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Hi bento pals! Sunday here was quite chilly--we awoke to a dusting of snow and decided it would be a good day for a drive for a cozy, warming meal in an interesting place. Our destination: Warrenton, a cute town about one hour west of us in the direction of the Shenandoah Mountains.
The main attraction: Smokie Joe's Cafe, a restaurant we'd read rave reviews of. We were not disappointed! A high point of the visit was enjoying a relaxed conversation with proprietor Joe Carter, touching on food, travel, history and the importance following one's creative vision--in the kitchen and in life.
Mr. Carter is retired from a career in research and development and now pursues his lifelong passion for cooking full time. Growing up on a farm in Warrenton where everything was cooked with loving care, Joe learned the classics of southern home cooking and now enjoys sharing his own interpretation of dishes including barbecue, fried fish, hush puppies and a menu of other favorites.
Careful spicing and seasoning, never using shortcuts and a light hand with salt is his culinary philosophy. It shined through in the wonderful dishes we enjoyed, including hands down the best hushpuppies we've ever had (perfectly crisp, ethereally light, with a slight sweetness and pure corn flavor) and excellent, deeply flavored ribs.
Joe explained that every aspect of the food and its presentation is subject to the same creative rigour he brought to his former career--down to inventing a special serving container for the hush puppies and the sweet butter they arrive with!
He makes everything from scratch and all food is cooked to order, including singularly good homemade sausage with sage. It had a lingering, subtle delectableness...a true
"Slow Food" regional specialty:
Celery leaves is one of the seasoning secrets of the excellent coleslaw, perfectly crisp and refreshing:
Jamison's combination platter (his photo of it, below) featured amazing ribs and fried chicken. Difficult to describe the lip-smacking mellow sweet savor of the ribs, but the house made BBQ sauce (we brought bottles of it home) offered some hints: its special blend includes white vinegar, hickory smoked habanero peppers, mustard, molasses, curry, honey and garlic. Quite delicious!
my pulled pork sandwich:
savory collards
We left with very full bellies and a deeper understanding of the complexities of a town where black and white history is inseparably intertwined in ways both bitter and sweet. Looking forward to visiting again to try the homemade biscuits and sausage gravy and continue the conversation with our new friend!
The building where Smokie Joe's is located has always been African-American owned, and hosts an active Mason's Lodge meeting of long standing:
We visited on a Sunday and found many shops lining Warrenton's quaint Old Town to be closed--great excuse to return on an upcoming Saturday! Here's one place whose window captured my interest:
Happily, just outside of the historic part of town Fox Antiques was open, offering an eclectic selection of interesting housewares from bygone decades.
Some fun items I spied: a kawaii apron...
spring fresh embroidered linens
vintage spice containers
and a pretty casserole in vibrant colors
Today's bento contains edible souvenirs of our visit, most especially one of the magic hushpuppies:
A crisp piece of fried chicken, baby lettuce greens, sweet corn, yummy coleslaw from Smokie Joe's, a golden tomato, blackberries, preserved peach and a mini vanilla cupcake also for lunch.
Have a great week and let's keep the bento4japan spirit going!
(my auction items can be seen here)


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When is SELECT INTO not minimally logged?
If you had asked me that question a month ago i would have said "Never, it is always minimally logged and this behaviour is documented in BOL'. But now I know better…
Recently i have been working on an application migration from SQL 2008 R2 –> SQL 2014 and we found a huge drop in performance for some SELECT INTO statements. I traced the issue down to the fact the operation was being fully logged and then we engaged Microsoft to work out why. Read more…
The anatomy of a process update – Part 2
In part 1 of this 2 part post I shared an overview of the procedure to optimise process update. I will now walk through the optimisation process on one of our multi terabyte systems.
Part 1 shows a visualisation of process update and i have captured timings in profiler for all the stages shown and I now present my starting point for tuning below.
We have 3 stages that can be optimised.
- Dimension build – This comes in at 92 seconds which is acceptable so i won't be discussing this further but you can refer to part 1 for tuning options.
- Partition index processing – Almost 25 minutes is spent here so tuning is required.
- Commits – Almost 7 agonising minutes are spent waiting for the phase 2 commit with the server lock in place.
The Anatomy of a process update – Part 1
I have been working on optimising the process update of one of our multi terabyte systems and this 2 part post will break down the optimisation process and share with you some very interesting results.
In part 1 I will share an overview of the procedure to optimise process update and in part 2 I will apply this to our system and share some startling discoveries.
Internally process update is a complex operation and can be difficult to describe so to facilitate explanation I have created the visualisation shown below of the process which also helps to show the single threaded and multithreaded execution paths.
SSAS Multithreaded sync with Windows 2008 R2
We have been happily running some of our systems on Wndows 2003 and have had an upgrade to W2K8 R2 on the list for quite some time. The upgrade has now completed and we can start taking advantage of some of the new features which is the reason for this post.
For a long time we have used the sample Robocopy script from the SQLCat team to synchronize some of our larger SSAS databases. If your wondering what i mean by large, around 5 TB with a good few thousand partitions.
The script works like a dream but at this scale you soon find that the copy process starts to chug when it hits the fact data as this fantastic multi threaded script now becomes single threaded again as the bulk of the data being transferred is fact data.
SQL Server 2008 uses half the CPU's
I recently got my hands on a couple of 4 socket servers with Intel E7-4870's (10 cores per cpu) and with hyper threading enabled that gave me 80 logical CPU's.
The server has Windows 2008 R2 SP1 along with SQL 2008 (Currently we can not deploy SQL 2008 R2 for the application being hosted).
When SQL Server started I noticed only 2 NUMA nodes were configured and 40 logical cores where there should have been 4 NUMA nodes and 80 logical cores (see below).
SSAS 2008 R2 Operations Guide
What can i say but WOO HOO! The SSAS 2008 R2 Operations Guide has been published so download your copy now!
This document should be considered essential reading and contains over 100 pages of high quality information for configuring, testing and operating an Analysis Services server.
Finally i consider this document so important i have made a rare exception and gone back and added it to my Deployment Essentials post.
SSAS Native v .net Provider
Recently I was investigating why a new server which is in its parallel running phase was taking significantly longer to process the daily data than the server its due to replace.
The server has SQL & SSAS installed so the problem was not likely to be in the network transfer as its using shared memory. As i dug around the SQL dmv's i noticed in sys.dm_exec_connections that the SSAS connection had a packet size of 8000 bytes instead of the usual 4096 bytes and from there i found that the datasource had been configured with the wrong provider but what was really interesting and the point of the blog is the performance difference which i have shown below.
|Rows per second
|.Net SqlClient Data Provide
|SQL Server Native Client 10
That's right! For a single partition, the native client was able to process 240,000 rows per second where as the .net client maxes out at 30,000. That means the SQL Native Client is 800% faster! I knew that the .net providers were slower but I had never gathered any metrics before. If your looking after a SSAS server I would definitely recommend taking a few minutes to check which provider is configured in the datasource.
Another point to consider is you may have a custom solution that is doing your ETL and utilising the .net providers. This would also be impacted by the .net provider throughput limits and a switch over to SSIS could dramatically improve your ETL.

subset: commoncrawl


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SCC is very grateful to those SCCians and friends who donated, volunteered and extended help thru distributing of relief goods and medical mission to the people of Malasila, Biangan...
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SCC Administration building, SCC Peace Park and CBA building and the laying of the Corner Stone for the 3-storey High School laboratory and library building.
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The Office of the Research and Extension (ORE) and Center for Media and the Arts (CMA) led the initial radio programming planning for SCC's Shine Radio ministry. #Look!
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Posted on February 12, 2019
Congratulations to the following SCC swimmers for winning in the Batang Pinoy 2019 Mindanao League (Swimming Competition) held in Tagum City on February 2 – 9, 2019:
🏊♂ John Alexander Michael Talosig
🥇 5 Golds and 1 bronze (team relay)
🏊♀ Jie Angela Mikael Talosig
🥇4 Golds (1 for team relay) and 1 Silver
🏊♂ Steven Clint Aroma, steven clint
🥉1 bronze
🏊♂ Kyruss Toledo
🥉1 bronze
🏊♂ Glenn Diego
🥉1 Bronze


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Every day on Instagram people sharing 55 million photos through their smart phones. In 2017 Instagram's popularity has skyrocketed; reports say that usage of Instagram increased 66 percent through the year. Instagram gives businesses and non profit organizations a great way to connect with many people. Businesses can find new costumers and non-profit organizations gain new supporters. We will give some tips how can you make your instagram account popular and stand out.
Mistake #1: Sharing Bad Photos
Best part of digital photos are that you can take them anytime you want, but for instagram photos you should be little bit more careful when you are taking a photo for instagram sharing, not every photo might get the same attention and hearts ( likes ). Think about yourself do you follow anyone who shares useless photos or how many time you stop following your friends in Facebook just for they are sharing not interesting photos or links.
No one want to follow an account which has bad photos or not supporting the purpose of your organization , also you should be careful about this; Do Not Share too many photos at once, every day share 3 to 8 photos and start tagging them.
Mistake #2: Not Tagging Anything
Like Twitter you can tag photo in Instagram, tags are very important for you to reach many people who is not following you. So after sharing you photos ( 3 to 8 ) start tagging them start with popular tags paste the first one and give it at least 2 hour and change it with the second one instagram will let you at least copy and paste 12 – 14 times. You can also use photography tags, city tags, country tags. If you are in America and only want to reach people in USA, you can use tags for USA also.
Important thing is change the tags time to time – 2 or 3 hour- if your going to sleep leave the tags with less popular one in tagsforhearts.com tags are lined with popular on the top, less populars are on the bottom.
Mistake #3: Having An Inactive Account
As was pointed out every day 55 million photos added to instagram, if you want to stay visible and get attention of your followers all the time try to share photos all the time.
Mistake #4: Never Liking Photos
If you want a good relationship with you followers you should communicate with them, like their photos and comment – write honest comments not like a spam.
Mistake #5: Not Following People In The Community
One of the best is start following people who are good followers of your account that will show that you caring about them. This is good for your image.
Mistake #6: Not Realizing The Big Picture
Of course instagram is good for reaching many people and it is gaining much popularity everyday but do not forget about other social networks, instagram let you share your photos to other social platforms so don't forget to use it.


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|They came from the east, by wagons and on foot. Blazing trails for others to follow. They persevered through unbelievable hardship, overcoming all obstacles to build a new life and leave a legacy for their descendents. They were our pioneer ancestors.
If your ancestors were pioneers in Stone County before 1880 we would like to add them to our list.
Please put PIONEER in the subject line when submitting your names.
Just email us!
|You are the [an error occurred while processing this directive] person to visit this page!


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Delicious & Nutritious Breakfast !
I'd like to introduce you to millet. A delicious whole grain rich with fiber is an idea way to start the day ! It's high in nutrients such as magnesium and phosphorus
Whole grains! (A quick nutrition lesson)
If you're just starting a healthy lifestyle, my first advice will be to substitute all your simple carbs with complex carbs. Simple carbs (white bread, pastries, cookies, etc) are NOT DIGESTED by our bodies. They go straight into the blood stream in the form of glucose ("blood sugar"). This is usually accompanied by a heightened level of energy ("sugar rush"), followed by a crash. In short, simple sugar in your diet doesn't keep you satiated for very long. You end up tired and more hungry.
On the other hand, complex carbs, such as millet, are very slowly digested before being broken down to glucose which can then make its way into the bloodstream–thus maintaining a steady blood sugar rather than causing sharp spikes.
I invite you to try cooked millet served as a breakfast porridge.
Let me know how you like my favorite recipe, Millet with dried cranberries, linseed & crushed walnuts
1/2 cup of millet (or more, if you so choose.. just remember 1 part millet flakes)
1 cup of water (is 2 parts water)
1 tbsp of linseed (or more, if you so desire)
1 tbsp of dried cranberries (or more, if you so desire)
Handful of crushed walnuts (or more, if you so desire)
1 tbsp coconut oil
So basically go all out and treat yourself ! Because food is good! Food is energy! 🙂
Just be certain to add in more water as you increase one or more ingredients.
You will be essentially boiling the millet flakes in water (1 tbsp coconut oil) until it's absorbed, so too little water and you have a burnt pan, too much and you have runny porridge.


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Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We are super excited to have your support. We would not be able to achieve our goal of getting the items that are on our wishlist if it wasn't for people like you, who are willing to help. We want to assure you that your gesture was noticed and is highly appreciated.Donee: Ritter Center Donation Page
Wishlist: Ritter Center Back to School Drive
Publish date: August 2, 2018


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Bought to you by the Sir. Ricco Tournament Foundation
Extra Information
- Defending Champion: DimnjacarStef, Winner of Both Championships
- Number of Players: 32
- Game Load: One game at a time
- Requirements: You can be premium and Freemium (As long as you have one game slot open)
- Starting Date: July 7, 2008 or when 32 players have joined
Game Settings
Game Type: Standard
Play Order: Sequential
Bonus Cards: No Cards
Fortifications: Chained
Fog of War: No
Game Play
Each game will be played according a schedule I have created, which can be viewed in the second post.
Sign up:
There are four divisions you can sign up for:
Western Civilization
Far East
Southern Army
When signing up pick one and once 32 players have signed up we will be ready
The Season:
The Season will first have 6 non-divisional games.
Players out side of your divisions
Then you will play 7 divisional games:
Players inside of your divisions
Getting to the Playoffs:
To get to the playoffs you must be in the top four in your division.
To be top four in your division you must have more Divisional wins then at least four players in your division. It is possible to have more wins then a player and said player goes to the playoffs and not you.
If there is a tie of divisional records and the last season game is played, the player with the most non-divisional wins will move on.
The Playoffs will have sixteen players. Each will be seeded and placed in a divisional bracket. The higher ranked player in a game will get home field advantaged (They can pick Play Order, Bonus Cards, Fortifications, and Fog of War). If you win you move on, if you lose your out.
Deadly Sixteen - Extreme Global Warming
Bloody Top Eight - Doodle Earth
The Heroic Four - Classic
Final Two - World 2.1
The Winner
Will be named the CC Season Champion III and invited back to the next CC Season Championship
The Divisions:


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Kourteney Kardashian talks about the differences is in pregnancy the second time around.
At the launch of the new Nokia Lumia 900 phone, expectant mum Kourtney shared that she's been very lucky with both of her pregnancies. "Last time I felt amazing the whole [pregnancy], and this time too. I feel really lucky. This time I had a little more morning sickness."
The reality star mama says that it's been a challenge this time around since she has to chase after her son, Mason, 2. "I think it's a little bit harder being pregnant when you have a toddler I'm chasing after. Last time I could nap more."
Kourtney and Scott Disick are expecting a baby girl this time around, but are still working on a name. "We always have our little list that I keep in my phone. I have my little list of names, and I cross it off one day and a new one comes. We definitely don't have the name. We're going back and forth."
Photo by Wenn.com


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$ 15.50
Do you like pina coladas? How about getting caught in the rain? If you're here for candy then likely, you're not into yoga but, you don't have to be a Jimmy Buffet fan to enjoy Fruit Sours Pina Colada! Garnish that famous mix-drink for a great twist that brings a sour kick because these sour balls have that sweet fusion of pineapple and coconut flavors… Then it gets sour. That's double the fusion! Made with a hardened candy shell and soft chewy center, these sour candy balls are packed with that great tropical flavor and a bang of sour tang. Buy your bulk bag today and share them with friends, family or even your frenemies. With their lovely white shine and round shape, Fruit Sours Pina Colada look incredible on display for any party, any wedding, and especially in a candy buffet!
*Store at room temperature for up to 1 year.
Approximately 100 pieces per pound.
Ingredients: Corn Syrup, Sugar, Dextrose, Corn Starch-Modified, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Carnauba Wax, Beeswax, Confectioner's Glaze, Colors (varies per flavor) Red #40, Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Blue #2 Lake, Red #40 Lake, Titanium Dioxide, Blue #1, Red #3.
**Manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts and/or tree nuts.
***DISCLAIMER: Color may vary from visuals. Manufacturing process may differ slightly with every batch. NO REFUNDS for color variance.***


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Forget the economy going down the shitter and the fact you won't ever be able to go on a cheap European getaway ever again, because winter is coming – and not in a Stark/Game of Thrones kind of way.
Before we start panicking too much, astronomers aren't saying that this is thatunusual, as solar activity wanes in 11-year cycles and we are currently in Cycle 24, beginning eight years back.
Paul Dorian of Vencore Weather said:
The blank sun is a sign that the next solar minimum is approaching and there will be an increasing number of spotless days over the next few years. At first, the blankness will stretch for just a few days at a time, then it'll continue for weeks at a time, and finally it should last for months at a time when the sunspot cycle reaches its nadir.
During this time, temperatures plunged so low that the River Thames froze over
With the world going the way it is anyway, maybe it's time to admit defeat and just go to the fucking moon.


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Darice® silver bling on a roll with 3 rows of 4mm silver gems, on silver mesh measuring 3 yards long.
Create brilliant, elegant accents to your accessories with bright glittering mesh. Simply cut the flexible roll of "diamonds" into ribbons, squares, diamonds, or trim to size. Bling up simple craft projects to make the perfect accent for decor! 1 roll per package.
Watch the short video below for expert tips and ideas for using bling on a roll!


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Official Manufacturer of Commemorative Coins Since 1965
Product Code: L4466400
Queen Elizabeth II is the first ever British Monarch to have a reign long enough to achieve a Sapphire Jubilee. We have decided to honour Her Majesty by releasing a coin featuring the Royal Crest.
The Royal Crest featured on the design has evolved over 9 centuries since Richard the Lionheart chose three lions to represent England. The Crest appears above on the gates of Buckingham Palaces and shows the shield of the UK Royal Arms supported by the English Lion on the left and the Scottish Unicorn on the right. The patron Saint of England, St George is shown just below the crest. The obverse features the Pobjoy exclusive effigy design of HM Queen Elizabeth II in exceptional detail.
Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne at the age of 25, upon the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952, and was proclaimed Queen by her various privy and executive councils shortly afterwards. The Coronation took place more than a year later due to the tradition that holding such a festival is inappropriate during the period of mourning following the death of a monarch. In the ceremony itself, at Westminster Abbey, Elizabeth swore an oath to uphold the law and govern the Church of England.
Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reining monarch in 2015 when she overtook her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria. The recent death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej means Queen Elizabeth II of Britain and the Commonwealth Realms has now become the world's longest-reigning living monarch.
The 65th anniversary is associated with the gemstone sapphire - symbolic of loyalty and some say can bring inner peace and fulfilment of dreams and prosperity. The colour associated with this anniversary is blue - symbolic of trust and peace, loyalty and integrity, all characteristics you would expect in a Sovereign.
The Queen's Coronation took place in 1953 a year after she acceded to the throne and was the first major event to be broadcast on television against Winston Churchill's advice. The Coronation was broadcast in both black and white and colour and was viewed by 27 million of the then 36 million Brits!
Pobjoy Mint aims to dispatch all in stock items within 48 hours.
US Postage:
USA delivery charges:
- $0 - $79.99 = $5.00
- $80.00-$149.99 = $7.50
- $150.00-$229.99 = $10.00
- $230.00-$499.99 = $15.00
- $500.00-$749.99 = $20.00
- $750.00-$999.99 = $25.00
- $1000 - $4999.99 = $35.00
- $5,000 + = $50.00
North and South America (Excl USA) delivery charges:
- $0 - $49.99 $7.50
- $50.00-$99.99 $15.00
- $100.00-$199.99 $20.00
- $200.00-$499.99 $30.00
- $500.00-$999.99 $50.00
- $1000 - $4999.99 + $100.00
For more details on postage charges please see our Delivery Information page.
|Uncirculated Cupro Nickel £2 Coin
|Issue Limit
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- Introduction
- Build quality, Case and design and looks
- Keyboard and Trackpad
- Sound and Speakers
- General subjective performance experience
- Gaming Performance
- Thermals, Throttling & Noise handling
- Screen / Screen quality
- Battery
- Issues
- Competing gaming laptops / alternatives
- Conclusion
++ Main reason to consider:
You're really looking for a compact and lightweight high performance gaming laptop (and good keyboard, TB3 port, M.2 NVMe SSD, 16GB RAM and 2 years warranty)
-- Main reason to avoid:
Thermals handling isn't great with high noise levels and some throttling under highest load, plus, the build quality is lacking for a premium laptop.
+ Compact and light at around 1.6kg
+ Very comfortable keyboard, in my opinion, with very good feedback, respond and travel depth and sufficient resistance
+ Cooling system keeps the CPU and GPU temps at reasonable levels (although the CPU could throttle)
+ Under load, the hotter parts of the chassis are not the ones that in use usually
+ High contrast and high brightness IPS display with good colors and viewing angles
+ Very good WiFi solution with good stability, low pings
+ M.2 "M" slot, allowing PCIe SSDs, housed by an NVMe SSD
+ Thunderbolt 3 port
+ 2 years warranty
+ Dedicated DAC
+ Simple looks
- Some throttling under highest load of Furmark + Prime95, but not in Crysis 3
- Only 2xUSB ports including the TB3 port
- Speakers can barely make you feel anything inside
- Chassis could get quite hot in hot environment (summer)
- Power consumption for browsing/1080p youtube movie load isn't great
- Two RAM slots occupied
- Noise is high even at low levels of load
- No TPM
|MSI GS40 6QE Phantom
|As tested, $1540
|Intel Skylake I7-6700HQ, 4C/8T, 2.6-3.6GHZ, 6MB cache, CZ-A1
|Nvidia Geforce GTX 970M 3GB GDDR5, GM204 (Maxwell II), 1280 shaders, core@954-1037MHZ, GDDR5@1252MHZ, 192-bit bus
|Motherboard / Chipset
|LENOVO Allsparks 5B / AMD CZ FCH
4xPCI Express x1, 2xPCI Express x4, 1xPCI Express x16
|Samsung 2x8GB DDR4@2133MHZ M471A1G43DB0-CPB
SSD: M.2 NVMe THNSN5128GPU7 TO 128GB
M.2 : M.2 SATA or PCIe/NVMe 2280 (one)
|Display Panel
|In review: LG Display LP140WF3-SPD1 1080p IPS eDP (Monitor\LGD046D)
|Weight / Dimensions
|1.6kg (~3.53 Lbs.) + ~0.5kg PSU
345 x 245 x 21.8-22.8 mm
13.58" x 9.65" x 0.86-0.9"
(w x d x h)
|Red backlit (3 levels including off)
|Connection Ports
|Right side: 1xKensington key, HDMI v1.4, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C
Left: RJ-45 (1Gbit), AC power, USB 3.0, SD Card Slot, microphone jack, headset jack (DAC)
Rear: DisplayPort
|WiFi / Ethernet
|WiFi: Killer Wireless-n/a/ac 1525 Wireless Network Adapter
Ethernet: Qualcomm Atheros Ar81xx/Atheros e2400 PCI-E Ethernet Controller
|Speakers / Audio
|2.0 Dynaudio speakers
Realtek ALC889
ESS SABRE HiFi DAC
|61Wh, 4 cells
|Bios / EC version (test unit)
|Extra features
The [relatively] new MSI GS40 6QE Phantom is MSI's flagship small and slim gaming laptop. It's packed with a Skylake I7, GTX 970M and small measures. Also includes with 16GB of RAM, TB3 connection port, and 128GB NVMe SSD (plus 1TB HDD). For around $1500-$1550 (with coupons), the MSI GS40 provides the same horsepower as some other GTX 970M+Skylake equipped laptops, only in a smaller form factor (that is, if horses can function as GPUs), although it is not as cost effective as other in terms of gaming performance (especially if you include discounts and deals that come from time to time).
The GS40 selling point is its measures and compactness, alongside the high gaming performance and IPS display. Let's review it and see if it worth anything at all!
Build quality, Case, design and looks
Well, the MSI GS40 body feels all-plastic. I don't know if that's true, but it certainly looks and feels as such. It's not bad by itself. Most of the chassis will bend a bit under high pressure – nothing too bad, but the parts 'above' the keyboard and around the hinges do yield under mild and even low pressure. The display's outer lid is yielding under light pressure, which is a problem and a proper protection is needed if the laptop is carried in a bag, for example. The keyboard's surface will also yield a bit under typing level pressure.
I also felt the the power plug is not that firm and a bit loose.
So, bottom line, the MSI GS40 chassis build quality isn't that great, given that it's a 'premium' laptop and there is a need to watch for the display health.
Maintenance and inner parts
Opening the MSI GS40 6QE is not hard and includes something like 8-10 screws. In this version, you'll see the HDD, M.2 NVMe SSD, ~60Whr battery, two DDR4 slots. The M.2 slot is an "M" key slot and can house a PCIe x4 SSD.
The CPU has two heatpipes and enjoys one dedicated heatpipe which is quite close to the fan. The GPU has three dedicated heatpipe, one of them is pretty big and leads to a dedicated ventilation fins set. The other two of them (the smaller ones) lead to the side ventilation fins set. This is a good configuration of heatpipes because it takes into account a various load scenarious on the CPU and the GPU.
Keyboard and touchpad
Keyboard. The keyboard quality is actually pretty good. The feedback is very good, and so is the responsiveness. Add to the clear pressure points, sufficient resistance and good travel depth and it makes a keyboard that is very comfortable for typing, with low relative ratio of misclicks and fingers that do not hurt. A little better resistance at the deeper points could make it even better, but that's fine the way it is. Keys texture could be nicer.
Touchpad. The touchpad is quite average, but with a smooth surface so the fingers don't get "stuck". However, it's not sensitive enough to a point that using it with gloves is a problem (no matter what is the configuration).
Sound & Speakers
MSI really tried to save on the speakers. Two speakers at the front's bottom provides the waves, but don't excel in it. Bass is obviously a big issue and barely exists and generally, many kinds of sound that should have been there (even compared to my lousy latitude e7440's speakers) and that's true with or without the "Nahimic" software bundled with the laptop. I don't see why couldn't they just invest few more dollars and get a little better speakers.
Anyway, there is a dedicated DAC which should be a little plus for head mounted speakers of a kind.
Bottom line, not that great and better not expect too much.
General subjective performance experience
Common performance is very good, probably also thanks to the 128GB NVMe SSD.
Added CPU-Z and GPU-Z screenshots.
Gaming Performance
Test Methods & Drivers
OS : Windows 10, fully updated
Drivers: Nvidia Geforce 361.60 Hotfix
Summarized gaming performance
Thief sees some advantage using Mantle API over the DX11. Heavily Vulkan/DX12 optimized games/game engines should see much higher improvements.
Total War : Attila
The new iteration of Total War : Rome II, Attila is a much more demanding game and FPSs are much lower.
Thermals, Throttling & Noise handling
Stress tests and throttling behavior
As described before, the GPU and CPU has two heatpipes which are connected to two fans. Cool air sucked from the bottom of the machine (hence, it's important to keep its bottom above the sitting surface) and is thrown from the rear ventilation hole.
Four tests:
1. Idle, power saver mode
2. Gaming : Crysis 3 gameplay. "very high" settings with SMAAx2 For Crysis 3, "High performance" power mode.
3. Prime95 torture test. "High performance" power mode.
4. Prime95 + Furmark on 1366×768 test, AAx2. "High performance" power mode.
Under Furmark + Prime95 load, the I7-6700HQ automatically downclocks to the base clocks. The GPU core also downclocks to around 900-950MHZ. Applying -100mV to the I7-6700HQ core voltages results in higher clocks under Prime95, but with Furmark, the CPU again downclocks after a while, however it takes more time. ThrottleStop 8.00 was of no help with this machine. I think the reason is TDP or some kind of power limitation + MSI's algorithm, but not temperatures.
While running Crysis 3, the CPU core clocks could keep 3-3.1GHZ and the GPU core its max core clocks of around 1037MHZ.
Under high load of Prime95 + Furmark, the upper parts of the keyboard get a hotter, especially the right part where the GPU and GPU cooling system is located, but not reaching annoying levels where it matters. The right palm rest also gets a little warmer. Given the small figure of this laptop, the cooling system does a good job. Check my master painting!
- Under light load, the laptop was generally quiet, if you set the the MSI power settings "green". "comfort" or "sport" would result in some noise even under light load, even with 0% load.
- Under high load of gaming or Furmark+Prime95, the fans were very audible.
Screen & Screen quality
The GS40 uses the LG Display LP140WF3-SPD1 IPS 1080p display. Colors are good and so are viewing angles with the usual small distortion in colors – remember that these pictures were shot in (non-direct) sublight, so this is part of the reason for the small distortions. Contrast is relatively good and maximal brightness is high. Color accuracy may be lacking, though, relatively to some other higher end displays.
I found no PWM signs in my simple camera-based test, but I might be wrong. If indeed there is PWM mechnism in use for more common brightness settings, then it's great. I didn't feel eyes aches when using this screen so it might be just true.
I'm adding the xRite i1Profiler contrast and brightness readings, because they are different from the Spyder4Elite I use:
|White Luminence
|Black Luminence
|Screen Brightness
MSI GS40 LP140WF3-SPD1 ICM calibration file
|Black levels
Battery Performance
Battery performance isn't that great. The MSI GS40 would quickly spike up its power consumption upon some kind of work load.
Competing gaming laptops / Alternatives
- The Gigabyte P34Wv5
- Clevo P640RE
- Soon – new Razer Blade
I'm really not sure which one is the my favorite, but I'll update when I'll know more.
Well, the MSI GS40 6QE is a very nice compact gaming laptop. It does most of what you'd except : very good gaming performance, very good 1080p IPS display, reasonable temperatures even under highest load, and it's compact and lightweight. Keyboard is very good in my experience, at least for most people. The 16GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB NVMe SSD makes it even better and result in a very good experience overall. The Thunderbolt 3 makes it more future proof (hoping for an eGPU) and the DAC is a nice touch for people with good sound systems or $50 earphones (-:
However, some drawbacks. Speakers are one and build quality is the second with outer lid and some other parts of the chassis not being as rigid as you'd expect. The power plug is a bit loose too. The softness of the outer lid could result in some damage to the display under pressure and you'd need some padding and some hard cover to protect it. Battery performance isn't great under reasonable work loads with power consumption too easily spiking up. Finally, the thermal performance isn't as great as you'd want and although temperatures remain in the safe and even rather low zone (for such hardware), the noise levels are pretty high even at very low loads.
There are other few small things, but they're not really that bad – only 2 slots for DDR4 and only 2xUSB ports including the TB3.
So, my conclusion is mixed, though as a compact gaming laptop it does has almost all of it and really almost convincing. Ofcourse, if that's what you are looking for, and you can handle the noise, then this is a very good laptop for you. If they could just reduce the noise levels, we could forget the rest. Let's see what the competition has to offer with Gigabytes' P34Wv5 and then we'll think it over. OK?


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Jacques-Yves Cousteau 3D biographical film
While I'm clearly against the largely gimmicky use of 3D in film, there are some instances where it really works well, and this latest film could be one, a biographical look at the great man Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
Cousteau was the pioneering French oceanographer and filmmaker as well as a French naval officer, explorer, ecologist, scientist, photographer, author and researcher who even developed the aqua-lung.
Laurent Turner is writing the film, adapting the script from the biographical novel from Albert Falco, another sea explorer who worked alongside Jacques-Yves Cousteau for some forty years.
Jérôme Salle is set to direct, the man who wrote the original Anthony Zimmer, Largo Winch and Largo Winch (Tome 2), also known as The Burma Conspiracy.
It does seem as though the film would really benefit from full 3D, seeing the underwater world come to life in front of you, now that is something that makes a 3D film worthwhile.
However a note of caution comes from one of the producers who, through Variety, says that the film won't be about the underwater scenes and will be a true biography of the man.
If that's the case then I have to ask the question, why is there any need to make the film in 3D? If we're not going to see those amazing underwater scenes and the film will focus on the people, what is the 3D aspect going to bring us? The beauty of it would be right in the water, not above water with talking heads.


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Our Edmond Galleries
Rare, special moments of true love and beautiful, powerful ceremonies are soon coming to THE SPRINGS' gorgeous grounds and distinguished hall.
THE SPRINGS in Edmond has a myriad of photos from weddings & other events. Look through our media gallery to get a full perspective of what THE SPRINGS can offer you!
In our media gallery you'll be able to see outdoor & indoor weddings as well as indoor receptions with outdoor cocktail hours.
Also be sure to check out THE SPRINGS' YouTube page.


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Massage has many positive benefits and can help to strengthen and tone the entire body system. It can stimulate and calm the nervous system, help to ease tension, stiffness and pain leaving you with an enhanced sense of wellbeing.
At The Bath Massage Company each massage treatment is tailored especially for you and your needs; whether you have specific ailments, problems areas or just want to unwind and relax, each treatment is designed especially for you to suit your individual requirements.
Treatments are available for 30|45|60|90 minutes and a full consultation is carried out prior to all treatments.
- Deep Tissue
- Sports Massage
- Swedish massage
- Reflexology
- Pregnancy massage
- Pregnancy foot massage
- Post pregnancy massage
- Pregnancy Reflexology
- Hot Stone Massage
- Warm Bamboo Massage
- Hypnobirthing Courses
- Baby Massage Courses
Massage Oils and balms
Massage oils can help promote elasticity, support flexibility of connective tissue, and maintain water balance and healthy circulation. During your massage treatment Neal's Yard Remedies products will be used. All these products are Organic, ethically sourced and authentic.
Pregnancy products: Neal's Yard Organics products are 100% safe and effective to use during pregnancy and have been designed to help maintain skin suppleness, prevent stretch-marks and ease muscular aches & pains, bringing tranquillity to your treatment.


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I write in what little spare time I have, snatching moments around family commitments. It's not ideal but I've learnt that trying to put aside specific time to write just doesn't happen. Life, my business, elderly parents and my family get in the way. So I write where and when I can, always keeping a notepad in my bag – just in case.
As children, my sister and I were encouraged to write reports about what we had done each day on holiday. Looking back I imagine this was just to keep us occupied but I enjoyed doing them and later won prizes at school for my project work. It was hardly surprising then that I should go on to follow a career in graphic design, bypassing A-levels to go straight to Art College early at the age of sixteen for four years of typography, advertising and design. I have since spent my career in design and print, including working as a book designer for a small Oxford publishing house. I never imagined at the time that one day I would publish my own books.
Writing came about for me as a result of the day job. Sometimes the copy supplied by clients was badly written and I ended up redrafting it. But I wasn't completely confident in my grammar so I went to evening classes and took a language and literature A-level. After the course, having developed the writing bug, I joined a creative writing class and one term in entered a short story writing competition with a major national writing magazine. To my surprise, I won first prize and that proved to me that I must had some talent. However, short story writing wasn't enough and I set about embarking on a novel. It has been a long, steep learning curve but in 2015 my debut novel, The Taste of Ash, was published.
The genre I write in is psychological crime thriller/suspense. I like to explore how ordinary people cope when they are thrown into extraordinary situations, when crime infringes on someone's life and where, through no fault of their own, a character is forced to confront situations they have no idea how to deal with.
The Taste of Ash is available on Amazon (in Kindle and Paperback):
Click here to view The Taste of Ash
Check my networking links via
Facebook | Twitter | Linked In
For more information about the author and the book visit my website:


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Traveling to the American region from Australia to visit the southern and northern parts of the continent means a lot to the tourists who are ready to explore that part of the world. There are many things to search about and enjoy and people can learn, a lot, entertain themselves and travel in a way that is memorable and enjoyable for all of their friends, and family members.
Most of the time people who are going on a South America travel, for South America holidays they usually book Central American tours or Central America tours as well so that they may not miss out the exciting places that awaits the tourists who are looking for the adventures they will love.
But sometimes it is considered necessary to brings a few things along when you need to enjoy at your best. These include certain types of clothing essentials that suit the climatic and weather conditions of the place where you are heading to.
Also, some first aid or medicines that your doctor may prescribe should also be kept along in your backpack to make sure you are not helpless in case of any health issues that you may expect oftentimes.
Also, some entertainment gadgets and communication devices are also necessary to keep with you as you will need to spend some time alone while traveling if you are not traveling with your family. So you need to stay connected as well as entertained during the travel. Keeping your cell phone, internet connectivity and camera with you can help you enjoy more while on South American tours, machu picchu tours, Galapagos Islands Tours and even when going for the arctic cruises.
Though internet connection may not work throughout the way in such areas but you may capture pictures of these spots to share with your friends later.


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I am a Software Craftsman at BigUp where I build advanced web apps with Ruby and Elixir.
You can follow me on Twitter and check my code on GitHub.
It takes some kind of talent to manage to retain my attention when the hero's sole weapon is a shield. Mission accomplished. #


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Afternoon at the Pub
March 20, 2013
It's been awhile since I've stayed in my own neighborhood, but this past weekend I decided to venture uptown to Five Lamps Tavern. Located in close proximity to Columbia University, this whole area is buzzing with great places. While their food is pretty standard pub fare, they have an impressive craft beer list, and fantastic back garden space. Although the snow stopped us from a seat at the picnic table, next time around I'm hoping for more spring-like temps.
Swoon Kitchenbar
March 11, 2013
If you're hungry and in Hudson, I recommend spending a lunch or dinner at Swoon Kitchenbar. Their fresh, locally sourced menu changes weekly based on the season, and it was top of my list to check out. To keep with our cheese trend of the day, we opted for a sampler plate including Humble Pie, a cow, sheep milk blend that was creamy and tangy from Woodcock farm in Vermont, Ewe's Blue, a sheep's milk blue veined cheese from Old Chatham Sheepherding in New York, and of course our favorite Hudson Red from Pampered Cow. The shoestring fries with spicy aioli were a perfect extra snack. Although we stopped in during a quiet midday hour, the bar is known to attract a crowd and the tables fill up quickly in the evening hours, so be sure to get there early for a seat.
A Hudson Preview
February 22, 2013
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend! Here's a preview of my recent Hudson River Valley excursion. One of those spontaneous trips planned in a matter of just a couple days, the jam-packed itinerary allowed us to see and eat our way through the beautiful region.
The Heart of Winter
February 15, 2013
Last weekend we saw our first significant snowfall in awhile. There's nothing quite like waking up on a Saturday morning and venturing through the neighborhood as the sledders, skiers and snowshoers come out and transform Central Park into a great outdoor adventure. Feeling a bit lazy by the afternoon, I pulled together a meal for the apartment to enjoy thanks to Zabars. It included a couple pastas to warm us up– pesto and three cheese with mushrooms, our favorite rosemary bread with sun-dried tomato tofu spread and a side of asparagus.
Shake Shack
February 3, 2013
If you're in New York and craving some fast food, you should make a stop at one of the quintessential burger joints of the city, Shake Shack. The other day I opted for their Smoke Shack burger– including cheese, applewood smoked bacon and peppers. About to get a milkshake for dessert, once I laid eyes on the Mast Brothers chocolate bar made just for Shake Shack, I had to splurge and try out the latest from my favorite Brooklyn chocolatiers instead. It was well worth the $9 for the delicious dark chocolate blend with earthy notes of cranberry and cinnamon, and of course the adorable packaging and artwork certainly helped sway my decision.
Happy Super Bowl Sunday! x
Breakfast Frittata
January 23, 2013
There's nothing better on a cold morning than staying in and warming up in your kitchen. We recently cooked up this delicious frittata– pretty much using every breakfast essential, including eggs, sausage, bacon, tomatoes, zucchini and sharp grated cheese. Home fries and toasted cheddar bread from Wegman's made for the perfect side dish.
Some Syracuse Home Cooking
January 15, 2013
This weekend was spent in Syracuse, which meant a Sunday afternoon filled with delicious homecooked meals. We decided to go with a Greek inspired menu, starting with a flatbread pizza, topped with spinach, feta, tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan and shredded basil. That was followed by a Greek lemon chicken with mushrooms.
Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead x


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In the past I've made this pattern as a summer dress, but when I was given this lovely vintage corduroy I knew it would suit a simple pattern for winter. If anything, this dress was even more simple than the … Continue reading
Tag Archives: pleats
Dreaming of…polka dot perfection
I feel like I say this every other post, but I strongly feel that polka dots make everything better! Especially when they're navy and white. This is the fourth and final (for now) skirt that I made from remnants in … Continue reading
Dreaming of … wardrobe basics
Just like I mentioned in my last post, I've recently been using up some of the smaller bits of fabric in my stash. One such piece was a strip of thick, navy gabardine, which transformed nicely into a pleated skirt. … Continue reading
Dreaming of…last minute commissions and a free skirt
2 weeks before christmas I received a rather last minute and rather exciting commission. A friend of mine was getting married on December 29th and his fiancée was struggling to find bridesmaid dresses. She had bought some dresses (that she … Continue reading
New year, new skirt, new top, new stock, new post…
etc etc etc, why not start the new year with lots of new things?
So I hope you all had a great night last night seeing in the new year. I surprised myself by staying up way past my bedtime – and not feeling at all bad today. Wahoo.
It's been pouring down with rain today, which I love. It means that no-one expects you to get out of your pyjamas and go outside, so I can stay on the sofa, watch Heartland and update my blog and Etsy shop. And eat all the left over junk food from last night. 🙂
Yesterday on the other hand was lovely and sunny so I took the opportunity to take some photos of a new skirt and top and to use our new camera lens (a very welcome christmas present).
I made the skirt and top over the weekend. The skirt is a really simple pleated skirt – literally just a collection of rectangles. The skirt pieces pleated to the rectangular waistband pieces. The only thing I did differently was to sew the waistband centre front seams after attaching the waistband to the skirt. This way it made sure that it was the exact correct size.
Another Christmas gift was some fabric pastels, so I played around with these on this skirt. It was so fun and so easy – I just drew some parallel lines above the hem to give it a bit of a design feature, ironed it and now it's permanent. Pretty huh?
I also made this hemlock pashmina top following Miss P's inspiration and a bit of a hemlock pattern hack. I apologise for the sheerness – it didn't look that bad in the mirror. I'm not to sure about the top. I think I hacked it too much so the neckline doesn't sit properly now and the armholes are too tight. I might remake it into more of a vest top and finish the edges with bias tape. I'll add it to the to do pile (first one of the year!)
I really like the skirt and top combo, but I actually made the skirt for my Etsy shop.
In the spirit of the new year I have been having a sort out of all my handmade items. Here's to a clean, fresh start and all that jazz. Most of these dresses have only been worn for blog photos or one off events. I think the problem I have with making my own clothes is that I make something new for any event. Lots of these clothes don't fit or I have nowhere to wear them so I've listed them in my shop. Head on over there if you want to check out the new stock. And because it's the new year and I love all you guys so much, you can get 10% off everything with the discount code BLOGFOLLOW10 throughout all of January.
Happy New Year to you all and thanks for being such great followers!


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"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" (which means "God with us"). (Matthew 1:23)
It could a little too overwhelming when you sit down and reflect what we really celebrate during Christmas. And essentially, it can be summarised in this very word, "Immanuel".
It's about God coming here to be with us, to dwell among us.
That the King of kings, the Lord of all lords would come to live with us so we could live with Him.
That the almighty God, the giver of all things would come to be so close, so near, so personal with us.
That Heaven's most precious Son would come to reconcile us to the God Most High, ransom us, and bring us back to life.
There aren't enough words and expressions we can use to convey the weight of these truths. And that the best thing to do in this season is to be thankful, to celebrate the goodness and the graces we have experienced, and we continue to receive.
Our King is with us, our Saviour is with us. He loves us and is always for us. He fights for us and He justifies us. He is always near.
Wishing you all a merry and glorious Christmas! And here's to wishing you a successful year ahead!


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Matt Entz is the owner of Mountain Skillz and he is a snowmobile Terrain Dominator with Polaris. He shares how his experience with KLiM, the Boondocker/Thunderstruck movies, and backcountry training has prepared him to attract and retain powersports sponsors. We also talk about how social media has leveled the playing field in motorsports sponsorship.
This episode was sponsored by Topthepodium.com and Bold Racing. The podcast is powered by impactfuel.org.
Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play Music, or iHeartRadio.
Facebook Comments


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Pete Doherty has announced plans to use lyrics written by Amy Winehouse for his new album.
The Babyshambles star's new solo record will include a duet with singer Suzi Martin named 'Bird Cage' with words penned by the late Back to Black singer.
Doherty has confirmed six other song titles for the 12-track LP: 'Down For The Outing', 'Siberian Fur', 'Nothing Comes To Nothing', 'Shine A Light On Your Misery', 'Ba Ba Ba' and 'Dust On The Road'.
"We've been cracking on," he told NME. "I've got a hard drive full of new songs and a few of them have taken more of a definite shape.
"Things that were ad libs and off the cuff, we're putting more into traditional song structure."
The 33-year-old, who was close friends with Winehouse, suffered with depression following her sudden death last year.
The new album is a follow-up to the Libertines musician's debut effort, 2009's Grace/Wastelands.
Watch the music video for Pete Doherty's 'Last Of The English Roses' below:


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Here is a potential overheard for the Mobtown Shank and Atomic Books.
I was running today. I was heading east on Loch Raven Boulevard and made a left on Belvedere Avenue. Soon after, I found myself coming up behind a young lady, probably high school age, talking on her cell. As I get closer I heard her ask of the person on the other end, "Remember when I went to the bathroom this morning? It was SWOLLEN!" I ran by her as she was saying swollen. It took all I had to not break out laughing.
I love Baltimore!


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DealsJH is Jackson Hole's e-commerce marketplace connecting thousands of subscribers with local merchants by offering activities, travel, goods and services.
Our unique mobile coupons provide a graphical interface with a built-in redemption feature which includes automated barcode creation, promotion code development, and more. DealsJH makes special offers available by beaming them directly to your cell phone. Serving a variety of local industries and services, we put discounts and deals in one easy place.
Terms of Service – All mobile coupon packages are a minimum 3/mo contract.
This agreement will renew automatically as a month-to-month agreement unless written notice is provided by either party within 30 days of the expiration of this agreement. The one time integration and setup fee of $150.00 will be charged upon execution of this agreement.


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hey, thank you for this post! we're working on the mq303b alcohol sensor. we find it difficult to get readings from the sensor. we connected pin 0 of arduino to pin 2 of the mq303b alcohol sensor and found inconsistent values. the lowest range we get is 0 and the highest is 1023. when we try to blow alcohol on the sensor, we aren't really sure if it reads the alcohol's presence or doing nothing at all. the values are not consistent. can you help us with this? also, do we connect the 2n3096 pnp transistor emitter to ground or directly to pin 1 of mq303b (then mq303b's pin 3 is connected to ground)? i'm hoping for your response. thank you!
This little device is wonderful, for parties at least. Accuracy wise, it's not much more than a toy (without some opamps for signal amplification and filtering) but I digress. Just plugged right straight into an Arduino will be plenty of fun, assuming you read the datasheet.
To wire this properly, check out this diagram, which will get further explanation after the break.
The image is fairly self explanatory. Give the heater +1VDC (PWM with analogWrite(heaterPwrPin, 51) attached to base of 2n3906 or any PNP transistor, +5VDC to collector and emitter to the heater,) have the output (pin 2) attached to an analog in, and don't forget to have a resistor between analog in and +5VDC. Oh, and make sure all grounds are connected together. For best results, use something between 5k and 20k, my test sensor loves a 16k. The lower the resistor value, the smaller the range of ethanol (alcohol) the sensor will respond to from its' minimum to maximum.
Furthermore, for a semblance of accuracy (but quite non mandatory, see below,) it requires a burn in period of 48 hours at 2.2VDC. Its going to draw around 120mA of current, so make sure your power source can handle the load. I powered mine on a breadboard connected to my USB power bus (thanks Teensy!) I would also suggest oversampling and averaging, for a little extra boost in accuracy once you've got it burned in.
The datasheet for this item is pretty marred by the curse of Engrish, but I've been successful with the setup here, found on various forums and on irc. If you've tried something different or had different results, let me know. That's what comments are for!


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Somewhere On A Beach Body Butter
The sweet tropical fragrance will surprise you when you open your eyes and realize you are not at the beach! A perfect scent for the summer!
Replenish your skins moisture with our thick creamy body butter. Absorbs quickly and leaves skin silky smooth – perfect for extra dry skin. Hand crafted in small batches to maintain high quality and packaged in 8 oz tubs.
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Write a review and you can receive a free gift basket! At the end of every month


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Vintage Italian Cattolica Adriatico Travel Poster
Cattolica Adriatico Per Informazioni: Comitato Pro Cattolica Vintage Italian Travel Poster Promotes Cattolica, Italy on the Adriatic Coast.
Shown is a woman laying on the beach watching children playing and the sailboats in the background.
This poster is printed using only genuine inks on premium heavy weight photo paper with a satin finish. A truly quality poster that will look stunning when framed and is sure to enhance any surrounding
Please select your size from the drop down menu.
Any poster size of 70x100cm or smaller will fit many popular frames that can be purchased in framers and shops such as Ikea.
Customer Reviews
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other shoppers!


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In what is perhaps a watershed moment in the long fight for gay rights, the current battle over the Defense of Marriage Act is being waged with at least tacit acknowledgment from all sides that it is a political winner for pro-gay-rights Democrats.
In the wake of President Obama's decision to drop support for portions of the Defense of Marriage Act, gay rights advocates have been unabashed in claiming that beyond the merits of their underlying argument they now have the political advantage as well. Not only does public opinion polling suggest they're right, but the reaction of gay rights opponents does, too.
On Wednesday, House and Senate Democrats held separate press conferences announcing the introduction of legislation to repeal DOMA. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), one of the sponsors of the House bill, was asked whether Democrats were politicizing gay rights as a wedge issue against the GOP, as Majority Leader Eric Cantor alleged last month.
"What do I say to the idea that this is a wedge issue? I say 'Hallelujah,'" Frank told reporters. "The fact that we've now evolved to the point where the Republicans are complaining about the fact that we introduced this bill because it causes them political problems is a great sign of progress. It used to be the other way around."Frank noted that the original 1996 DOMA was used by Congress in part to put President Clinton in a tough political spot ahead of his re-election race against Bob Dole. Many political observers credited Republican efforts to ban gay marriage on the state and federal level with helping secure President Bush's re-election in 2004 as well. In his memoirs last year, Rove wrote that a 2003 Massachusetts court decision legalizing gay marriage "did affect the 2004 election by motivating culturally conservative Democrats and independents who might otherwise have voted Democratic to abandon Kerry over his wobbly views on marriage."
In his statement on President Obama's decision to abandon DOMA, Cantor revealed how much the tables have turned, calling the move "a clear political exercise by the Administration." A recent poll commissioned by the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights group, found a majority of Americans opposed DOMA and backed Obama's position. Other polls have found support for legalizing gay marriage entirely trending rapidly towards a majority — a recent Pew survey found 46% of respondents opposed to allowing gay marriage versus 45% who back the idea.
"The wedge has lost its edge," Republican strategist Mark McKinnon, who worked on Bush's 2004 campaign, told The New York Times last month.
Other supporters of gay marriage appeared less comfortable with the 2004 comparisons, but were nonetheless quick to point out splits within the Republican Party on the issue. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) said at the press conference that repealing DOMA is "certainly not a political wedge issue," but immediately ticked off a list of GOP figures who now back gay marriage, including Dick Cheney.
- -Hiring More Journalists
- -Providing free memberships to those who cannot afford them
- -Supporting independent, non-corporate journalism


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Register to get your member login:
Our Mission
The lack of a profound understanding of stem cell biology and mechanisms during regenerative processes is still limiting the development and implementation of successful stem cell therapies.
"Enthusiasm and applicative motivations (hypes and hopes) prevailed at times over caution and rigor, with some unfortunate pitfalls (Bianco et al, Nature Medicine, Vol 19, 35ff, 2013)."
Hence, the Focus of the SCRM Platform (founded November 2012) is to foster a new and innovative multidisciplinary approach to unravel the communication network of stem cells within the tissue and throughout the body during tissue regeneration.
Members of the Medical, Vetsuisse and Phil. Nat. Faculty from the University of Bern have established the University-wide SCRM Platform, with the aim that new ideas and skills can flow seamlessly through the member groups. A centralized database, common meetings, workshops and international conferences in addition to educational tracks for bachelor, master and PhD students are scheduled to sustainably implement the assignement of the Platform.
Ultimately, our Mission is to efficiently and rapidly transfer basic research findings into clinical applications with a specific focus on cell therapy.
Joint Meeting on New Cell Therapies, November 23rd, 2016. Under the auspice of the SCRM platform and the Swiss Institute for cell therapies (SICT). Bridging Cell-based Therapies in Switzerland and beyond: Current and future perspectives. Program: here
Annual SCRM Meeting, 6th of November 2015, Program: here
Day of Clinical Research, 2nd of November 2016. Awarding of the SCRM Special Poster Price to Michael Perny.
PhD Student Retreat 2016, September 6th, Gurten Mountain Bern. Keynote Speakers: Prof. Marcello Rivolta (University of Sheffield) and Dr. Liane Höfferer (CSL Behring). Program: here
PhD Student Retreat Bern 2015: Fotos from the event can be found here, Program can be found here.
Keynote speaker 1: Dr. Allen Eaves, CEO of the company 'Stemcell Technologies'.
Keynote speaker 2: Dr. Roberto Iacone, Group Head in Roche Pharmaceuticals
PhD Retreat Münchenwiler 2014:
Guest lecturer: Prof. Mariusz Ratajczak, University of Louisville
Hans Sigrist Preis 2013:
"Stem cells in Regenerative Medicine"
Prof. Yoshiki Sasai, Riken Institute, Japan
Platform Kick-off/Kick-off follow up Meetings:
November 1 2012
December 13 2013
November 21 2014
Latest SCRM news
15th Swiss Stem Cell Network Annual Meeting postponed to fall 2020
We thank our sponsors for their support.
Confirmed speakers:
Hayley Francies, Translational Cancer Genomics at Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
Scientific Advisory Board:
BCPM (Bern Center for Precision Medicine)
SCRM Lunchseminar
Location: Murtenstrasse 35, Room H814 (top floor)
Happy Hour: 13.00-14.00 - to favor discussions and strengthen the network.
Sandwiches are generously provided by the DBMR (13.00-14.00).
Open for all SCRM platform members and interested guests
Responsibles: Dr. Amiq Gazdhar, Dr. Marta Roccio
Next Lunchseminar:
Tuesday, March 10th , 12:15-13:00
Speaker : Dr. Julien Paul Guerrero
PhD Specialization Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (SCRM/GCB)
We are proud to announce that the SCRM Platform is now a member of the biotechnet Switzerland association.
In this context, the SCRM Platform has founded the national, private/public platform for "Translational and Clinical Bio-Manufacturing" (TCBM) together with seven Swiss Univeristies.
Applicaton for seed funding, draft rules and regulations
Mai 25th 2018 the Basel GMP network (University and University Hospital of Basel, ETH-DBSSEBasel), the Swiss Institute for Cell Therapies (SICT; Universities and University Hospitals of Lausanne and Geneva, Cardio Centro Ticino) and the Regenerative Medicine Network Fribourg (University of Fribourg, Swiss Integrative Center of Human Health) joined as founding members and the TCBM platform became operational.
The following objectives are perused:
- Foster exchange and collaborations between academic groups using and operating cleanrooms including bio-manufacturing products for clinical trials.
- Share experience in GMP compliance and take a unified position in regulatory negotiations with Swiss notified bodies.
- Facilitate collaborations with the private sector including applications for bridge projects.
TCBM Foundation members Mai 25 2018, Haus der Universität Bern
From left to right:
René Aeberhard, SCRM/TCBM Platform Secretariat; Prof. Benjamin Gantenbein, SCRM Steering Committee; Anke Wixmerten, University Hospital Basel; Dr. Sylvie Miot, University Hospital Basel; Dr. Martin Kayser, Wyss Zurich; Dr. Alessia Bottos, University Hospital Basel; Dr. Claudio Brunold, Insel University Hospital Bern; Prof. Eliane J. Müller, SCRM/TCBM Platform Lead, University & Insel University Hospital Bern; Dr. Steffen M. Zeisberger, TCBM Platform Lead, Wyss Zurich; Dr. Marie-Noelle Giraud, TCBM Steering Committee, University of Freiburg; Prof. Dr. med. Gabriela M. Baerlocher, Insel University Hospital Bern; Dr. PD Paul Zajac, SCRM Steering Committee, University Hospital Basel; Prof. Kobi Benenson, ETH ZH Basel; Dr. Jean-Francois Brunet, TCBM Steering Committee, CHUV - Centre hospitalier universitaire Vaudois.
SCRM Network Point - Network Seminars
for PIs and their teams
next seminar to be announced
Past invitations, networking info: here
We gratefully acknowledge the sponsoring of this site by:
Emeritus Prof. André Haeberli


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NPN members get 40% off Field Museum membership
A Field Museum membership supports one of the world's finest museums and gives you many benefits to be enjoyed throughout the year. With an encyclopedic collection of cultural objects and biological specimens, The Field Museum is a place to visit again and again. Members enjoy free admission 364 days a year,* discounted tickets to special exhibitions, free coat check, reciprocal membership to 200+ museums, a special Members' Night, as well as a 10% discount on birthday packages, store merchandise, 3D movies, and the Field's restaurants.
Young families love the Crown Family PlayLab
Members with young children appreciate the Crown Family PlayLab most! Designed to cater to young children, this safe space offers many opportunities to explore and touch real artifacts. Children can dress up as a local animal and star in their own nature play, or explore a pueblo home and see how families lived in different times and places. They can examine insects in amber and colorful woven pouches, play an African drum or dance to a Latin beat. They can pull out drawers and discover hidden objects, play in a dinosaur's nest, or uncover a dinosaur bone. This family-friendly spot is easy to access on the ground-level entrance near the east parking lot. As a member, simply stroll in, park your stroller, and play! Learn more about benefits of membership.
Learn more about The Crown Family PlayLab
The Crown Family PlayLab will be closed on December 24-25, December 31, and January 1.
Visit The Field Museum
*The Field Museum is open 9am–5pm every day, except 12/25. Check website for extended holiday hours and general hours of operation.
NPN members get 40% off Field Museum membership ends 12.5.17. Click here to find out how to redeem this discount.Posted on November 28, 2017 at 6:53 PM


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By Kristin Davis
The last time I was in Kenya, flying in one of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's (DSWT) aerial surveillance airplanes, I was on the way to see one of the most tragic sights I've ever seen in my life.
Two massive elephants had been poached near the Tiva River, in Tsavo National Park. Like all poaching victims, their deaths had been torturous.
The poachers had climbed up the electrical tower nearby and cut thick cable from it. Then they'd set up wire snares using the cable. They tied one snare around two huge trees, and when a male elephant had walked in, his foot had been trapped.
The massive elephant was left circling the tree endlessly trying to free himself, until he became so weak that that poachers could move in and hack the tusks off his face. The circle of destruction around the tree presented a terrible picture of the end of this glorious creature's life.
Sadder still was the coffee pot and the ashes of a fire just out of reach of the elephant's circle of distress. There, the poachers had sat, drinking coffee and watching, waiting until they could plunder his ivory and hack away at his tusks.
The scene of cruel deaths like his has haunted me in the years since.
Now it's early 2015, and I'm in Kenya again, visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. To blunt the ongoing poaching threat, the trust, working with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), has mobilized nine Anti-Poaching Teams. Air support has been expanded to include a helicopter to work with a rapid response rescue team.
I was lucky to go out on a KWS/DSWT mission to treat a huge bull, probably around 40 years old. This bull had been seen during their aerial surveillance patrol with a large abscess on his side.
We flew to where the elephant had last been seen, and with the help of one of our spotter planes, we found him.
With air support, the ground team encouraged the mighty elephant to move to a clear spot where he could be darted. The logistics of each vet operation are different and fluid. All participants need to communicate and respond quickly.
It's incredibly impressive that the teams are able to find wounded elephants, treat them fast, and get out of the way before the elephant is revived. All this action happens in 100-degree heat.
The abscess on the lower part of the elephant's side was as big as me, if I curled into a ball. A tiny incision was made, and KWS's Dr. Michael Njoroge removed the rotted tissue. Lodged in the necrotic flesh was an arrow head tipped with poison.
This is the poison arrow we found in the #elephant @DSWT @kwskenya http://t.co/l8pXFfMWIu pic.twitter.com/O2xDfuCX2I
— Kristin Davis (@KristinDavis) February 7, 2015
This elephant would have faced certain slow death if he'd not been found and treated.
As we were leaving the scene in the helicopter, I was able to film the big bull waking up. After some effort, he got to his feet and turned to face us, lifting his trunk as if to say, "Go away and stop bothering me!" Or maybe, " Thank you."
VIDEO: See elephant's gesture following its treatment.
We will never know, and it doesn't matter. That elephant will live on in the wild, at least for now.
The poaching continues—the very next day Dr. Njoroge successfully treated a similar case—but now we have the tools to fight back to save these majestic creatures.
I was filled with pride and gratitude as we flew away from the recovering elephant. I dream of a day when we won't need a rapid response aerial team to help the elephants. But in the meantime I'm privileged to be a part of the work of the DSWT and KWS.
And I'm thankful to be able to share an uplifiting story because of the support we've gotten from so many people in fighting for the future of elephants. We will fight for them every day until the world puts a stop to the demand for ivory.
An active philanthropist, Kristin Davis has had the honor of dedicating her time and efforts to serving as a Patron to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Davis joined the trust in 2009, after she traveled to Kenya to go on safari but instead found herself trekking into the wilderness to save an orphaned baby elephant. After the trust was alerted, the baby elephant was transported to the nursery. Davis is dedicated to the mission to give orphaned elephants a chance to heal, thrive, and eventually be introduced back into the wild—and to protect their habitat and ecosystem. She is also dedicated to inspiring change and creating awareness to stop the illegal poaching for ivory through campaigning and as Executive Producer of a new conservation film, Gardeners of Eden.


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WCPT today launches the first of a series of online polls to gain opinion from member organisations and the physical therapy community. This is part of the WCPT Look Forward Together consultation, and will inform a new strategic plan to determine the Confederation's direction to the year 2021.
The first poll asks: "What do you see as the most exciting opportunities for physical therapy?" The online survey will take under five minutes to complete and can be accessed at www.surveymonkey.com/r/JCCR76C.
"We want as many people as possible to complete this poll," said Margot Skinner, WCPT Vice President. "There are so many opportunities facing the profession around the world, and the results of this poll will help the WCPT Executive Board to get a feel for the issues that matter most to the profession globally."


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Company FAQs
Find out more about All Seasons Roof
Choose a category to discover all you need to know about All Seasons Roof from the appointment, to consultation, installation and after care service.
If our detailed pages have still not covered all of your questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Find out what happens during the consultation at your home, where your products are designed and produced and what happens after the consultation.
Find out all you need to know about the guarantees applicable to our various products.
Find out what we do with your old windows, conservatories and other removed materials and what to expect from your new installation when you visit this page.
Looking after All Seasons Roof Products
Find information on how to care for your All Seasons Roof installation and contact details on this page.
You can find out any information regarding timescales or planning permission in this section.
We've been around for a while and we're making a name for ourselves as a popular choice for quality, guaranteed improvement solutions for your home.
You can trust us to do a first class job of improving your home. We deliver quickly and our craftsmen, installers and expert consultants will serve you well. We also guarantee our product for ten years. That's confidence!
What our customers say
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You MUST use safe, CERTIFIED eye protection to view the eclipse directly!
And these meet ALL the stringent requirements specified by ISO 12312-2:2015!
Unfortunately, we have sold out of eclipse glasses!
We cannot take any more orders!
You may still access the Instructions for use of the eclipse glasses.
Thanks for your support!


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5837 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
Home • Veterinary Care • Preventative Care • General Medicine • Allergies & Dermatology
Think your pet has allergies or is having an allergic reaction? Itching, scratching, and hot spots are all signs of allergies and skin conditions in pets. Pet allergies are very common and treatable, but if left untreated they can fester and become serious health concerns.
Pets like dogs and cats typically experience three different types of allergies:
In a blood or serum test, a vial of your pet's blood will be taken and analyzed in our laboratory for which allergens specific to your pet's environment could be causing the allergic reaction.
In order to test for a food allergy, your pet will have to eat a specialized, prescription diet for 12 weeks. No table food and no treats. After your pet's symptoms go away, you will begin adding old food back into their diet in order to determine which ones are causing problems. Because the prescription diet includes specific instructions on creating balanced meals, our doctors will create a plan for you to follow to ensure your pet receives important nutrients while remaining on the specialized diet.
Although some environmental allergens may be specific to certain regions of Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Antioch, Nolensville, Williamson County & Davidson County, Tennessee, common pet irritants include
Once the allergens have been identified we can develop a program to eliminate the source of the allergy in your pet's environment.
We will explain your pet's condition, how to prevent future allergy occurrences and the proper method of home treatment for pet allergies.


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The Philippines has lost a cardinal, after Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal died at the Intensive Care Unit of the Perpetual Succuor Hospital due to septic shock.
Now for those who didn't know Cardinal Vidal, here are some facts you should know about him.
- Vidal was a native of Mogpog, Marinduque. Born on February 1931.
- Vidal was appointed by Pope John Paul II Coadjutor Archbishop of Cebu in 1981.
- He became the Archbishop on August 24, 1982, succeeding Cardinal Julio Rosales.
- He was the Archbishop of Cebu from 1982-2010.
- He received his first communion at the International Eucharistic Celebration.
- He studied at the Minor Seminary of the Most Holy Rosary (now Our lady of Mount Carmel Seminary) in Sariaya, Quezon and at the Saint Francis de Sales Seminary in Lipa, Batangas where he studied philosophy. He also studied theology at the San Carlos Seminary in Makati, Metro Manila.
- He was the President of the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in 1986.
- During EDSA II, he privately advised former President Joseph Estrada to step down from office.
- He also wrote a letter to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to pardon her predecessor Estrada, who was convicted of plunder in 2007.
- Vidal was ordained a priest on March 17, 1956, becoming an assistant parish priest in his hometown. From 1965 to 1971, he was the rector of our lady of Mount Carmel Seminary.
- In 1971, he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Malolos and later consecrated a bishop. Two years after, in 1973, he became the Archbishop of Lipa.
- Vidal and the Cardinal Archbishop of Manila Jaime Sin supported the 1986 Philippine People Power Revolution.
- In 1989, President Corazon Aquino asked Vidal to convince General Jose Comendador, who was sympathetic to the rebel forces fighting her government to surrender peacefully.
- On December 7, 2010, the Senate of the Philippines recognized his service by Senate Resolution No. 306. "It is resolved by the Senate, to honor Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop of Cebu, for his service to the people of Cebu, providing spiritual leadership and inspiration, helping the community avert or survive several crises and conflicts, often acting as a peacekeeper and giving the voice of moderation amid clashing views and interests in local and national issues."
- He also received recognition from the House of Representatives through House Resolution 593. The Province of Cebu gives the highest award that a province could give, the Order of Lapu-lapu. The cities of Cebu and Talisay made him an "adopted son" of the two localities. In March 2009 the University of the Visayas granted him the title of Doctor of Humanities honoris causa.
- Pope Benedict XVI accepted Vidal's resignation as Archbishop of Cebu on October 15, 2010. He was succeeded by Archbishop Jose S. Palma of palo.
- After his retirement, Vidal still continued presiding at masses and attending events organized by the Archdiocese of Cebu.
- He experienced mild stroke on September 2013.
- He underwent coronary angiogram procedure and had a pacemaker installed in 2004.
- He was confined to the hospital multiple times starting in 2014.
- He received the Catholic sacrament of anointing of the sick on October 11, 2017 before falling into a coma the day alter. His condition had an improvement when he opened his eyes on October 13. However he was pronounced dead on the morning of October 18, 2017.
- Vidal will be buried beside the tomb of Cardinal Rosales inside the Mausoleum ordered built by Rosales in 1983.
The three surviving Filipino cardinals are Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, and Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.
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There is currently no public emergency service in Congo Brazzaville. In an emergency, we recommend you contact the nearest hospital and/or your embassy or consulate in Congo Brazzaville.
Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Cholera, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio.
Anti-malaria highly recommended.
Practical information
CFA francs (XAF)
Check the exchange rate
Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville (BZV) and Agostinho Neto, in Pointe Noire (PNR)
Tourism & local way of life
January 1 : New Year's Day
Easter and Easter Monday
May 1 : Labor Day
Thursday, 40 days after Easter : Ascension Day
Seventh Sunday after Easter : Pentecost
June 10 : Reconciliation Day
August 15 : Independence Day
November 1: All Saints Day
December 25 : Christmas Day
Pointe Noire
National Park Odzalda
Lufulakari Falls
Cliffs Inoni
: The social network for expats living in Congo
: Guides and services for expats living in Congo (Brazzaville)


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February 3, 2012
On Kuraigana Island, Zoro confronts and is nearly defeated several Humandrills, but is stopped by Mihawk. On Birdie Kingdom, Chopper is captured by a human tribe and attempts to escape, but is stopped by the giant birds. Eventually, the tribe befriends the birds and Chopper before he receives the newspaper about Ace's fate. On Weatheria, Nami is working hard labor when she also receives the newspaper. On the Bowin Island, Usopp has become overweight despite Heracles' objections and knocks down a News Coo with a newspaper. On Kamabakka Kingdom, Sanji has become a crossdresser and watches the sunset; he receives the newspaper and becomes horrified about Ace's death. On Tequila Wolf, Robin decides to see her friends. Meanwhile, on Baldimore, Franky remembers that he defeated a mechanical polar bear after finding a stash of cola, before a fax machine prints out a newspaper about Ace's death. At Hungaria, Brook is writing music for the Longarm Tribe when he loses his concentration and discovers Ace's death. Back on Kuraigana Island, Zoro tells Mihawk that Kuma teleported him, and Mihawk informs Zoro of Ace's death.


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In the midst of a brutal run of injuries, at least Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney is maintaining his sense of humour.
"It hasn't gotten any shorter," Vanney said of his team's injury list, smiling sombrely after training in Toronto earlier this week before the club headed to Columbus for a Saturday night date with the Crew.
Toronto mainstays Jozy Altidore and Drew Moor are nowhere close to returns, while all-star left back Justin Morrow, centre backs Chris Mavinga and Eriq Zavaleta, and midfielder Ager Aketxe won't face Columbus. Neither will Ashtone Morgan, the Toronto native and longest-serving Red, who has revived his standing filling in for Morrow.
The good news is midfielder Nico Hasler looked good in training and is expected to play and the club is also buoyed by the belief that several of the aforementioned players are nearing returns.
Morrow is doing limited work which Vanney termed "positive steps in the right direction."
Vanney is optimistic that Morrow will be able to get back into the lineup in 7-10 days, which is also Morgan's timetable.
Zavaleta "did some running, a lot of straight-ahead stuff and will start to integrate into next week," Vanney said. Aketxe got banged up in last week's loss against Dallas and is "probably a couple of weeks away."
Mavinga's situation is the bizarre one. He had to leave the Dallas game and missed training on Thursday after having a tooth removed and Vanney explained that the tooth issue was related to his lower-body injury.
"There was some correlation there. I was dumbfounded as well, but … it's quite a studied and known fact in England and the Premier League and beyond that," Vanney said.
"It happens that tooth issues, infections of different kinds, can lead you to be susceptible to a certain correlation to having soft-tissue injuries. (Mavinga) felt a little better the next day, but we don't know a timeline.
"It's been a bit of a wacky time for our injuries and all of the variables that come into play with each guy individually," he said.
No kidding.
Meanwhile, Columbus enters the game in second place in the East, a whopping 15 points ahead of Toronto, but like the visitors, will not be at full strength.
Standout Federico Higuain, one of the all-time TFC killers, averaging nearly a point per meeting over the years, drew a red card at Kansas City but will not miss the game after having it rescinded by an independent panel.
Fellow midfielder Wil Trapp, the Crew's captain, and goalkeeper Zack Steffen are also out because they are away with the American national team.
The Trillium Cup rivalry between the Crew and the Reds never truly took off (though the rival fans certainly got into it), but there were some memorable moments. Like the first meeting in 2008, Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer's ridiculous stoppage time goal at BMO Field in 2010, which prevented TFC's first triumph over Columbus, TFC's eventual first win in 2011 and, of course Toronto's 1-0 playoff win last year, which sent the Reds to the MLS Cup and an eventual championship.
Sadly, this could be the final meeting between the two clubs, since the Crew's owner said in the fall that the franchise could be moving to Austin, Tex.
Vanney, one of the original MLS players, talked this week of the impact the franchise has had on the league.
"It was the first soccer stadium built. For those of us who have been pioneers in some way, that was really an exciting time to say our sport has its own stadium, that is specifically for soccer, that was a really big deal," Vanney said.
"I think I scored my only national team goal (there in 2004). It's played a huge role, that city and that club and that location in this league … that's something that will never be forgotten (by) those of us who have been through there. Their decision to leave and all that kind of stuff are up to them, from a business standpoint it might make sense and all that kind of stuff, but it's not just any place. Even though it's a relatively smaller market, it's still a special place in the history of this league."
Sebastian Giovinco leads MLS in shots-per-game by a large margin and has 58 attempts in just eight games, trailing only Atlanta's Miguel Almiron, who has 65 shots in 13 appearances for the first-place club. The problem is Giovinco has only two goals, while Almiron has tallied six times and the four players just below Giovinco in shots have eight, seven, six and eight, respectively.
The former league MVP has struggled to convert both penalties and just basic chances during the run of play, while his teammates have botched a number of excellent Giovinco setups.
So, after 22-, 17- and 16-goal seasons with Toronto, will Giovinco even crack double figures in 2018? He appears to think so.
"It's coming," he said, mentioning that the extended absence of Altidore combined with his scoring slump has really hurt the offence.
Giovinco joked that he could play another seven years and not miss as many penalties.
Giovinco said his contractual status doesn't impact his play. "For me, nothing changes," he said of not knowing his long-term future with TFC. "I play to win, to improve my level and that's it. I don't think about this (his contract)." … Laurent Guyot, the coach of TFC II since January and the academy director since he joined the franchise in June of 2015, is leaving for a head coaching job in Europe … The Crew won the previous meeting this season 1-0 at BMO Field.


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Walt Disney World is involved in negotiations with its largest employee union, as reported in The Orlando Sentinel.
The Service Trades Council represents more than 36,000 workers ranging from bus drivers to costumed-character performers, the Sentinel reported. The negotiations come at a time when Disney World is making record operating profits.
An interesting detail in the article: "In addition, the unions have asked Disney to commit to always paying at least 50 cents more than the minimum wage. That would mean minimum starting pay of $8.43 an hour under Florida's current minimum wage, or about $17,500 a year for someone who works 40 hours a week."


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The first flyer had a typo for the mailing address for registrations: here is a corrected version! All else is the same. Happy Thanksgiving! Continue reading
Category: 8 Petals Yoga
In another posting, I mentioned a forthcoming series of classes this summer that will follow the 6:15 Wednesday night Turtle Haven class, from 8 to 9 pm. In his book Inner Yoga, Sri Anirvan a great yoga teacher of the last century, says "To create an atmosphere conducive to meditation, a few things are necessary. You must make your lifestyle simple and disciplined, so that there is no unneccessary cause for restlessness or dispersion of the mind. You must develop the habit of remaining satisfied with whatever comes to you, so that your mind remains filled with a radiant gladness. You must keep a watchful eye on what happens in your mind when it comes into contact with external objects, so that this awareness of objects may be transformed into an awareness of self. And always you must cultivate a continuous stream of meditativeness, so the mind never never forgets its chosen object of seeking. To these disciplines, one more may be added— control of speech…..
During these Wednesday night explorations of meditation, we will consider our own personal lives, and our alignment, as well as lack of that, in relation to Sri Anirvan's ideas of what is necessary in "creating an atmosphere conducive to meditation." The subjects for each class will follow the theme presented in the passage above:
July 16: Simplifying Lifestyle and Discipline for Practice
July 23: Contentment with Whatever Comes: Acceptance
July 30: Relationship of External Objects/Perceptions with My Own Inner Self
August 6th: Remembering the the Chosen Object of Seeking: Spiritual Life Woven into Daily Life
August 13th: What is the Control of Speech? How Do I Practice?
In our time together, we will engage in some discussion, supportive of establishing a practice of meditation, as well as engage with breathing practices useful in bringing a deeper state of inwardness. And of course we will practice sitting meditation with various methods!
$45 for all five classes; otherwise, $12 per individual class
Note: Please inquire if your financial situation is such that a reduced tuition is needed; no one turned away for lack of funds!
Summer yoga classes will be on the same schedule as usual, except for Wednesday nights! Wednesdays will be taught with one asana class, and then during certain weeks, there will be offerings in meditation, breathing practices and suggested short readings, with group contemplation and reflection. This direction reflects my ongoing interest in considering the fullness of yoga practice as a life path. The Wednesday class will be at 6:15 pm for a mixed level asana class, and details to be announced for the additional study/practice classes.
Please know that I am willing to work out trades/alternate arrangements if you are truly not able to afford coming.
Any 9 classes for $115
Any 8 Classes for $108
Any 7 Classes for $98
Drop Ins $16
Please know that I am willing to work out trades/alternate arrangements if you are truly not able to afford coming.
Summer Quarter will span from June 16th through August 14th, with no class for Tuesday morning the 24th! You may view the schedule also on my Google Calendar, through my website.
Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
Mahatma Gandhi
The 8Petals 5:15 class for today February 24th is cancelled due to conditions brought by nature at her best. Please stay tuned for make up class details. There is a mighty good chance that the 9:45 am class in Deming at Turtle Haven tomorrow will also need to be rescheduled, but for a few hours I will wait to see if a miraculous melt happens…. and it would indeed be miraculous. I hope you enjoy the respite from routine, and enjoy this time of cancellations!
The first class in the Yoga Sadhana series begins NEXT Monday; please be aware that the first three sessions may be taken as individual classes, and the Anxiety and Depression series that starts in April must be taken as a 5 session series. Please contact Elizabeth with any questions.
More about 8 Petals Yoga Studio


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Language Arts Journal of Michigan
Sierra Holmes, Greg Shafer, and Amanda Stearns-Pfeiffer
Language Arts Journal of Michigan
Call for Papers: Spring 2017, Deadline: March 15, 2017
We are living in a time in which news of racism and racial strife is plentiful. From Black Lives Matter to the Flint Water Crisis, we cannot help but recognize the clear evidence of race as an invidious thread that binds many of these troubling issues together. And, of course, there are the concerns about linguistic fairness and students' right to their own language. Do language arts teachersno matter the level or school have a pressing responsibility to acknowledge this racial discord?
This LAJM issue asks writers to consider the many concerns of race, difference, linguistic diversity, and equality as topics for teaching and writing. How do we integrate these topics into our literature classes and assignments for writing? What can we learn from our students of various cultural and racial backgrounds? What pieces of literature offer the most hope and challenges? What assignments have generated the most authentic responses to the real controversies that swirl around us? Language instruction cannot be empowering unless it is inclusive, so how do we accomplish this and avoid political tumult?
We invite contributions that provide insight on the intersection between race, difference, change, and language arts pedagogy.
MET (Michigan Education Teacher) Newsletter
Toby Kahn-Loftus, Editor
Michigan Council of Teachers of English
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