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UPDATED 11/2/10 6:38 a.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) – Illinoisans could be up late Tuesday night watching the results of the race to open the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama.
Within an hour of the opening of the polls Tuesday morning, the race between Republican Mark Kirk and Democrat Alexi Giannoulias was too close to call.
Both candidates have been crisscrossing the state looking for any edge they can get.
On Tuesday, Kirk spent the day shaking hands from Chicago to Springfield, while Giannoulias hop-scotched to Springfield and Peoria.
CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reported Monday that both candidates racked up more than 600 miles in the Illinois skies.
One respected political website calls the Kirk/Giannoulias battle the most-watched Senate race in the country, given that it's for the seat once held by the president. That is one reason both candidates are spending the day trying to reach as many voters as possible.
Voter turnout will be critical in this race. But for Kirk's part, he's been taking the glass half-full approach, and says he believes a lot of independent voters are breaking down and leaning Republican, and points out he's leading in the polls.
That depends, of course, on what poll you're looking at. Kirk's campaign is citing one that puts him ahead by four points.
Giannoulias' campaign says another poll puts the state treasurer ahead by two points. Both, though, are really statistical dead heats. Again, another reason for the massive, statewide campaign push.
Giannoulias says he's the candidate who will bring fresh ideas and a fresh perspective to Washington.
Overall, CBS News Chief Washington correspondent Bob Schieffer says to some degree, the die is cast for major Republican victories across the country Tuesday night.
LISTEN: Newradio 780 Political Editor Craig Dellimore Reports
Schieffer tells Newsradio 780 the situation doesn't look as bleak for Democrats as they did six weeks ago. But Democrats are still in trouble.
Schieffer says the indications are the Republicans will win control of the House, but fall short of taking the Senate.
He adds that even if the Republicans make big gains on Capitol Hill, they will not have clear sailing, given that voters give low approval ratings to members of Congress no matter what the party.
Schieffer says this should be an incentive for bipartisanship.
Both Giannoulias and Kirk will vote themselves in Chicago later Tuesday morning.
Green Party candidate LeAlan Jones and Libertarian Mike Labno are also on the ballot.
And voters should keep in mind they will be voting twice for U.S. Senator. One section is for a candidate to serve the six-year term that begins in January, while the other is for an unexpired term to replace sitting Sen. Roland Burris.
Burris was appointed by since-deposed Gov. Rod Blagojevich to finish Obama's unexpired term.
It is possible in the current election that one person could become Senator for about two months, and a different person for the following six years.
WBBM Newsradio 780 Political Editor Craig Dellimore contributed to this report.


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The Organic Revolution
Chemical agriculture and genetic engineering are threatening public health and leading to nutrition decline. Costs of production, which includes hybrid and genetically engieered, seeds, chemicals and irrigation, are increasing with every season pushing farmers into the debt trap and also to suicides.
Thousands of farmers have given their life in India in the last two decades because of the debt. As an insurnace against such vulnerability, Navdanya pioneered the conservtion of biodiversity in India and built a movement for the protection of small farmers through promotion of ecological farming and fair trade to ensure the healthy, diverse and safe food. The movement is now spread throughout India through our partner organisaitons and farmer's networks.
Navdanya's pioneering reearch on the hazards of chemical farming, the costs of industrial agriculture and the risks of genetic engineering have led to a paradigm shift. Our research has proved that contrary to the dominant assumptions, ecological agriculture is highly productive and is the only lasting solution to hunger and poverty.
Navdanya have so far trained above 2,00,000 men and women farmers, students, government officials, representatives of national as well as international NGO's, Voluntary organisations on biodiversity conservation and organic farming. We have also trained several large groups like Yuvacharya of Art of Living, NGO led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The group is presently working in about 5000 villages of India. Navdanya trained secretaries and Extension Officers of the Tibetan govt. in exile and now theri settlements across the country are in conversion to organic. Biodiversity based farming has changed the economic status of the member farmers across the country.
Organic agriculture is not just a source of safer, healthier, tastier food. It is an answer to rural poverty.
High cost corporate agriculture is having adverse impact on livelihood of farmers. The increasing cost of production and the falling price combined with the decline in farm credit is putting great burden on farmers, which is pushing him to suicide. Since 1997, more than 25,000 farmers from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Punjab have taken thier lives. Since then, RFSTE has been monitoring the impact of trade liberalisation policies on Indian farmer and Indian agriculture since the New Economic Policy (1991) and WTO rules of the agreement on agriculture (1995) came into force.
In celebration of non-violent organic agriculture, every year Navdanya organizes Albert Howard Memorial Lecture on 2nd October, initiated in the year 2000 to tribute to the two messiahs of sustainability and non-violence: Mahatma Gandhi and Sir Albert Howard.
Organic agriculture is saving the Earth and farmers' lives.
Navdanya: India's Organic Pioneers
Over the last two decades, Navdanya has created a silent revolution transforming biodiversity and organic farming into an anti poverty strategy for small and marginal peasants. We have also brought biodiverse and unique organic foods into consumption patterns through direct marketing of our organic products.
Navdanya's members include farmers as the producer members and consumers as consumer member, shaping the food system through their consumption choices.
Every producer member of Navdanya is a seed keeper and a water keeper committed to protecting the environment, food sovereignty and people's health. [Read the pledge] Navdanya's consumer members connect directly to the producer members through fair trade and direct marketing links.
Beginning with the year 2005, Navdanya has joined hands with Slow Food, an international good food movement, in spreading the movement for healthy, culturally diverse, high quality, nutritious and ecologically sustainable food. (See the Membership Form)
To complete the organic chain from seed-to-the-table, Navdanya has started organic outlets and cafeteria and is building a larger network.
Navdanya has connected biodiversity conservation with organic production and have challenged the standardization, uniformity and lack of quality, promoted by the industrial food system.
Please visit our organic products to see the biodiverse foods we bring to the consumer. Also visit our page on organic outlets.

subset: commoncrawl


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Chapter 13: Days of Thunder
Safe from her knowing gaze, Loki's shoulders sagged as he kneeled there at her side for a long moment. Seconds ticked by like days and he had the sensation of drowning as they piled up around him.
He'd known they would come for him – it was what he'd intended. That his siren herself would lead the way was not expected. He had not anticipated her ragtag friends allowing her presence before him, not after the ill-effects of their last meeting. He found himself equal parts jealous and relieved of her group, her family. Jealous because now having faced the stark desolation of her imminent death he could freely admit, to himself at least, that he wanted her for his own.
But the relief that his siren was so well protected was nearly staggering. With all that he had learned from her, both through visiting her dreams and the tales he'd stolen from her brother, he considered the very real reason she drew so many powerful individuals to her was because she needed the protection. That brought on a sense of unease about him – a barely bubbling fear of the possibilities that theory drew.
That she was so well protected had been the only thing that had stayed him when he'd felt her fear and panic as she'd made her way to him. As he knew she could as well, the tether connecting them had resonated within him with her growing proximity. Like a taut string pulled between them, the current of her emotions – her fear – had vibrated down the connection and registered as swiftly as if it was his own.
The clenched fist over his heart loosening with her every step in his direction suddenly clenched, choking him in foreign fear. He'd been confused for all of a minute until he recognized the tang of her emotions. It'd been her fear… Her in danger that he'd been feeling.
He'd hesitated. While he never lost his calm smirk, internally he'd felt himself reach a crossroads. Deny the truth as he might, there was no escaping it. His honeyed lies tasted flat even to his own lips. For better or worse he was bound to the girl and the only thing that soothed the sense of indignation of it all was the fact that she was tethered just as tightly to him.
Reciprocation was strangely comforting.
Before he could choose his path, she chose for him. Her fear ignited into fury, then burning relief. Moments later, he sensed her moving towards him again, new determination swelling within her.
Until there she was like some sort of avenging angel, hard determination set in her jaw as she held herself ready, poised for any move he may make. Damn it all if he hadn't felt the always present but still faint stirrings of desire, the feelings that had been kindling between them for weeks, flare into the white hot fire of lust. Her curves were hugged tightly by the smooth leather of her outfit and his hands had clenched in conscious effort to not reach out and touch… Smooth his palms over the tempting lines of her hips and over her rear, pulling her into him so he could kiss her pursed lips until they yielded into a soft pout; until she surrendered to her desire for him for he could feel it swirling inside her. They circled one another, perched on a ledge but both too stubborn to take the leap into the dark abyss of the unknown.
He would not yield – not to anyone, not even her. Even if he had wanted to give in to that sweet surrender, it was not possible. Not with the burden of his chosen path.
Not with the shadow of the Mad Titan hovering over him.
Then she had spoken of her brother and the spell had cracked. Anger gritted his teeth together as she nearly begged for him back, her heart in her eyes for all to see. She loved the hawk so certainly, unashamedly and it unearthed a foreign guilt when he thought of Thor and all his trespasses against him.
He'd shoved those feelings away, locking them down as tightly as he did his affection for the girl. Had Thor not trespassed against him as well? Had Odin not lied to him for years, grooming him for a throne he had planned to give to Thor all along, least Loki taint it with his foreign lineage?
Had the All-Father not spent nights tucking young Loki into bed telling him horror stories of the Frost Giants and Asgard's great victory over them… all the while knowing that his ill-begotten son descended from the very monsters he spoke of?
Lies – his life had been nothing but lies and in the end, he knew for certain where he stood in the eyes of his so-called family.
Forsaken. Abandoned.
And if he had to suffer that loss, he would not suffer alone.
So caught up in their verbal sparring he did not sense the creature approaching. Did not react as he should have when the parasite had taken ahold of his siren, yanking her head back before sinking her venomous fangs into that pretty little neck.
He'd been confused at the creature's words before they truly registered… Vampire. This was the vampire the brother had spoken of when Loki had pried Isabella's history from him. This was the monster intent on ending his siren.
The realization had come seconds too late. A foreign cry of fear had wrung from his throat as he at last registered the parasite's teeth buried into Isabella's neck, her life's blood pouring down the creature's throat.
Dying. His siren was dying right before his eyes.
No, the word resonated before his entire being. That was not a truth he accepted.
He acted, syphoning his magic through Gungnir and propelling the beast away from his siren. From his peripherals, he saw the creature land some distance away, injured and winded but still able to pick herself up and escape. A strong urge to follow rose, to finish the bitch who had dared harm who he considered his own, but it was Isabella herself who quelled it. Her pained scream ripped through the night, sinking claws into his heart.
Go to her, his magic thrummed within him. Save her.
He went to her willingly, vaguely aware of the chaos of people fleeing while he was distracted. Unease filled him as he took in the sight of her writhing in pain, her blood seeping from the gaping wound at her neck as her life drained away. The very sight felt profane, bringing him to his knees.
Kneeling in subjugation as he had bid others to do unto him.
Careful hands were brought to her wound and even with her injured in such a fashion, Lokie still felt the thrumming electricity of their attraction.
Freeze the venom, his magic hummed. Save her.
His face hovered over hers, lips ever so slightly grazing her supple cheek. Of all the words filling his head, all he could say was, "I have not given you leave to die yet, my siren," before he let slip the leash on his eager magic in a flash of blue light.
Yes, he finally agreed with what his magic had been trying to show him all along. Save her, he silently bid as the spell slipped from him before he could even fully form it, settling over her like an old friend her.
It followed the path of the venom searing her veins, freezing it in its wake even as it stretched out its energy beyond the venom's trail, changing her even as it saved her from being changed.
A hand reached up and caressed his cheek leaving a bloody kiss in its wake. "Loki," she breathed, the one word – his name – dripping with relieved recognition and filling him to the brim with unnamed sentiment.
Her eyes rolled as she collapsed into the embrace of blessed darkness, her hand going limp against his cheek and falling.
Quickly, he caught her hand up in his and brought it back to his face.
"Isabella," he whispered, the name a brand to his heart.
"Loki," he heard again, though this time, his name was filled with censure and the tiniest bit of envy.
He looked up, his eyes roving around the red, white and blue uniform.
"Ah, the soldier out of time," he sneered, lowering Isabella's hand with a carefulness the Captain's keen eyes took notice of.
"I'm not the one out of time," the man shot back even as his eyes focused on the bloodied body before him. Flicking his eyes back up to Loki's, he demanded, "What have you done to her?"
Loki smirked. "I believe the question is what haven't I done… and what won't I do," he taunted, rising from his knees and picking up a vaguely defensive stance in front of her.
"It doesn't have to be this way," the Captain tried to appeal. Even so, Loki watched as his stance widened, bracing himself to attack.
"Apparently it must," he noted, lifting the scepter.
Steve gritted his teeth. "Apparently," he agreed.
Loki took his shot first, the blast from his scepter deflected by that pesky shield. The Captain moved quickly, faster than Loki would've credited a mortal for, returning a hit as surely as he blocked the next.
Still, Loki was a god amongst ants and it wasn't long until he gained the upper hand, the Captain landing on his knees before him. Bringing the base of the scepter to his head, Loki sneered, "You see? In the end, you will always kneel."
"Not today," Steve hissed through gritted teeth, batting the scepter away and springing to his feet. They fought, the Captain feinting left while trying to sneak right passed Loki to Bella's eerily still form.
But Loki would not have it. Not now that he'd decided to keep his siren.
A jet arrived and a woman's voice broke through their fighting. "Surrender Loki, we have you surrounded."
Loki scoffed. "Do you now?"
She would not fire, he knew. Not while he was so close to Isabella.
Static hit the speaker system and Loki's head tilted as an unfamiliar riff of guitars and a screeching voice filled the air.
Shoot to thrill play to kill
Too many women too many pills, yeah
Shoot to thrill play to kill
I got my gun at the ready gonna fire at will…
The sudden sound was followed up by the one he knew to be called Iron Man landing beside the Captain with a loud, metal thunk.
"Go ahead," the slightly distorted voice of Tony Stark taunted. "Make a move, Reindeer Games."
The inherent threat was followed by the whirling sound of Tony's cavalry charging, ready to launch at will.
Lips twitching, Loki held his arms out to his side, his armor melting away as he took a nonthreatening step back towards Isabella.
"Not too close to her," Tony ordered, his arm raised with palm out, ready to fire.
Keeping his tongue, Loki moved ever so slightly to the side but still within arms reach of Isabella. He sat as though cowed by the pair of fighters. His eyes flicked over Isabella's still form as the two bickered before him, planning to take him to their flying fortress.
Planned to bring the wolf in sheep's clothes into their den.
A small smile tried to fight it's way to his lips but Loki smothered it, refusing to tip his hand. Isabella's complication aside, it really was all too easy.
And they wondered why he saw them as ants…
Shoulder checking the Captain as he passed him, Tony cradled Isabella's form to his chest as they boarded the jet.
"Is she alright? Was she bit? Why is she not in any pain?" Natasha fired off.
"Oh I'm fine, thanks for asking – nice to see you too," Tony returned, his eyes never leaving Bella as he laid her down across several seats.
"Now is not the time for your jokes, Stark," Steve berated, shoving Loki down into a seat and double checking his restraints as Natasha prepared to take off.
Tony ignored him. "Tell me everything that happened tonight," he returned instead, grabbing a nearby first aid kit and cracking it open.
"Well, while you were out doing who knows what, we received intel about Loki being here. Bella insisted on coming – she wanted to find Clint. But it wasn't just Loki we found."
Not looking away from the already knitted wound at her neck, Tony prompted, "Vampires?" as he used some gauze to mop up some of her blood.
"Yes," Steve sighed, some of the fight leaving him. "She took out one with that gun of yours."
Tony's lips twitched. "Of course she did," he murmured proudly, his hand gently sweeping her bangs aside.
"But there were more," Steve countered. "I got held up as soon as she found Loki and Victoria… Well, she saw her chance and she took it."
"Bitten?" Tony asked.
Steve ran a hand throw his hair. "Yes – or at least we thought. We heard it all over the radio, heard her screaming, but then it stopped," he broke off as he moved closer to Tony. Ticking his eyes to an impassive Loki who sat staring blank-faced at Bella, Steve finished, "He did something with that magic staff of his. We don't know what it was but it stopped her screaming."
"Did he now?" Tony turned and followed Steve's gaze, studying their silent captive.
Loki struck Tony as a man with a good sized chip on his shoulder and as he watched the god stare intently at Hell's Bells, he decided not to underestimate the seemingly docile captive.
"I don't like this," Steve murmured beside him. "Him sitting there quietly – the way he looks at her? It's like he wants to be here."
Tony rather agreed but was loathe to do so aloud.
"You there – Prancer? Or is it Vixen? Can't be Rudolph since you don't look so bright," Tony asked, moving to stand in front of Bella and block Loki's gaze from her. "What is it exactly that you've done to our girl here?"
A shiver tickled his spine as Loki met his eyes, a tingle of unease that he never would've owned up to.
Loki remained silent.
"Hello? Anyone home? Are you pouting because no one would let you join in the reindeer games?"
"Don't antagonize him," Steve warned. "The guy packs quite a wallop."
"Hm-m," Tony hummed, backing away from Loki and fixing Steve with a measuring look. "Looks like we've got the drop on him for now. Still, you pretty spry for an old geezer – what's the secret? Yoga? Pillates?"
"Keep your secret then," Tony turned away again, going back to Bella and running a hand over her forehead. He frowned. "She's cold – freezing."
As if in response, Bella shivered and groaned, though remained unconscious. "Cold," she said in a thin whisper.
"Hell's Bells," Tony said, running a soothing hand through her hair. "Come on, girl. Stop sleeping on the job."
"Cold," she said again, only this time she followed it up with a soft whisper of Loki's name.
Tony caught Steve's eyes and in unison, they both turned to their prisoner.
Loki heeded them not, his every attention once again focused on Isabella.
Obsessed, Tony thought. He had the look of a religious zealot gazing upon their idle. Obsessed, worshipful…
That last bit was the worst and for the first time in, well, just about ever – Tony hoped he was wrong. Maybe he was reading Loki incorrectly and there were no bonds of significant attachment between him and his young friend.
Shaking the disturbing thoughts, he asked Steve, "And Barton?"
A long moment of silence before Steve slowly shook his head.
From the cockpit, Natasha supplied, her voice more subdued than usual, "I spotted him on a nearby rooftop. Part of the reason I kept to the air was his penchant for high perches… But before I could do anything, Victoria was there. Then Bella was screaming. I know she would have preferred I go after him, but I couldn't. Not with her in danger. Clint wouldn't want to be saved at her expense."
The last bit was fairly whispered and while Tony wished he had been there to help, a small part of him was nearly thankful for the reprieve – if one could call his little side visit to Volterra that. But if the events that had unfolded here could have someone like Romanoff whispering in such a manner… Well, Tony would say a big 'no fucking thank you' to that.
"And you, Stark?" Steve questioned, a hint of accusation behind it. "Where the hell were you while Bella was almost murdered?"
Gritting his teeth. "I don't care for your tone, Captain."
"And I don't care for you," Steve returned. "Were you out at some party while someone you claim to care for needed your help – boozing it up, smiling and signing autographs?"
"What's the matter, Rogers? Upset that your invitation got 'lost' in the mail?" Tony shot back, complete with the requisite air quotes around the word lost.
"So you admit it, then?"
Steve had moved to hover over Tony, puffed up in righteous indignation. Shoving him back some, Tony barked, "Ease up there, boy scout. If by party you mean paying a visit to those stodgy vampires in Volterra who have it out for our girl, then yes – you've got it right."
"Volterra?" Steve frowned, slumping back.
"That's right, Dudley Do Right. You weren't the only one tracking down Icky Vicky – good job of that, by the way. Did you really miss when she hightailed it to Italy to warn the cavalry? I didn't have a chance to greet the so-called kings but I was able to take out half of Vicky's friends on the way here. So tell me more about how I didn't help…"
"Guys, really? Is this really the time for a pissing contest?" Natasha looked back at them, raising a brow as she gave a pointed glance to Bella and then to Loki.
Whatever their response would've been was interrupted by a bright flash of lightning echoed by a deep rumble of thunder.
Where all attempts to engage Loki had failed, it was this that broke his steady attention away from Bella. He blinked, eyes moving up to stare at the roof of the jet.
"What's the matter? Afraid of a little lightning?" Steve asked.
But Tony knew the myths, had read the files S.H.E.I.L.D. attempted to keep from seeing the light of day… and suspected that someone was about to crash their party.
His musings were broken off by Loki's sarcastic answer, "I'm not overly fond of what follows it."
The quip was followed by a thud to the roof, lightning flickering around and brightening up the inside of the jet like a strobe light.
An unmistakable sound of footsteps sounded until with a token protesting whine, the lift gate in the back was pried down and a man entered the jet.
"Holy shit, it's Fabio!" Tony said, even as he moved to guard Bella from this new being.
The man had long blonde hair flapping in the wind and a red cape he wore surprisingly well even if it brought to mind Shakespeare in the park. His armor was vaguely reminiscent of Loki's which confirmed that this new being was likely here for their prisoner.
Friend or foe? Now that was the question.
Moving with single-minded focus, the man marched to Loki, fisting the front of his clothes and yanking him to stand. The safety harness strapping Loki in was shred like silly string under the force of this man's strength.
The two shared a look, the tall blonde glaring at Loki reprovingly as Loki's lips twitched in goading.
Gritting his teeth, the stranger raised him arm and Tony belatedly noticed the impressive hammer he wielded. Twirling his wrist, he spun the hammer about and it made a faint humming sound like that of a spinning whistle.
And then they were gone – taking flight out the back.
As Tony tried to wrap his mind around the concept of this guy just up and flying away, Bella shot awake with a mindless cry of pain. He and Steve rushed to her side as one of her hands clawed at her chest.
"Loki," she screamed in pain, nails biting into her skin and drawing blood.
"Shit," Tony muttered in realization. "They're still fucking connected."
It was the only thing that made sense. He'd been told of their connection, but hadn't thought it to be this bad.
Or maybe it hadn't been and whatever ju-ju Loki had done with his magic wand had bound Bella tighter to him…
Either way, it didn't matter. Bells was in pain and he knew what he could do to stop it.
His helmet slid down in place and he took sure, steady steps to the still open lift.
"Are you sure that's a good idea? And who was that guy – a friendly?" Steve asked, coming up beside him.
"Doesn't matter – if he kills Loki or sets him free, the tesseract will still be lost. Not to mention what it will do to our girl."
Steve nodded and Tony had the sudden thought that the guy must've finally discovered his balls if he was willing to play it fast and loose now. Then the Captain ruined the vaguely complimentary thought by adding, "We need a plan of attack."
Tony shook his head, disappointed. For a moment there, he thought the Captain was worthy of the cool kids' table.
"I have a plan," Tony scoffed, then spat out his next word scathingly, "Attack."
Then he leapt out of the jet.
"Track 'em down, Jarvis," he said. "Loki has a prior engagement with Miss Swan and Point Break is not invited."
"Very well, sir," Jarvis said in his dulcet tones.
And Tony was off, hell bent on recapturing the war criminal Loki but not for the good of S.H.E.I.L.D. or some misplaced sense of patriotism.
But for the good of Isabella Swan.
(A/N): Oh yeah – welcome Thor to the party!
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and Loki's POV, as well as the surprise bit of Tony POV at the end there… I did break off an extra segment of this chapter to use for the start of next so it is a little shorter than usual. Still, it flows better this way and chapter 14 will now feature a new POV. I really hope you'll like it as I found it to be… electrifying… teehee.
As always, love hearing from you all so go ahead and review if you have time. Keep in mind, though, that I can't really answer your questions directly if you don't sign in… and I may not be able to answer them at all for the sake of not giving away the entire plot. Be sure to follow me on facebook (link on the left-hand menu bar) as I post teasers and also address questions there too 🙂
Gungnir – the name of Odin's staff which is refashioned into Loki's scepter, the crown of which is the Mind Stone/Gem.
Tesseract – the Space Stone/Gem


text: Concern is growing over revelations that voting machines in a significant number of states could be linked to a company tied directly to billionaire leftist George Soros and his personal quest to create a nationless, borderless global state. The U.K.-based Smartmatic company posted a flow-chart on its website that it had provided voting machines for 16 states, including important battleground states like Florida and Arizona. Smartmatic Chairman Mark Malloch-Brown is a former U.N. official and sits on the board of Soros' Open Society Foundations. Since the story first broke, the flow-chart has disappeared from Smartmatic's website, raising further questions about the real status of the Soros-tied voting equipment and whether it is truly being deployed in U.S. elections. According to a spokesperson for the National Association of Secretaries of State, Smartmatic is not on a list of federally certified providers for election systems and officials in several states' have contested that their equipment came from Smartmatic. Why, then, had Smartmatic bragged about providing over 50,000 voting machines for U.S. elections? Last week it was discovered that George Soros owns voting machines in sixteen states across America, and holy shit there is more than 50,000 of them in the United States! This is major voting fraud on epic levels, because how is a person who controls any presidential candidate allowed to have even one voting machine that Americans will use on November 8th? If someone would investigate George Soros for this voting fraud, George Soros could go to prison on 50,000 plus counts of felony voter fraud...Which could carry about 150,000 years in prison. First of all Americans should be curious how these are even placed at the voting booths in the first place...Oh wait it's an easy guess, because where these are located are likely in buildings controlled by Democrats. If concerns are growing however, will we see multiple state agencies start looking into the George Soros voting fraud?!


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Vibram Five Fingers Fury! Couple runs the Great Urban race in Phoenix in KSO VFFs!
By Justin on Feb 20, 2010 | In User Stories | Leave a comment »
Vibram Five Fingers KSO fan Jenn sent in the following VFF user story:
Hello from Arizona,
My husband and I competed in the Great Urban Race here in Phoenix this past weekend. We both proudly sported our KSO throughout the race. As a matter of fact our team name was FiveFinger Fury!! The Great Urban Race is a scavenger hunt type event to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The attached picture is us sitting on slide - one of the clues for the event. We had a great time and of course the VFF's were a big hit!
Great team name and way to sport your Vibram Five Fingers! It's always good to see smiling couples wearing VFFs.
Glad to hear the FiveFinger Fury had a great time racing and spreading the VFF word!


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Article content
A $200-million donation for medical research at the University of Calgary is the largest gift in the institute's history and one of the largest single investments in medical research to a Canadian university.
International businessman and University of Calgary alumnus Geoffrey Cumming donated $100 million for medical research with the aim of giving back to a cause that will "benefit all of humanity."
The Alberta government also announced a matching grant of $100 million, benefiting several specific areas of research, including neurology and mental health, inflammation and infectious disease, as well as chronic illness.
"What an amazing, emotional day, one that we will never forget," said U of C president Elizabeth Cannon.
"This marks a new chapter in medical research on our campus, in our province and across the country."
Cumming said the gift was his idea, which he decided to give to his alma mater and a community he credits for much of his success.
Cumming graduated at the top of his undergraduate class in honours economics at the U of C years ago, then went on to obtain a master of science degree in economics at the London School of Economics and further studies at the University of Alberta.
He has since worked extensively overseas and in Alberta in oil and gas as well as investment banking, developing a number of different companies.
He dedicated his gift to his mother, who was present Tuesday, and his father, who died seven years ago and was a physician.
"My parents are such an important part of my success. I was blessed to have them," he told the crowd of 200 at the U of C Health and Research Innovation Centre.
"I've always had an interest in medicine, and I know that U of C is the place where everything is happening research wise.
"I knew that if I gave here, things would happen."
Cumming, who is also a member of the U of C's public policy board, said he's spent time inside U of C medical research labs and was inspired.
"You can find incredibly talented individuals. Bright and driven, they are capable of making important advances into diseases and disorders where we currently have only limited understanding.
"People all over the world will live a better life and reach their full potential if we can make medical advances here today."
Cumming also hopes his gift will benefit research not just in the short term, but for decades to come.
The U of C's faculty of medicine will now be named the Cumming School of Medicine.
Dave Hancock, premier of Alberta, explained the province has budgeted to make a contribution they feel will elevate Alberta's position as a global leader in health research.
"Our government is proud to be a part of this initiative that builds on the innovative work throughout Campus Alberta."
PhD medical research student Nabeela Nathoo said a gift this size will has a huge benefit to researchers now and in decades to come.
"This is so inspiring. Mr. Cumming has a vision that he is sharing with all of us and we want to propel it forward."
Nathoo is investigating magnetic resonance imaging to better understand the progression of multiple sclerosis.
tap here to see other videos from our team.


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Silky Fleece Lamb's Ears
Stachys byzantina 'Silky Fleece'
Silky Fleece Lamb's Ears foliage
(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)
Plant Height: 3 inches
Flower Height: 10 inches
Spacing: 8 inches
Hardiness Zone: 4b
This dwarf variety forms a dense low carpet of soft and fuzzy silver-green leaves bearing upright spikes of lavender flowers in early summer; clip spent blooms to tidy up for rest of season; drought tolerant once established; evergreen in mild areas
Ornamental Features
Silky Fleece Lamb's Ears's attractive small tomentose oval leaves emerge silver in spring, turning grayish green in color the rest of the year. It has masses of beautiful spikes of lavender flowers rising above the foliage in early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.
Landscape Attributes
Silky Fleece Lamb's Ears is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.
This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting bees to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Spreading
Silky Fleece Lamb's Ears is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Mass Planting
- Border Edging
- General Garden Use
- Groundcover
- Container Planting
Planting & Growing
Silky Fleece Lamb's Ears will grow to be only 3 inches tall at maturity extending to 10 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 10 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 8 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.
This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to dry locations, and dislikes excessive moisture. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Silky Fleece Lamb's Ears is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its spreading habit of growth, it is ideally suited for use as a 'spiller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the edges where it can spill gracefully over the pot. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
Plants Unlimited
629 Commercial Street (Rt. 1)
(PO Box 374)
Rockport, ME 04856


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Q&A with Jonathan Lee Recruitment: UK referendum on leaving the EU and the impact on the automotive industry of a restriction of skilled staff movement
The British Prime Minister, David Cameron, has promised a referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union by 2017 (after the next general election). The Confederation of British Industry has argued that staying in the EU is overwhelmingly favourable for business; a view shared by the PM. Despite this, the issue has divided business leaders and spelled uncertainty for investors in UK-based global industries at a time when economic recovery and growth is crucial. In this interview, Matthew Beecham spoke with Jon Blaze, Head of Recruitment Operations at Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading specialist engineering recruitment consultancy. He gave an insight as to the impact that this change could have on the automotive jobs market.
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Cosmit (Alessandro Russotti)
With events, launches, and exhibitions in hundreds of locations around town it is hard not to be overwhelmed—even though the Salone spans about a week, you only ever see about a tenth of what's offered. Many start at Massimiliano Fuksas's gargantuan trade fair on the northwestern outskirts of town (pictured here). It is not for the fainthearted: the big brands show their new launched in 345,000 square meters of covered exhibition space and along a central walkway that is more than one kilometer.
Giovanna Dunmall
The Triennale Design Museum was exhibiting a Korean crafts show called "Constancy and Change." These bedspreads by Kang Keum-sung combine centuries-old techniques with modern patterns and colors. The little pillows below would make perfect travel companions for flights and train travel.
Giovanna Dunmall
These diaphanous jackets, coats, and robes—also part of the Korean crafts show—are based on traditional hanbok. They are crafted by artisan Suh Young-hee out of silk gauze and raw silk.
Giovanna Dunmall
Next up was Lasvit, the historic Bohemian glass manufacturer. This lamp by French designer Arik Levy is called Jar RGB. It's beautiful but also clever: Each set of hanging bottles has a white glass jar at its center, a light bulb inside illuminates the whole piece.
Giovanna Dunmall
Lasvit also exhibited this cloud-like chandelier by British born, Hong Kong-based designer Michael Young, who was inspired by Chinese paper-folding techniques.
Ivy Photography
Young was also showing some lights, shelving and a desk (in another part of town entirely) for a brand new Hong Kong brand called EOQ. The first collections explore the possibilities for recycled aluminium. The desk pictured is made from one piece of the metal.
Giovanna Dunmall
This ultra-functional range of clothing is a collaboration between sportswear giant Adidas and British designer Tom Dixon. It includes padded parkas that convert into sleeping bags, duffle bags that convert into suitcases, and a five-in-one design (pictured here) that converts into a coat, a jacket, a pair of trousers, a skirt, and a pair of shorts.
The Adidas by Tom Dixon collection was displayed in slightly ominous militaristic fashion amid the old steam trains of the National Museum of Science and Technology.
Stellar Works
The collections of cross-cultural brand Stellar Works were also on display at MOST. The brand is co-owned by French and Japanese companies, it has a Danish creative director, and a factory in Shanghai—and the pieces show influences from all these countries. The Lunar Collection, pictured, was designed by a Danish studio called Space and is a blend of Nordic functionality and Chinese detailing and decorative elements. (I love that screen!)
Giovanna Dunmall
These gold-wrapped cabins at MOST contained replicas of a new low-cost, upscale design hotel opening in Gatwick Airport's South Terminal this September (there's already a BLOC hotel in Birmingham).
BLOC Hotels
The 245 rooms at BLOC Gatwick are going to be tiny, but they will nevertheless feature Missoni-designed Bolon carpets from Sweden, lighting by Italian brand Artemide, bathrooms by Armani/Roca, and LED interactive televisions from Samsung.
Bloc Hotels
Each room will also have a king-sized bed, a monsoon shower, and free Wi-Fi. Best of all: One night will cost a mere £60 and you are just steps away from airport check-in, a great solution for those pesky 6 a.m. flights.
One of my favouite exhibitions in Milan this year was by Nichetto = Nendo, the collaboration between prolific designers Luca Nichetto and Oki Sato of Japanese design studio Nendo. They created a range of really tactile and appealing products—a sofa, a stool, lamps, a shelf and a rug, among others—by sending each other drawings, Skyping and emailing for several weeks.
They based the process on a traditional form of collaborative Japanese poetry called Tan-ka where one person writes the first three lines of a poem and sends it to another who writes the last two. These are all prototypes for now but at least four of the products are definitely going into production.
Luca Nichetto and Oki Sato
Baccarat also had a collection on view in Milan. Some of the pieces were awe-inspiring, such as this slightly tilting chandelier called Nervous Zénith by Danish designer Louise Campbell. It has a holder for a wax candle at the top, in case the electricity cuts out.
Giovanna Dunmall
Other pieces at the Baccarat installation took fine crystal to newer places, as in the case of this chandelier made with crystal as well as bamboo branches. It's designed by the Brazilian Campana brothers.
The design of the exhibition was pretty atmospheric and stunning. This is Spanish designer Jaime Hayon's new Candy Light collection hanging from the ceiling and his Baccarat Zoo below.
Giovanna Dunmall
Year after year Spazio Rossana Orlandi, an eclectic space for art and design in a sprawling tie factory, remains a must-see during the furniture fair. These titanium glasses by SUS gallery in Japan were one of the first things I saw when I walked in—they can keep liquids hot or cold for ten hours (that ice in the cup had been there for four).
Giovanna Dunmall
Every year, Thomas Eyck commissions different designers to make a series of products using specific materials and artisan skills. The results are always very original. This leather lunch set and briefcase by Dick van Hoff is part of a bigger collection featuring a leather armchair and a slightly uncomfortable-looking daybed.
Every year for the Salone, Mattiazzi collaborates with a new designer on their own line of chairs and furniture. In the past they have worked with Konstantin Grcic, the Bouroullec brothers, and Sam Hecht of Industrial Facility. This year it was British industrial designer Jasper Morrison. This is his Fionda folding chair with a canvas seat that is inspired by camping furniture.
Giovanna Dunmall
The ex-industrial warehouses and spaces in the Lambrate district of Milan have become a burgeoning new design district. There are usually exhibitions by established designers but above all plenty of group shows by various European design schools.
Giovanna Dunmall
This geometric cardboard lunchbox with six compartments was made by students from Rotterdam's Piet Zwart Institute.
More Arts and Design:
A Tour of Northern Europe's Hot New Architecture
Oscar Niemeyer's Iconic Architecture


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At the first reading of the Memphis Employment Non-Discrimination Ordinance (ENDO) on August 10, the Memphis City Council displayed an unexpected bias against the proposed legislation that is rarely demonstrated on other matters brought before the Council.
City ordinances on first and second reading are routinely bundled into a consent agenda that appears at the end of the regular agenda during City Council meetings. The Council reviews each item in the consent agenda and then votes to approve or disapprove all of the items in bulk. The Council waits for the third reading to debate ordinances and opens the floor for public comment from citizens for input.
But that didn't happen at the first reading. Councilwoman Barbara Swearengen Ware objected to the inclusion of the ENDO and threatened to vote against the entire consent agenda if it was not voted on separately.
After the ENDO was knocked out of the consent agenda, Councilman Bill Morrison took advantage of the situation to introduce a substitute ordinance that gutted the inclusive ENDO. His substitute ordinance contained no provisions protecting employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. His substitute proposed protections based on non-merit factors that are already explicitly defined in current municipal, state, and federal law.
Before the moment that Morrison introduced his substitute ordinance, no one on the Council or the public had been given an opportunity to review the ordinance. He acted in secret and broke a campaign pledge he made when he ran for office to support lgbt-inclusive workplace protections.
We were lucky that a large majority on the Council defeated the substitute ordinance and subsequently adopted the ENDO on it's first reading with seven out of thirteen votes.
Some Council members and public citizens have claimed there is no bias or discrimination in City Government against lgbt people. But the first reading of the ENDO demonstrates that the bias starts at the top. The lgbt community and City employees were not given the respect and consideration by the City Council normally afforded to others in our community. These preemptive measures were deployed to silence debate and throw lgbt people under the bus.
The second reading of the ENDO by the City Council will take place at 3:30 pm on Tuesday, August 24 at 125 North Main Street. Memphians must hold their City Council accountable for its behavior and bias. The Council need only to look for proof of discrimination and bias of lgbt citizens on the dais they share together every other Tuesday to realize the need for LGBT-inclusive workplace protections. For the sake of our city and the high hopes of Mayor Wharton in marketing Memphis as a City of Choice for big business, job seekers and entrepreneurs, let's hope the Council will learn from its mistakes and vote to define our city as an inclusive and welcoming community.
Make plans today to attend the second reading.


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So the rumors are true, the one and only BLiSS is coming to the Mother City.
On the 27th of July, Aurora – SA presents BLiSS LIVE at the The Side Show.
Full details to be released tomorrow, HERE.
Earlybird – R80
Thereafter – R100
At the door – R150
Who is BLiSS?
BLiSS, AKA: Yonatan Marcow, was born in 1981 in a small village in Northern Israel.
At 16, with a thorough background of rock n roll guitar, he discovered electronic dance music.
His friend, Roy Engel (aka Painkiller), introduced him to the psytrance world.
Photo: Funjoya , Eilat
Why do we love him?
"BLiSS is a musician that never slips into the current music fashion slide and stays loyal to himself while exploring new and unheard territories."
And so true that is. BLiSS is one of the most loved international psy DJs, and is signed with
Nutek Records. His combination of musical knowledge and production skills help him to produce fresh tracks that make crowds go crazy.
Photo: Satya Festival
After the success of his first album "The Rhythmus Gene," in 2005, he began touring the world and performing all over the psy-trance map. In 2008 he released a second mind-blower of an album
"The Looney Bin."
His latest album release: Build-up.
BLiSS has collaborated with A-list DJs along the way such as Psysex, Atomic-Pulse, Dynamic, CPU, Michle Adamson, Loud and, most notably, Painkiller. Together, the psy geniuses have created a new project called the A-team. March 2008 saw the release of their master-blaster debut: "Fast Forward".
And they've been dropping killer beats ever since.
Listen to the A-team on Soundcloud.
For the few who don't know of this psy maestro, take a listen to some of his latest tracks here.
Watch Bliss tearing it up in Mexico.
… and Brazil.
Find BLiSS on Soundcloud.


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Every year in Canada, Engineering and Geoscience are celebrated throughout the month of March. This year is no exception and each province and territory are hosting events.
Continue reading "March is National Engineering and Geoscience Month"
Geekery of various kinds
Every year in Canada, Engineering and Geoscience are celebrated throughout the month of March. This year is no exception and each province and territory are hosting events.
Continue reading "March is National Engineering and Geoscience Month"
Our board games for couples reviews would hardly be complete if we overlooked the Kosmos series of 2 player games. This time around, we explore Lost Cities, an "oldie but goodie" from renowned designer Reiner Knizia. There's a board game now, but we've only ever played the card game.
Our series of board games for couples reviews continues with Quantum, a dice-based abstract strategy game. Despite being a 2-4 player game, and recommended for 4 players, it is often cited as a decent 2 player game.
As part of Family Literacy Day, I had a chance to read to my daughter in her classroom this morning, which was a nice treat. For us, reading is a nice go-to family activity that we all enjoy.
We've been through a lot of picture books. Below are some of our favourites.
The month that boasts Thanksgiving (in Canada) and Halloween is synonymous with pumpkins. They show up in pie on many Thanksgiving dinner tables and later as Jack-o-Lanterns decorating many houses, but there are other recipes and activities with which to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
Within a year of moving to Vancouver, it became evident that our car was spending most of its days parked and completely unused. My 13 km (each way) work commute turned out to be faster by my bike most of the time, and a lot less stressful. Lacey walked or biked the 3 km to City Hall. We were mostly using the car on weekends and for the occasional out-0f-town vacation. Without knowing the term, we were living "car-lite".
Our goal over the next few posts is to document our family's carless journey. This post will serve as background and we'll followup with lots of actual data and analysis.
A couple of months ago I decided enough was enough. The closet in our girls' bedroom just was not working for them (or us for that matter). After pointing out the problem to our girls, they seemed quite happy to help make an improvement. Again, this closet transformation is not a "pat us on the back" post, but encouragement to those DIY-selfers.


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In my experience as a medium, spirits and guides are not gloom and doom tellers, unless there is something that is supposed to be relayed to someone and prevented.I have had this come up in a few reading but it is rare. When I start reading for someone over a long period of time, their guides get very comfortable with relaying different messages my seeker should know.
I was working with a client in law enforcement and the one day they had asked me if they should get a motorcycle and make an investment. As soon as they told me of this, I was immediately shown an accident and a particular crossroads which I saw landmarks around. The accident was not my client's fault but they were hit on the side and thrown from their motorcycle. I described all of the details to my client and the particular crossroads resonated with them and was a common road they took daily.
After the reading, they decided to hold off on buying a motorcycle. About 6 months later, they came back to me and told me they were in an accident at this crossroads, but because they were driving a car and not a motorcycle they survived with minor injuries. The client never came back to me after this because the reading disturbed them, and understandingly so.
I had another vision that came through a dream about my mother-in-law that was over 2,400 miles away from me. I was shown them driving their car and having a caravan come into their lane and hit them head on. I was able to describe the country road to them, the time of day, and how this occurred. Here she had been taking a short cut to get home from work on this two-lane road. Because of the information I had told them they were being cautious and alert of other drivers. Days later they were on that road and a caravan drove into their lane. They were able to pull over off to the side of the road before they could be hit.
I've also had other cases personally when my guides have told me to not go on a certain trip and the car I would have been sitting in was hit and had two fatalities. When there is an occurrence that is life threatening and supposed to be prevented, spirits and guides will go out of their way to deliver their message. The message can come through a dream, other people, or signs. If you are supposed to receive the message you will.
I do want to state that I conduct distance readings only and not in-person readings which I prefer. The reason for this, is I am only merely reading your energy and whatever is shown to me clairvoyantly via your guides or spirits. I'm not reading body language or asking questions. A reading is just the sitter asking me a question without telling me any details at all and me reading the energy on the issue.
If a reader is telling you that you are cursed or their is a negative energy inflicting you and you need to pay for further treatment, please be mindful of this and trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right to you or if your reading feels "scary" then you have the power to stop it right away and seek another's counsel. As a rule of thumb, you should always feel empowered during your readings and not disabled.
Question originally asked on Quora


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- Description
If you have been using Native Instruments' Komplete 8 to 10 and wish to update to Komplete 11 Ultimate, this is the package for you!
Native Instruments' Komplete 11 Ultimate package is the most powerful version of the monster stage and studio production suite to date. Featuring 87 industry-leading products with over 18,000 pro-grade sounds and over 500GB of sublime instruments and effects. The Ultimate package offers an almost 90% discount when compared to the cost of purchasing the single products separately. The selection of instruments and effects covers the a huge range of musical genres and styles, giving musicians, composers, sound designers and live performers everything you need for professional results.
The best bundle for professionals
There are full versions of Native's flagship products offering a huge selection of toys to play with that will enhance your production and performance capabilities. Kontakt takes care of producing professional quality samples; Reaktor delivers modular synthesis with a vast amount of programming capabilities; and the Guitar Rig ensures that your every guitar-related need is covered. The ever reliable Battery 4, with its lightning-fast workflow, powerful engine and easy-to-navigate browser, focuses on enabling you create drum tracks that are as full of energy, as you'd expect from a real-life kit.
Latest additions to the Komplete family
The latest version of Komplete is loaded with a host of new products, including (but not limited to): Flesh sampler, new Indian world instruments, authentic strummed acoustic guitars, classical instruments and new powerful studio effects. Absolutely no style has been left without attention so that you can produce without limits.
Intuitive Interface
The meticulous team at Native have poured over every aspect of Komplete 11 Ultimate, guaranteeing that the interface is natural to work with as one could hope for. Whether you're a Komplete aficionado, or exploring its wonderful universe for the first time, everyone can very quickly become familiar with the intricacies of the suite.
Works with all major DAWs
Komplete 11 Ultimate is compatible with all of the top Digital Audio Workstations including Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton Live and more. This means you can be ready to go as soon as you're installed and start incorporating the amazing sounds and effects of Komplete into your work for results that are out of this world.
- Specification
Manufacturer Native Instruments General Requirements Requires 12 GB free disc space / 320 GB for complete installation, USB 2.0 port. Specific requirements vary depending on the individual program. The applications alone require 12 GB free disk space, the libraries require 308 GB on top = 320 GB free disk space in total. Note that the library size is 500 GB if uncompressed, but several libraries are compressed using advanced KONTAKT Lossless Sample Compression. Model Komplete 11 Ultimate Additional Information This product runs in demo mode after installation and must be activated before full functionality is available. All products included within a single edition of Komplete 11 ULTIMATE are part of one user license and can only be used as a single entity. A maximum of three installations on three machines are allowed as long as only one installation is used at any given time. The individual products cannot be resold separately. Komplete 11 ULTIMATE includes the GUITAR RIG PRO software but not the RIG KONTROL hardware controller. Supported Interfaces Stand-alone VST Audio Units AAX Native (Pro Tools 10)+ RTAS ASIO CoreAudio WASAPI NEW PRODUCTS (compared to version 9) REAKTOR 6; FORM; FLESH; INDIA; UNA CORDA; STRUMMED ACOUSTIC; STRING ENSEMBLE; BRASS SOLO; BRASS ENSEMBLE; WOODWIND SOLO; WOODWIND ENSEMBLE; EMOTIVE STRINGS; REPLIKA XT.
- Video
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Introduction: Another Heart Rate Monitor
This is a heart rate monitor. The theory of plethysmography is all over the net. In brief the blood vessels pulsate with heart beating and we can see that with infrared light.
Teacher Notes
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Add a Teacher Note to share how you incorporated it into your lesson.
Step 1:
The circuit consist DC biased transimpedance converter and amplifier. The biasing remove the ambient light noises and keeps the photodiode in photovoltaic mode all the time. Notice that the polarity of the diode is not important. The integrator will compensate under or over the reference. Of course, the signal will be inverted or not.
Step 2:
The board is through hole with socked for the operational amplifier. I checked with TL062 and LM324. It works in either cases. The DC biasing of the TIA can have another function - the absorbtion of the RED or INFRARED light. This can be used for oxidation measurement because the oxidized and not oxidized blood absorb the red and infrared with some relation. I left a place in the board for red LED. The circuit can be expanded with microcontroller. I do not intend to do that, but if someone wants, please fell free to contact me. I could be useful if you want the board plane or future signal processing.
Step 3:
I used sound card scope from:
Thanks, Christian, you have build nice scope. If you intend to use sound card oscilloscope take in mind that the microphone input is band limited from 300Hz to 8kHz. It is not enough for this kind of signal, so you have to use line input.
Wow, 8 beats for 6 seconds after 3 cups of coffee at my age is not too bad :)
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can you send me the circuit of photoplethysmography with arduino mega using tft 1.8 SPI 128*160, thankx.


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Instant Dinner Party Spread
Have to bring a killer host gift to a dinner party? Planning a holiday meal? Don't stress! This delicious package contains absolutely all the fixin's you need for a sweet and savory spread - cheese, butter, crackers, charcuterie, jam, and a cheese knife. Just add friends and a bottle of bubbly and hunker down for a sweet and savory feast! Collection includes:
Moses Sleeper - A crowd-pleasing, buttery bloomy rind cheese that is perfect baked in puff pastry or schmeared on crackers.
Ploughgate Creamery Salted Cultured Butter - So luscious and complex we eat it like a wedge of cheese! This is SERIOUSLY delicious butter - made by hand by Marisa Mauro in Fayston, Vermont.
Casella's Prosciutto - American-made prosciutto crafted from Heritage breed pigs. Succulent, nutty, sweet and salty.
Fine Cheese Company Olive Oil and Sea Salt Crackers - Toasty, crisp crackers with a hint of peppery, olive-y sweetness.
Tart Cherry and White Tea Jam - made by Quince and Apple, some of our favorite preserve makers in the US! Strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, and is a perfect pairing with buttery cheese like Moses Sleeper.
Branded Saxelby Cheesemongers cheese knife - This travel-size cheese knife comes from Boska of Holland, this versatile cheese cutting tool comes etched with the Saxelby name on the blade. Blade measures 3".
Collection includes over 1lb of cheese, 8oz butter, 3oz prosciutto, crackers, jam, and knife. Serves up to 12 people.
Please note that if any product(s) are out of stock we will substitute with something similar and equally delicious!
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Davenport, Iowa (March 2017) – Gilda's Club and CCKMA are excited to announce the following recipients, awarded $1,000 each, of the Cancer Kickin' Scholarship:
- Cameron Christiansen, Muscatine, Iowa
- Karly Lent, Bettendorf, Iowa
- Katelyn McChesney, Rock Island, Ill.
- Sebastian Mireles, Muscatine, Iowa
Two of the receiving students are cancer survivors. The other two were impacted by a grandparent and family friend.
"Cancer has changed me; not for bad, but for good," Mireles, a junior at Muscatine High School, wrote. "It's been a blessing in disguise. It has made me stronger and I have had the opportunity to see how this disease changes people. I have seen the support of family, friends, and complete strangers in my time of need."
A panel of celebrity judges – including Greg Dwyer, Denise Hnytka, John Marx and 2016 Miss Illinois Jaryn Franklin – scored 37 applicants on categories of Community/School Involvement, References and Essays to determine the winners.
"It was brave of the students to put their stories to paper to share with us," said Kelly Hendershot, Gilda's Club Program Manager. "Children and teens impacted by cancer experience a wide variety of emotions that can last well into adulthood. In addition to being a financial resource, we hope the essay writing was also a good exercise for the students in giving a voice to their experience."
Recipients will be recognized on April 8, 2017 at QC Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street, Bettendorf) during the 10th Annual CCKMA Event. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
"This community has shown so much love and support for my late wife and her organization, CCKMA, that it just feels good to be able to give back to this community in such a positive way," said Todd DeWilfond. "I'd like to congratulate the winners and thank all the applicants for sharing their stories with us."
About Gilda's Club
Free of charge, Gilda's Club Quad Cities provides support, education and hope to all people affected by cancer. As a Cancer Support Community affiliate, we are part of the largest employer of psychosocial oncology mental health professionals in the United States. Our global network brings the highest quality cancer support to the millions of people touched by cancer.
About CCKMA
Angie DeWilfond, founder of CCKMA, was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer in 2007. The wife and mother of two young kids decided not to let Cancer Kick Her A..! In 2008, she held a small get together with friends and the support was so overwhelming that an annual fundraising event was held each year after that for much needed research funds. This annual event brings cancer survivors along with their family and friends to celebrate life. It is also an evening of tribute to those we have lost to cancer.
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Big highlight: Dolly's entrance at the top of Act 2 looked so cool! (photos used with permission of parents). See the fat baker on your right? No idea who he is.
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Careers at Superior Medical Ltd.
Thank you for your interest in joining our team!
Superior Medical is always looking for new talent. We have a diverse team across Canada in offices from coast-to-coast. Are you an enthusiastic and driven individual? We would love to have you work for us!
We also believe in equal opportunities as an employer. Superior Medical welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
If you are interested in joining our team, please email your resume and a brief summary about yourself at firstname.lastname@example.com
We look forward to hearing from you!


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What is Digital? It's an evolving method of delivering messages to consumers, like the transition from rabbit ears to cable or AM to FM radio, digital is the new delivery platform. It opens up new opportunities that engage consumers by connecting with them on their terms… On their computers, mobile devices, social platforms like Facebook and YouTube which can all be personalized and localized with your message. The media mix looks different today because of media consumption, how and where customers consume content… And it's not about the circus coming to town with companies yelling at their customer, in fact it's more about community building, sharing relevant stories and content that connects brands with people.
A key benefit of digital media are analytics and tracking data, giving the ability to put a laser focused tip to a strategy and allows for on-the-fly adjustments to messaging and channels, all based on performance. We share our best practice results with our clients.
We understand the importance of digital media, and strive to connect a digital component to every campaign we plan, as we have found campaigns have an exponential effect when linked across multiple platforms… it's a dance and Elton can bring you to the party!


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How important are guitar strings to your tone? The answer is…Very! Read on to find out why.
We all know that a great proportion of our individual guitar tone is in our fingers, coupled with the tonewoods used to build the instrument, the structure and material of the bridge system and in the case of electric instruments the components, cables and amplification too. Basically, anything that vibrates affects the tone, it's that simple! It's little wonder then that with all those big choices to make we often overlook one of the cheapest, simplest components of that vibrating chain. Our strings.
What do we really know about their construction and how that can affect our playing and tone?
More than a feeling
If it feels good, then you feel good. If you feel good, then potentially you'll play better. The feel of the strings is such a personal thing, like neck shape and thickness, or scale length and body shape. Some designs just match us, others don't. Some of you like to wrestle each note into submission, whilst others prefer not to feel the strings at all. Therefore, what better place to start our enquiry, than with the materials they're made of.
String Materials
Obviously, differing materials resonate in different ways and therefore affect the tone of the notes being played. Nickel plating can often mellow the tone of a string and in the case of wound strings, the string noise can be reduced too. This could potentially have an affect on their sustain too. Stainless steel sets are tonally bright and tend to be louder too, making them the Historic choice of Rock and Metal players over the years. Pure Nickel strings are great for Jazz and Blues as their tone is often warmer than Stainless steel, however, Nickel plated steel strings are a happy medium and have therefore become the most popular material set for us guitar slingers. Then there's….
String Winding
In addition to the string material there are also three common windings: Roundwound, Flatwound, and Halfwound. Winding being the process of using a fine diameter material to wrap around the E, A and D strings of a standard 6 string axe.
Roundwound is the most typical method of string winding. A core of steel wire is wrapped in a wire of finer diameter.
AS in the image above, Flatwound strings are the "go to" set type for jazzers! The core of these strings are wrapped with flat wire, making them smooth to the touch and very mellow on the ear. Nice!
Halfwound strings, are basically heavier versions of their roundwound cousins. The gauge of the wound material is thicker and they are constructed to feel flat. Their benefits are a bright tone with a smooth, comfortable feel.
To Coat Or Not To Coat?
Many manufacturers produce strings with various coatings on, sometimes for feel, some for tone, others to preserve the length of the life of the string. Sweat from your fingers can dramatically decrease the life of your strings so if you're a player who sweats a lot and you don't fancy wiping the strings after each performance, then try a few sets with various protective coatings…it might improve your tone, as well as your bank balance!
String Gauges
There is much debate about which gauge of string has "the best tone", or are "the best for Blues/Metal" etc. Personally I think all players should try a variety of sets before settling on one in particular. Striking a balance between what feels right and what sounds right to you is the key. The table above is a guide to generally accepted terms for string diameter and what they equate to on the packaging of the majority of manufacturers. I have found that most brand new guitars ship with 9s, by the way.
The Future?
Electric guitar String manufacture has come a long way since the 1950s and it seems there are still some boundaries that are being pushed in terms of strength, life-span and tone. Take D'Addarrio's brand new NYXL sets for instance. Not content with bringing us balanced tension sets (a whole other subject!) they've now produced what they're calling "the undisputed strongest guitar string".
Here are the specs as described by D'Addario themselves.
Staying in Tune
"No string has ever offered this level of stability. Torture tests prove NYXLs stay in tune 131% better. So you don't waste time tuning, and can start playing sooner."
…And stretch!
"At two whole steps higher, NYXL strings are still at less than 75% of their breaking point. In the same setting, standard strings are at 90% of their full capacity."
Talking Tone
"The reformulated nickel-plated steel alloy boosts amplitude in the 1 kHz to 3.5 kHz range, modernizing overall tone, without ever losing that incredible nickel-plated steel feel you love."
D'Addario have also stated that their NYXL strings are "indisputably the strongest strings ever made" due to their proprietary wire drawing process. Pretty amazing claims, but having played the BETA set earlier this year I can tell you that they feel great to me …and that brings me back around neatly to my first point.
If they feel good, you'll play better!
Lee is the Dawsons in-house Guitar presenter for all guitar related videos. He is also the UK demonstrator for Roland & BOSS, performing all over the UK.


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Last night at my twins' bedtime, I tried to renew my annual tradition of inspiring fear in my children of not getting any presents from Santa if they don't go to sleep and stay asleep. After the questions that ensued, I realized that I could no longer use my mother's scare tactics – "the elves are outside the window watching." … Read More
Cirque du Today: Highs and Lows
Today I actually dared to bring two four-year-olds with me to do some clothes shopping for myself at Target – something I obviously rarely do, as evidenced by my threadbare clothing complete with knee and elbow patches. While I am doing 180s in front of the mirror, trying to get the full visual of my sizable ass in skinny jeans, Jagger and … Read More
Cirque du Today: Grocery Clerks or Fortunetellers?
I'm pretty sure if I were in a master's program for psychology, I would propose a thesis in which I got a job as a grocery store clerk, in order to perform well-rounded analyses of each person that came through my lane, solely based on their appearances and purchases. Hypothetically speaking, one of my analyses could go something like this: … Read More
Cirque du Today: The Elephant in the Room
I pride myself on volunteering at my son's elementary school once a week. It's something I always wanted my own mom to do for me, or at the very least, show up with freshly baked cupcakes for my class on my birthday. But with four young siblings at home, I was lucky when she sent me to school with a slab … Read More
Cirque du Today: Female Acrobats Need Not Apply
My 6-yr-old son, Mineological, and his daddy take great pleasure in watching ABC's "Wipeout," wherein people succumb to an ass-beating by way of a crazy obstacle course to win $50K. Especially entertaining, apparently, are segments in which guys take sterilizing shots to the family jewels. Anywho. The other night, Todd wasn't home, so I was forced to watch Wipeout alone with M. The unspoken rule … Read More
Cirque du Today: Send in the Pants-less Clown
On the comical side of a recent torrential downpour, the boys and I braved the elements to get some last-minute, hunker-down supplies from the store. While pulling the full cart behind me through the parking lot, I held two little twin hands with one of my own, while Sam flanked the little ones, the wind whipping, and rain pouring on us sideways, … Read More
Cirque du Today: Welcome to the Potty
Who can deny it? Peeing IS a big responsibility. Not just for babies. For anybody. Ever had a UTI? Shit's not fun. Anywho, to commemorate the occasion of his two-year-old brother peeing on the potty, my five-year-old focused the best of his artistry on a congratulatory card. (It would be helpful to add here that the two-year-old currently sits down to pee … Read More
Cirque du Today: Direct Me to the Restroom?
I have always been a bathroom person. When I go to someone else's house for the first time, and they are giving me a tour, honestly, what I'm only interested in seeing is their bathrooms. My own bathrooms were uber important to me when my husband and I built our house several years ago. I think I stood up in a rage, started … Read More
Cirque du Today: Mommy's Hall of Name-Calling Horrors
You truly don't understand why your mother gave you all those unending, blathering guilt trips, which you endured with rolling eyes and exasperated sighs, until a child that you carried in your womb for 9 months (and made you gain 40 lbs that went straight to your ass), and whose hungry or sick cries you've lovingly answered at 3 in the morning a million … Read More


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Gyedu-Blay Ambolley & His Sekondi Band - Ghana - Europe Premiere
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, known in Ghana as the Simigwahene ("The King of Simigwa-Highlife"), is sometimes also referred to as the 'James Brown of Ghana.` And not without reason. With his deep and groovy Afrofunk sound, that he called Simigwa-do, he exploded on the Ghanaian music scene in 1973. His concoction of Highlife, Funk, Jazz, Soul and proto-rap was and still is exhilarating.
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley started in the sixties in the Uhuru Dance Band, and learned music from outstanding artists like Ebo Taylor, with whom he founded The Apagya Show Band in 1974. Now, after more than 40 years and 30 albums, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is a living legend, too. He figures on numerous trendy re-issues, from obscure ones like Afrodisiac to hip ones like Soundway and Analog Africa. Analog Africa recently released a 12" vinyl of Ambolley's August 2018 containing four Afrofunk tracks by Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, inlcuding his highly Afrospiritual track "The Message."
Long awaited, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley will now tour Europe for the first time with his own, very powerful group: the Sekondi Band. They've been playing together for over seven years and released the album Ketan on Agogo Records last year. If you like deep groovy Afrofunk and Highlife, you shouldn't miss Gyedy-Blay Ambolley & His Sekondi Band.
Line up
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley – saxophone and vocals
Isaac Krobreni Karikari – keyboards
Charles Oduro Donkor – bass
Dominic Quarchie – guitar
Peter Mensah Kadesh – drums
Justice Nii Adjiri Williams – congas/percussions
Fru Assah Atanga – saxophone
Isaac Kwaku Ansong –trumpe


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Thursday, December 09, 2010
Gnawing Pangs of Aloneness
In the frenetic days of youth and in the hectic daily rushes of work days, those of us harassed by their stubborn cares, pined in silence for some needed solitude – if only to allocate little precious time for ourselves and our cumbersome thoughts. And in hindsight, countless precious times spent in aloneness during those trying times were welcomed opportunities, especially because during those times extracting oneself from social contacts and responsibilities was such a daunting task, because for one the strong pressures from societal forces always seemed able to pivot better for ownership of our time and attention. Or work responsibilities could not be easily delegated or ignored all together. Those who could afford or were so inclined, simply dropped everything literally, packed up, and were on their merry ways doing whatever fancied them but all in search for elusive solitude.
I am sure we each have our little treasure caches of stories accumulated while in search for our solace.
But then the other side of this is self-imposed or contracted solitude that we all must bear in the pursuit of goals, or simply as one of the requirements in life when certain things have to be done and cannot be either delegated, postponed, or shunted aside. At times we find ourselves taking solo trips and living by ourselves, even in big empty houses, because we have to. Though not necessarily sought for, solitude had to be trudged through to accomplish goals considered worthy of the sacrifice.
It is in this second light that I now confess that this self-imposed aloneness can be achingly lonesome and produces a sense of emptiness that can tug harshly at feelings and emotions. So that even in the midst of a throbbing city, within reach of the warm presence of other family members, a listless soul can still feel cavernous emptiness likened to the vast expanse of the universe.
An eerie feeling that emptiness is not necessarily of matter or creation, that it worms deeper into such finite realities and transcends beyond what one can touch, feel, or think about. An emptiness that extends beyond but just the same is and can be felt by us while in sojourn here on this earth.
And this we can confirm because when we do get back to familiar territory and warm familial ties it is relieved only for a time, and then in the ripeness of time, it harkens back and ushers in the vacant existence that we thought had been driven to its end.
But no, it stubbornly adheres since like all fleeting emotions which come and go unexpectedly, such emptiness partakes of a similar nature, continually haranguing our listlessness or inconstancy of mind at times least expected.
Life, you see, is one big bowl of impermanency. Nothing stays as it is. One continually plans to get to a place, only to plan again how to get out of that place.
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I am so happy with how this turned out!
Looking for quick tip Tuesday? click HERE!and be entered to win a Cricut Cartridge!
I love how this turned out too! So cute and I don't even like spiders:)
Okay...I actually HATE spiders! But this is so stinkin' cute!ReplyDelete
Really cuteReplyDelete
Wow that is awesomes, so creative!
Tori xx
I love that. It is soooooo cute.. I love the paper. I like to eye's. Your a "busybee" today making cards. Love what you do. TFS!
SOOOO cute =) I ain't afraid of this spider for sure =)
Hugs from Lilli =)
l.a.nikolaisen at gmail dot com
What a neat way to add such a creepy critter. The flower is just too precious!
Fantastic job,
Great job! I just love Mini Monsters and this spider cut is so cute! Super work!ReplyDelete
This is so unique and clever. The hearts in the background is so special and that istsy bitsy pink spider is too cute.ReplyDelete
Oh my I love love this.ReplyDelete
What a pretty little spider!!ReplyDelete
Love it! I would have never thought to put a spider and the word love on the same card, but it works and is super cute!
This is really cute!ReplyDelete
Nooooooo dont go clean your house! We want more creations! LOL! This is DARLING! Seriusly Carri, how do you create all these beauties! You are so unique and creatively inspiring - love it!ReplyDelete
How super cute!!! Love it!ReplyDelete
How cute! It's a little love bug!! Great papers!ReplyDelete
This is really cute and I am loving that background paper with all of the hearts.ReplyDelete
Who needs a clean house when you're making such cute things? I read a quote once that said "A clean house is a sure sign of a broken computer!" *LOL* Love this!!!ReplyDelete
oh my this is a winner in my book. really creative and so cute. just love it. hugsReplyDelete
This is fantastic! What a great idea! I love those eyes on the spider too.ReplyDelete
So cute and clever! Love the eyes and the punches! Thanks for playing at Paper Playtime!
Ha this has got to be one of the cutest love cards ever!!! That spider is sooooo cute I just love her peepers!!!! Thanks for sharing.
Hugs Bonnie
This is tooo cute!! I love your darling little spider! I say... let the house go.. you are seriously on a crafting roll! Keep it going!!
Barb :)
What a fabulous card! I think it's "love"ly, that spider is so cute, and the heart paper is amazing. Thanks for playing with us this week at Paper Playtime :)
Ok I love this card it is relly cute
Glad you found me I'll be following you now can you please add an email for update Thanks
Carri, you can even make a spider cute!! lolReplyDelete
Carri, OMG this is so CUTE love the tiny heard and that spider is just to cute!! Love it all!!
Adorable! Oh my goodness this is too sweet! Great job!ReplyDelete
Really love your project it's adorable...
Love your creative thinking
The Scrapbooking Queen


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- Templates
- Business
- Professions
- General
- File Formats
Being an artist means that you'd have to showcase your works to people. Once people begin to notice them, you can then begin to make a name for yourself. But you'd have to start with writing a proposal templates first. A proposal that'll let you display your pieces of wonderful art.
Writing an art proposal is basically the same as writing a project proposal. You'd have to include details on it that'll explain things to the person, organization, or institution you'll be sending it to. It's a pretty interesting task that you'll find both challenging and rewarding once it is done.
An art proposal lets an artist display his works in a museum, an organization, or an event for a limited amount of time. An art proposal is as detailed as an investment proposal template, with factors integrated into them. If you'd like to have additional reference, you can check a proposal example to help you out. You should also keep these pointers in mind:
Knowing what to include in the proposal was simply the first step that one must take. The next step now goes to actually making the proposal. Although an art proposal is still a proposal at its basic concept, it still differs from other types, like a cost proposal template and sponsorship proposal templates. To write one, you'd need to
Creating art proposals is undeniably an intricate task. It's a task that requires a lot of time and research, and it is definitely something that shouldn't be rushed. It should be edited and revised as much as possible, until it reaches its full potential.
That's why there are a couple of tips and methods that were developed to help people make effective art proposals. Here are some of the tips that you must always consider:
Also, your closing statement must focus on the positive side of the project. Highlight how it will be an impact to a lot of people and how excited you are for it.


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Enterprise Point of Sale Solutions
Appetize is a modern point of sale, inventory and analytics company transforming how restaurants and quick serve chains manage and process guest transactions. Its revenue-generating platform includes fixed terminals, handheld devices for tableside ordering and self-serve kiosks that seamlessly sync with a dynamic and easy to use Kitchen Display System. Advanced analytics, inventory management and ingredient-level reporting give powerful insights into how efficiently your restaurant is running. For more information, please visit www.appetizeapp.com.
Appetize, the modern Point of Sale (POS) and enterprise management platform, today announced strong results from its self-service kiosk technology seeing up to 40% increase in order size across its customer base. Appetize is at the forefront of a growing industry shift toward self-service kiosks and has recently expanded its kiosk reach with new customers Louisiana State University (LSU), AT&T Center, home of the San Antonio Spurs, and SSA (Service Systems Associates), foodservice provider for the Cincinnati Museum Center and other attractions.
Appetize's Interact self-service platform offers embedded upsell functionality and data shows that consumers are 47% more likely to add an item on a kiosk than when asked to do so by a cashier. The company is seeing consistent results from kiosks across multiple industries, including attractions, education campuses, restaurants, and sports and entertainment facilities. Some recent data shows customers are experiencing both an increase in order size and items per order, including:
"We have been working with Appetize since 2017 and recently deployed kiosks to enhance our food service and offer a more convenient and frictionless experience for our students and guests," said Matthew LaBorde, Assistant AD from LSU. "Appetize made it extremely easy for us to deploy a self-service platform and shift toward the future of ordering at athletic events."
"Our customers are focused on two things: guest experience and financial performance. The Appetize Interact platform offers a modern and dynamic digital experience for guests while driving increased share of wallet for the business," said Max Roper, Co-founder and CEO at Appetize. "In the past six months, over 45% of our deployments have included self-service kiosks, and we expect this trend to continue as businesses require more automation and consumers desire a more frictionless experience."
Designed to enhance the guest experience and increase staff productivity, Appetize's cloud-based self-service platform, Interact, gives businesses an intuitive checkout interface with custom menu ordering and branding for both Quick Serve and Retail environments. The platform also includes a back of house management suite, real-time connectivity for fulfillment and cashless payment experience, and more.


text: Our latest beer is Cyprus Pils. Cyprus Pils is an exceptional quality (ultra-end quality) beer, designed exclusively for the Cypriot taste and climatic environment. Prime Microbrewery considering the difficult storage conditions for any beer consumed in Cyprus, designed the "Cyprus Pils" to maintain its quality and flavor characteristics, a fact that was proved in the "Meiningers International Craft Beer Awards 2016" ."Cyprus Pils" is available in 330ml bottles and 30 litre kegs.


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President Barack Obama announced on April 4, 2011, that he will run for re-election as the Democratic candidate for president, but that doesn't mean Democrats will take a year off from the caucuses. The Democratic Party of Iowa and Obama's campaign view the Iowa caucuses as an opportunity to organize and energize voters for the president's re-election campaign.
The 2012 Iowa Democratic caucuses, which will take place in every precinct across the state, are scheduled to be conducted simultaneously with the Republican caucuses. On caucus night, in addition to selecting a 2012 presidential nominee, the process begins to select Iowans to attend the Democratic National Convention as delegates.
The Iowa Democratic Party and the Obama campaign have announced additional staff to prepare for the caucuses and have pledged to run an aggressive organizing and messaging campaign.
Although this will be a noncompetitive caucus for Democrats, party leaders said in a statement that they consider it a responsibility of both Democrats and Republicans in the first-in-the-nation caucus state to become involved, engage in debate and focus attention on the issues important to Iowans.


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Welcome to Our Service Department
At Bruce Titus Port Orchard Ford, our highly qualified technicians are here to provide exceptional service in a timely manner. From oil changes to transmission replacements, we are dedicated to maintaining top tier customer service, for both new and pre-owned car buyers! Allow our staff to demonstrate our commitment to excellence.
Why come to our dealership for service?
- We have genuine expertise when it comes to your vehicle, which means your service or maintenance will be performed promptly, and done right
- We have Genuine Ford and Motorcraft Parts made specifically for your vehicle
- Our technicians are factory trained specialists on Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles
- We offer competitive prices on everything your vehicle needs


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Thankfully we made it back safe and sound from a very quick trip up north. The drive was long, but very beautiful as all the leaves are changing and the air has that fall freshness. What I loved the most was watching the landscape gradually change, from evergreens to corn fields, grassy hills, and finally back to the familiar. Although I have to say, one week makes a big difference and I can definitely see fall here in the South. The temperatures are cooling down and everything is covered with a fresh dusting of leaves (that are nowhere near as colorful as those up north).
Coming back after being away and getting back into 'the swing of things' always seems like such a difficult thing to do, until it's done. This is especially difficult since I had to say such a quick "hello" and "goodbye" to both my parents (particularly my Mom). But we are all excited for the upcoming holidays and more opportunities to spend time with each other. So, with renewed excitement I am happy to return to helping you all again!
Ahora empezamos de nuevo…


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The stands were packed last night for the inaugural Runaway event in Ponoka, Alberta. 153 barrel racers each paid $750 to run last night with the high hopes of winning $20,000. Here's how it all panned out.
1st 1D – Jenny Traub on LL Invidious 17.157 $20,000
2nd 1D – Brooke Swathfield on Jay 17.203 $10,000
3rd 1D – Bobbie Goodwin on Sonny 17.223 $2000
4th 1D – Bailee Switzer on SRS Juscashin Crime 17.285$2000
5th 1D – Marci Laye on Unleashed Ta Speed 17.382
1st 2D – Rene LeClerq 17.861 $20,000
2nd 2D – Kaylea Argent on SR Paradise Ta Fame 17.865 $10,000
3rd 2D – Sierra Booth on Perktaparadise 17.877$2000
4th 2D – Lacey Stanton on Fast Movin Guy 17.890$2000
5th 2D – Tanya McConnell on Flying Hulk 17.920
1st 3D – Laciee Shock on Altered Jewel 18.559 $20,000
2nd 3D – Kayley Anderson on Hes Major Perfect 18.598 $10,000
3rd 3D – Janeen Rivard on Rooney 18.599$2000
4th 3D – Coulter Gould on Firstclassagouti 18.643$2000
5th 3D – Amara Duxbury on Unleashed To Alaska 18.675
Results courtesy RodeoGo.com
Some names are the slot owner, and someone else ran for them.
Will be making changes as they become available
The event host, Laicee Shock also announced she would be hosting a 2D event called The Breeze in 2017.
Check out Lipstick And Cowboy Boots on Facebook for the winning run!
Congrats to all the event winners!


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January 15, 2018
Test Results :: White (Reichenbach)
Reichenbach White (RL1200) is an opaque white glass that loses its opacity when used in thin layers. It's also a colour with compatibility challenges, because I did not manage in any of my testing to find a single colour that it does not crack with. The batch of it that I had is not compatible with Effetre Black, CiM Tuxedo, Double Helix Zephyr, or any of the other colours I've tried it with in these test beads. It's not very interesting reaction-wise apart from some pretty fuming with silver, and it's easily four times the price of Effetre White. You can make up your own mind, but I'll pass on more.
I did make and photograph these test beads, though, so I may as well show them to you.
Reducing this colour does not change it.
Like Effetre White and CiM Peace, Reichenbach White fumes a pretty colour of yellow when used with silver.
It's not evident in the picture, but the bead on the right, where I encased the silvered Reichenbach White, cracked. It cracked along the mandrel line, so at first I thought maybe it was a viscosity problem between the white and the clear layer. But then, a couple of weeks after I made these beads (and after my glass review article had been submitted to Glass Bead Evolution), I noticed that every single bead I made with this White and at least one other colour had cracked. To be fair, I didn't try it with very many colours -- just the ones seen here plus some beads I made with CiM Tuxedo and Effetre Black -- but every single one of the beads where Reichenbach White was not all by itself had tiny hair-thin cracks surrounding the other colour details.
The bead where I used silver with this colour but did not encase it was a survivor and is actually sort of attractive, so if you have any of this colour lying around and want to use it up, single-coloured beads with silver seems like a good, safe way to do it.
Silver glass reduced on this colour fumes the White a soft yellow. My TerraNova2 frit didn't do much on top of it. Neither of these test results matter much in light of the compatibility issues.
Reichenbach White is not very reactive, and there is really nothing to say about it here from that perspective, however you can see how much it loses its opacity in thin layers when you look at how it behaved over Tuxedo.
Posted by Melanie Graham Labels: Achromatics, Reichenbach, White
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It's been a couple of days since Patch 4.0.1 was implemented and we've all had an interesting time trying out our new talents and working out all the new changes and bugs which followed. With missing enchants, sporadic enemy name plates and glytched vertical corpses, just to name a few.
Dec 7 is still a fair way away but if you haven't felt the earthquakes yet you must have been hibernating. Coolidge and I decided to check out Uldum yesterday. No change could be seen on our side of the gate though.
So what changes have you enjoyed or not appreciated so far? I must say I'm quite enjoying my smite healing build. I'm also loving the fact that all my mounts are now 310% speed meaning I can go back to my Sunreaver Dragonhawk. Oh and my wings are just a welcome and long awaited bonus :D