text: At many of these facilities, we are the primary or sole providers of EP services. Together, we conduct more than 5,000 procedures each year, ranging from standard diagnostic studies to complex procedures, involving catheter and intraoperative mapping. We also participate regularly in device and drug clinical trials and operate our own, independent animal-research laboratory in an academic environment. Like our colleagues around the world, we are pleased to be introducing life-saving and life-altering EP techniques to so many thousands of patients each year, especially in previously un- and under-served communities. However, this level of outreach expansion is not without its difficulties. Electrophysiology is a relatively new discipline, with a rapidly growing knowledge base and rapidly evolving procedural tools. As a result, electrophysiologists who are usually independent of the facilities at which they practice do not always have access to the most efficient tools; this is especially true of the EP-monitoring systems on which we rely. For these reasons, our group decided several years ago to do all we could to ensure standardization of these systems from facility to facility. In this article, I will describe why this is so important and how we went about choosing both a system and a vendor who could meet our needs today and for the future. To understand why standardization is so important, picture yourself as a commercial pilot who flies 747s. Whatever airline you are flying for from American to Lufthansa to Qantas you can rest assured that when you step into the cockpit, you will encounter the same controls and gauges, time after time. That s not to say you couldn t fly a jet with a different dashboard. However, because you would spend precious time looking for the right switches and interpreting varying gauges, you would not be quite as efficient. The same is true in EP, especially for electrophysiologists who, like us, travel from lab to lab conducting such a wide range of procedures. Equipment familiarity improves our efficiency, reduces aggravation of staff during set-up, and improves system troubleshooting all this adds up to better delivery of patient care. By controlling and standardizing the EP lab environment as much as possible, just as cockpits were standardized in the aviation industry, the patient becomes the only unknown variable. The procedure becomes almost instinctual, and ultimately, I feel this should lead to ever-improving patient outcomes. For health care systems consisting of multiple hospitals in a particular geographical region that have EP labs, there is also a compelling case for standardization. A consistent interface can improve efficiency across all their facilities. Staff can be trained once, then cross-cover the various labs. Multiple lab equipment purchases can save money. Also, the right choice of equipment can result in space and cost savings as well. This is the case we made to the EP lab managers with whom we work: a consistent interface makes everyone more efficient. Apparently it s compelling; nearly all of these institutions now use a common platform and interface, delivered by the same vendor. There are two labs that are exceptions, however, and they make clear the disadvantages of the multi-vendor approach. Each time I walk into one of those labs, I have to consciously think about what I am doing with the equipment. I have to re-familiarize myself with the tracing display. I have to struggle to customize and reconfigure the screen or set-up, and find myself relying on technologists who are only occasional users to help me get the job done. This situation is far from ideal. The average case here does, indeed, take longer. To borrow another analogy, this time from sports, I don t have the home-field advantage at those facilities. The skills of the EP staff are obviously very important to the success of any procedure. Yet itinerant electrophysiologists like those in our group do not always have access to experienced EP technologists and nurses at every facility. Our assistants, especially in low-volume electrophysiology labs, are far more likely to be full-time cath-lab employees who have received cross-training in electrophysiology a discipline with a steep learning curve, even for those skilled in cardiac catheterizations. Of course, ongoing education and experience are the most critical factors in ensuring their continuous improvement. However, we learned early on not to underestimate the value of a common EP-monitoring interface. Our success in establishing this commonality nearly practice-wide has allowed us to quickly develop an army of personnel that are expert enough to make major contributions to our procedures. In fact, our experience proves that putting a common platform in the hands of even part-time professionals can give rise to a community of highly-skilled EP technologists and nurses a community that readily shares information and insights. Interestingly, these professionals do not see themselves as competitors, even when they work for competing healthcare systems; instead, they are a community of colleagues committed to helping each other learn, in order to provide the best possible patient care. Not so incidentally, this community often comes to the rescue of the electrophysiologists in our group as well. If I am at a remote site performing a procedure at 9 p.m. and have a question that I cannot solve about troubleshooting or changing a format, I can call a tech hundreds of miles away and have him or her walk me through the approach. The results? Faster procedures and, I am convinced, better patient outcomes. For all these reasons, we decided to seek a suitable and credible supplier of EP-monitoring equipment to meet our needs. However, that immediately raised questions. Which particular system would be the best among the alternatives? Which would meet our needs not only today, but also years down the road? In addition, which vendor would best meet the overall needs of each hospital in the EP lab and beyond? Your answers to these questions might be different from ours, but I can describe the thought process we went through. In our case, flexibility was absolutely crucial. There are some facilities where our caseload is primarily diagnostic; others, where we perform the most complex procedures. We needed equipment capable of accommodating them all: scaling down for sites where we perform only elementary diagnostic studies and scaling up for the most complex. We also wanted to be able to add capabilities as needed. Equally important, we had to have a system capable of accommodating advanced applications: for example, left-atrial mapping, which has become a specialty for both one of my partners, Dr. Jassi Sra, and me. We use a variety of catheters and electrogram displays, and need to switch quickly and easily between these. There were other criteria as well. Ease of use was a major issue. An electrophysiology case does not always go according to plan. When you have to turn mid-procedure and steer the whole crew in a different direction, you have to be able to adjust the equipment quickly, rather than spending half an hour figuring out how to get that equipment to move with you. Intuitive displays that require a minimum of keystrokes to change system settings or tracings are critical to this enhanced performance. Stability was another consideration. Granted, there is no EP system that will deliver hour upon hour of trouble-free operation; the demands we place on electronic equipment are simply too great. However, minimizing downtime is always an important goal one that warrants conversations with other electrophysiologists, to explore their experiences with a wide variety of equipment. These, then, were the criteria we applied to our evaluation of available EP monitoring hardware and software. System performance is certainly not the only issue to consider; in the long run, it isn t even the most important. More critical is the company behind the equipment. One reason technical support is readily apparent: There are times when I simply cannot get in touch with an experienced tech for advice, or when I am exploring completely uncharted territory. Being able to contact a knowledgeable vendor support engineer at any time is absolutely essential in these cases. Even more important is the question of which vendors seem most likely to continue upgrading their products in the months to come as the field of EP evolves and new needs emerge. You must consider which companies are fully committed to the field and product development, and which companies seem most likely to be around a decade from now to provide continued service. Most of us have experienced the consequences of ignoring this issue. We have been impressed by some exciting capability or another often, a capability developed by a physician who understands exactly what we need to do. We have been so impressed, in fact, that we have allowed ourselves to believe reassurances of the vendor s staying power and we have paid the price. For instance, one of our larger software vendors has switched hands several times in the last few years. Decent service is now a pipe dream. So, too, are the upgrades that we thought would keep us current. We are faced with starting all over. This is not a lesson we needed to learn twice. So before committing to an EP-monitoring vendor, we took a close look at each vendor s apparent commitment to electrophysiology, and an even closer look at its credibility and prospects for long-term survival. Once we had evaluated all our alternatives, a clear winner emerged: GE Medical Systems Windows NT ®-based CardioLab system, formerly known as the Prucka CardioLab ® 7000. In the months since the hospitals started switching to this system, it has become apparent that we made the right choice. First, this system offers sufficient flexibility to address the needs of everyone in our group, as well as sufficient speed and power. It allows us to quickly adjust individual-user preferences, up front or in the midst of a case. It lets us instantaneously change the display, to switch from conventional recording to split-screen mapping for example, if we are doing ventricular tachycardia mapping and the tachycardia suddenly becomes noninducible. It even allows our left-atrial mapping specialist to instantly switch between catheters and electrogram displays. We are also surprisingly comfortable with the user-friendliness of the CardioLab. The tasks we need to perform frequently have been incorporated into an interface that makes operation intuitive and painless. We don t waste time figuring out how to set up the screen to our preferences, or how to get pacing from this particular place; instead, we re free to concentrate on our patients. Similarly, our staff has found this system easy to operate, especially in terms of set-up. Once we had personalized our protocols in our Milwaukee-area labs, GE transferred them to the other systems we work with via CD. We are also quite satisfied with the stability of this system, in spite of its being the first Windows NT-based equipment available. There were some bumps along the road initially, but we expected that. While change is always difficult, the trick is to make it worth the hassle. GE was also extremely responsive to our complaints and suggestions, issuing an extraordinary five new software releases in a single year. Plus, since most people were already familiar with using Windows in other applications, the staff was very comfortable while learning to use the system. Furthermore, GE met our most painstaking vendor criteria. Their strengths, such as stability, credibility, and innovation, match the strengths on which the Wisconsin Electrophysiology Group prides itself. There are no guarantees, of course, but if we had to place a bet on which company will still be around to support us a decade from now, we would put our money on GE. Their commitment to electrophysiology is clearly there: this company has been involved in the imaging side of EP since the early 1990s, and its acquisition of Prucka in 1999 has underscored its dedication to our discipline. While some might view the fact that GE is involved in disciplines outside of EP as a disadvantage, we see it as a clear advantage. As a leader in the development of an extensive line of medical systems, GE has the advantage of broad exposure to many technologies, and can apply lessons learned in other disciplines to meet the needs of electrophysiology. In addition, GE can offer hospitals comprehensive solutions in radiology and cardiology as well as EP which is important when considering a hospital s overall needs. The level of technical support GE offers is second-to-none. Also, as we learned from its engineers responsiveness in debugging the problems related to the new NT platform, the company is committed to upgrading its product to meet our needs. Now that everything is running smoothly, even staff members who initially resisted the move to the NT platform would have to agree that it represents a significant improvement over DOS versions. This is especially true in terms of speed; our new systems respond almost as quickly as we can think. None of these factors would matter if these systems did not enhance our ability to deliver the finest patient care. However, I am convinced that they do precisely that, primarily by taking the stress out of the lives of the electrophysiologist, nurse and tech alike. With the CardioLab, we re free to concentrate on our patients, and on our procedures, and that translates very directly into improved patient care.


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RTOs change gears, penalise cabbies without updated e-meters
As thousands of taxi drivers chose to ignore the Nov 25 cut-off date, authorities have started imposing penalties and impounding vehicles; unsurprisingly, taxi unions have once again asked for more time
Despite the deadline meant for taxis and auto rickshaws in the city to calibrate their meters having expired on Sunday, not much has changed on the streets as drivers continue to pull numbers out of thin air when quoting the fare. But now the regional transport offices (RTOs) across the city have decided to put brakes on these errant men behind the wheels, by levying fines on the spot. Thus, sources say, nearly 9,000 black-and-yellow taxis are contemplating going off the roads temporarily, fearing stringent action.
As a practice, many cabbies continue to spell out the tariff at the end of a journey, irrespective of whether they have e-meters or mechanical ones. Some even refuse to furnish a rate card when asked to do so.
"These taxi drivers have not been taking cognisance of deadlines seriously. Most of them wait till the eleventh hour to get their meters attuned," said M Jadhav, RTO officer from Tardeo. On November 27, Tardeo RTO punished 16 black-and-yellow taxis that were plying without standardised e-meters. A fine of Rs 600 was collected from each and the vehicles were impounded.
The previous day, six cabbies had met with the same fate. However, taxi unions and drivers are blaming RTOs for the delay in the switch.
"RTOs don't have sufficient infrastructure and staff to calibrate the e-meters and are unfairly blaming us. We have now requested them to extend the cut-off date till December 8 and not impose any fines till then," said AL Quadros, leader of Mumbai Taximen's Union.
About 37,000 black-and-yellow taxis ply in Mumbai, of which 9,000 have mechanical meters, and the remaining have electronic ones. According to data available, nearly 19,000 taxis have completed calibration of their e-meters till now. The fleet has lost strength — from 42,000 taxis to 37,000 — in recent years.
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subset: commoncrawl


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SATELLITE FLYBYS APP: Turn your iPhone or iPod into a field-tested satellite tracker! Spaceweather.com presents the Satellite Flybys app.
GIANT MYSTERY, SOLVED? Last year, when NASA's IBEX spacecraft discovered a giant ribbon at the edge of the solar system, researchers were mystified. They called it a "shocking result" and puzzled over its origin. Now the mystery may have been solved. Get the full story from Science@NASA.
ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE: Yesterday, the Moon passed in front of the sun, producing a spectacular "ring of fire" eclipse visible from the Indian Ocean and surrounding lands. In Manila, James Kevin Ty caught the eclipse in its partial phase:
"The low-hanging sun was dim and I didn't need any special filter to photograph it using my Canon 350D," says Ty. "In the foreground, a young couple sat together in a boat enjoying the romantic view."
Indeed, it was a lovely eclipse. Browse the just-updated gallery for more examples:
UPDATED: Solar Eclipse Photo Gallery [World Map of Eclipse Sightings]
NORTHERN LIGHTS: The solar wind is gently buffeting Earth's magnetic field and this is causing auroras around the Arctic Circle. This is how the sky looked on Jan. 15th over Kvaløya, Norway:
"The auroras were beautiful [last night]," says Fedrik Broms, who took the picture using his Nikon D3. "They were not in the mood for dancing, but they were intense. At times, the strong green light made the ice glow green too."
The display could intensify even more on Jan. 18th and 19th. That's when a solar wind stream flowing from a coronal hole is expected to reach Earth. High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for Northern Lights.
UPDATED: January Northern Lights Gallery [previous Januarys: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2001]


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Appendage Protection
A great addition to protect your arms without overheating. Breathable and moisture wicking, reported to reduce fatigue and soreness.
Sleeves finish at the bicep with a "gripper" elastic to ensure coverage stays in place.
Available in Safety Orange and Granite .
Additional information
Fabric Content – 82% Nylon/ 18% Spandex,
Care Instructions – Machine Wash Warm/ Hang Dry in less than 40 minutes!!


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Even some critics of Israel bristled when its recent attacks on Gaza were called "genocidal." But a closer look reveals disturbing parallels with genocides past.
Posts Tagged: Ixil
Guatemala's genocide trial has lifted the curtain on the country's bloody past.
Power and politics have their effect on Guatemala's historic genocide trial.
In a week of remarkable events and reversals in Guatemala, the genocide trial of former dictator Efrain Rios Montt came to an abrupt halt on April 18.


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Coffee Beans:
Call of Duty: Black Ops(Black Ops) was released on November 9, 2010, in North America; with a MSRP of $49.99, for the Wii version. Call of Duty: Black Ops was developed by Treyarch, and published by Activision.
It took 21 days for Call of Duty: Black Ops' game-play data to appear on the Nintendo Channel, as shown below.
How many hours have Wii owners reportedly been involved in "black ops" over the last 21 days, while I'm sure claiming they were just answering their call of duty? Let's take a look!
|The debut game-play hours shown above are for the United States of America Wii owners, not world-wide.
Appoximate Number of Players Reporting Data:
Call of Duty: Black Ops has 6,181 Wii owners reporting their play-time data, on its debut through the Nintendo Channel; 21 days after its release.
Average Hours & Total Game-Play Hours Reported:
Black Ops has 120,608 Total Hours of game-play reported for its debut, with an average of 19 Hours 31 Minutes "Per person" reporting data.
The debut average play-time per "Black Ops" session, for Call of Duty: Black Ops, is just over 3 Hours 17 Minutes.
Over the 21 days reported, Wii owners have averaged about 5,743 game-play hours each day playing Black Ops.
Sale Rank & Advertised Price:
Call of Duty: Black Ops' Amazon.com sale rank is #78, and is currently selling for $49.99. (recorded around 11:15PM on 11-29-10)
Review Score Averages:
Call of Duty: Black Ops' review score average is 84.22%, based on 9 "professional" reviews on GameRankings.com. (recorded around 11:15PM on 11-29-10)
Amazon.com shows Call of Duty: Black Ops on the Wii with a 4 out of 5 Star rating, basically an 80% average; based on 24 customer reviews.
You can see the Amazon.com customer review score average for the Wii version of Black Ops pictured below:
Call of Duty: Black Ops is off to a tremendous start with its reported game-play data. I don't own Black Ops on the Wii, but purchased it on my PS3 instead….and I really do miss the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controls offered in Wii FPS games.
Treyarch has established themselves as being an extremely capable developer of FPS games for the Wii. Every Call of Duty game released on the Wii so far: Call of Duty 3, Call of Duty: World at War, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Reflex, and Call of Duty: Black Ops; has been developed/ported by Treyarch, and published by Activision.
Call of Duty: World at War was the first game of the series on the Wii, to implement online multi-player.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Reflex was a port of the original Xbox 360 and PS3 game developed by Infinity Ward, and it was the first game of the series to implement more fully customizable Wii Remote and Nunchuk controls.
Call of Duty: Black Ops is the first game of the series on the Wii, to implement voice-chat with a headset, as well as including the online co-op Zombie Mode.
If you're wondering, "Is Black Ops really doing that well compared to other games' debuts?" Well, here is what Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Reflex's debut game-play data looked like when it debuted, just 21 days after it released:
|The old way I did data stories!
If you're interested, you can see the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Reflex data debut post HERE. Call of Duty: Black Ops has almost double the amount of "Total Hours" reported, compared to what Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Reflex did.
I think with the addition of Zombie mode this year, Call of Duty: Black Ops could be a serious contender for becoming the "Most Played Wii Game" in the "Per person" category.
If you purchased Call of Duty: Black Ops for the Wii, what do you think of it? If you played the other Call of Duty Wii games, do you think Black Ops is a step forward for the series, or is it more like moving sideways, just maintaining the status quo?
If anybody is interested in Call of Duty: Black Ops, you can see prices for the console versions on Amazon.com linked below:
http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=coffeew-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003JVCA9Q&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=coffeew-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003N3HEU0&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=coffeew-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003JVKHEQ&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr


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Hello All,
I had the pleasure of photographing and hanging out with Michael this weekend at the MOONEYES XMAS PARTY Drag race! Michael definitely flexed some motor muscle running his '31 Coupe and I can tell he caught the racing bug!.. Looking forward to seeing this beastly coupe racing down the track a whole lot more. Here are a few shots I dig..


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Hometime provides property management services for listings on Airbnb
Find out what your Auckland property could earn
Hometime is an independent property management company and is not endorsed by Airbnb or its affiliates
Will Airbnb bring you returns?
Recent data shows that the average punter will save 30% by booking an Airbnb rental instead of a hotel, with the average Airbnb in Auckland coming in at $190 a night. The demand for Airbnb has been growing exponentially, and Auckland properties are now earning tens of thousands of dollars on their investment and residential properties. The short-term market naturally fluctuates depending on the tourism trends, however, the yield over the year is much higher.
Higher Yields
By 30 – 40%
Average nightly rate
Guest Support
"We travel a lot and were thinking about listing our place on Airbnb for a while. We tried to manage it ourselves, though we just couldn't get it to reach its full potential as we both work full time. Hometime has relieved us of all these worries. Hooray for passive income!"
Judith, Auckland
Use trusted managers for your Airbnb
Hometime is proud to be the only property management company to have teamed up with Airbnb. Our partnership with Airbnb allows us to have access to enhanced Airbnb customer service support, and more options to provide great hospitality to guests. Together with Airbnb, we want you to know that your property is in safe hands with us.
Get professional photographs
When you sign up for Hometime, we organise for our professional photographer to come to your home at the time of the onboarding. This is included as part of our onboarding fee of $200. We then have our in-house copywriter craft up your listing, to ensure it is suited to the algorithm of Airbnb's search platform.
What is the procedure for damages?
All items left in the property are available for guest use. You are advised to store or remove anything of particular sentimental value. Hometime does its best to ensure your home remains as you left it, but it does not take responsibility for damaged, missing or lost items. We take a security deposit from each guest to cover damages.
How do you manage pre-existing bookings?
When we take over management of a host's account, we will manage all bookings already in your calendar. We charge a reduced rate of 10% commission for these bookings. Any bookings received under Hometime's management will be at 20% commission.
We'd love to hear from you
Speak to an Account Manager today
161 Castlereagh St
Sydney NSW 2000
+61 2 8311 5433
Hometime is an independent property management company and is not endorsed by Airbnb or its affiliates.


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Early Outreach
CSUMB welcomes 3,000 sixth graders to glimpse the future.
University Promise as early outreach
More than 3,100 sixth-graders from around Monterey County are visiting Cal State Monterey Bay this week to make and to receive a promise.
The University Promise program, which is designed to increase the number of local students who eventually seek a college degree, asks students to make a pledge to complete the required coursework to earn admission to a CSU campus. In return, CSUMB will guarantee them a place in a future entering class.
— Paula Carter, Director of Admissions
It is a great experience for them to see a college campus.
"We're going to ask you to make a promise, a promise about your future," CSUMB President Eduardo M. Ochoa told the students gathered Tuesday morning in the University Center. "I'm here to tell you that each one of you can earn a college degree,"
Your university
Since its founding, CSUMB has made outreach to students from Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties a major focus. Outreach efforts have been organized by different offices and gone by different names, but in the early years, most efforts involved CSUMB staff traveling to local schools.
In 2009, university officials began talking to local school administrators about a more ambitious plan: bringing all 6th grade students to CSUMB to tour the campus and hear that same promise: "This is your university and if you do the work, there will be a place for you."
In return for making the pledge, the students receive Junior Otter cards, as well as information about what classes they will need to take to qualify to attend a CSU campus.
I'm here to tell you that each one of you can earn a college degree.— President Eduardo M. Ochoa
While the university's growth has caused it to declare impaction – meaning that it can adopt additional entrance requirements for applicants from outside its service area – students from within CSUMB's service area of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties are admitted if they meet the CSU's basic admissions requirements. This fall, 37 percent of CSUMB's undergraduate students come from the three-county service area.
Paula Carter, Cal State Monterey Bay's director of admissions, said it is important to have "a lot of touchpoints" to help young students stay on track toward a college degree.
"It (University Promise) really is early outreach. For young students who haven't been here before, it is a great experience for them to see a college campus," Carter said.More images from University Promise
Place for you
While the university does not track students to see which current Otters went through University Promise program, Carter said, "Just this year, we had two students send us their Junior Otter cards to say 'Hey, we're here.'"
Yulianna Luna, a CSUMB sophomore majoring in Human Communication, was at the inaugural program in 2009 and she remembers the excitement. "Everyone who talked with us was so excited and so passionate about what they were doing," she said. "I remember being so pumped up."
Luna was likely on a college path anyway. Two older sisters were college bound and eventually graduated from CSUMB, but Luna remembers that many of her classmates were not. That visit to CSUMB made everyone excited to become an Otter, she said. "You feel like there is a place for you," she said. "You are wanted."


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Pierce Brosnan would make his last appearance as Bond in 2002's Die Another Day, and it would be four years before Daniel Craig starred in 2006's Casino Royale.
From the beginning, there was controversy surrounding Craig as Bond. Many people thought he wasn't handsome enough. Others thought he lacked experience. I think it's safe to say that he proved them all wrong, and his own series of Bond films has enjoyed both critical and commercial success.
And while I think that Brosnan was better as Bond, it is two of Craig's movies - Skyfall and Casino Royale - that are my favorites. When all is said and done, there is a tortured aspect to Craig's Bond that really sets those two movies apart.
The remaining Bond movies are: Die Another Day (2002), Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2009), Skyfall (2012), and the newest entry, Spectre (2015).
High Points
Which is better, Casino Royale or Skyfall? I'd have to pick Skyfall. Javier Bardem's performance is astonishing, and I love the way most of the action devolves back toward M, not Bond. It creates a sense of suspense that the other 007 films lack.
Not that Casino Royale is a bad movie. The plot is excellent, the villain is great, and the stakes are very high. More than anything, there is a freshness to that film that very few other films in the series can match. That chase scene in Madagascar is like seeing Sean Connery first appear in Dr. No, all over again.
Spectre has problems, but the opening scene in Mexico City is EPIC, and Cristoph Waltz was almost a good villain. I only wish his character had been written better, and that his character's connection to Bond was less tenuous.
Low Points
Die Another Day is Bond at his silliest. The first half of this movie is actually pretty good, but by the time the ice hotel is melting and the satellite is burning through the demilitarized zone it has left reality far, far behind. I'd be hard pressed to say which movie is sillier, this one or Moonraker, but if Moonraker is Star Wars, Die Another Day is Ghost in the Shell.
Quantum of Solace is much better than Die Another Day, but it was still a letdown after the excellent Casino Royale. Like Brosnan's Tomorrow Never Dies, it retreats back into formula.
I found Spectre a disappointing film. But perhaps that sense of disappointment is/was partly my fault. Skyfall was such an amazing movie, and there was no conceivable way they were going to top that.
Theme Songs
Is that Madonna singing the theme to Die Another Day? Why yes it is, but her voice is so heavily treated that you probably won't notice at first. She also turns up in the movie itself.
If, sometime in the 90s, you had told me that Chris Cornell would be singing the theme to Bond film, I probably would have thought you were crazy. Nevertheless, he did sing the theme to Casino Royale, and the results are... underwhelming. Perhaps it would have been better with more guitar?
Jack White and Alicia Keys' theme for Quantum of Solace is forgettable.
Adele's turn on Skyfall is one of the best Bond themes ever. I had that playing in my car for months.
Sam Smith sings the theme to Spectre. It's not great, but it's not bad. Who is Sam Smith anyway? I have no idea.
|Eva Green
Bond Girls
Halle Berry plays Jinx, an NSA agent who assists Bond in Die Another Day. She may have won the Academy Award around that time, but she isn't very good in Die Another Day.
Eva Green. Damn that woman is fine. I guess the other woman in Casino Royale is also fine, but in the presence of Eva Green I am unable to remember her. I love that scene where she psychoanalyzes Bond on the train.
Olga Kurylenko is one of the most memorable things about Quantum of Solace. Her character in that film is more interesting than James Bond.
None of the women in Skyfall did anything for me, but that movie is so good it doesn't matter.
Spectre is the one case where I was excited about the Bond girl before I saw the movie. I have been a fan of Monica Bellucci for a long, long time. Unfortunately she was wasted on that film.
Where Does Bond Go?
Starting with Casino Royale and ending with Spectre, Bond goes from Madagascar, to London, to the Bahamas, to the USA, to the Bahamas (again), to Montenegro, to Italy, to London (again), to Austria, to Italy (again), to Bolivia, to Russia, to Turkey, to London (again), to Shanghai, to Macau, to London (again), to Scotland, to London (again), to Mexico City, to London (again), to Italy (again), to Austria (again), to Morocco, and back to London (again).
..and I have omitted Bond's travels in Die Another Day from the above list. Why? Because Casino Royale rebooted the franchise.
You know, if you removed the U.K., the U.S.A., and the Bahamas from Bond's travels, he hasn't been to all that many countries!
And in Conclusion...
It's here! Read on in Bond: The Conclusion!
Other Bond Entries:
Bond: The 1960s
Bond: The 1970s
Bond: The 1980s
Bond: The 1990s
Bond: The Conclusion!


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Size: 27x40
Price: $25
Condition: Rolled, Mint
This item is available for immediate shipment. It is variously known to the public as a Godzilla poster, a Godzilla film poster and a Godzilla movie poster.
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We all know that St. Vincent St. Mary is LeBron James' high school alma mater. And we know that like Kobe Bryant with Rice HS in Harlem, Bron-Bron also sponsors Christ the King and several other high school and colleges. If you ever got curious, you might have also looked into his work with the Summit Lake Hornets. Why are there no Google results for "Summit Lake High School"? Because they were actually King James' first rec-league team.
These Nike Air Max LeBron VII Lows are a worthy followup to last year's version. Whereas The Six was black, these go with a mix of white and light grey for a nice 'homey' look. These don't have the speckled midsole sections we've seen on other AML7 Lows, but still look nice with a teal section framing the Air bubble. These should probably hit retailers sometime this summer, and you can own a sample in US mens size 9, available from cigar0330 on eBay.


text:
I'm quite happy with the exercise I submitted, entitled rather prosaically "Murder from the Point of View of the Murderer, Victim, and Detective," but the exercise I wanted to write was about letting go in your work, about giving yourself permission to throw words away.
Don't get me wrong. I love some of my sentences just as much as the next writer. I've let go giant subplots that I still mourn (remember Hannah's brother, Ernst? He used to talk from beyond the grave and those were great scenes).


text:
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Unit News
June, 2013
MCAS Yuma Marines use Single Marine Program volunteer opportunity to help animals
June 24, 2013
— Several Marines aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., volunteered their time at the local Humane Society of Yuma shelter to walk and care for the dogs, as a part of the Single Marines Program, June 12. "MCAS Yuma Marines have been volunteering on and off for several years here," said Misty Cicala, a Yuma native and volunteer manager at the
Shabazz – A Man's Life To and From the Corps
June 21, 2013
— "Knowledge will give you power, but character will give you respect." – Bruce LeeThe time comes for every active duty Marine to consider other career options and eventually make life altering decisions. During that time, possibilities and risks are weighed against lifelong ambitions, and true faith will be tested.For Capt. Shaheed Shabazz, a search
MCAS Yuma stays Semper Fit
June 18, 2013
— Marine Corps Air Station Yuma's Semper Fit health promotions program has a new coordinator, Jennifer Norton, who is organizing new events, trainings and workshops. The streamlined program is designed to address the most prevalent health issues that are detrimental to a Marine's ability to carry out a mission, which includes physical activity,
Marine Corps Coyotes – More than the Moon's Melodists
June 12, 2013
— United States Marines have long been hailed as the world's preeminent combat arms experts. Battle after battle, Marines have proven they have what it takes to get the job done.So, how does the Corps maintain this degree of combat-tested prowess? Through training … and training, and more training. Whether airframe mechanic, infantryman or legal
Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain Action: Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Marines Go to Town
June 7, 2013
— All that's left is the smoking remnants of an uninhabited city that's been gutted to its very marrow of cinder blocks and rusting rebar. Bombed out cars, abandoned homes and bullet riddled infrastructure sets the stage for Marines donning face masks, neck protectors, flak jackets, Kevlars and M16A4 service rifles.This was the final, arranged
New Navy Vessel Named After Yuma
June 7, 2013
— The United States Navy announced Thursday that they have decided to name one of their newest Joint High-Speed Vessels after the city of Yuma, Ariz., forming an even deeper bond between the local community and our military. Political officials from the state of Arizona and the city of Yuma were informed of the decision by the Honorable Ray Mabus,
Training for the New Face of Modern Warfare with Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron
June 7, 2013
— As part of a weeklong deployment for training exercise, Marines and sailors with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., underwent counter improvised explosive device training at the Tactical Vehicle Simulation Center aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 13-14.The exercise took
What a Mess... Night
June 7, 2013
— The Mess Night is a Marine Corps tradition designed to bring a unit together at the dinner table with an odd conglomerate of stern ceremony and light-hearted amusement. These events are practiced pan-Corps and enhance the cohesion of a unit's Marines.Marine Air Control Squadron One, of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., hosted a unit-wide Mess
Live Action Role-Playing Done Right – the Marine Corps Way
June 3, 2013
— Under a blazing desert sun, Marines from 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines rushed into a building that was resonating from the sound of AK-47 fire. Just inside the door, they encountered heavy fire from insurgents. With swift and decisive action, the Marines dispatched their enemies and found the individual they had come to capture.Remarkably, this
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text:
Okay, this piece is something a bit different. I actually wrote it yesterday, in a rush of creativity, but then got a bit scared to share it. Is it too simple, too different from my other pieces?
But then again, isn't that what love sometimes is? So simple you can't rationalise it? You can only feel it.
Love is cooking dinner to someone and being able to make their potatoes taste like caviar. Because when that someone tastes those potatoes, what they really taste is their love for the hands that peeled them. And that makes those humble spuds diamonds in their eyes.
No wonder Gordon Ramsay is always so picky. He should quit the shouting for a bit and try some love.
Here goes, I'm going to brave myself. Hope you like it!
A Reckless Fall
I've been locking myself to toilets
So I can smile in peace
Remember again
Your stare rocking my insides
Then lean against the dirty tiles
To gain some balance
But secretly trying to just
Drop through them
Surrender to that rushing sweet fear
A reckless fall of anticipation:
Will you catch me?
Will you smile at my lipstick?
I know, I put on too much
In purpose
So you can keep kissing it away
For a bit longer
Peace and love to all of you!


text:
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- Havenly for iOS - Get interior design advice for free, all from your phone
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Havenly is the easiest way to decorate your home. Work with your very own interior designer to design your dream space. Whether you need a full room redo or just a few finishing touches to complete your home, Havenly is here to help. It's one-on-one interior design help from the pros, in the palm of your hand. So go on, get decorated.


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Does a past history of domestic violence automatically disqualify him as relationship material?
There are dealbreakers and then there are dealbreakers—and a past history of domestic violence is a dealbreaker on a lot of people's list. Salon.com's advice columnist, Cary Tennis, fielded a question from a former abuser who's nervous about telling his new girlfriend he physically abused his ex-wife half a dozen times during their marriage. The Frisky: Helping A Friend Who's Being Hit
After divorcing, "Ex-Abuser," as he signed his letter, entered therapy and said it helped him "understand my reasons for the abuse, and the effect it had on both my wife and our relationship." Also after the divorce, he and his ex-wife went to therapy together and "the abuse was addressed and some amount of nascent healing took place." The Frisky: He Says He's Just Not Boyfriend Material
Now Ex-Abuser is in a new relationship with a woman he seems to want to spend his life with. Trouble is, he hasn't told her about his past. Not only is he afraid his new girlfriend will ditch him if she knows, but his ex-wife is threatening to spill the beans herself. And that, obviously, would be bad. The Frisky: Sometimes You Shouldn't Mind Your Own Business
Of course, Ex-Abuser should tell his girlfriend himself, but I don't think it'll go as badly as he thinks. Maybe I'll get my Feminist Card revoked for saying this, but I don't think a man's abusive past should necessarily be an automatic dealbreaker. The Frisky: MERRIme, A Web Comedy About Online Dating
I believe people can change their mentally ill ways and behave healthily again. I've met enough sober alcoholics and clean drug addicts to know that is true. A lot of factors contribute to domestic violence in a relationship, but I have faith a man can be taught how and why he controlled and abused his partner and learn not to do it again.
More from The Frisky:


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Sketch Challenge #123
Wowzers! Did y'all see all the great sketch cards on the bloghop? If you haven't started working your way through all 126 (126!) stops on the hop, get started by clicking here! There is a lot of inspiration to be had on the 'hop!
How about a new sketch... or two? Just a couple of reminders for new folks: all OWH sketches are designed for A2 sized cards (5.5" x 4.25") since that is what we prefer to receive, and the heart shape indicates the embellishment of your choice - doesn't have to be a heart!
First, today's sketch:
Our sample today was made by Sue K. She has a blog called Little Bits of Randomness where you can see more of her great cards and three very cute dogs. I just love the text-y background paper used here. Thanks so much for such a great card, Sue!
But wait! There's more! Yesterday on my stop in the bloghop, I offered up a bonus sketch, and I'm copying it here as well. Have fun with it!
I don't have a sample for this one, so whoever makes one and links it up first on our Inlinkz tool below will become our sample! Enjoy the remainder of your weekend and don't forget to come back here and link up your cards so we can all share the inspiration!


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Below are a few tips that I've picked up along the way in my research about essential oils.
Not All Oils–Or Companies–Are Alike!
When I began to learn about essential oils, I learned of these two companies: doTERRA and Young Living. From my limited understanding, do TERRA branched off from Young Living, and there was a falling out and a lawsuit brought on by Young Living—you can look it up online if you want more details.
But in my mind, both get a lot of exposure caused by the split and therefore, these consultant-driven businesses are in competition with each other. This doesn't stick well with me in my "all-natural" craw, if you know what I mean. If you talk to anyone who is a consultant for either one, they will naturally espouse the goodness of their own company and not go into detail about the rift, if you happen ask about it. I've spoken to consultants from both companies, and they've all been lovely, well-informed people when it came to essential oils. But the bad karma between the two enterprises turned me off to BOTH companies.
Being the rebel that I am, I did my own research and found reputable oils that are easily purchased at local health food markets. I can pick the ones I want to try out and avoid being locked into 'beginner starter kits' and other programs that are pricey.
Knock It Off!
I can't say this enough: avoid purchasing oils that you find in your drug stores or chain stores like Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Essential oils and diffusers seem to be the 'in' thing right now, and I've seen different unknown brands pop up in different stores . You need to know what is in the oils that you are diffusing, ingesting, or using topically. If it says "100% Pure Frankincense" on the bottle, and it's only $4.99 at Target, you can safely assume that it's not PURE Frankincense in that bottle! (Frankincense is one of the most expensive oils you can purchase.) If you diffuse oils that aren't really pure, you can be putting worse things into your system than you bargained for. And who wants that?
Do Your Homework!
There are literally HUNDREDS of resources available online and in print about essential oils. I like to keep my options open and use both types of sources.
Pintrest, of course, has quick information for all your essential oil needs, but I also love to have books on hand, because sometimes, it's just quicker to be able to bookmark a page and turn to it in a pinch. My favorite book is Valerie Worwood's The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. It is very comprehensive and outlines the history of various oils as well as which oils to use topically, diffuse, and/or ingest. Valerie provides recipes to use with oils for any kind of ailment or household task or beauty regime. She also lists reputable essential oil companies in the back, which was extremely helpful to me in my research, since I was definitely waging a private campaign against both doTERRA and Young Living. (And she does list these two in her book as reputable companies.)
Basically, don't just start diffusing because 'everyone is doing it'. If you're not sure about an oil, be investigative and find the answers you are looking for. Work smarter, not harder! Look for book titles online, then go to the library and check out the books that interest you. I love doing this because I can make sure the book (s) have the information I require before purchasing. I made the mistake once of purchasing a cookbook before I really reviewed it. I'll never do that again!
In this case, doing your homework means the difference between being informed or spending money that really can be saved for a better purchase.
A Little Bit Goes A Long Way!
The oils are potent, so after you have researched what oils you want to use and how to use them safely, do it drop by drop. I learned that I could use Frankincense, Rosemary, and Oregano in combination to help combat my Lyme disease. But after applying 3-4 diluted drops of each to each foot, I felt somewhat stomach sick within a half an hour! I should have just used one oil at a time and rotated, but live and learn, right?
I also discovered that Geranium and Lavender, which smell wonderful together, are not a good combination for me when I am dealing with congestion; the two actually made my symptoms worse! But a Lemon and Eucalyptus blend were perfect for me in the bath or in the shower when I was all stuffy.
So in the case of essential oils, a little bit does go a long way. It's better to start of with one or two drops and build up. Rotating oils is also recommended if you notice that you aren't getting the same effects over a period of time.
Diffusers Don't Need To Be Expensive to be Worthy
Now that you are ready with oils, you need to get a diffuser. And just like anything else on the market, diffusers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and prices.
Three things I learned to consider when deciding on a diffuser:
Ease of Opening
Room Size
Personally, I have three diffusers. And the easiest one to open is the cheapest one that I bought at Wal-Mart, made by Better Homes and Garden. Both the outside glass cover, much like a bell jar, and the inside cover, are easily removable. Because the square footage of my bedroom is relatively small, I can put the diffuser on, shut the door, and within a half an hour, the air in the room is filled with any beautiful oil that I put inside.
The one I bought from my classroom has a plastic cover that you need to twist on and off according to arrow indicators on the outer lid and diffuser. My hands are small, so this one is hard for me to grasp and as a result, it is difficult to open and close. I purchased it because it is larger in size, and has a timer for how long you want it to run. Its size allows it to run up to 360 minutes, which is great in the classroom! But I didn't consider how to opens (I bought this one online) and because it's harder to open, I end up just leaving the lid in the unlocked position to avoid having to twist it open when it is time to refill.
I have another one that my husband purchased as a Christmas gift. It is made out of wood—it's very pretty and looks lovely in my livingroom, but again, it's a little trickier to open and close due to the design.
The square footage of my living room is much larger than that of my bedroom. The room also opens up to a stairwell, so when diffusing, it seems to require more drops of oil to reap the same benefits as in an enclosed space like my bedroom.
So, consider all these factors before purchasing and diffusing. And if you can, purchase your diffuser in person and not online, so you can actually see the diffuser and test out how it opens and closes.
Well, I hope these tips help clear the air when considering using essential oils!
Let me know how it goes!
Yours in Lyme Adventures,


text:
Abaca carries Rain or Shine to PBA Women's 3×3 Finals
Ara Abaca was a woman on a mission on Tuesday, carrying Rain or Shine on her back to the PBA Women's 3×3 Tournament Finals.
The former La Salle stalwart unleashed nine points to deliver a 12-7 victory over last conference's finalist Ginebra at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Abaca was just a behemoth down low, scoring three straight to erect an 11-6 lead with 44.2 seconds left in the game.
Nicole Garcia added two markers, and sister Kat Garcia chipped in one for the huge win for the Elasto Painters.
Vangie Soriano anchored Ginebra in the losing effort with four points.
Rain or Shine will now meet NLEX in the best-of-3 Finals series.
The Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 12 – Abaca 9, N. Garcia 2, K. Garcia 1, Mendoza 0.
GINEBRA 7 – Soriano 4, Galicia 2, Bautista 1, Gloriani 0.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.


text:
As it is starting to cool off outside and the leaves are beginning to change I am getting more into the fall spirit. So we put up the fall decorations up, popped in a vanilla nutmeg scentsy and made some chili. Fall makes me so happy I love everything about it!
So this chili recipe is mine not the pioneer woman's but it is so delicious and healthy that I thought I would share it.
Quinoa Turkey Chili
1 Tbs olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 onion diced
1 pound ground turkey
1-1/2 cups quinoa depending on how much quinoa you like
2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes
1 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes
3 Tbs tomato paste
1 1/2 Tbs chili powder or more to taste
2 tsp cumin
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1-2 tsp sugar (totally optional but it helps to counteract all the acidity of the tomatoes)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 15 ounce can kidney beans
1 15 ounce can black beans
Start with a large pot on the stove top with olive oil, garlic, and onions. When they are translucent add the turkey to brown.
This is the easy part just add all the other ingredients to the pot. It does not matter what order.
Now you can cook your quinoa ahead of time but I just like to cook it in my chili because I hate doing any extra dishes. So I add an extra 1- 1 1/2 cups of liquid (vegetable stock or water) that the quinoa will absorb. Let this simmer for 30-45 minutes until all your quinoa is cooked.
I like to serve this with sour cream, cheese and avocado if I have it.
This is so delicious with some corn bread on the side that Lexi made.
Lexi wanted her face painted at an event we were at earlier that day but we had to leave before we could. She was so sad so I painted I butterfly on her arm. Totally looks like a butterfly. Right? Haha
Happy Cooking!


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FAMILY STUDIO (4 Adults)
Accessed by a lift, all studios feature a private bathroom and a flat screen TV.
Studios facilities: Kitchenette with microwave / refregirator / ceramic hob, Heating / Air conditioning, Soundproofing, Hardwood/Parquet floors, Bath, Hairdryer, Free toiletries, Toilet, Bathroom, Telephone, Flat-screen TV, Wake Up Service/Alarm Clock
Free Open WiFi is available in all the residence and all the studio.
Equipement for cook (electric kettle, cooking pan etc..) is free of charge but need to be ask at the reception for have it.
Bed Size(s): 2 single beds and 2 bunk beds.


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When we have been near Cape Canaveral, FL, we love to catch any glimpse possible of what is going on at the Kennedy Space Center. We have not been fortunate enough to view a launch in person, but have watched many ones through the years that bring back memories because of what we were doing at the time of the launch. Perhaps this is true for you also. This will be an historic launch for so many reasons, and it is a story filled with heroes. It is good to have modern-day heroes as examples before us, to encourage and remind us of what is possible. In perhaps the greatest comeback story of this year, I will be watching the launch not only because of my love of all things related to NASA and space launches. Gabby (Gabrielle) Giffords, US Congresswoman to Arizona, is truly an American hero who will be there watching her husband Mark Kelly commands the launch. Allow me to recount and make that two heroes. The official site provides the most up-to-date information for those able to attend. If this includes yourself, you will be among the anticipated 500,000 in attendance.
If you have family, watch it with them and remind them – not of the tragedy, but of the triumph. The triumph of the space mission and the personal mission being accomplished. If you have a personal story of recovery that is similar, share yours. Because we all need a few more heroes. I have also listed a site for information on visiting Cape Canaveral. It lists information both for this mission as well as information for touring throughout the year. This is definitely a must-see for your visit to Florida.
Update: The Space Shuttle Endeavor is delayed for now, until Monday, May 2, 2:33 p.m. EDT. We will update this page when more information becomes available.
Other sites of interest in Florida while you are there include:
- Orlando Attractions
- Sports Information for Florida
- Shows, Events, and More in Orlando
- Information about Disney World
- Entertainment in Florida
Filed under: City Event, Events, Events for the weekend | Tagged: Arizona, Cape Canaveral, Cape Canaveral Florida, Disney World, Eastern Time Zone, Florida, Gabrielle Giffords, Kennedy Space Center, launch, Mark E. Kelly, NASA, Space Shuttle, Space Shuttle Endeavour, Tucson Arizona, United States |


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(CNN) - The moon isn't what it used to be.
When President John Kennedy promised the country a lunar landing within eight years, his famous declaration became a symbol of the American can-do ideal, stating that we do such endeavors, "Not because they are easy, but because they are hard."
In February 2008, then-candidate Barack Obama used that sentiment as a defense from his Democratic primary rival, then-Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, who attacked his campaign for being too idealistic.
An indignant Obama channeled the Kennedy sentiment when he declared at the Wisconsin Jefferson Jackson dinner, "That's what hope is. Imagining and then fighting for and then working for what did not seem possible before. That's leadership. John F. Kennedy didn't look up at the moon and say, 'That's too far. We can't go.'"
In April 2010, an election, a financial crisis, and an Inauguration later, Obama voiced a different sentiment, however, seemingly tempering his aspirations for the moon as a human destination.
"I understand that some believe that we should attempt a return to the surface of the moon first, as previously planned," he said at Cape Canaveral, Florida. "But I just have to say pretty bluntly here: We've been there before. Buzz (Aldrin) has been there."
But minutes after the final shuttle launch Friday, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney insisted that the president's space policy is not restrained, but rather expansive.
"The fact is, the president has laid out an ambitious agenda, an ambitious vision for human space life that will take American astronauts beyond where we've been ever before, with the ultimate goal being a human mission to Mars," Carney said.
We need to find out what on the other side of the sun. Two planets travel at same speed around a body one never know there could be another Earth not as advance as we are just waiting to be discover. Bless.
Where is the inconsistency on the part of the president? You guys sure go out of your way to streeeetch things to fit a bias.
The Space Shuttle program was too dangerous and cost too many lives. It is the right decision to move forward to something more ambitious and build new generation of safer transport vehicles.
Ambitious agenda. Gut space science, cancel the rockets, lay off the space port launch force, threaten to kill the Hubble replacement, etc
This is like Sadam's PR guy saying they are winning when you could hear gunfire in the background
Sorry Grandma, you can't get your heart and diabetes medications this month, but we put a piece of the downpayment on this nifty new rocket.
We don't work together for the common good anymore. It's all republican vs. democrat, conservative vs. liberal, etc. Our politicians then had the crazies but realized that at the end of the day they worked for all of the american people. Now they just work for the fringe element. What the heck happened? This jobs thing could be solved if republicans and democrats just worked together. The deficit could be solved if they just worked together. And both parties stopped listening to the idiots on the fringe.
The problem with space is that their is no mission that serves the national interest. I worked in the "space" business – made a nice living – but the truth is it a work-fare, instead of welfare. I wonder how many space workers call themselves conservative Republicans? Well, true conservatives don`t defend spending money without a clear cost benefit outcome and Face it, space no longer provides that. That`s why the GOP can`t and won`t fight for it. Now where do "republican" space workers turn? Do they admit the hipocracy of having criticized others on taxpayer support?
We went to the moon to protect ourselves from the Soviets militarizing space. Screw all that man`s need to explore crap. That`s not why we went. That game is over and no one cares to hear John Glenn pine for his romantic vision of his youth.
We throw money up in the air with no compelling goal and some of it flutters back to earth in the form of lucky "Eurica" discoveries like velcro that find some application outside of NASA.
We need some honesty in government. We need some accountability.
The fact that this country now has no active space vehicle to get people to and from the space stattion which we built, is a national disgrace. The fact that we have to rely on RUSSIA to carry our people there and back is a national disgrace. This is all complements of Obama, our biggest national disgrace.
Funny to see the name of the man who started me voting for democrats and the one who made me end my affilation with them mentioned in the same headline. What a corruption of the party this current inept, incompetent, corrupt, union toady president is.
This is perhaps one of the only things I disagree with the President on. The Apollo program was likely one of the most famous endeavors this country has partaken in. We owe it to ourselves to return to the place that America knows more than any other nation.
I know the thought of JFK sends tingles up the legs of the liberal media but this fluff piece is ridicules. 1. These two men have very little in common in terms of their vision of America and our role in the world. 2. The US is now dependant the Russians for our trips into orbit !!!!! The irony of this could not be more stark. Kennedy held the US up as defender of freedom in the world, the space race was a huge symbol of our strength and power in response to the Soviet Unions designs of world dominance. Now it seems President Obama and the left in the US is content to allow the us to be diminished as a world leader, we should be rsigned to the fact that we in decline.
We need new leadership of the kind President Regan brought, love him or hate him, he brought a confidence in the US as the a leader in the world that we are sorely lacking now.
Nov. 2012 can't come fast enough
The space program should be privatized and not supported on the backs of taxpayers who will never travel in space.


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MARISCAL CANYON. Mariscal Canyon, one of the best-known canyons in Big Bend National Park, is on the Rio Grande in southern Brewster County. The canyon entrance (at 28°58' N, 103°10' W) is nineteen miles southwest of Boquillas; the canyon runs seven miles northeast to its end (at 29°02' N, 103°06' W), fourteen miles southwest of Boquillas. Though it is less well known than Santa Elena Canyon, Mariscal Canyon is considered as beautiful but considerably safer for float trips down the river. Its walls reach a height of 3,775 feet above sea level, rising some 1,850 feet above the river. Indian pictographs and mortar holes have been discovered on a boulder on the Mexican side of the canyon. Mariscal, translated literally, means "marshal" in Spanish, but in common usage it can also refer to any important person. The canyon was reportedly named for Albino Villa Alfelias, an Indian fighter held in high regard by the local Mexican population.
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Call for Papers: Texas Center for Working-Class Studies
Events, Symposia, and Workshops
Hi all! You may be interested in this call for papers I received from the Texas Center for Working-Class Studies at Collin College...
Katy Jennings' Ride
Scholarly Research Request
I'm doing research on Catherine Jennings Lockwood, specifically the incident known as "Katy Jennings' Ride." Her father was Gordon C. Jennings, the oldest man to die at the Alamo...
Texas Constitution of 1836 Co-Author- Elisha Pease?
Ask a Historian
The TSHA profile of Elisha Marshall Pease states that he wrote part of the Texas Constitution although he was only a 24 year-old assistant secretary (not elected). I cannot find any other mention of this authorship work by Pease in other credible research about the credited Constution authors...


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I confess that I adore all things European. I have been lucky enough to be able to travel to Europe a few times, and each time I go I decide that I love another city the best. Our last trip was to Prague, which was completely charming and lovely.
But I have gotten off track … I meant to say that London is one of my favorite cities. The museums! The flowers! The history! The theatres! The shopping! All fabulous.
Unfortunately, I haven't been there since I made the switch to digital photography, so I don't have any fab pics to share with you. I didn't actually use the camera and guidebook in this photo though, it wasn't that long ago!
Anyway, in honor of all things Anglo, let me present …
A little grey on grey Union Jack action.
Boring details: painted with MMS milk paint in Trophy. However, if any of you have ever tried to use tape on milk paint, you know that they don't mix. So, I added bonding agent to the Trophy just in the rectangular section that became the Union Jack. I wanted the rest of the dresser to chip and distress, but I didn't want to pull the paint off with tape while adding my flag. I will warn you that even with the bonding agent, I lost some chunks of paint. I also peeled the tape off very, very carefully. The white is latex, and the pale grey on top is a mix of the white latex and the Trophy with bonding agent. I won't continue to bore you with the details of painting the jack, let's just say that far too much Frog tape went into my local landfill after this.
But … in the end, here is a fun Union Jack that I think is unique amongst its peers.
I have done a few Union Jack pieces in my day. Every time I do one I say 'never again'. I find them very time consuming, and I'm never entirely happy with my results. I always think I could have done this or that better. I did do a pair of end tables that turned out quite nice, and my friend Cathy has them in her family room now.
I also have done a few pieces in the traditional red, white and blue.
In fact, I even painted a small writing desk for my husband's study with the U.J. You know I love it when I keep one for myself!
But, I won't be keeping this guy. He is headed for Junk Bonanza.


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Wednesday, January 9, 2013
What a New Year Brings
A new year brings change.
With change comes a barrage of mixed emotions. Some crave change; some run from it.
Changes can be planned: choosing to eat more healthily, workout more often, organize your home, read more books, travel to a foreign land.
Changes can be unplanned: the loss of a loved one, an illness, unemployment.
In both the planned and unplanned changes of life we have a God who never changes.
Over the Christmas season I reflected a lot on a character in the Bible who had an unplanned change in her life.
A young girl, probably 14 years old, visited by an angel, was told that she would be the mother of the long awaited Messiah, Jesus, the Son of God.
This was unexpected. Yet, how did she respond?
"Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." {Luke 1:38}. And, then, she went on to glorify God for what He was going to do {Luke 1:46-55}.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, humbly accepted the change in her life. Yes, what a privilege to be the mother of Jesus. But, surely she also knew the prophecy concerning the Messiah that He would one day be despised, rejected, oppressed, crushed, and put to death {Isaiah 53}.
The road would be difficult at times for this mother.
She would face changes of all kinds, wonderful and hard.
And so, as this new year unfolds, I look to the past.
2012 brought a significant change in my life: the birth of a son with Down Syndrome. This was an unplanned change.
Yet, I have seen over and over the gracious love of God in the midst of this change. I never thought I would survive the first months of his life. And now, here we are, just about nine months later, and we're thriving! God gives His grace each and every day to face the unknown.
2013 will bring another unplanned change in our lives: the birth of another baby.
At the end of October we found out that we are expecting a surprise little blessing, due July 7.
I struggled with a lot of fear when we first found out this news. Fear that I would not be able to handle a newborn, and a child with special needs. Fear of telling the news to friends who struggle with infertility when I got pregnant preventing it. Fear that somehow Mason would not get the attention and help he needed. Fear that I'm not capable of handling four children under the age of 4.
As I looked at Mary's response to the unplanned change in her life, I learned to replace my fears with joy and thankfulness for what God had planned.
This new year will bring changes for each of us. Some will be planned, some will be unplanned. It is in our response that we have the opportunity to glorify God, as Mary did.
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps" {Proverbs 16:9}. This is the verse that has been on my heart for the past two months as I've reflected on change.
We can make every plan we want for this new year; ultimately it is the Lord's will that is going to be accomplished.
May this new year bring for you great rejoicing in the unchanging character of our God who gives grace and strength to face any type of change that He chooses to give.
8 comments:
Oh my goodness Lauren - have to say I was not expecting this news! ;) But CONGRATULATIONS!!! I can relate in the fact that we were actively trying not to conceive (just gotten the go-ahead to adopt) when I became pregnant with Olivia. We also have two close sets of friends who can't have children and I felt at first like I had done something "wrong" (hard to explain but I think you might know what I mean?) I was scared to death to get pregnant again after my rough time with my son but there has been an incredible peace with this pregnancy knowing that without a doubt GOD wanted this baby girl in our lives!ReplyDelete
I just prayed for same peace in your heart! I hope your pregnancy is going well and that you're over any morning sickness if you've had some!
Congratulations! Wow, what a surprise. I hope the Lord blesses you with lots of strength, grace, peace and wisdom in the days ahead!ReplyDelete
What a beautiful surprise! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings--you and your sweet family will be in my prayers! So excited for you!ReplyDelete
Lauren you are such a strong woman and mother! God must really have big plans for your family. Congrats on your news!ReplyDelete
Congratulations, Lauren! What a busy and exciting time for you ... as if it hasn't been busy and exciting already! Guess God decided another baby is just what your family needs!ReplyDelete
Thanks for your post. We are facing an "unexpected change" ourselves - our baby who is due next week decided to flip and be breach about 2 weeks ago! So we are facing an unplanned c-section. We realize this isn't the end of the world, but certainly wasn't in our plans! God knows, so we are trying to trust Him!
Lauren you continually amaze me with how you allow the Lord to work on and change your heart to be more like His! You are so wise and godly and I have so much to learn from you! I can't wait for the newest member of your family to arrive!! Praying for you all, knowing God will give you the strength and energy to continue to care for all of your children - however many He gives you!ReplyDelete
Lauren, I hope some day the Lord leads you to put together some of these reflections into a devotional book. He has gifted you with a wonderful ability to communicate spiritual truth. I am sometimes convicted and always blessed! Thank you for sharing.ReplyDelete
Mary's yielding response to the angel's announcement has always been sweetly convicting to me as my heart seeks to have that same posture - a very special passage to me. As one who was never able to bear children, I hope to set you at rest by suggesting that you simply continue to pray for those who are struggling with infertility, but don't hide your wonderful news. It was hard for me to hear all of my friend's "announcements" back then, but the Lord was working in me to bring me to the place where I could hear His loving answer to my cry: "No", but still be happy for my friends. Trust that He is at work in your friend's hearts and share your children with them freely. My quiver has never felt empty because of the generosity of friends who were willing to allow me into their children's lives.ReplyDelete
Honestly, the hardest part was the fact that no one ever prepared me to hear the "No" from God but - with loving motives - would assure me that "it will happen, just keep the faith". That placed a tremendous burden on my shoulders that didn't belong there. Our Father opens and closes wombs according to His perfect sovereign will. What I needed was to learn to trust Him, not seek to conjure up more faith. I needed to learn to be satisfied in Him alone whether that meant we had 10 children or none. I needed to remind myself of the gospel that speaks of His immeasurable love for me and rest my soul there.
The sensitivity you have for your infertile friends is simply beautiful! I am certain that they would not have you temper your joy for their sake. In fact, they are probably just as uncomfortable as you are, fearing that you are uncomfortable!
Though this pregnancy was unexpected and reveals fear in your heart, I pray God's perfect love for you will trump your fear as you lean into Him with trusting confidence in His perfection. I am thrilled for you and Bradley!
Much love to you, sweet friend,
I would love to get your feedback on any post! Comments make my day, and I will do my best to get back with you as soon as I can. Thanks!


text: The U.S. automotive market is changing and people are keeping their cars and trucks longer and longer. I am no stranger to this mentality – I just sold my 1998 pickup I had owned since new. Doing so opened the opportunity for my next long-term investment, a Ford F350 with the 6.7L diesel.


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Unsatisfied with charging the barricades of the techno establishment alone, Columbus based artists FBK and Plural have merged into a musical juggernaut called The Fallen. Their collective assault on our eardrums and dance floors worldwide begins today with the release of their first EP Abrasive Technology on E8P Records. The Fallen was created out of the common ambition both these artist share to constantly push the envelope in their music. Abrasive Technology may be just the first release of this new techno leviathan, but this group already shows the development of a distinctive sound that features driving, aggressive rhythms pulsating over densely layered atmospheres. As such, this release sees The Fallen building tracks that give new life to normally sharp, discordant sounds by synthesizing them into new sonorous melodies. Such a task shows that these two production veterans have already reached a very evolved state in their collaborations and stand poised to make a significant contribution to the development of dance music in 2012. A closer look at this partnership reveals the uniqueness of this artistic project and the aspirations these two DJs have in their music.
Many dance music artists would be content with the achievements that FBK and Plural have compiled in the last year, and would not dare push the envelope by trying something new. FBK is fresh of the release of his Abandonmental EP on his taste-expanding Absoloop label and his track "Nanomal" was recently included in Marcel Dettmann's seminal Conducted compilation.
Plural too has been pumping out release after release. He just put out his Lost In Thought EP on Orange82 Records and is slated to release his System Corrupt EP on Audio Textures Recordings March 20th.
"Destroying Anger"
Despite this prolific output, FBK & Plural are never ones to just rest on their laurels and be content status quo. Rather than continue their artistic journey alone, the two DJs merged their strengths and went out in a new direction to see what their collaboration could yield. This speaks volumes about both of these artists. It would have been easier to just keep going down this road alone. It obviously had been working for them, as they are both getting increasing attention from all over the globe on their releases. Yet, these two artists took the road less traveled, and decided to see what experimentation and collaboration could produce for them. This type of maverick activity is exactly what put Midwest Techno on the map. Whether it's the founders in Detroit or the foundational members of Columbus' ele_mental crew, techno artists in the Midwest have always pushed the boundaries of techno to find new means of expression. The Fallen is just the most recent manifestation of such an ethos, and their Abrasive Technology EP is a verification of the fruits that come from taking a chance.
Not only is the Abrasive Technology EP evidence of artistic ethos, but also presents the technical skill of these two DJs. Lush, swirling walls of noise bombard your speakers, as the beginning swells of bass lunge forward at you with the first track "Focused Intensity". With such intricate detail presented in the track, it is difficult to even begin to understand how these seemingly cacophonous noises could work as one harmonious melody. Yet, track after track on the Abrasive Technology EP reaffirms The Fallen's unique talent at creating beautiful techno out of noise easily discarded by other artists. The highlight of this approach comes through on their track "Turning Back To Me" where The Fallen showcase their ability to build a melodic anthem that grips the strings of your heart and makes you understand how enriching music is to daily life. Such a track makes me so excited for what is too come from The Fallen in the future. No doubt, the Abrasive Technology EP showcases this technical skill, but also shows these producers are adept in merging sounds that evoke equal doses of aggression, futurism, and sentimentality in techno tracks that will destroy clubs and underground parties everywhere. Don't take my word for it! Check out the tracks "Without Wires" and the video for Focused Intesnity from the EP and decide for yourself! EP IS HUGE!!! Cannot Stress this enough!
"Focused Intesnity"
"Without Wires"
Buy the album at this fine outlet:
If it isn't obvious yet then it is worth reminding you that the Abrasive Technology EP was just the beginning. The Fallen aim to continue their collective assault of dance floors everywhere in future releases, as they use their dense, deep style to decimate your notion of what dance music is. Both as a unit and individually, Plural and FBK are going continue to put Columbus and Midwest techno on the map through innovative releases. So you best be on the look out in the next few months for future releases from The Fallen, as these two techno heavy weights continue to push the agenda of what directions techno should go in.
(Note: This was the official promotional copy I wrote to accompany the release for The Fallen.)


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With so many weight loss and muscle building products on the market, we feel it is important for consumers to have the information in hand in order to make the right choice.
(PRWEB) December 28, 2013
Lake Charles, LA: A newly released review of weight loss and muscle building product, Muscle Maximizer, gives consumers the chance to explore the secrets behind the success of the program. The new review has been released by ReviewedToday.org and provides a comprehensive rundown of how the program works and possible reasons behind its success amongst many users.
The Muscle Maximizer product is a system rather than a supplement or weight loss treatment, and the system uses anabolic nutrition in order to help users to benefit from increased success. The new product review explains how four different formulas are used as part of the system to ensure that each individual can use the one that is best suited to them based on factors such as age, height, and weight amongst other things.
By reading the product review, those interested in getting into shape, losing weight, and increasing muscle can find out more about how this system can help them to achieve the desired results and what makes it different to other products that claim to be able to do the same thing.
The in-depth review is designed to give consumers the opportunity to learn more about the Muscle Maximizer system and to make a more informed choice with regards to whether this product is going to be suited to their needs based on the results it can achieve and the methods used to bring about these results. The product has gained huge popularity amongst men who want to benefit from a toned body with plenty of muscle, and this review explains how the system is able to boost the chances of achieving this.
An official from the website said: "We aim to give consumers the chance to learn more about products such as the Muscle Maximizer system, so they can find out more about how the product works and what sorts of results they can achieve. Our review of the product is comprehensive and detailed, which makes it easier for those interested in using the product to find out more about the way in which it works and how it may be able to help them to achieve their goals. With so many weight loss and muscle building products on the market, we feel it is important for consumers to have the information in hand in order to make the right choice."
Those who wish to learn more about this extensive muscle building program can visit the official site here.
Contact information
2860 Sarah Drive
Lake Charles, LA 70601


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Hello! Here I am again this time to show you some projects I've been doing over the week, first one a letter for my daughter she loves mermaids and blue as anything I chose a Karber digi stamp and painted the wood letter and ready to hang
Además recibí un regalo de Esther dibujo unas hadas divinas y como se entero de que las hadas son mi debilidad me las mando y me he hecho un marcapaginas divino, muchisimas gracias Esther.
Espero que os gusten y gracias por pasar por mi blog =P
In addition I received a gift from Esther she drawing fairies are super cute and I made a bookmark with one of them, thank you very much Esther.
I hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by my blog = P
I hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by my blog = P


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I took a work trip over the weekend to one of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia- Sapelo Island. You can only access the island by ferry and the island itself is very rural- no stores, one gas station. I encourage you to read more about the history of the island here– it's pretty interesting.
One really unique part about the island are its beaches- its so rare to go to a beach these days and have it entirely to yourself. This was my view on one of the beaches over the weekend:
It's pretty hard to beat that!
Now for the totally cool part (at least I think it's totally cool- watch out, my marine biologist geek side is going to come out now)- horseshoe crabs. I grew up on the west coast and we don't have these guys- they look like little tanks motoring around under the water. Not to mention that they are living fossils– pretty amazing! Up until this weekend, the ones I've seen have been pretty small. So imagine my surprise when I came upon the remains of one that's shell was as big as my foot (note: I wear a size 11 women's shoe- I have big feet- also, excuse the nail polish)
Then I found a whole one, flipped over, almost the same size:
I'd originally thought he was dead- until I noticed the pattern in the sand to the right of his shell. That's from his tail, trying to flip himself back over (he got left on shore when the tide went out- and yes, it is a "he"- only the males get this large). I flipped him back over…and he started motoring towards the water!!
Pretty cool huh? I thought so anyway!
Here's a couple more shots I took on the beach- I hope y'all had a great weekend!
Jellyfish washed up on the shore


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Since 1999, Cobra Concrete Cutting Services Co. has emerged as the leading concrete and drilling subcontractor in the Chicago-land area.
We pride ourselves on our commitment to provide exceptional service, adhere to strict safety regulations, and maintain and build relationships within our industry. We have been honored for several awards that hold true to our mission here at Cobra.
"To revolutionize the concrete and drilling industry through our innovation and attitude, provide a level of service and passion that our customers, our employees and our community desire to experience"
About Us
Awards & Certifications
Other Affiliations
|Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association
The Mission of CSDA is to promote the use of professional cutting, polishing, imaging, and selective demolition contractors and their methods. In support of this goal, the CSDA Code of Ethics demands that members pursue the highest standards of safety, quality and integrity
|Association of Subcontractors and Affiliates
ASA is an independent, nonprofit trade association representing the subcontracting industry and its affiliates. Servicing union and non-union subcontractor members, trade suppliers and servicers, the group is one of the largest trade associations in the Chicagoland area addressing the business initiatives of the subcontractor
|Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois
All BBB accredited businesses have agreed to live up to our Standards for Trust, a comprehensive set of best practices for how businesses should treat the public in a fair and honest manner
Union Affiliations