text:
If you are thinking of letting your property this brief guide will lead you through and help you to understand the procedures if you are new to the process. If you have a query about any of the following points our friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to answer your questions.
Congratulations - your property is now let!
Letting a property is a serious business, whether you are an investment landlord or a private individual letting your home for the first time. It demands careful planning, from the initial marketing to the time the tenants move in and beyond. As a landlord you need a professional agent who will look after your interests and, at the same time, make your life as stress free as possible.
Your property is a major investment so it is important that you are aware of your responsibilities as a landlord and know the best way to optimise your investment.
This guide is designed to offer comprehensive information about all aspects of letting a property whilst giving you an insight into the level of care we put into our service.
The first stage towards letting your property is to invite us to carry out a 'Lettings Appraisal'. We provide this service free of charge and without obligation.
Every property is different so, in assessing rental value, we take account of the size of accommodation, condition, location and current demand. Most importantly, we have the knowledge of other similar properties currently being offered for rent and historic information on rents achieved.
During the appraisal appointment we will advise you of any action you could take to maximise the rental income and improve the property's desirability to potential tenants.
One of the first decisions to be made is whether to let your property furnished or unfurnished. The advantages of letting unfurnished are:
Unfurnished lettings generally include the following:
You may choose to let your property furnished - often the preferred option for corporate or overseas tenants. If so, you need to be aware of the following:
First impressions count – the best presented properties do let more quickly and it is important to ensure that the property has all the necessary repairs redecorating carried out and is professionally cleaned prior to the start of the Tenancy.
Grey & Co can advise on the level and type of furnishings, fittings and appliances required and whether redecoration or other improvements are advisable.
At Grey& Co we fully understand that excellent presentation and maximum exposure of our clients' properties play key roles in securing suitable tenants.
Upon receiving your instruction, our team will start the process of finding a suitable tenant. Prospective tenants who are registered on our extensive database will be contacted by telephone, text and email or post. A description, photographs and a location map will be distributed and it will be added to our property list. A selection of properties will also be included in our window displays. All internet advertising will be updated regularly in order to ensure continued enquiries. We advertise pro-actively and will continue to do so until a suitable tenant has been identified.
The internet has become an essential tool in the marketing of rental properties. Over 70% of people moving home use this medium to search for a property. Our property details are updated instantaneously, thereby accelerating the lettings process.
We also receive hundreds of enquiries via our website www.greyandco.net where we also have our own digital TV channel, or just type tv.greyandco.net into your browser. In addition we invest heavily in marketing our properties on three of the nation's property websites: rightmove.co.uk, zoopla.co.uk and primelocation.com.
In particular, we are the only local agent able to advertise property in the International Property Centre in Park Lane London, providing access to the lucrative international investor market.
We are also members of The Guild of Professional Estate Agents
Statistics show that one in five house moves in the UK are as a result of job relocation.
We have built successful and long standing relationships with Banks, Embassies and International Corporations. We maintain contacts with the most prominent Relocation Agents and are invariably the first port of call when they are searching for property on behalf of clients in the areas we cover.
We will discuss every landlord's particular requirements in detail and will find the most suitable tenant for you and negotiate any special conditions that you required and ensure that these are properly inserted into a tenancy agreement.
We carry out strict referencing procedures, using a specialist independent referencing company who demand the highest standards in the industry. This essential and detailed process gives us an understanding of tenants' personal and financial circumstances. We will usually always include rent guarantee and eviction insurance free of charge for the first twelve months of the tenancy.
If you have taken out a mortgage on the property you are letting, which is not a buy-to-let mortgage, you will need to obtain the consent of your mortgage lender. It is very unusual for them to refuse permission but most will charge a small administration fee for giving consent. In turn, they may require information on the type of tenancy agreement you intend to use and the length of the tenancy and they will require certain notices to be served on the tenant. They will probably also require reassurance that a professional agent is being instructed.
When the tenant signs the agreement we take the initial one month rental payment and the security deposit. The level of deposit varies but it is generally the equivalent of one months rent. We always ensure that funds are cleared before the tenant is allowed to take up occupation. At this time we also ensure that a standing order has been set up for future rental payments.
As part of the Housing Act 2004 the Government has introduced tenancy deposit protection for all Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST) in England and Wales where a deposit is taken. All deposits, paid under an AST, now have to be registered with a government approved scheme within 30 calendar days of receipt.
As a company we use The Deposit Protection Centre(DPS), we will ensure that all deposits are submitted and that the necessary prescribed information id given to the tenants prior to occupation.
In case of a dispute the DPS provides for the case to be dealt with by an Independent Case Examiner. The examiner is an impartial, qualified expert who will make a decision and this helps avoid the need for potentially protracted litigation.
In addition to the rent, tenants are responsible for paying water charges, council tax, gas, electricity and telephone bills.
These are clearly determined in Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. The landlord will be responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of the property, heating and plumbing installations and dealing with other routine repairs. If the property is leasehold, the landlord will also be responsible for paying the service charges and ground rent.
The tenant has a duty to take proper care of the rented property and use it in a responsible way, pay the rent and keep to the terms of the tenancy agreement and the property's lease if leasehold. If the tenants cause damage to the property, they are usually responsible for the cost of repair or replacement providing it is not deemed fair wear and tear.
Landlords should ensure that they have adequate buildings and contents insurance cover in place including all fixtures, fittings and white goods (or plumbing and heating installations). Tenants are responsible for insuring their own contents and personal belongings. We will make every effort, but cannot guarantee to ensure, that a tenant takes out personal contents insurance.*
* Please note that standard homeowner insurance policies will usually not suffice once a tenant is in residence as you are no longer the owner occupier.
It is also important to check on cover periods should the property is empty for any long periods of time, although our tenancy agreement does show that the tenant has a responsibility to inform us if the property will be left empty for more than 14 days. We recommend that you check your policy thoroughly.
If the property is leasehold, the lease will specify whether or not it is necessary to obtain permission to sublet from the Freeholder. It is essential to clarify the situation before marketing your property as some leases place restrictions on the type of subletting that will be approved, or they may ask for a copy of the tenancy agreement and make a small charge for approving it.
It is essential to have a comprehensive tenancy agreement and detailed inventory/schedule of condition prior to each tenancy. We will arrange this on your behalf where required.
Grey & Co use an approved Tenancy Agreement which has been carefully designed to protect the landlord's rights to possession, help control the tenant's activities and comply with standard mortgage lender requirements. Tenancy agreements are normally for an initial term of 12 months, however shorter or longer-term tenancies can be negotiated depending on individual landlords' circumstances, and include a break clause if so desired.
The Housing Act 1988 specifies different types of tenancy and, whilst there are several types, it is almost certain that the tenancy of your property will either be an 'Assured Shorthold Tenancy'.
It is essential to have an inventory/schedule of condition prior to each tenancy. We have our own qualified APIP(Association of Professional Inventory Providers) staff members who can carry this out on your behalf.
At the end of a tenancy the property is inspected against the inventory and any damage or deterioration to its condition is noted. The tenant is responsible for the cost of rectifying any damage, over and above what is considered to be fair wear and tear caused by them at the property.
Legislation is now weighted heavily in a tenant's favour. It is therefore necessary to provide properly prepared and accurate inventories/schedules of condition in order to protect the landlords' interests.
We offer three levels of service to accommodate the differing needs of our clients:
This service is suitable for 'experienced' landlords, who wish to collect the rent and manage their property themselves. This service is only recommended for landlords who have the necessary knowledge of the Housing Act, the Gas, Electrical and Fire Regulations and who have the necessary experience to effectively manage their property.
Advising the likely rental income. Marketing the Property. Conducting viewings with prospective tenants. Applying for appropriate references. Negotiating the terms of the tenancy between landlord and tenant and drawing up the tenancy agreement. Collecting the first month's rent and security deposit. Arranging an inventory and schedule of condition prior to the commencement of the tenancy if required, and registering the deposit with Deposit Protection Scheme.
This service is available in addition to our Letting Only Service for landlords who require the service of someone to collect rent and chase arrears. We can also arrange to pay bills on the Landlord's behalf.
We offer a comprehensive management service suitable for landlords who prefer not to have the responsibility of dealing with day to day issues. This service is strongly recommended for overseas landlords, clients who are new to letting a property or landlords who prefer not to deal with day to day management.
In addition to the Letting and Rent Collection Services, the Full Management Service includes:
It is essential that your property manager is experienced and knowledgeable about property to ensure that money is not wasted on unnecessary repairs or outgoings and the return on your investment is protected.
Our property managers deal with any maintenance issues on our fully managed properties, and arrange essential repairs and payments to contractors. Our prime concern is to ensure that the property is maintained, on your behalf, in good condition. When appropriate, we will advise you of any improvements that may be required.
Unless you have preferred contractors, we will use one of a group of contractors who have proved their reliability and good workmanship. We have built up solid relationships with reliable contractors to try to ensure prompt service at a reasonable cost.
The accounts team at Grey & Co try to ensure that rent is paid on the due date and passed on to you as quickly as possible. Statements of rental income and expenditure are prepared every month to ensure that you have full information for yourself and for your tax advisor.
The tenant pays rent directly to Grey & Co and commission is collected on the basis agreed in the tenancy agreement.
Grey & Co carry out several routine visits to the property during the term of the tenancy if we are providing a full management service.
Many tenants extend their tenancy on an annual basis. Grey & Co will negotiate a rental increase on the landlord's behalf (when applicable) and will draw up an Addendum for the new term. If notice is not served on the tenant, the tenancy automatically continues on a statutory periodic basis.
If you are a landlord resident in the UK, your net income from your investment property is subject to income tax. The level of tax depends on your other income. If you are already a higher rate taxpayer, tax will be payable at the higher rate.
The normal method of reporting your taxable assets to the Inland Revenue is a Self- Assessment Tax Return form. We strongly advise that you take independent advice from a tax specialist.
At present, the following deductions can be made from your rental income to arrive at the net income, which is subject to tax:
The Non-Resident Landlord (NRL) scheme is for taxing the UK rental income of persons whose "usual place of abode" is outside the UK. If you are treated as a "non-resident landlord" you still have to pay UK income tax on rental income from your UK property.
Overseas landlords are responsible for obtaining their own tax exemption certificate and the appropriate forms should be submitted as early as possible as they take several weeks to process.
Unless a landlord can provide Grey & Co with a current Inland Revenue Exemption Certificate, the law obliges us to deduct basic rate tax from rents received and for us to account to the Inland Revenue on a quarterly basis. Any landlord named on the tenancy agreement, when living overseas, requires a separate Exemption Certificate. Grey & Co are registered with the Non- Resident Landlord Scheme and are fully conversant with the requirements of the scheme.
For both UK and Non-Resident Landlords, Grey & Co are obliged to inform HMRC of the gross rental received. Details on taxation are correct at the time of printing. Further information for non resident landlords and exemption application forms are available at The Inland Revenue, St John's House, Unit 406, Merton Road, Liverpool L75 1BB. www.hmrc.gov.uk
Tel: 0151 472 6208
The following information is intended only as a guide for landlords and should not constitute a detailed interpretation of the complete Regulations.
Whilst the Regulations might appear onerous, they are designed to ensure the safety of the property and its tenants. Landlords should note that there are heavy penalties for non-compliance with these Regulations.
These cover all gas appliances, flues, meters and associated pipe work and require landlords to arrange an inspection, carried out by a 'Gas Safe' registered engineer, to check all gas installations. Once the engineer is satisfied that the installations fulfil all requirements, a Landlords Gas Safety Certificate will be issued, a copy of which must be held by us and given to the tenant before they move in. This certificate must be renewed annually.
Grey & Co normally arrange the initial inspection and, where the Full Management Service is required, annual inspections thereafter. It is advisable to arrange the inspection before a tenant is found, to avoid delaying the start of the tenancy. Breach of this regulation can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment.
Landlords are also responsible for ensuring that either the operating instructions are shown on the appliance or that an instruction booklet is supplied.
This Act covers all upholstery and upholstered furniture supplied by the landlord in a rented property, including beds, curtains, pillows, headboards, mattresses, cushions, sofa beds, futons etc. New compliant furniture will always carry the correct safety label.
These regulations apply to all persons who let accommodation containing electrical equipment. The electrical installation at a property and any electrical appliance should be safe and regularly checked. Remedial work should only be carried out by a qualified electrical engineer. The landlord is also responsible for ensuring that either the operating instructions are shown on the appliance or that an instruction booklet is supplied.
Grey & Co hold full details of all Regulations for landlords, if in doubt, you are advised to seek further guidance from us. Failure to comply with these Regulations may constitute a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
From October 1st 2015 regulations require Landlord's to install both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in all rented residential accommodation and Government guidelines advise both landlords and tenants check and test the alarms regularly, ideally monthly.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) have been introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The EPC is required by law when a property is offered for sale or rent. It gives home owners and tenants information on the energy efficiency of the property.
Part of the EPC is a recommendation report which will list the potential rating that your home could achieve if you made changes. The report lists improvements that you could carry out and how this would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property. You do not have to act on the recommendations contained in the report however, in the fullness of time, tenants may reject homes which are energy inefficient.
Landlords will need to provide an EPC to prospective tenants the first time you let or when you re-let your property. The EPC is valid for 10 years.
Details on regulations are correct at the time of printing.
Download our Inventory Price List here


text:
Zimbabwe's ruling party has elected its first woman vice president.
At the conclusion of the ZANU-PF party congress Saturday, delegates approved the nomination 49-year old Joyce Mujuru, Zimbabwe's minister of water and infrastructure.
She will share the post with Joseph Msika - filling a vacancy left by Simon Muzenda, who died last year.
Ms. Mujuru was President Robert Mugabe's hand-chosen candidate.
Earlier this week, Mr. Mugabe suspended seven top party officials and reprimanded another for allegedly plotting against Ms. Mujuru's election, in favor of another candidate, parliamentary speaker Emmerson Mnangawa.
Analysts said whoever won the vice presidency would be in a good position to possibly succeed Mr. Mugabe, now 80 years old, when he steps down.
Some information provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Personal tools
Mirror Mirror Room
From Webkinz Insider Wiki
> Click HERE to view the main Clubhouse page
On February 29th, the Mirror Mirror room was added to the clubhouse.
Clubhouse Room
The room is very similar in concept to the Judy Moody Room including a Click to Win movie screen, where you have to answer questions (see answers below) to win a prize. There is also a Candied Apple Table Food Dispenser, when clicked on you are rewarded a Candied Apple. This promotion is only available to Webkinz members located in the US.
Although the original video challenge was available by clicking on the movie screen, Ganz later removed the room, but continued to make the video and challenge available at the following site:
Video Challenge
Answers to Questions
Questions may not appear in this order.
|When is Mirror Mirror available in theaters?
|March 30th
|Where does Mirror Mirror take place?
|In an Enchanted Kingdom
|Who is the fairest of them all?
|Snow White
|What type of fruit is Snow White given in the trailer?
|An apple
|What type of bug does a character transform into during the trailer?
|A cockroach
|Elegant Ballgown
|Enchanted Vanity
|Enchanted Tiara
|Fabled Top Hat
|Magnolia Tree
|Princess Cloak
|Ruby Apple
|Winged Queen Throne
In Webkinz World, a mirror would float across the screen. When clicked on, you were awarded an Apple Pop.


text:
Ok, so I slipped a quick "fix" project in today even though my son and I spent most of the afternoon playing with Legos ;)
I'd seen Cotton & Curls' sweatpants refashion back in December and knew that I'd be doing this with a pair of sweats...but I didn't actually own a pair! Well, I found this pair at the end of January for $2 and could see they'd be just a tad big, so they'd be perfect for this refashion.
The previous owner had hemmed them up, and to get them to the length I wanted I just chopped them off above that hem.
Next, I put them on inside out, marked out how much to take in and then sewed up each outside leg. You can see here how much I took in. All that excess got the chop!
Then, I grabbed a couple of lengths of elastic that in a previous life were the straps that clip onto stockings from a garter belt. I gathered the outer sides of the legs, then pinned the elastic in place and sewed it down, stretching it as I went. I didn't even hem these as they roll under and I was just looking for a quick fix.
And here's how they turned out! Much cuter now for lounging around the apartment :)
Oh, and this is one of the Lego sets we were working on ;)


text:
military service
(Applications Advice, Letters of Recommendation . . . )
Post Reply
5 posts • Page 1 of 1
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Fri Jun 23, 2006 6:10 am
military service
Can anyone comment on the impact of military service on law school candidacy? Does it carry anywhere near the same weight that it does for MBA programs? Are there any (top-tier) schools known to particularly value it? Thanks in advance.
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Wed Apr 28, 2010 5:31 pm
Re: military service
one school I know of that atleast UT claims to value military service I dont know what your numbers are or how much they value it but this site should help you out
http://www.utexas.edu/law/depts/admissi ... d_adm.html
futhermore any leadership positions are viewed as positives at any law school
http://www.utexas.edu/law/depts/admissi ... d_adm.html
futhermore any leadership positions are viewed as positives at any law school
- manbearwig
- Posts: 351
- Joined: Sun Sep 27, 2009 4:38 pm
Re: military service
From what I've gathered on this board, military service is one of the most impressive softs you can have and can very possibly be a game changer.
- Posts: 174
- Joined: Sat Sep 26, 2009 12:07 pm
Re: military service
Yes, many law schools value it. If your are looking for specifics, look to Law Schools in traditionally conservative states...Virginia for instance, Texas for another. I know my military service boosted my package significantly. It also helped me get into my MBA program some years back
Want to continue reading?
Register now to search topics and post comments!
Absolutely FREE!
Already a member? Login
Post Reply
5 posts • Page 1 of 1


text:
Phoenix Food Day Friday, October 24
Tomorrow you can head to Ceasar Chavez Plaza in downtown Phoenix to help celebrate healthy, sustainable, and affordable food at Phoenix Food Day. The free event will bring 50 exhibitors representing restaurants and local food groups to offer attendees food samples, nutrition information, gardening tips, and other activities. Exhibitors include Arizona Microgreens, Crooked Sky Farms, Nature's Sweetness, Slow Food Phoenix, and Up One Dessert Company. This year's event will also be the debut of the Food Day Café where you'll be able to see cooking demonstrations from expert chefs and nutritionists. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information visit the Phoenix Food Day website.
See also: Fred Harvey Biographer Stephen Fried Returns to Phoenix This Week For Two Events
TASTE. Chandler's Culinary Festival. Saturday, October 25
See also: Wigwam Resort to Host Beer & Bacon Festival in Litchfield Park
We Believe Local Journalism is Critical to the Life of a City
Engaging with our readers is essential to Phoenix New Times's mission. Make a financial contribution or sign up for a newsletter, and help us keep telling Phoenix's stories with no paywalls.
Support Our Journalism
This weekend the East Valley will host its annual culinary festival, TASTE, in Downtown Ocotillo. The culinary fest will feature dozens of local restaurants including Bourbon Jacks, ChoP, D'Vine Bistro, El Palacio of Chandler, The Living Room, Otaku Sushi, Rock Lobster, SanTan Brewing Company, Udder Delights, and Vintage 95. Participating restaurants will be competing for "Best Of" TASTE awards and attendees will be asked to vote for favorites in several categories. Tickets cost $65 in advance or $80 at the door and include unlimited food, 12 drink samples, and live entertainment from by Big Daddy D and the Dynamites. Couples tickets are also available for $130 in advance and include a gift bag with a bottle of wine, two souvenir glasses, and other gifts from local restaurants The event starts at 6 p.m. and is 21 and over only. Tickets can be purchased online.
Beckett's Table 4th Anniversary Sunday, October 26
Can you believe it's already been four years since chef Justin Beckett opened his namesake restaurant in the Arcadia neighborhood? Well, this Sunday Beckett's Table is celebrating its staying power with a four-course dinner featuring -- you guessed it -- Four Peaks Brewing. The dinner includes dishes such as beer cheese and bacon deviled eggs with sweet onion slaw and mustard seed vinaigrette (paired with Four Peaks Sunbru); peach beer braised pork belly with red cabbage and bacon kimchi (paired with Four Peaks Peach Ale); and Pumpkin Porter cake with cocoa nib ice cream, espresso caramel, and toasted coconut shavings (paired with Four Peaks Pumpkin Porter). The dinner costs $40 a person and reservations are recommend. Other specials will include ½ price bottles of independently produced Arizona wines and "four"tune cookies containing prizes.


text:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a 1964 children's novel by British author Roald Dahl. The story features the adventures of young Charlie Bucket inside the chocolate factory of eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was first published in the United States by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. in 1964 and in the United Kingdom by George Allen & Unwin, 11 months later. The book has been adapted into two major motion pictures: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory in 1971, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2005. The book's sequel, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, was written by Roald Dahl in 1971 and published in 1972. Dahl had also planned to write a third book in the series but never finished it.


text:
Presented by:
Youssef Marzouk
Tuesday 10th April 2018 - 09:00 to 10:00
INI Seminar Room 1
I will discuss two complementary efforts in Bayesian optimal experimental design for inverse problems. The first focuses on evaluating an experimental design objective: we describe a new computational approach for ``focused'' optimal Bayesian experimental design with nonlinear models, with the goal of maximizing expected information gain in targeted subsets of model parameters. Our approach considers uncertainty in the full set of model parameters, but employs a design objective that can exploit learning trade-offs among different parameter subsets. We introduce a layered multiple importance sampling scheme that provides consistent estimates of expected information gain in this focused setting, with significant reductions in estimator bias and variance for a given computational effort. The second effort focuses on optimization of information theoretic design objectives---in particular, from the combinatorial perspective of observation selection. Given many potential experiments, one may wish to choose a most informative subset thereof. Even if the data have in principle been collected, practical constraints on storage, communication, and computational costs may limit the number of observations that one wishes to employ. We introduce methods for selecting near-optimal subsets of the data under cardinality constraints. Our methods exploit the structure of linear inverse problems in the Bayesian setting, and can be efficiently implemented using low-rank approximations and greedy strategies based on modular bounds. This is joint work with Chi Feng and Jayanth Jagalur-Mohan.
If it doesn't, something may have gone wrong with our embedded player.
We'll get it fixed as soon as possible.
If it doesn't, something may have gone wrong with our embedded player.
We'll get it fixed as soon as possible.


text:
New Tower Links Research & Care at Cincinnati Children's
- By
- Jun 17, 2015
By Adrian Maties, Associate Editor
After three years of construction, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has completed its $205 million Clinical Sciences Pavilion in Avondale. The stated mission of the 445,000-square-foot research facility is to serve as a bridge between research and care.
Located on the hospital's main campus on Albert Sabin Way in Avondale, the 201-foot-tall tower is the tallest building on the campus. More than 1,500 physicians, scientists and staff are expected to move in the building this summer.
A three-story open atrium will be serve as a registration and waiting area for families, and will feature comfortable seating, a garden with a waterfall, and a metabolic kitchen, where families can learn how to prepare foods for children with special dietary needs. The top floor of the Clinical Services Pavilion is named for the late astronaut Neil Armstrong and widow, Carol, who is a member of the hospital's board. The couple made an important donation to help build the tower.
The $205 million project was designed by GBBN, GPR and HDR. Messer Construction was the builder.
Cincinnati Children's has one of the nation's largest pediatric research facilities. The Clinical Sciences Tower brings its research footprint to more than 1.4 million square feet.
Photo credit: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center


text:
Artists Gallery
Pamela Stewart
Dive into the texture, the colour, the shine and shadow of life as Pamela Stewart sees and interprets it. A mixed media abstract artist, for the past four years Pamela has been exploring and experimenting with various media, materials, textures and colours, including newer materials such as art resin and alcohol inks. Her work is gestural, emotive and expressive and from layer to layer (sometimes as many as 25+ layers deep) can change the piece in unexpected ways.
A mom of twin daughters, military brat, design thinker and facilitator, and all around risk-taker, Pamela is constantly inspired by the ways people find their voice and their meaning in this one life we have to live. Pamela is also resident artist at Pure Massage Clinic in Kanata, where you can drop in to see her work at any time. She welcomes you to connect with her on social media @paminottawa on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and on her website www.paminottawa.com.
5 images
Previous page: Make a Comment
Next page: Google Calendar


text:
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12
He's had trouble on and off the golf course, but Tiger still endorses a mean sports game.
As expected, EA Sports will release Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 across multiple platforms, and while this year's game will shine brightest on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, we're more interested in the iOS version. Releasing this March, the iPhone/iPad edition should by all accounts trump its predecessor with superior visuals and a wider variety of features to keep you on the virtual green for hours.
First, the graphics look excellent compared to the previous PGA Tour. The developers nixed the pixilated courses for more realistic environments that take advantage of the iPhone 4's gorgeous retina display; you can also expect a high level of quality on the iPad.
In addition, PGA Tour 12 has a much larger roster that includes (of course) Tiger Woods, Anthony Kim, Paula Creamer, Camilo Villegas, Zach Johnson and Jim Furyk, among others. EA even threw in some new courses, such as the fan favorite Predator fantasy course and the Old White Course at Greenbrier.
As for modes, there's the all-new Tiger Challenge, which consists of 20 plus mini-games that let you earn cash used to upgrade your custom golfer's abilities and/or participate in various PGA Tour events.
One of the more intriguing features, though, is the Closest to the Pin Facebook Challenge. Twice a week, EA will select a new Par-3 hole, allowing you and your friends to see who gets closest to the pin, complete with leaderboard support. We're just curious how everything works.
Finally, the publisher will release a free version of the game for iPhone and iPod Touch that not only includes Closest to the Pin, but also three holes at TPC Sawgrass.
Factor in local Wi-Fi and Bluetooth multiplayer, and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 has all the makings of a hit. We'll find out if EA Mobile scored a hole in one when the game debuts this month.


text:
15 Jul2012
I am a Stoosian…. and proud of it!
So I claim to be a Stoosian. I already hear all of you thinking "What the …. is a stoosian?!". Well to explain that I will first have to explain what Stoos is.
In January 2012 a group of 21 people gathered together in a Swiss ski resort in a small place called Stoos. This group of people consisted of the major thought leaders on management practices, being:


text:
New snacks on sale now for a limited time! Use code NEW for 15% off.
Sold Out $ 34.00
Formulated with the most exclusive plant-derived ingredients sustainably sourced from the Amazon rainforest, our award winning Voluminous Shampoo imparts body and volume for a full, alluring mane. Formulated to thoroughly clarify and extend time between hair washes, while maintaining brilliance. The addition of soft lavender and soothing eucalyptus transport the senses to wonders of nature.
RAHUA-UNGURAHUA - fortifies weak, damaged strands while nourishing and regenerating the scalp and hair follicles.
LEMONGRASS & GREEN TEA - create body, volume and bounce by balancing and removing excess oils from the scalp and hair shaft, without compromising the integrity of the hair.
LAVENDER - provides an aromatherapeutic experience.
EUCALYPTUS – well-known for refreshing and clarifying properties, extends time between shampoos.
For best results: Apply on thoroughly wet hair to begin shampoo and work into a lather. Rinse and follow with Rahua Voluminous Conditioner.
Complementing products: Rahua Voluminous Conditioner, Omega 9 Hair Mask, Voluminous Spray, Hair Wax.
Ingredients: Aqua, Herbal Infusion of Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract* and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Coco Betaine, Sodium Chloride (Sea salt), Saccharum Officinarum (Molasses) Extract, Glycerin, Caprylic Acid, Glycine, Oenocarpus Bataua (Ungurahua) Oil, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Potassium Sorbate (plant derived), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil*, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Chlorophyll.
* Denotes Organic Ingredient
I use 1-2 times a week to help give oomph to my hair. The ingredients also lend themselves as a clarifying shampoo so two tasks at once.
We use cookies on our website to give you the best shopping experience. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies.


text:
Supreme Court today agreed to hear on Monday a plea seeking cancellation of bail granted to convicted gangster-turned-RJD leader Md Shahabuddin by Patna High Court in a case pertaining to the killing of a youth in Siwan town of Bihar.
A few hours after the development, Bihar government too moved the apex court with its appeal against the High Court order, saying the state was not properly heard and the history-sheeter granted relief keeping all previous concerns of the court about security and safety of witnesses at bay.
A bench of Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice A M Khanwilkar accepted the first plea for urgent hearing on September 19 after it was mentioned by advocate Prashant Bhushan, on behalf of Chandrakeshwar Prasad alias Chanda Babu of Siwan, whose three sons were murdered allegedly at the behest of the controversial politician.
Prasad, in his petition, said that Shahabuddin, a four- time Member of Parliament from Siwan, has been apparently booked in at least 58 criminal cases, of which in at least 8, he has been convicted and awarded life sentence in two of them and despite that he has been allowed to walk free out of jail.
Separately, Bihar government standing counsel Gopal Singh elaborated the grounds and said the High Court had failed to follow its own order of February asking the trial court to preferably complete the trial of the Rajiv Roshan murder case within nine months.
The state government also said the High Court ignored the crucial aspect brought by it earlier that key witnesses did not turn up to depose in these cases due to fear and the clout wielded by the dreaded gangster, who before pronouncement of judgement in the murder case of Prasad's two sons, allegedly conspired from the jail to eliminate his third son, Rajiv Roshan, the prime witness in the case.
The state government contended that the High Court overlooked the apex court judgement which had held as correct its decision to conduct the trial of cases against Shahabuddin from jail itself considering the threat to witnesses, the counsel said.
Singh said the High Court had neither properly heard the state, nor did it seek any report from it regarding the criminal trials pending against Shahabuddin before granting him relief.
( Source – PTI )


text:
Dozens of homeless people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough died over the last five years, figures show
PUBLISHED: 15:05 21 December 2018
Dozens of homeless people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have lost their lives over the past five years, according to official estimates.
A report by the Office of National Statistics, the first of its kind, estimated that from 2013 to 2017, 28 homeless people died in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough combined authority.
There were six deaths in the area last year, according to the ONS.
Homelessness charity Crisis called the death toll, which has risen by 24 per cent in England and Wales over five years, "a national tragedy".
The ONS counted anyone with no fixed abode at the time of their death, including people living in night shelters or homeless hostels, in the numbers.
According to the report, 597 homeless people died in England and Wales last year. Over the last five years there have been an estimated 2,627 deaths.
The mortality rate for homeless people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is 7.2 deaths per million population.
That's lower than across England and Wales, where the mortality rate is 10.2 deaths per million population.
However, homeless mortality rates in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are slightly higher than they were in 2013, when the rate was 5.8 per million.
Homelessness charities Shelter and Crisis criticised the Government's housing policy and shrinking safety nets for vulnerable people.
Shelter campaign director Greg Beales said: "This appalling loss of life should be a source of national shame.
"There is nothing inevitable about homelessness or about these tragic deaths which are a consequence of a housing system which fails too many people.
"Our crippling shortage of social housing and a threadbare safety net are at the root of this national emergency.
"We call on the Government to make this year a turning point in the fight to ensure that there is a safe home for all those who need it."
Crisis chief executive Jon Sparkes said that in one of the world's wealthiest countries, "no one should be dying because of homelessness".
He said: "It's imperative that governments act now to stop this national tragedy once and for all.
"Behind these statistics are human beings - mothers, fathers, daughters and sons - whose families will now be spending Christmas coming to terms with their loss. This has to change.
"Governments must urgently expand the system used to investigate the deaths of vulnerable adults to include all those who have died while street homeless, so that crucial lessons can be learned to help prevent more people from dying needlessly."
Housing Secretary James Brokenshire described the report as "stark", telling MPs: "It's simply unacceptable to see lives cut short this way, and I believe we have a moral duty to act."
"We remain focused and resolute in our commitment to make rough sleeping a thing of the past and where we need to do more, we will."
He said the Government was committed to halving rough sleeping by 2022, and ending it by 2027.
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Cambs Times. Click the link in the orange box above for details.


text:
Good Morning Sunshine
$ 26.00
"Good morning sunshine!" my mother would say to me as I stumbled from my disaster-scene bedroom. She must have been laughing on the inside, and smiling sweetly on the outside.
"g' morning" I'd say. What a nice lady she is.
MEDIUM 17.65" wide x 7.5" high
LARGE 22" wide x 9.15" high
Material Detail:
Cut from sturdy, carpenter-grade 1/4" birch plywood and hand-painted, this bit of decor brightens up any wall.
Drilled with two leveled holes for easy hanging. It ships with two aluminum topped push pins.
Related Items
Family-Tiny Word Magnet Set
$ 13.00
Make a favorite photo, fridge, locker and more, shine with our coordinated Tiny Word Magnet packages. One Tiny Word Magnet, three color coordinated functional dot magnets = one super cute...
Sisters-Tiny Word Magnet
$ 7.50
Tiny Word Magnets are bright, playfully modern and are a fun way to add cheer to your fridge, magnet board, locker, holiday decor and much more! Each Tiny Word Magnet...
Wash Dry Fold Repeat
$ 17.00
Wash Dry Fold Repeat! Sizes:SMALL: 5.35" wide x 7.2" highMEDIUM: 11.8" wide x 17.65" highLARGE: 16" wide x 23.65" high Material Detail: Cut from sturdy, carpenter-grade 1/4" birch plywood and...


text:
Suffolk: Autumn lessons harvest
The autumn air brought a burst of learning opportunities to local classrooms.
Dozens of Long Island schools have used the season as a tool to teach, using apples, pumpkins and scarecrows in everything from math lessons to art activities.
In Elmont and Copiague, Stewart Manor and Susan E. Wiley elementary schools celebrated the birthday of Johnny Appleseed, the pioneer nurseryman credited with introducing apples to several states in the late 1700s, by having students sample different types of apples, vote for their favorite and graph the class results.
The lesson was also "a great way for students to review the properties of science," said Wiley kindergarten teacher Claudia Nakash said.
In East Setauket, Minnesauke Elementary sixth-graders competed in a scarecrow contest coordinated by the Ward Melville Heritage Organization. The students collaborated to create designs resembling "Wizard of Oz" characters, and the scarecrows were displayed last month along the sidewalks in the Stony Brook Village Center.
In Riverhead, Phillips Avenue Elementary School kindergartners incorporated their observations of pumpkins into original drawings and writings. They also measured the height of pumpkins using cubes and experimented to see if the pumpkins would sink or float.
In Hicksville, Old Country Road Elementary pupils compared the size, shape and weight of different apples and sliced them into segments for a lesson in fractions.
"We want to make education enjoyable for children while incorporating the Common Core into our everyday lessons," said Eloise Eisenhardt, a teacher at Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center in Bellmore.
Walk to School Day
Hundreds of Babylon Elementary School students, parents and teachers skipped traditional transportation last month as part of the school's celebration of International Walk to School Day, a global event organized by the National Center for Safe Routes to School.
This was the school's sixth straight year participating in the program, which is designed to promote safe walking, fitness and energy conservation.
Filling empty bowls
Sayville High School's Art Club and the Sayville School Employees Charitable Foundation recently raised $1,400 for the Greater Sayville Food Pantry through a sixth annual "Empty Bowls" fundraiser, part of National Hunger Awareness Month in October.
The event, which had a $10 entry fee, included a dinner of soup and salad, with patrons receiving a ceramic bowl created by the club.
Local eateries donating food for the fundraiser included 5 Points Cafe in Sayville, Idle Hour Deli in Oakdale and Wenner Bread Products, with offices in Bayport and Ronkonkoma. Club members also prepared dishes such as chicken barley soup and black bean soup.
Autism and airplanes
Students and staff at three Eastern Suffolk BOCES facilities recently raised $700 for autism awareness through a walk around the Islip Academic Center's perimeter.
The event, which attracted 300 people, included participants from the academic center, the Islip Career Center and the Edward J. Milliken Technical Center in Oakdale.
In other news, students in ESBOCES' Suffolk Aviation Academy in Shirley recently learned about aircraft inspections and the repair and restoration of single-engine and twin-engine planes during a tour of A&P Aircraft Maintenance in Ronkonkoma.
College, career fairs
Local school districts are preparing students for life after high school with college and career fairs focused on the many opportunities available to them.
In East Islip, about 700 families attended a college fair at the high school that included representatives from more than 130 colleges, universities and branches of the military.
The evening featured financial seminars and workshops about NCAA rules for teens planning to pursue sports in a Division I or Division II college or university.
In Merrick, Sanford H. Calhoun High School hosted a districtwide college and career night with representatives from more than 100 two- and four-year colleges who discussed everything from academic requirements to campus life.
In Carle Place, the high school hosted a series of mini- fairs on five consecutive Fridays that consisted of informational booths from 20 colleges and universities each week.
"This is the time of year when our seniors are experiencing the application process and juniors are really beginning to concentrate on their college search," Carle Place High School counselor Gail Vlacich said.


text:
AIVA® is a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. "She" has the ability to mimic cognitive thinking and build expertise over time.
AIVA eliminates the repetitive tasks inherent in today's loan processing work of income, asset and insurance verification – saving you time and reducing your operating expenses.
Easy to onboard, AIVA is plug-and-play with any lending platform and can be up and running in a matter of days, without a substantial upfront investment of capital or resources.
Learn how AIVA can join your team to increase efficiency immediately.
Click here to learn why companies choose AIVA.
On average, AIVA can save lenders $217 per loan in processing costs:
AIVA can start working on your team within days if you hire her for any of her current skills. This gives AIVA the power to quickly improve cycle times and decrease origination costs. For new, untrained content, AIVA can learn a skill in as little as two months.
AIVA's creators are continuously adding and developing new skills that will lead to more efficiencies for your lending operations.
Click here to learn more about AIVA's current and future skills.
By Soofi Safavi
As seen in HousingWire
October 14, 2019 | Artificial Intelligence, Origination Technologies
August 1, 2019 | Origination Technologies
July 10, 2019 | Artificial Intelligence
As seen in Progress in Lending
December 19, 2018 | Origination Technologies
As seen in HousingWire
December 5, 2018 | Business Intelligence, Data & Analytics, Enterprise, Origination Technologies, Servicing Technologies
Black Knight Innovation Lab
1108 Chestnut Street, Suite 200
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107


text:
Strategic Materials
Esprix has been sourcing and managing the sales and logistics of high volume commodity chemicals along with the distribution of fine and specialty chemicals for a wide variety of industrial strategic industries. We have been sourcing these "strategic chemicals" from the far reaches of the globe for over 30 years.
We are well versed in the business and cultural understanding of global sourcing for a wide variety of chemical products for numerous industries and applications.
With the continued consolidation of the chemicals industry and movement of manufacturing to many off-shore locations, the need for control of your supply chain management is a critical purchasing necessity.
Let Esprix help you locate and properly manage these changes and search the globe for new alternative sources for your strategic chemical requirements.
We encourage and welcome all inquiries for chemical outsourcing and supply chain assistance.


text:
Official Contest Rules – ENDED JAN 27 2018
The winner of the Kitchen Cabinet Giveaway receives select kitchen cabinets with a retail value of $10,000. Additional cabinets may be purchased at a discount. Entrants may register in person only at Gold Ridge Cabinets and Design, 881 Embarcadero Drive suite 2, El Dorado Hills, Ca. No purchase necessary to enter.
Contest registration begins on November 24, 2017 and end January 19, 2018. All entrants may register only once and be at least 18 years of age or older. Entrants must fill in all required fields. Any inaccurate information, whether intentional or otherwise, as well as tampering with the contest may result in disqualification. The winner will be selected by random drawing on January 20, 2018 at 6pm at the Giveaway Celebration Event at Gold Ridge Cabinets and Design Showroom, 881 Embarcadero suite 2, El Dorado Hills, Ca. No need to be present to win. The winning entry must be redeemed by the winner and arrange for prize pick up by February 2, 2018.
The Kitchen Cabinet Giveaway includes the cabinetry listed in the official contest rules only. No flooring, countertops, appliances, accessories or any other components outside of what is listed in the official rules is included in the giveaway. Kitchen cabinet delivery, assembly or installation is the sole responsibility of the winner. Gold Ridge Cabinets and Designs is not required to assemble, install or warranty any products as part of the contest. By entering, the winning entrant agrees to allow Gold Ridge Cabinets and Design to publish their first name and town, and any images taken during the Giveaway Celebration Event in various media. By entering, entrants are opting in to future Gold Ridge Cabinets and Design promotional emails
This drawing and any participation in it is void where prohibited by law. By entering, each entrant accepts and agrees to be bound by the official rules and decisions of Gold Ridge Cabinets and Designs. By accepting a prize, the winner agrees that Gold Ridge Cabinets and Design accepts no responsibility or liability in connection with injuries, losses, or damages of any kind caused by or resulting from the acceptance, possession or usage of the prize awarded hereunder. The winner is responsible for any applicable taxes. Gold Ridge Cabinets and Design is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate entry information, human error, technical malfunctions, failures, omission, interruption, deletion, or defect resulting from participation in this contest. Gold Ridge Cabinets and Design is not responsible for inaccuracies in printing, typographical errors, or human or other errors, any entries which are late, lost, incomplete, delayed, misdirected, stolen, mutilated, inaccurate, ineligible, or that arrive postage due, or any combination of the above. Gold Ridge Cabinets and Design reserves the right to unilaterally change any and all of the terms of this contest and remains the sole and exclusive arbiter of any dispute arising. By entering this contest, all contestants agree to the terms herein set out.


text:
Let's keep it cozy and cute in your planner this winter with these Cozy Comfort Planner Girl stickers! Rockin' a cute sweater dress, this Planner Girl is ready for a lunch date or running some quick errands. These cute stickers are also perfect for decorating your calendars, journals and notebooks.
You will receive 1 sticker sheet with a total of 3 large size stickers that measure approximately 2.8 inches.
These specialty stickers are larger than the functional planner girl stickers.
Stickers are printed on non-removable glossy label paper.
These stickers are designed to work well with a variety of planners including Erin Condren, Happy Planner and TNs.
Although great care has been taken to make sure the colors show accurately, there may be slight color variations depending on your computer monitor/screen.


text:
Lane Creeps
Lane Creeps spawn in continuous waves every 30 seconds behind the Dire and Radiant Barracks. There are 3 lanes, where Lane Creeps fight enemy creeps, heroes, and towers. Demolishing the enemy Barracks turns your own creeps into Mega Lane Creeps, which have more HP, Damage, and Armor. In addition, Mega creeps give much less experience and gold to enemies. If all Melee and Ranged Barracks of each lane are destroyed, Mega Creeps are made into even stronger Upgraded Mega Creeps.
Siege Creeps are mechanical creep units with more health, spawn every 7 waves, and deal more damage to Towers. They also never change upon death of the Barracks, and cannot be converted with items or abiltiies.
Was this guide helpful?


text:
Only 10% of all people trained in new skills actually implement what they learn. Yet 80% implement when they have a mentor to guide them. Eagle Leaders implement Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry, and then mentor others to do the same. Through this process, Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry is multiplied. This represents a major paradigm shift in youth ministry.
Eagle Leaders introduce, implement, and multiply—a three-stage process described below.
At the Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry Forum (or a similar venue) a younger generation ministry team—pastor, youth pastor, children's minister, all youth ministry and children's volunteers, parent leaders and even student leaders—refocuses on Jesus' simple approach to life and ministry. Together they discover how to put that into action in their lives and ministries.
After the Forum, the team implements their unique "Plan of Action" in their church, in their own lives, and in the community. Over time, they see the younger generation become fruit-bearing disciples of Jesus. The Reach Out Youth Solutions team equips them as they go through the JFYM Coaching process.
Once the team implements Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry, individuals can become Eagle Leaders—who in turn mentor others to do the same. Participation as an Eagle Leader provides an opportunity not only to affect one's own church but also, over time, countless other churches.
JFYM Facebook
Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry helped our student ministry grow deeper as I learned the value in investing in leaders. After using JFYM we saw healthy growth in discipling students."
© 2020, Reach Out Youth SolutionsA 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation.All Rights Reserved.


text:
Why do people blow the punchline in scientific talks? The destructive effect of acknowledgements slides
Last words are our strongest. That's why the punchline comes at the end of the joke and the conclusions at the end of a presentation. The conclusion slide is the "take home message" that we want our audience to soak up. So we should leave that message in front of them for as long as possible. Even while people are asking questions—let them stew on your conclusions.
But it has become common to end with an acknowledgements slide, usually that has a long list of funders, advisors, students who helped in the lab, etc. And since speakers are usually running out of time, they often skim over the list, almost dismissively, which does little to honor the contributors. In any case, to borrow a famous quote "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." What we want to learn from your talk is not your assistants' names, but your science.
A final acknowledgements slide shuts off the conclusions before we've had a chance to assimilate them or to write them down—it undermines the message. That is shooting yourself in the foot, or maybe some part of your anatomy higher up and more vital.
The growth of acknowledgements slides is a Powerpoint effect. In the days of slide projectors, slides cost money so no one bothered with acknowledgements. But since images have become free, the tradition from papers of including acknowledgements percolated into presentations. But in a paper, acknowledgements are a postscript that readers can (and usually do) ignore. In a talk, there is no ignorable postscript—the last slide is part of the talk and should be reserved for your concluding take home message.
I argue therefore that you should generally skip an acknowledgements slide entirely. No one will really miss it. If you need to put agency logos somewhere to recognize funders, they comfortably go on the title slide or in the corners. If it is really essential to include acknowledgements in a presentation, either:
A) Make it the first slide following the title. Tell us who was important to the work before you begin the real story. This avoids disrupting the flow of the presentation and shows that recognizing these people is important to you, rather than being an afterthought. This is key in talks within your own Department (e.g. thesis defense seminars) when the people who helped will be in the audience and may actually care that they are recognized. It is also the most appropriate strategy when we give seminars at other Universities. As professors, our job is to produce both science and scientists; it's our job to advance our students' and postdocs' careers and highlighting them for our colleagues is part of that. So highlight them—mention them first, and then weave their names into the talk as you present the strongest possible science story. For example "My student Jane Doe tested that hypothesis in an experiment that…" That's a real acknowledgement.
B) Alternatively, show us the acknowledgements and then go back to the conclusions slide; leave that hanging on the screen while people ask questions and you discuss the work further. That gives them time to consider your conclusions and to absorb them.
My first principle of writing is that as an author it is your job to make the reader's job easy. The same is true as a speaker. Help your audience assimilate your core message; that means giving them time with your conclusions. A second principle is to always think about what you are doing and why—does it advance the message? Or are you just doing it because you've seen other people do it and so it seems obligatory?
Don't roll over your conclusions with an unnecessary and meaningless acknowledgements slide, or even worse, a throw-away "Questions?" slide. Your last slide is your take home message; use it for your most important message: your scientific conclusions.
27 CommentsLeave a Comment
Jay T. Lennon / Feb 3 2013 6:28 pm
Good points. I find that acknowledgements at the beginning of the talk disrupt the flow. When someone starts their talk, I'm ready for them to get into the questions; I'm eager to learn about the problem. So, I like your option B better.
Michael J. Proulx (@MichaelProulx) / Feb 8 2013 1:35 pm
Option A is best — they need acknowledgement (and jobs!) and this leaves the end of the talk pristine.
Alex SL / Feb 8 2013 2:09 pm
Your A and B are two good alternatives, but doing without the acknowledgements would be just impolite. Especially as long as everybody else has such a slide it will also strongly come across as impolite.
Thinking about my field, I would however say that you may underestimate our researchers' attention spans and overestimate the importance of the conclusions slide. The slide that needs to be on during the discussion is usually somewhere in the middle – a phylogenetic tree or ordination graph or whatever that presents the major results. The second to last slide may represent a few concluding bullet points, but that is not what people would want to discuss in my experience.
And since speakers are usually running out of time
Well, that's their own incompetence and can be easily avoided.
Thony Christie / Feb 8 2013 2:14 pm
I take part every year in a series of public outreach lectures that have a whole series of promoters and sponsors. We always do the acknowledgements before the lecture even starts as a separate item. Functions well and disturbs nobody.
Roz / Feb 8 2013 5:40 pm
I agree that acknowledgements at the end are too distracting from the message. As an audience member, I immediately scan the list of names and want to check out all the people in lab photos (Do I know him? etc.)
How about this for option C: giving acknowledgements throughout the talk, at the appropriate moment(s)… "and for this part of the project, X helped me with Y". I think this is rarest, but I prefer it.
nodders / Feb 8 2013 5:54 pm
At conferences, I end my talk with "and above all, I would like to say thank you to the patients and volunteers who make our research possible and worthwhile. Thank you all". With emphasis on "patients and volunteers" and "worthwhile" bits.
I find that too often in medical research we (researchers) lose sight of what we really are striving for.
katejeffery / Feb 9 2013 7:38 am
This is a good article – it is true that conclusions need time to be digested.
I'm not a big fan of acknowledgments at the start of a talk, because as Jay said, people want to dive into the material – and anyway they won't remember who did what out of context. I've tried it once or twice and it always felt awkward.
I know quite a lot of people who put names and a photograph alongside each piece of data they present, so that we know who did what as we go along, which I really like and would recommend. (I now put names, but not photographs, but may start doing so as it nicely personalizes the work). But that doesn't allow for people who contributed other things than data, or other collaborators who have a more general connection to the lab but not that particular work.
I've stopped reading through the list of acknowledgments as it wastes valuable time, which is why I like to leave that slide up at the end for assimilation. One possible compromise would be to present the conclusions down the left-hand side of the last slide and then add the contributors/funders etc on the right, leaving both sets of info available for digestion during questions. That would be quite cluttered though.
Interesting issue! I hadn't really given it enough thought, will do so now.
namnezia / Feb 9 2013 9:42 am
Skipping the acknowledgment slide is just plain arrogant and disrespectful of the folks who actually did (and paid for) the work.
Sarah Cornell / Feb 10 2013 10:30 am
A very closely related issue is that a lot of speakers can't keep to time… so leaving conclusions to the end is a very risky option!
I put acknowledgements on the title slide – and completely agree that proper credit should be given to students/research assistants throughout a presentation, especially when they have produced a tangible piece of the story. Accountability matters in science, after all (which reminds me, look up Lance Kwok's lovely article on "White Bulls" and academic parasitism…)
I've taken to presenting conclusions – well, key message/s – right at the start, as well as at the end, especially in short talks. It is often easier as a listener to follow the building up of the the story when the foundations of the key messages have already been heard than to follow strands of narrative all the way through to a putative Ta-Da at the end. Especially if the science is complex (or the program is running late because earlier presenters tried to fit 15 detailed slides into 15 minutes).
Stella / Feb 11 2013 8:12 pm
Yes! I have often thought having the conclusions at the start would be a far better way of doing talks. I am sick of this 'murder mystery' approach to talk structure – you don't know if the results are actually interesting, so you don't know what sort of attention you should pay to the methods. That and too many people spend too long on the introduction and methods, and too little time on the results. having the conclusions first would really change the whole feel of a talk.
Craig Jones / Feb 13 2013 9:27 am
I have never once cared to see or hear an acknowledgment slide in a talk and I have never once included it–either I have coauthors I list at the start on a title slide, or maybe there is some particular insight courtesy of somebody else whom I mention when I hit that insight, but it is like sitting through the credits at a movie without the possibility of a credit cookie or some interesting music. How many people do you find still in the movie theater at the very end even when there is this stuff? Scientific presentations are dull enough without deliberately taking the most boring parts of popular media and inserting them into talks.
And I was taught from the very start of my career in earth science that a talk consists of three things: you tell the audience what you are about to tell them, then you tell them, and at the end you tell them what you told them. Even in 12 minute talks. Is this not common practice elsewhere? I get angry at a talk that doesn't tell me why I should care, where we are going, and why we are following the route we are on to get there. At least tell me the mystery that is going to be solved if you feel that you can't afford to ruin the theatrical moment at the end when you discover the Holy Grail….if I want a story where we don't know where we are going when we start, I tune into Prairie Home Companion's News from Lake Wobegone.
Tell you what has gotten on my nerves lately: it is the proliferation of logos. I am half waiting for the cheerleaders to get everybody in a fever for Old State U's science team to win that conference! We are a hairsbreadth away from ads in presentations (maybe you all in medically sponsored research are there already; I don't go to your meetings). Must we know on EVERY slide that your university (or company) has one of the ugliest designs ever paid for by intelligent humans? One that clashes with the color scheme Microsoft suggested for you? Is there a big theft ring of slides where you need each slide fingerprinted so if it shows up elsewhere you can rise from the audience with a loud "AHA! Caught you, you intellectually deficient toad!"? Really? C'mon, everything you place on a slide should have a point and should inform the audience in the most effective way possible (which also means, please don't read your slide to me). Anything that distracts is, well, a distraction and deflects attention from your message (unless your message is, wow, I mastered the "master slide" control in PowerPoint).
I feel sorry for those of you who are crushed when not acknowledged in a slide. Is it really more important that you be acknowledged to a room full of people who really don't care than to have the science that you helped foster be presented more thoroughly?
Tony Hartshorn / Mar 5 2013 10:24 pm
I buy your thesis. A related issue is just plain ol' trying to cram too much in! Illustrated nicely here: http://whatshouldwecallgradschool.tumblr.com/post/44656004299/trying-to-get-all-of-my-data-into-a-15-minute-talk
- Links 2/7/13 | Mike the Mad Biologist
- Why do people blow the punchline in scientitic talks? The destructive effect of acknowledgements slides | Watershed Hydrology Lab
- 2/15/13 Link Round-Up
- Where to put acknowledgement slides – Research Pointers
- 7 ineffective habits of scientists who communicate with public audiences – Denise Graveline


text:
KRYOLAN is a specialized manufacturer of professional make-up, serving theater, film, and television around the globe for more than 50 years. KRYOLAN provides a range of more than 14,000 items, which covers every need any professional make-up artist may have, including fashion, theatrical, and character make-up; face body paint; and special effects make-up and lab supplies.
Canadian orders ship from Canada. No customs fees


text:
ORDERAmazon US
Barnes & Noble
The Book Depository
Amazon Canada
Amazon UK
ORDER EBOOKKindle
Kindle UK
Kindle Canada
Kindle AUS/NZ
Three to Tango
An anthology from Emma Holly, Lauren Dane, Megan Hart and Bethany Kane
Order Book
• Amazon •• Amazon UK •• Amazon CA •• Barnes & Noble •• The Book Depository •• B-A-M •• Chapters •• IndieBound •• Powell's •
Order eBook: • Kindle •• Kindle UK •• Kindle CA •• Kindle AUS •• Nook •• Kobo •
Four of erotic fiction's most talented authors carry readers away with all-new tales of ecstasy that prove that the most delectable things in life come in threes…
Sex is best when it's one-on-one…plus one.
In Emma Holly's FLIPPING FOR CHELSEA, Shay and Liam shared an unforgettable night with their lifelong friend, Chelsea, awakening a rush of forbidden feelings—feelings they have to reckon with when the three reunite, and the unrequited lust between them is too much to bear.
Though Ava left her hard-knock Georgia childhood behind, she never forgot Luca and Angelo. Together they were best friends with a bond that could never be broken. But when she returns, the three must decide whether to face the fires that burn between them, or forgo their desires forever in Lauren Dane's DIRTY/BAD/WRONG.
In Megan Hart's JUST ONE NIGHT, fun-loving couple Kerry and Jeremy find themselves in a triangle of trouble when Kerry's old crush, Brian, returns for a school reunion, and Jeremy gives her his enthusiastic approval to seduce him. But while Jeremy has no trouble sharing Kerry, Brian isn't sure he can handle what's coming.
Years ago, Walker walked out on Madeline when she needed him most. Now, the ex-Secret Service agent is back—hired to protect both Madeline and their billionaire friend, Tony. Madeline is determined to make him pay for denying her desires—and she's not above bringing Tony in to sweeten the deal in Bethany Kane's ON THE JOB.
Read an Excerpt
She reminded him of what he'd sacrificed as she stroked her erect nipples beneath a hot Tahoe sun. So what if they'd just been kids at the time, fools suffering from the heatstroke of a wild infatuation? She'd needed him, and he'd failed her. First Madeline's father had died unexpectedly, then Walker had left. Madeline's hurt had changed to anger over the years. Eventually, the sting had faded.
It had, anyway, until she'd walked onto the terrace this morning and seen Walker Gray talking to Tony.
Her clit begged for attention, but Madeline refrained. With effort. She longed to punish him, not only for eleven years ago, but for having the temerity to suddenly appear again in her life. His brisk, professional manner made a mockery of the fact that she'd been floored by his unexpected presence. He'd barely said two dozen words to her since Tony had asked her if she recalled their old friend from their high school and college days, Walker Gray.
She recalled, all right.
She'd make sure the bastard remembered just as graphically.
She sat up and took a sip from her glass of iced hibiscus tea mixed with lemonade. Her fingers strayed to the tie at her back. She pulled slowly on the string. She tossed the flimsy top next to the sweating glass and stretched out again on the dock.
It wasn't a big deal. She sunbathed topless once in a while on Tony's boat. True, she'd never gotten the impression that her bare breasts had received any of the focused interest from Tony as they once had from the man who stood behind her in the yard. Sure, she'd never have done it if it were another one of Tony's employees standing guard. The point was, Madeline was perfectly comfortable sunbathing topless in this situation.
Perfectly aroused.
She doubted very seriously she would have ever cupped her breasts in her slick hands from below, making the nipples point upward, like dark pink arrows, to the sky even in front of Tony, but the heretofore unprotected parts of her skin needed SPF, didn't they?
It felt good, so warm, so arousing . . . so powerful.
She let one hand trail across the sensitive skin at the sides of her ribs and across her belly. Her clit beckoned. It burned in protest at being ignored. She slipped two fingers beneath the top of her bikini panties. Her labia were moist and swollen. She slid a finger into the juicy cleft and moaned in pleasure.
Was he suffering? God, she hoped so.
Her eyes popped open a few seconds later when she felt a hand wrap around her wrist. He'd moved so quietly, and she'd been so involved in her little game, she'd never heard his tread on the dock.
"Surely you're not going to ask me what I'm doing, Madeline." She saw his clamped jaw and her shocked reflection in the mirrored lenses of his sunglasses. "Because I would have thought that was obvious. I'm giving you what you've been asking for."
She gasped in surprise when he slid his forearm beneath her thighs and lifted. The next thing she knew she was flying down the dock in Walker Gray's arms.
Read the Reviews
Four red-hot writers take you on a wild ride…Kane's story particularly shines, with a strong plot and well-defined characters.
4 stars from RT Book Reviews
If you liked Three To Tango, you may also enjoy:
Take a Stranger No More , Addicted to You, or Holiday Bound


text:
Glow Puzzle 4+
Nexx Studio
- $1.99
- Offers In-App Purchases
Bored & looking for puzzles to pass time? Glow Puzzle is casual puzzle game that is made for everyone. The logic of the game is to connect all of the lines given in each puzzle using the dots as a connection. It may sound simple but it's a challenging and extremely addictive brain teaser.
• Over 6 million copies downloaded!
• Featured by Apple in What's Hot, Staff Favorites and New & Noteworthy
• Top Free Puzzle Game in US, UK, Canada, Australia and 14 other countries
• As seen on iPhone Life magazine
"Perfect time-waster for the train ride home." - Mac|Life
"Fun and easy to like; definitely worth the download." - App Advice
"perfect blend of simplicity, challenge, and appealing visuals" - AppDiscover
"A fun app that will captivate you for hours on end." - AppPicker
• Over 950 brain teaser puzzles
• Solution for each puzzle level
• Two control to play the puzzle (dots selection or lines dragging)
• iCloud progress sync
• Various puzzle theme color
• Game Center achievements
• Optimized for iOS 7 & Universal app (iPhone, iPad & iPod touch)
This Eulerian path puzzle is recommended for fans of classic puzzle games such as sudoku, connect the dots, brain teasers, etc.
Developed and published by Nexx Studio. In collaboration with Glosculptor.
Follow Glow Puzzle on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and news:
Facebook: facebook.com/GlowPuzzle
Twitter: @GlowPuzzleGame
What's New
Version 2.3.3
This app has been updated by Apple to use the latest Apple signing certificate.
• Added 100 new puzzle levels (Over 950 puzzles available)
• Optimizations
Ratings and ReviewsSee All
This is a really cool app. Very challenging puzzles and everything, really worth buying (even though it is only a dollar). The only complaint I have is 1) It only has four colors. And 2) I think that every level pack you pass, you should have a different color instead of you having to change it manually. But other than that, it is a really good app and you should buy it if you are considering
Too easy (so far)
I couldn't get it to open, initially. It would lag on the title page, then cut off to the screen. This is what I did to get it open (though, you may not need to do all the steps):
1). Downloaded app...hit the "open" icon to open from App Store download screen...it lagged on title page and crashed.
2). Opened app from iPhone home screen...lagged on title page and crashed.
3). Opened app from iPhone home screen...lagged on title page and crashed.
4). Deleted app.
5). Repeated steps 1-4
6). Looked at reviews; there were none.
7) went to App Store logon, couldn't find email to get refund.
8) went back to app in App Store, still no reviews, so I hard closed the App Store app, reopened App Store app, which finally showed the reviews.
9) redownloaded App, but this time, I closed out the App Store and opened app from my iPhone home screen, and it surprisingly loaded immediately.
Now, I'm not sure if it was the fact that I hard closed the App Store app (swiped it instead of hitting home button), deleted and reinstalled three times, OR that I went out of the App Store app and opened it from my screen, instead. OR it could've been a combination of all processes, but it works now.
I only wish it was this simple to get my iPod out of restore mode! Oh well, appreciate the victories; shrug off the defeats!
Achievement unlocked...
Honestly, only writing a review for the achievement in Game Center. I do love the game though, but I also agree with other players. The game is very tedious. Some levels are easy. Others pose a small challenge, however the cramped game board makes finishing those levels difficult. It's annoying and quite frankly involves too many restarts. I like the game but I wish there were also more stylized options, such as "theme packs" which I see listed in the achievements but not in the settings. The pink glow has lost its appeal for me. Needs more color.
- Seller
- Nexx Crunch Sdn. Bhd.
- Size
- Category
- Games
- Compatibility
Requires iOS 5.1.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
- Languages
- Age Rating
- 4+
- Copyright
- © 2010 Nexx Studio
- Price
- $1.99
- In-App Purchases
- 10 Solutions $0.99
- 200 Solutions $4.99
- 25 Solutions $1.99
Game Center
Challenge friends and check leaderboards and achievements.
Family Sharing
With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app.


text:
SpyHunter's scanner is for malware detection. You have the choice of subscribing to SpyHunter on a semi-annual basis for malware removal. Free Trial allows you to run a one-off scan and receive, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal. To understand policies of this product, please also review our EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria. Check this guide to know How To Install SpyHunter on Your PC and if you wish to uninstall then How To Uninstall SpyHunter.
System Requirements
SpyHunter System Requirements/Version Information
File size
File Format
EXE (Standalone) System
Operating Systems Supported
Microsoft® Windows® XP (32-bit) Home/Professional/Tablet PC/Media Center (32-bit) with Service Pack 3 or later
Microsoft® Windows® Vista (32-bit and 64-bit) Starter/Home Basic/Home Premium/Business/Ultimate
Microsoft® Windows® 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) Starter/Home Basic/Home Premium/Professional/Ultimate
Microsoft® Windows® 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 Pro (32-bit and 64-bit)
Microsoft® Windows® 10 Home/Professional/Enterprise/Education (32-bit and 64-bit)
Minimum Hardware Requirements
1 GHz CPU or faster
1 GB of RAM or more
200 MB of available hard disk space or more


text:
A novel by Lon Otto
April 1, 1988 • 5.5 x 8.5 • 144 pages • 978-0-91827-340-6
A collection of adult bedtime stories.
Cover Me is driven by a strangeness underlying the world we are used to seeing. Its comedies explode out of situations as ordinary as they are dangerous, and even the darkest stories carry a comic edge, an electric commotion of surprise and recognition.
Two characters, Laurel and Burney Nichols, move in and out of Cover Me, carrying us through their nightmares and happiness the way certain friends do, their visits always unsettlingly vivid. In the pivotal "Water Bodies," Laurel and Burney journey through the contradictions of responsibility, love, sex, and their own wonderful doomed bodies, arriving finally where courage flows from memory into hope.
In the counterpoint narratives that alternate with the Nichols stories, we experience what it is to be that mousey man in the basement apartment, the richly romantic and philosophical piano tuner, the boy hurling innocence and deception against an impervious adult world. These stories, too, are marked by the compelling particularity of life, the detail that convinces us, awake or dreaming. This is the narrative music Otto has mastered, sensuous and alarming, "a balance of imperfections more beautiful than any celestial absolute."
"Lon Otto's talents are formidable and the best stories in Cover Me demonstrate them impressively. Playful, contemplative, outrageous and comforting, this is a writer whose gifts continue to develop. At his best, he is an adventurous stylist whose wise vision shines through the fires of language he can set burning, quite beautifully, on the page." —New York Times Book Review


text:
Norma RaeDVD - 2001 | Widescreen
From the critics
Community Activity
CommentAdd a Comment
Rate by me as a Five Star Winner! My conscience would not allow me not to mention to you "Norma Rae" after Sally Field received The Kennedy Center Award last night. (If you missed the show, you might would to see the clip of the tribute on the internet). Norma Rae is considered Sally's best movie universally by movie critics. Many years ago I worked on the staff of American Zoetrope on the making of another historic movie. When it came out, it had many critics that thought it was simply a bad movie. Today most critics, certainly their are always those of a different view, that rate in the Top 10 All Time Best Movies! Isn't that the beauty of life, art is in the eye of the beholder. We each experience art in our own way!
Vastly overrated. It's dirty looking and feels sweaty, yet that doesn't make it honest or good. Field did not deserve Oscar for this. (She did, however, earn the accolade for "Places" 5 years later.) Movie also did not deserve Oscar for lugubrious "best song."
VERY GOOD 1979 film with terrific dramatic acting by Sally Field who maintains an excellent southern accent throughout the film. Male main characters are good, too.
Interesting plot regarding struggle of southern millworkers to organize their workplace. Unfortunately, the rise in worker wages and foreign price competition from China, etc. has led to the rise of modern robotics which replaces so many workers.
This movie is appropriate for young children. I enjoyed this movie. There is no violence and no sex. The story is strong. The characters are developed. It is well acted. It shows the importance of wrong and right in life. It promotes have strong moral values and treating each other fairly with justice. It appreciates the freedom of a speech.
This is a 1979 American drama directed by Martin Ritt, based on the true story of Crystal Lee Sutton.
It is about Norma Rae, a factory worker from a small town in North Carolina who becomes involved in the labor union activities at the textile factory.
She revolutionalizes a small town and discovers a power in herself she never knew she had.
With increasing courage and determination, Norma organizes her fellow factory workers to fight for better conditions and wages.
Sally Field gives a tremendously affecting performance with moments of startling anger and courage.
No wonder this film was selected for inclusion in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 2011.
"So it goes like it goes and the river flows
And time it rolls right on
And maybe what's good gets a little bit better
And maybe what's bad gets gone."
These lyrics, which play at the beginning and end of Norma Rae, stay in my head as one of the final lingering thoughts that the film leaves you with: the vicissitudes of life. The cotton mill manages to get the "bad" out by unionizing so they will not be exploited by their owners and managers anymore. And perhaps the "good [that] gets a little bit better" is Norma's new husband and the strength she finds as a leader of her mill's movement to unionize.
Sally Field creates a fully-realized character with flaws and an indomitable spirit, which will inspire anyone, especially those who want to fight against injustice.
One of the numerous 'better' Sally Field movies. Worth the watch unless you're the sort of person who sets your hair on fire and runs screaming in increasingly small circles anytime the word 'Union' is mentioned.
Sally Field was excellent in this film. Loved the story and what it represented.
Excellent movie about the cotton mill industry in the Southern states. How difficult it was & what a price to pay to get unionized labour to protect the workers rights.
Outstanding performance by Sally Field! A must see.
A truly fantastic film. Sally Field is dazzling here and you fall in love with her character. Her character is truly real: not perfect, but trying hard in a world that seems to be built unfairly. There's a feminist message in there, of course, but there's also an underdog message. The combination of the two is great, and it makes me even happier to think that it may have happened like this for Crystal Lee Sutton, the real-life woman that Norma Rae is based on. Kudos to her! Needless to say, I recommend this film to everyone.
NoticesAdd Notices
Violence: A man slaps a woman across the face; her nose is shown bloodied afterwards. There is a brief brawl (perhaps a scuffle is a better word) between a few men, but there's no blood and it's quickly stopped. A man resists arrest.
Sexual Content: A woman speaks frankly about sexual satisfaction and how "putting feet up in the air in a vehicle" leads to pregnancy. A man responds in similar terms. (Any sexual language used is mild. I think it's completely reasonable to consider Norma Rae a family-friendly film.)
Other: A woman and a man become drunk at a bar, so they use their friend as the designated driver when they get in a car.
Frightening or Intense Scenes: A man suffers a heart attack and collapses.
Coarse Language: Very few to no mild cusses (such as "sh*t")
QuotesAdd a Quote
"The textile industry, in which you are spending your lives and your substance, and in which your children and their children will spend their lives and their substance, is the only industry in the whole length and breadth of the United States of America that is not unionized. Therefore, they are free to exploit you, to cheat you, to lie to you, and to take away what is rightfully yours: your health, a decent wage, a fit place to work. I would urge you to stop them by coming down to room 207 at the Golden Cherry Motel, to pick up a union card and to sign it. It comes from the Bible: according to the tribes of your fathers, ye shall inherit. It comes from Reuben Warshowsky: not unless you make it happen."
"I saw a pregnant women on a picket line get hit in the stomach with a club. I saw a boy of 16 shot in the back. I saw a guy blown to hell and back when he tried to start his car in the morning. You just got your feet wet on this one."
"Forget it! I'm stayin' right where I am. It's gonna take you and the police department and the fire department and the National Guard to get me outta here! "
"Norma, what I've had from you has been sumptuous."
Age SuitabilityAdd Age Suitability
britprincess1 thinks this title is suitable for 12 years and over
SummaryAdd a Summary
An overworked and underpaid single woman in the South joins forces with a New York labour union organizer to fight for some fair worker's rights at the uncomfortable textile shop that employs her.


text:
English Technical Support Associate – BT (start dates weekly until December)
Full-time, Permanent
Dublin – Swords
€20,500 annual salary plus quarterly performance-based bonuses
Languages: English
Please apply by clicking on the link below and following the instructions:
As a Technical Support Associate, you'll be working on behalf of BT, taking calls from their customers and helping them with any technical problems or account queries they may have. Support Professionals will handle customer inquiries in a courteous and professional manner while providing the highest level of customer service. Will be called upon to utilize various databases and develop analytical skills to resolve problems accurately in the most efficient manner while maintaining an excellent customer service level.
Provide first class support within a call center environment to customers via telephone
Achieve and maintain service level statistics
Effective use of the systems and tools available to the Support Centre
Track & document customer & problem information in call tracking database
Contribute to overall team performance, including support and assistance of other team members
Promote additional client services
Personal Success Profile:
Leaving certificate or equivalent.
Good knowledge and understanding of Internet, broadband, supported CPE (modems, terminal adapters, routers, etc…) mail clients, web browsers, FTP and computer operating systems
Excellent Customer service skills, a minimum of 1-year customer service experience
Must be able to work in a high volume, fast paced, goal-oriented environment
Must have strong initiative, be positive and a quick learner
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Attention to detail
Excellent communication skills to include verbal, written and listening
Ability and willingness to solve problems and provide support
Ability to manage time wisely to meet call handle time and work with targets
Flexibility to work various shifts from 7.00am – 11.00pm
We offer you:
An exciting full time job in a young international environment
Pension plan
Excellent benefits and company discounts
Possibilities for development and promotions
Location easy to reach by Public Transport
Games Room / Breakout area
Pay for Performance bonus program
20 days annual holiday + 9 statutory days entitlement
Free Parking


text:
Nowhere Men issue 2, written by Eric Stephenson and featuring the art of Mate Bellegarde and Jordie Bellaire, will be on comic book store shelves December 19th. The first issue of this series left me a little confused but intrigued. The second issue starts off on good old Earth with one of our front cover scientists from the first book talking with a young go getter from his company about the space station that was built behind the public's back with a crew that has contracted an unknown virus.
Not much that was set up in the first issue is explored much more in depth. The first half of the comic struggled to hold my attention. Most of the story consisted of this old versus young verbal warfare with more confusing plot that will hopefully be explained in more depth as soon as issue 3 because I didn't enjoy the first part at all. From the first issue, this felt more like a science fiction book but the first half portrays it as some sort of corporate revenge story.
We never get the sense of a main character either. The book jumps around from perspectives but never identifies one singular character as the focus point the book is jumping off from. So far, we just have an assortment of characters that have basic personalities and no particular character is very deep. This is only the second issue and I suppose I may be asking too much of character development too quickly but I would at least like to see a central character.
The second half of this book is where the art and writing shine. As the first part takes place on Earth, the second takes place in the space station miles about our planet. The virus is manifesting itself in many different ways depending on the crewmember that is infected. The infections range from mild deformities to major deformities to almost downright superpowers. The crew on the ship is desperate and under the impression that no one is coming to save them. One of the scientists aboard develops a teleportation device but other crewmembers are skeptical about whether the invention truly works and if they are walking into their own deaths.
The art in the second half is more interesting and I feel that is because there is more to work with. In the first half everyone, for the most part, is just standing around talking. The second half has the elements the virus creates and that makes for some more interesting art.
The second half, the space station half, of the story is much more interesting and riveting than the more down to Earth corporate side. I'm sure Stephenson is building towards something down on Earth but at this point I'm not very interested. I want to know what happens to the crew up above instead of the corporate executives below.
I'm interested to see where this book goes but at this point I'm not impressed beyond belief. If you read the first and enjoyed, pick up the second issue but if you are just mildly intrigued, wait until future issues come out and then pick up the trade paper back.
Nowhere Men issue 2 will hit shelves December 19th.


text:
Galaxy Young and the Galaxy Fame Offer Single and Dual-SIM Versions
[Photo Credit: SNLit]
The Galaxy Young and Galaxy Fame are two Samsung phones that attempt to bring a little taste of the Galaxy experience to those in South Korea (at the moment) who want the Galaxy experience without the price tag. In order to maintain the inexpensive nature of smartphones and bring them to those who may not have one (and cannot afford a luxury smartphone model), Samsung has produced two smartphones that are not spec-impressive but provide the necessary smartphone experience.
The Samsung Galaxy Young comes with the following features and specs:
- 3.27-inch display
- 320 x 480 screen resolution
- 3-megapixel camera (rear-facing, no front-facing camera)
- Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
- 1Ghz, dual-core processor
- 1,300mAh battery
- 4GB internal memory storage
- MicroSD card slot for memory storage expansion up to 64GB
- Available in four colors: metallic silver, white, deep blue, and wine red
The 3.27-inch display is a rather small reading screen, smaller than the iPhone 4 and 4S. The smaller screen size appeals to some consumers, although I find it hard to read on screens smaller than four inches. With smaller screens, I tend to place the phone closer to my face than tall and wide screens. The 1,300mAh battery will provide somewhere between 4-5 hours of talk time, possibly more depending on whether or not you make phone calls, check email, surf the Web, play games, and watch movies. If you activate LTE to surf the Web with faster speed than Wi-Fi, you the battery will decrease faster than if you rely on a basic Wi-Fi network.
Many smartphones have a random access memory (RAM) of 1GB, but the Galaxy Young has 768MB RAM, which places the phone at a less-than-impressive position. The plus side to the Galaxy Young is that it comes with a MicroSD card slot and provides an additional 64GB of internal memory storage. The phone thus provides 68GB of internal memory storage. 68GB is a lot of memory storage, and someone will appreciate the large storage in a phone with few "ooohhhhs" and "aaahhhs". Finally, the Galaxy Young will sport Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which is only four months old. While Google has already updated its Nexus devices with 4.2 Jelly Bean, and looks to bring a 4.2.2 update soon on its Nexus 7, Nexus 4, and Galaxy Nexus (along with others), the 4.1 update is the best OS for Samsung devices at the moment. There is an exception to this rule, however: there are some Samsung devices at the moment that have received the Premium Suite Upgrade (4.1.2). As a US Cellular customer, however, I have yet to receive the PS Upgrade and have only had Jelly Bean for two months. With that said, Samsung is rolling out Jelly Bean (4.1) to its older devices such as the Galaxy S2, but the PS Upgrade has only come to a few Galaxy customers. The 4.1 OS, thus, is still up-to-date by OS standards.
The Galaxy Fame comes with the following features and specifications:
- 3.5-inch display
- 320 x 480 screen resolution
- 5-megapixel camera
- Near Field Communication (NFC)
- 1Ghz dual-core processor
- 4GB internal memory storage
- MicroSD card slot up to 64GB
- 1,300mAh battery
- Android 4.2.1
- Available colors: metallic blue and white
The 3.5-inch display is akin to the iPhones 4 and 4S, which are both still selling extremely well for Apple. This is to say that the display is nothing to be ashamed of. You do have a smaller amount of RAM in the Fame (512BMB) than you do in the Young (768MB), but the trade-off comes with a better camera (5MP), wider screen (3.5 vs. 3.27 inches), NFC, and Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean). Android 4.2 Jelly Bean is the latest OS update for Android devices, so it's remarkable that this affordable smartphone will come with the latest and greatest of Android.
Both the Galaxy Young and Fame will be offered in single-SIM and dual-SIM versions and will be available this March 2013. As usual, Samsung offers low-range devices that provide a little taste of current specs while avoiding tech overload. Way to go, Samsung!