more than three years ago by NASA and cloud computing outfit Rackspace, OpenStack is an open source project in the truest sense of the term. Hundreds of developers are now contributing to the project, and these developers span myriad different companies, including not only HP and IBM, but the networking giant Cisco, virtualization kingpin VMware, and myriad startups. And then there's Dinkar Sitaram, a professor at the PES Institute of Technology in Bangalore, India who's using OpenStack to immerse his students in the ways of open source software.
Sitaram has long encouraged his students to contribute to open source projects, and now he's taking things a step further, teaming up with OpenStack India — a local developer group — to run seminars where students learn the open source way by jumping headfirst into OpenStack. The aim is to educate them, but also make them more attractive to employers. If you're looking for a job in the tech world, many tech companies look at your open source work as much as your resume, and Sitaram wants to give his students the early edge.
It's an edge that many Indian students still lack. Over 500,000 engineering students graduate from Indian colleges every year, according to India's National Association of Software and Services Companies, but most of them aren't qualified for jobs in the real world. In 2010, just 4.2 percent of IT graduates were qualified to work for product companies, based on testing conducted by assessment company Aspiring Minds.
"There's a disconnect between theory and practice," Sitaram says. "There's not as strong a link between colleges and industry in India as there is in the U.S."
It may even be a problem in the U.S, says Thomas Hacht, the CTO of the Salt Lake City based tech startup Salt Stack. "Sometimes, universities teach things that are just plain wrong, from a modern software development perspective," he says.
But both Hacht and Sitaram agree that contributing to open source is one of the best ways to land a job in software. "It makes it easier to hire technical talent," Hatch says. "You can see how someone's evolved — or not evolved — as a developer. We're extremely wary of hiring people who haven't contributed to open source."
That's why Sitaram teaches opens source. "Open source gives us exposure to cutting edge technology, and gives us the opportunity to contribute," he says. His students work not just with OpenStack but a similar open source called CloudStack. Students have been working on code that lets you run applications across services from disparate cloud providers — learning learn the ins and outs of open source contributions. In order to help students from other colleges learn more about opens source, he teamed with OpenStack India to host a seminar that taught students the basics of open source, from setting up accounts on the code collaboration service GitHub to creating code to submitting the code to the official OpenStack project.
Sitaram says over 500 students signed up for the first seminar, but he space for only 200. Atul Jha, an OpenStack India coordinator who helped organize the seminar, says that other colleges have approached the group about similar seminars — and that companies like Dell and HP are already using this growing community as a recruiting ground. Which is exactly what he and Sitaram were aiming for.
By Klint Finley


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New RT SunAngel Heat-transfer Systems from Rhinotech
Heat-transfer systems for dark garments offered in Dark and Fluorescent versions
Rhinotech's new RT SunAngel heat-transfer systems are designed to produce vivid, durable transfer prints onto dark garments. The integrated systems include the printers, transfer papers, and toners, and are offered in Dark and Fluorescent versions.
The Dark package includes Rhinotech's 33SC CMYK and 33WB white printers, while the Fluorescent system includes the 33DC color and 33DW white fluorescent printers.
In each system, the user first prints the design in color, then runs the printed sheet through the second (dedicated white) printer. The final print is married to the transfer sheet and then applied via a heat-transfer press at 260° for 40 sec. All types of black, dark, and light-colored apparel can be used and the heat-transfer paper is reportedly weedless; only the toner transfers to the garment, not the background film. Rhinotech says the transferred image is bright and dense with no color bleeding.


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I love duct tape or as I have always called it "Gaffer's tape". I grew up in the film industry so we always had silver rolls of duct tape around the house that we used to close, hold or fix just about anything. I didn't even know that it was called 'duct tape' until I went to buy some after I moved away from home. Continue reading
Tag Archives: set supervisor
"'Tis healthy to be sick sometimes."
I have made it! All the way to Easter that is!
Some years the first few months of work can be really, really slow, and some years they can be booming. This year pilot season in Vancouver was crazy busy… our local union was putting every available person to work just trying to get bodies to fill positions… regardless of experience.
What does that mean? Well, don't get sick! Sickness is not an option!! Continue reading
Always Wear Clean Underwear: Golden Rules are Golden for a Reason!
During the Digital Days Conference that I attended in February at the Electronic Arts Campus in Burnaby, British Columbia, Claùde Parè was the opening speaker on the first day… and let me tell you; he helped start the conference off with a bang!
His talk was called, The Rules of Cinema: Rated 'R'… and he was just amazing!
Now, as you may have gleaned in previous posts, I'm a big fan of Jessica Sitomer's seminars that she gives here in Vancouver each year. She travels everywhere, so take a look and see if she is coming to talk in your area. One of the things Jessica says when going for a job interview is, "When some one asks, 'How do you feel you excel at your job?', find a way to tell them by using a story about you doing your job." Draw the people in around you with more than just an, 'Oh, I think I am great organizer'. You could say, "On Tron I had the challenge of bringing multiple departments together each morning before the cast arrived to start the process of getting dressed. The specialty costume took an hour or longer from start to finish to dress the cast and once on, they were a challenge to remove quickly. A Sound Assist was needed to wire the suit before we started testing of the lighting systems and a costume tech was needed to asst sound…" Continue reading
This shouldn't have happened…
This is way beyond costumes; this kind of incident can and has happened to someone in every department, and I would love to say that from this day forward it won't happen again… but I can't.
February 20th, 2014 a horrific accident happened on the set of the feature film "Midnight Rider" and a young camera assistant, Sarah Jones, was killed.
The same accident injured many other crew members, some very seriously.
If you are reading my blog and are trying to get into film, or are fairly new to the film and television industry, you may not yet have an understanding of all of the things that can and do happen in our workplaces. We sometimes work in dangerous places, with dangerous set pieces. We sometimes work in hazardous environments. We lift heavy things and the ground is rarely even underfoot. We work until we're bone tired… then we drive home. Continue reading
#Future Proofing… Are you ready for the future?
Last weekend I attended the Digital Days; The Future is Now seminar, at the Electronic Arts Campus in Burnaby, British Columbia. It was enlightening, eye opening and wonderful. When I signed up I wasn't sure if all the talks were going to be about something I was involved in; meaning did this have anything to do with costumes? As I sat through each talk, I realized that even when it was completely focused on other departments there are still so many little bits that directly relate to many aspects of our department. Continue reading
"Let's talk about sex, baby, Let's talk about you and me, Let's talk about all the good things, And the bad things that may be, Let's talk about sex…."
We costumers are some of the 'lucky' few that get to be on set during a sex scene. Yep right on set, really, really close. Some of you who have had the experience may know this already; it isn't all that it's cracked up to be! Continue reading
The fee for extra baggage…
We have just completed our first three weeks of shooting and now the holidays! Yahoo!
But before I hurdle myself headlong into gingerbread and mulled-whatever mode, I wanted to get this blog out to you all in answer to a question from a friend and new costumer I received a few weeks ago.
The phone call went like, "Help! I have to build a 'truck kit'… what on earth do I put in it?!" The language might have been a bit more saucy but she was under the gun. You get the idea. Continue reading


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Following the unveil of last year's 1,000-horsepower Arrow, German builder Apollo presents a new hypercar, dubbed Intensa Emozione, which translates "intense emotion." Referred to as IE for short, the ride is designed to be as raw and as pure as a car can be.
Under the hood you will find a 6.3-liter V12 developed with Autotecnica Motori, cranking out 769 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque, thus redlining at 9,000 rpm. This ultimately allows the vehicle to travel from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 2.7 seconds, before topping out at 208 miles per hour.
Additionally, the IE is naturally aspirated and features no electrification at all. With such power, traction control is then available, as well as optional lower power settings. You can, however, turn the traction control completely off.
Thanks to a carbon fiber chassis and body, the hypercar weighs in at 2,756 pounds, roughly the same as a Toyota 86. The IE's standout wings and splitters in turn produce nearly 3,000 pounds of downforce at 186 miles per hour, as the car's specially-designed Michelin tires are capable of over 2.0-g cornering.
Apollo is only slated to build 10 editions of the IE, each for approximately $2.72 million USD.


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After my second child was born, and especially after he started crawling a few weeks ago, I have found myself re-evaluating the various chunks of time that I have in my day. The answer to the question, "What can or should I be doing RIGHT NOW?" depends largely on what type of time-chunk I am currently in.
Sometimes what I should be doing at a given moment is obvious, like if Kid_2 needs a diaper change, Kid_1 needs to be bathed, or Kid_2 needs to have a bottle. These are those immediate, mundane things that every parent churns through on a daily basis.
The real challenge, I find, is to be appropriately productive (and not frustrated!) during all of those other kinds of time-chunks that I am faced with:
- Kid_1 and Kid_2 are content and, usually, busy playing with one another
- Kid_1 and/or Kid_2 need to eat
- Kid_2 is awake but not content.
- Kid_2 is awake and content, but Kid_1 is generally underfoot (asking lots of questions, pushing boundaries, and so on)
- Kid_1 is asleep but Kid_2 is awake, or, Kid_2 is asleep but Kid_1 is awake
- (Praise to the heavens above) Both kids are asleep, either for naptime or for the night
Obviously, these types of time-chunks have various levels of potential for me to be productive. If Kid_2 is awake but not content (for no reason that I can find or remedy), the productivity potential is practically zero. If both kids are asleep, especially for naptime, I try to do things that I cannot do at any other time (for example, take off my shoes, lie down, and read/rest/nap). Ironically, it can take a lot of self-discipline to simply rest and not try to get caught up on other things.
Errands need to occur at a time when both kids are awake, (relatively) content, and are not hungry. Meeting all of these criteria is quite a challenge, especially lately when Kid_2 has reverted to taking three naps per day instead of just two. The same goes for something as simple as a quick outing to a park.
Safe to say, I don't know any other moms who (to my knowledge) analyze things like this. But, it is my hope that in taking the time to analyze these things, I will be able to make the most of my time, therefore being able to find time to do things I really enjoy, therefore being a happier wife and mother. Sort of along the lines of a heading in Ready for Anything by David Allen:
Making it easy to take it easy.


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Samsung announces the GALAXY K zoomSamsung has just unveiled an all new zoom powered smartphone; the GALAXY K zoom. Like the GALAXY S4 Zoom we tested last fall, the K zoom is not your typical smartphone with a digital camera attached. It boasts a 10x optical zoom lens stuffed into its sleek body, which offers their proven OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) technology. This lens is mated to a 20.7-megapixel BSI image sensor, which bests the S4 Zoom's sensor by just over 4-megapixels. It also appears to be a much slimmer handset, making it more pocket-friendly; one of the downfalls of the S4 Zoom.
To learn more, see our Samsung GALAXY K zoom Preview, or the official Samsung press release below.
The Galaxy K zoom incorporates industry-leading camera features with the Samsung Galaxy mobile experience
SINGAPORE - April 29, 2014 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, today announced the new camera specialized smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy K zoom. The Galaxy K zoom is a new smartphone that blends advanced digital camera technology with Samsung's industry-leading Galaxy experience. It features effortless capturing ability, real optics, and a premium design, offering users the mobile solutions they need with the ability to create professional-quality visual content in a fun, easy-to-use device.
"With the introduction of the Galaxy K zoom, Samsung continues to demonstrate our commitment to creating products that meet the diverse demands of our consumers," said Sun Hong Lim, Senior Vice President of Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. "The new Galaxy K zoom empowers users to effortlessly capture and share their most important everyday moments in stunning clarity, with the convenience and connectedness of a Galaxy smartphone, for a unique, all-in-one mobile experience."
As a camera-specialized smartphone, the Galaxy K zoom offers an advanced technical camera system designed to offer the control and functionality of a professional camera, ensuring that the important moments are never missed and always captured with complete clarity. The Galaxy K zoom is equipped with new retracting lens technology that provides10x optical zoom in a remarkably slim and chic body. Other notable features include the 20.7 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor for ultra-clear, ultra-detailed images. It excels in low light conditions, and provides Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS)to reduce blur caused by movement. These specifications ensure the device delivers pictures and video (Full HD) that are crisp and sharp, even when zoomed and in low light. In addition, the device's Xenon Flash provides a brighter light than LEDs to improve the quality of the image with natural brilliance.
The new device also integrates the most advanced camera usability features and functions, including AF/AE Separation(Auto Focus/ Auto Exposure Separation) for the precise balance of light and clarity, next-generation Pro Suggest mode which offers 5 optimized filter settings, Selfie Alarm that allows users to take timed selfies with ease, and object tracing for a clear, focused shot of a moving subject. Each feature comes with a simple User Interface, allowing users to easily capture photos and videos with groundbreaking quality, in any situation.
The compact and highly portable Galaxy K zoom features an ergonomic grip and sleek, stylish lines that feel soft and comfortable in the hand. Additionally, the Galaxy K zoom offers all the features that consumers want in a flagship Galaxy smartphone, such as Ultra Power Saving Mode for minimizing the battery consumption, S Health Lite for personalized fitness and lifestyle coaching, and a Studio app to allow users to easily edit their pictures and videos.
Note to Editors
Samsung Galaxy K zoom Product Specifications
Cat4, HSPA+ 42Mbps
5-band HSPA+ 42Mbps
4.8 inch HD Super AMOLED Display (1280x720)
Hexa core: 1.3GHz Quad-Core + 1.7GHz Dual-Core Processor
Android 4.4 (Kitkat)
Main(Rear): 20.7 Mega pixel 1/2.3 BSI CMOS Sensor, 10x Optical Zoom, OIS,
ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Recording Playback: Full HD (1920x1080 /60p)
Codec : MP3, AMR-NB/WB, AAC/AAC +/eAAC+, WMA, OGG (Vorbis), FLAC
Value-Added Features
SMART Mode(28): Auto, Pro Suggest, Program, Beauty face, Shot more, Panorama, Virtual tour, Rich tone, Night, Continuous shot, Selfie alarm, Manual, Kids shot, Landscape, Dawn, Snow, Macro, Food, Party/Indoor, Action freeze, Waterfall, Animated photo, Sound shot, Surround shot, Silhouette, Sunset, Fireworks, Light race
AF/AE Separation, Object tracking, Studio, Smile/ Blink detection
Ultra Power Saving Mode
Kids mode
S Health Lite
Google Mobile Services
Chrome, Drive, Photos, Gmail, Google, Google+, Google Settings, Hangouts, Maps, Play Books, Play Games, Play Newsstand, Play Movie&TV, Play Music, Play Store, Voice Search, YouTube
Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz, HT40,
Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor
*User memory space may be less than the total memory space due to system files. User memory may differ by region, carrier, and supporting language, and may change after software upgrade.
137.5X70.8X16.6(20.2)mm, 200g
*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 286,000 people across 80 countries with annual sales of US$216.7 billion. To discover more, please visitwww.samsung.com.


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allhx has information on about 199,888 addresses in Edmonton, organized by street. 20 of the streets are shown below - use the links below or the search box above if the street you're looking for isn't listed.
Recently posted videos:
|Priced at $3,299,000 - 2173 37B Avenue Northwest, Edmonton, AB T6T 1R6
|Jordan, Florence E of 95 Lancaster Crescent Edmonton Alberta Unclaimed Balance 18,058 Dollars 1230
|Priced at $1,999 - 671 Silver Berry Road Northwest, Edmonton, AB T6T 0B7
|$2,295 - 302, 9316 82 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton, AB T6C 0Z6
|Lacombe Park Home for Sale! | 90 Lancaster Crescent | Presented by Conrad Bitangcol 780-271-2664
|58 Rex Place, Sturgeon County AB T0A 0K4, Canada
|10770 Winterburn Road Northwest Edmonton AB


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Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila 1,750ml LUMINOUS
Lights Up!
Free Shipping on 6 or more
Not only do you get a super-sized bottle of Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila - it lights up! Now it's a party...
Wine Enthusiast: "A stunning limited-edition añejo. The golden color and caramel scent hint at what's to come: sweet agave flavor, a lingering whisper of smoke and mellow notes of tropical fruit, Sauternes and butterscotch."
Tequila.net: "The process begins by hand selecting Agave plants that take seven to ten years to mature. The Agave is then slowly roasted for 70 hours in traditional masonry ovens and double distilled in a special alambique. This limited edition Tequila is crafted from the finest Agave and aged until it reaches the most extraordinary levels of flavor and character."
Distillery: "Color: Brilliant golden hue. Nose: Rich, sweet aromas of caramel and toffee. Taste: A silky, smooth character that coats the palate with roasted agave and vanilla flavors, sun-ripened tropical fruits, and spiced undertones. Finish: Beautiful, sweet agave-laced finish with lingering hints of oak and rich vanilla essence.
Distinguished and refined, this special Añejo is produced in small batches and reflects Don Julio González's life-long passion for making the highest quality tequila. Its sweet and complex aroma complements an equally intriguing range of flavors including hints of warm oak, pepper and cinnamon for an ultra smooth tequila with astonishing depth and character. Enjoy neat in a Tequila snifter. The Don Julio 1942 pays tribute to the year that Don Julio González began his tequila-making journey."
Size: 1,750ml; cork
Varietal: 100% pure, blue Weber agave plants
Alcohol: 40.0%
Aging: a minimum of 30 months in American white-oak barrels
Region: Jalisco, Mexico
Lights Up!
Free Shipping on 6 or more


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1,000 Days: Change a Life, Change the Future
September 22, 2010 at 9:03 pm Leave a comment
"On September 22, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.K. Deputy Prime Minister Nicholas Clegg, Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, and Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will announce a five-year public-private global alliance to contribute to the goal of reducing the unmet need for family planning by 100 million women, expand skilled birth attendance and facility-based deliveries, and increase the number of women and newborns receiving quality post-natal care by 2015."
Secretary Clinton says: "We also know enough about the science of nutrition to know these interventions have the biggest impact when they occur during the first 1,000 days of a child's existence. That begins with pregnancy and continues through a child's second birthday. Interventions after that second birthday make a difference, but often cannot undo the damage that was done because of the undernutrition during the first 1,000 days. So we can be very targeted with our investments to save and improve the greatest number of lives."
Read more:
Secretary Clinton's speech: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2010/09/147512.htm
1,000 Days: Change a Life, Change the Future website: http://www.thousanddays.org/
Entry filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: 1000 days, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, child health, developing world, development, health diplomacy, Hillary Clinton, Kevin Rudd, maternal health, Melinda Gates, Nicholas Clegg, philanthropy, women, women's development.
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Enjoy the beautiful serenity of the Sonoran Desert from this custom home lot in Continental Mountain Estates. Lot #13 is 4.72 acres with a large building envelope of 20,574 sf. Some of the best views of the Valley below. Continental Mountain Estates is a new exclusive private subdivision with 13 custom homesites, ranging from 4.37 to 7.87 acres. Escape from the ordinary and take in the stunning panoramic mountain and city light views overlooking Cave Creek, Carefree, and the Valley below. The Continental Mountain range provide the perfect backdrop for you to imagine and build your dream luxury estate. Each homesite is improved: paved streets, water, and electricity. Public Report, Community Design Guidelines, CC&Rs, and Final PLAT available.
7525 E Continental Mountain Estates Drive (unit 13)
Cul-De-Sac Lot, Mountain View(s), Adjacent to Wash, Other (See Rmks)
093 - Cave Creek Unified District
Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty.
Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed. All information should be verified by the recipient and none is guaranteed as accurate by ARMLS. ARMLS Logo indicates that a property listed by a real estate brokerage other than Launch Real Estate LLC. Copyright 2020 Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.
Listing information last updated on June 5th, 2020 at 9:38am MST.


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Fumi Koike's world
Fumi Koike's illustrations there are silence, a lot of silence. That kind you can enjoy when you wake up early, in the morning. Light comes through the windows and everyone else is sleep. Her illustrations smell of fresh brewed coffe. With no hurries, she stops at things are close to her. A pair of shoes, delicious dished, a pair of friends, some finds…Everything is beautiful at Fumi's world and inside it we can feel full of serenity. Happy Monday dears.
Via Booooooom, discover all her illustrations at her porfolio on Flickr.


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The world of music is a strange one. I'll never fully understand it to be honest. Don't get me wrong, I like a good melody, and a good piano ballad, but I cannot comprehend some of the dedication given to things I can't hear, and never will be.
All that being said, here is a list of some strange musical instruments that look pretty, well strange:
Hurdy Gurdy
Seriously, this thing is called the hurdy-gurdy. I cannot say that name without thinking of The Muppets.
The Yaybahar is indeed strange. Actually, it looks like it's completely brand new strange made up thing.I like the sounds it makes though.
There are some more on the Imgur list, as well as 3 more lists you can watch and listen to also.


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DRC home :: Events :: Feedback :: Wallpaper :: Advanced Search
CRESTVIEW, Fla. --
A former NBA power forward and two-time all-ACC basketball standout at Georgia Tech, Hammonds entered his first NHRA Pro Stock race at Englishtown (N.J.) in 1997, and qualified for his first 16-car field later that September at Reading (Pa.). Hammonds announced his retirement from the NBA in Sept. 2001, and then three weeks later, advanced to his first career final round at the NHRA Fall Nationals in Dallas. His second career final round came the following week at the ACDelco Nationals in Las Vegas.
In 2002, Hammonds qualified a career-best second at both Gainesville (Fla.), and Chicago (where he was runner-up to Bruce Allen). At the 2003 NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., Hammonds recorded a career-best speed of 202.52 mph. His best finish was in 2002 when he won 12 eliminator rounds and ended the season 14th in the points standings.
Following his sabbatical from the sport in 2003, Hammonds completed final coursework in the GM Minority Dealer Development Program, and then opened Tom Hammonds Chevrolet in Darlington, S.C. in May of 2004. He sold the dealership in December 2005 to focus full time on his Pro Stock drag racing career.
How is the new raceshop coming along?
"It's going to take a great team with everyone pulling in the same direction, long hours, and obviously, a great engine program. I read an article in the middle of the year where Allen Johnson said that if you're not making a lot of horsepower then you might as well stay home. And that's true. That's what makes this program so exciting is that we're able to have our own engine program with Jimmy Oliver, who I feel is one of the best engine builders in the country. I had some relative success when I raced before and that was without my own motor program. Now we're going to have our own engines and our own facility and I have a chance to devote 100 percent of my time to this program. We're going to be successful. I'm not saying we're going to come out and set the world on fire and win the championship in 2007, but we're going to be competitive. I believe we'll win some races and I think we'll have a successful year. My goal is to finish in the top 10. If we finish in the top 10 that would be an outstanding year for us, especially coming out the first season. As long as we can build from that and progress every year, then my ultimate objective is to win the championship, and that is a very attainable goal."
How is the engine program progressing?
Do you have some of the same equipment as before?
How soon do you think you'll be able to test?
"All I've done my whole life is play competitive sports, and when I left Pro Stock racing three years ago I couldn't wait to get back into it. But not only that, I love the class. I think it is one of the most competitive forms of motorsports in the world and it's where I grew up, watching Lee Shepherd and Warren Johnson and it's something I wanted to do when I was younger. But God blessed me to play basketball and I wanted to take that as far as I could go."
How would you rate your basketball career?
What was it like having college scouts from every major university wanting you to go to their
Besides Georgia Tech, who were some of the other colleges that recruited you?
With all the hoopla, how were you able to stay grounded?
What do you do to stay fit?
Where did your love for drag racing come from?
Bobby Cremins called you the hardest-working player he ever coached.
At 6'9", how do you fit into your 2007 Chevy Cobalt Pro Stock car?


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9th Day, Moon of the Black Star, Year of the Dragon 213
Arrival in Shieldmeet
Hmmm… well… imagine my surprise when the head of the caravan tells me that we're heading to Shieldmeet to make our fortunes performing in the city. I can only wonder what sort of additional… complications… that will introduce to the situation at hand.
Ah well. The show must go on, eh?
It took a bit for Feliks and I to get settled after the unhappy demise of our former caravan (damn the Aramethi!) but we seem to be thriving with the acrobatics, his superb fire eating performance, and my comedic, er, stagecraft.
I was amazed by the… vastness… of the city upon our arrival. Certainly unlike much of what I've seen in my short time in this world. My hope is that we will be able to immerse ourselves with ease and aplomb. And avoid running into certain folks. Better not to have any sort of unpleasantness to mar our time here.
Seems that the world is awash with new possibilities… what then, lies ahead?


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Strange as it sounds, many new parents handle general baby care just fine but when it comes to playtime those...
Strange as it sounds, many new parents handle general baby care just fine but when it comes to playtime those same parents sometimes have no clue what to do. This isn't a huge surprise. Babies aren't into the same kind of fun we are as adults (i.e. board games, reading, watching a movie, or hiking). You've got to create a playtime that's useful and fun for a baby specifically. Newborns are especially tough because they're mainly eating, sleeping, crying and pooping - but they can benefit from fun time too.
How to play with a newborn:
- Newborns seem like they're doing very little, but they're actually learning all the time about the world around them. Keep in mind that babies from the age of 0-3 months are interested in touch, audio, and scented cues but their vision is still blurry.
- If you're going to provide visual play items look for high contrast toys, such as a white and black rattle or contrasting patterns like bright polka dots on a white baby block.
- Tactile toys are good to go for young babies. Crinkling fabric soft books or dolls, knit wool rattles, smooth silky blankets, and furry stuffed toys provide different textures that are fun for baby to feel.
- Tiny bell sounds in a block or a music box can provide audio fun for your newborn as can your own voice singing or reading a story. Babies love hearing their parents' voices so talk to your newborn often, not just at playtime.
- Try an unbreakable mirror to provide fun and to stimulate your newborn's still blurry vision. Hold a child-safe mirror a few inches from your baby's face so he can see his cute little self. Most babies find mirror play really fun, even in the very early months.


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I've received two lessons in this topic in the last month: Once from a historical re-enactor at Mount Vernon, then again last night at the Navy Ball.
It must mean that I was meant to share my new-found knowledge(?)
I'm sure most folks have heard of the word "grog", and know it has some nautical meaning. In fact, grog was a vital part of The Age of Sail and naval history. The water stowed aboard ship got slimy and foul tasting after a few months at sea. It was
I've probably spent most my life resenting any and all grammar Nazis. I've always believed that the message delivered via writing was more important than the mechanics that drive them. A large part of this is due to English being my adopted language (My Hungarian is terrible). The frustrations were routed early in my English Second Language classes. When I was 6, I had to learn the language from scratch, and I never really grasped many of the basic components of good grammar. Basically, I put most
Todd Gardling walked up the hill from Sunset winding past mansions, well out of his element,
no jacket or proper coat or other good vestment
while occasional Jaguars and other foreign cars of a certain type's occupants looked on with unsettled indignation. No, or better Go ( go back)they might say if sure they could speed away behind rolled up windows.
Through his haze
he knew the Jaguar because of the nice hood ornament.
Updated April 28th, 2019 at 10:48 AM by Kevin
Ever notice how time seems to go faster as you get older? When I was a kid, summer break felt like it lasted forever. Now, the seasons just fly by. It feels like January seems to keep edging closer to itself as the years roll on. A friend of mine pointed out an interesting observation. The longer we are alive, the smaller a portion of time is represented within the whole. For instance, two months for someone who is 10 years old is 1.67% of their total life (2 months / 120 months). Using the same
After the parade, my daughter and I decided to look for a bite. We saw some food trucks the day before, and began searching the streets around The National Mall. We figured out later that because of the Cherry Blossom Festival the city had erected a bunch of no-parking zones and kicked them out. We settled for some mediocre chain sandwich and salad shop up by the White House.
My girl wanted to check-out the Renwick Gallery, which was next to the White House. First, we stopped by the WH
It always makes me feel like I'm a Tribute from some outlying District when I arrive. The flagrant opulence and power. You never see President Snow, though...
It was my second trip to Washington D.C. The first was four years ago, so see my daughter perform in the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. This time, it was to see my son perform in the same band.
First off, who designs these airline seats? The Marquis de Sade? I've seen thicker padding on prison mattresses (don't ask). I'm
Updated April 22nd, 2019 at 02:53 AM by Winston
When looking around the used book shop I could hear humming from behind a stack of shelves and when I walked around it was a young lad humming to a musical score he picked out from so many....the time I did not know but the memory will be with me...
I watched that Mr. Rogers movie last night.
It bothered me. He's like the real Mother Teresa, not the phony, like a person who just went around doing good.
I don't know what happened, the show was my era, but I never watched him as a kid. And now, as an adult ( fogey, even) I am touched.
I think as a kid (a little kid/ like four or five) I would have found him sappy, too slow, the messages, too... those two things. But now, as more... empathetic,
Updated April 21st, 2019 at 08:56 PM by Kevin
I've been saying this to several people lately. "If it ain't broke don't try to fix it!" I feel like people around me are jittery and wanting to mess things up that are perfectly fine. In terms of my own surroundings, things are floating along peacefully and productively. It's hard to avoid stepping on a bees nest, but I'm trying my best to keep to my little world and let the stream flow by or better yet flow along on it on a canoe or something.
There's got to be something
hey guys, I need a favor... 51 days before I move- My landlord is being a problem - I'm hoping that doing a go- fund me campaign will help.
Here's where I need the favor - I wrote a 1 page letter asking for help. I'd like someone to review it to make certain I avoided the whine factor among other things. I'm not a copy editor so I do what I can.
I would rather not post it publicly, as I do not want it to be seen as an advertisement. So this would be done behind the scenes.
I recently had to abandon a project lately, it broke my heart as I have poured years into it. But when I looked back to earlier parts of it, I could see that my writing had evolved and progressed to the point where I was disgusted with how badly they were written. In the end, I found that it was unsalvageable and decided to set it aside and start fresh. I'll move onto the next project and revisit this one at a later date.
Its a good feeling though.
* If you don't know what I mean by "zit"...think about it...
For a while I've been turned off by music. I used to think it has something to do with my general estrangement to society (and that's true), but it's also because when I read the lyrics, most of the time it made no sense. It's a hodge-podge of loosely connected ideas seemingly glued together by a general theme- the hook- and/or the listeners interpretation of the song.
But I also hated how vapid most
Updated April 13th, 2019 at 12:07 PM by kaminoshiyo
Woo-hoo! It's Friday at last! This marks my 5th blog of the week. It's been an interesting challenge to force myself to sit down and write, even if I am busy or uninspired. These blogs are more for me than you. I need to build up my writing muscles and get comfortable with sharing my ideas with the world. The former is easier than the latter. Generally, I tend to keep to myself and a only share with a select few close friends. As an added bonus, I'm writing in the first person, so it's a exercise
It's been about two weeks since I deleted my social media apps on my phone. I came to the realization that I am wasting a lot of my time. I'd be a hippocrate if I said I don't enjoy a broad selection of spicy memes. They're entertaining and I often used to share it with my friends that share my...unique...sense of humor. The downside is it acts as a buffer to delay me from dealing with issues in my daily life. It's like a less severe version of the phenomenon where you are overloaded with things
The Difficulty in Authorship Today. It's a reality.
In my personal opinion, writing the story, editing it and teaming with an agent are the easiest parts of the whole authorship adventure for me. Selling to a publisher, whether it is from myself or my agent is difficult, yes, but the tension and frustration really mounts with the sheer amount of promotion and marketing that must be employed to sell even a few copies or gain any reviews. We have a serious glut in
I've noticed that the older I get, the more I appreciate the simpler things in life.
A stout coffee with breakfast, loosing myself in my thoughts over a crackling back yard fire, or just simply reading outside on a nice day with a gentle breeze, are all things I enjoy more now than when I was younger. I'm sure it's largely chalked up to the impatience of youth, but it's funny how fast it creeps up. One day you trade beer for scotch, and bam, soon thereafter you'll start making old
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
I'm a huge proponent of free speech. I believe anybody can say anything they want, and no one should censor opinions. Toxic and malicious intentions will never loose their potency via censorship. In fact, I'd argue it does the opposite.
A couple weekends ago, I was hanging out with my best friend. We've known each other for a couple decades. We had an interesting conversation on free speech. Where does the fine line
I've found that some of my most productive moments are when I'm sitting down to conduct some business. Not sure why, but I seem to get a lot done when I'm on the toilet.
Maybe I should just have one installed in my office?
Well, this is a bit awkward. I'm a blog virgin. I'm not sure what content is expected, so I'll just wing it!
About a month, give or take, I decided that it's time to re-ignite my passion for writing. The first step was to clean out a junk filled spare room and set up a good creative space. I'm rocking a laptop that can run Youtube, this forum, and word, but I'm skeptical if it can run them all at the same time. It's perfect for a work computer. I get easily distracted, so isolation
After talking with the new guy at work, I had kind of an epiphany. I was training Ron in the weekend procedures, and we had some down-time. We're about the same age, and despite different backgrounds, Ron and I have a similar outlook socially and politically. So talking to him was a bit like a springboard into my own perspectives.
We were flummoxed by how many soft, pampered crybabies moan about every problem, large and small. We agreed it was a matter of perspective. For the
I know I've always been crusty and cynical, but at this point I strive to be a curmudgeon. I may not be old enough yet, but I'm getting there. So here I sit, gibing the world the middle fingered salute and laughing at the world's stupidity. However, there are some people here that my agree with me.
And get off my lawn!
I ain't been on here in so long.
I honestly haven't used a keyboard in so long it took me a few minutes to remember how to type.
I'unno if anyone particularly misses me, but I may start coming back more again.
We'll see.
I didn't even know it was a thing.
A couple days ago, there was this thing they called "Earth Hour". If you're not "aware", the deal is for all you virtue signaling peeps to turn your lights out for an hour to show "...solidarity with the planet..." or some such nonsense. At first, I was upset that no one invited me to this event, and I resolved to turn every light on to max in protest. Then, a baseball game came on, and I thankfully forgot.
I flew up to Sacramento last week on business. Never been before.
I was expecting a Merced/Fresno-like town, which is like Bakersfield if you don't know, basically as about a drab, boring, not cosmopolitan place as you can get.
I was pleasantly surprised.
I guess I should've guessed, it being the state's Capitol and all that, but I've been to the Van Nuys Courthouse which is a large fairly modern complex and that place is about as interesting as
Updated April 2nd, 2019 at 01:07 PM by Kevin
For obvious reasons the soldier is one of the most iconic and romanticized figures in, perhaps, every civilization.
The soldier is necessary to defend the realm of it's owners. The soldier is necessary to defend the people who work on that property. The soldier is one of the few places a man can go to and legally exercise the primal energy nature has instilled in him for millennia.
The iconic soldier is strong, persevering, dedicated, and follows- what I call- the philosophy


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Recognized in February 2016 as Bay News 9's Every Day Hero and in May 2014 as FoxTV's Hometown Hero, Life Amplified is a 100% volunteer spoken word and talent variety showcase began in January 2013 to benefit worthy local organizations helping our community.
Produced by the WriteOne Creative Services, it is a community-driven event showcasing talent of all ages from throughout Tampa Bay and all proceeds raised from ticket sales and raffle items are donated to the selected organization. The main requirement to be considered as a recipient of a Life Amplified event is to be a small, local, independent nonprofit or organization proven to be in need and making a positive difference in our community.
Performers range from elementary school to senior citizen and talent varies from mind-readers and child magicians to singers, dancers, comedians, acoustic musicians and spoken word poets, among others.
Life Amplified AWAKENINGS
On Saturday, January 13, 2018 (postponed from Hurricane Irma), Life Amplified celebrated its fifth anniversary with Life Amplified AWAKENINGS performed for Redefining Refuge, the human trafficking rescue that started the movement in 2012. All proceeds raised benefited the nonprofit.
Life Amplified COMMENDS
On Saturday, June 25, 2016, Life Amplified COMMENDS performed for two very special veteran's organizations – Circle of Veterans and Expunge US Veterans. All proceeds raised benefited the nonprofits.
Life Amplified MASQUERADE for CWP
On Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 11pm, Life Amplified featured our first adults-only after-hour event, Life Amplified MASQUERADE for our gracious host, Carrollwood Players Theatre. Kat Scratch Burlesque, Nine and Numb improv troupe, and female impersonators Vanna T. Scarlett and Nairobi D'Viante took to the stage for your entertainment and raised over $900 for our community theatre home. Due to popularity, MASQUERADE is now an annual event at Carrollwood Players.


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On this date
50 YEARS AGO: March 30, 1968
Several AP photo's showed Navy men serving in Vietnam receiving shipments of hard candy that were sent by the American Women's Voluntary Services in Blair County, starting last December.
25 YEARS AGO: March 30, 1993
Eight members of the Hollidaysburg Area High School band attended the Music Educators National Conference All-Eastern Orchestra, Chorus and Band in Springfield, Mass.: Emily Smeltzer, Tim Zenobia, Renetta Deremer, Autumn Ramsey, Cindy Hoover, Meredith Malone, Matt Richey and Jenna Brennan.
10 YEARS AGO: March 30, 2008
Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama, a former U.S. Senator and Illinois state senator who would be the first black president if elected, was in Altoona campaigning. He stopped to eat at Texas Hot Dogs downtown and gave an interview to the Altoona Mirror from his campaign bus, parked on 12th Avenue.
–Compiled by Tim Doyle
Today is Good Friday, March 30, the 89th day of 2018. There are 276 days left in the year. The Jewish holiday Passover begins at sunset.
Today's Highlight in History:
On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot and seriously injured outside a Washington, D.C., hotel by John W. Hinckley, Jr.; also wounded were White House press secretary James Brady, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy and a District of Columbia police officer, Thomas Delahanty.
On this date:
– In 1822, Florida became a United States territory.
– In 1842, Dr. Crawford W. Long of Jefferson, Georgia, first used ether as an anesthetic during an operation to remove a patient's neck tumor.
– In 1867, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward reached agreement with Russia to purchase the territory of Alaska for $7.2 million, a deal ridiculed by critics as "Seward's Folly."
– In 1923, the Cunard liner RMS Laconia became the first passenger ship to circle the globe as it arrived in New York.
– In 1945, during World War II, the Soviet Union invaded Austria with the goal of taking Vienna, which it accomplished two weeks later.


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