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The September quarter essentially mirrored the conditions witnessed in the first two quarters of the year. A feeble economic recovery in the U.S. and persistent recessionary conditions in Europe continue to lead to depleted demand for chemical products. Growth continues to struggle due to weaknesses across some key end-markets, including electronics.
Companies in the chemicals space saw their profits sag in the September quarter, largely due to the fragile economic conditions in Europe and weak pricing. Activity across the emerging Asian economies remained subdued in the quarter given the slowdown in exports due to weak western demand. The U.S. economy, on the other hand, is treading on thin ice given the concerns regarding the looming "fiscal cliff."
While the scenario is not expected to change in the December quarter, the industry is expected to continue to see slack demand, amplified by the production disruptions associated with Superstorm Sandy and uncertainty in the U.S. economy. Nevertheless, the fledgling recovery in the housing market may represent a potential positive for the industry heading into 2013.
Industry Fact File
Chemicals are generally used to make a number of consumer goods and are also used in the agriculture, manufacturing, construction and service industries. In fact, the chemical industry itself consumes 26% of its own output. Major industrial consumers include rubber and plastic, textiles, apparel, petroleum refining, pulp and paper and primary metals.
The chemical industry, a nearly $3 trillion global business, has grown at a brisk pace for more than five decades. The fastest growing areas have involved the manufacture of synthetic organic polymers used as plastics, fibers and elastomers. The chemical industry is mainly concentrated in three areas of the world: Western Europe, North America and Japan. Europe is the largest producer, followed by the U.S. and Japan.
The U.S. chemical industry represents more than 15% of the global chemical output and employs nearly 800,000 people. It constitutes roughly 12% of the nation's exports, aggregating $187 billion annually. Roughly 5.5 million additional jobs are backed by the purchasing activity of the chemical industry. The U.S. chemical industry supports roughly 25% of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP). The industry shipped more than 759 million tons of products in 2011.
The chemical industry is cyclical by nature and heavily linked to the overall condition of the U.S. economy. Chemical industry also touches 96% of manufactured goods, making the manufacturing industry the biggest consumer of chemical products.
There are 170 major chemical companies in the U.S. operating internationally with more than 2,800 facilities abroad. The chemical industry is among the biggest industries in the U.S., a roughly $760 billion enterprise. It has been consistently leading the U.S. economy's business cycle due to its early position in the supply chain.
According to chemical giant BASF SE ( BASFY ), global chemical production (excluding pharmaceuticals) rose 4.8% in 2011, backed by healthy demand from major industries. In the EU, chemical production edged up 1.6% while declining 3.1% in Japan, hurt by the March 2011 quake.
The sluggish economy took a toll on growth in the U.S. as the nation's chemical production increased a nominal 2.1% in 2011. South America and Asia (excluding Japan) witnessed growth of 4.7% and 11.1%, respectively. Growth in Asia was led by strong contributions from China.
Weak Manufacturing Hurting Production
U.S. chemical output barely rose on a monthly basis in October, according to the latest monthly report from the American Chemistry Council (ACC). The Washington-based chemical industry trade group reported that the U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index (CPRI) edged up 0.2% in October, following an upwardly revised 0.3% gain in September. The tepid growth reflects the continued weakness in the overall manufacturing sector.
The U.S. CPRI, which was created by Moore Economics to track chemical production in seven regions nationwide, is comparable to Federal Reserve's industrial production index for chemicals. The ACC noted that chemical production improved across all regions other than West Coast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast on a monthly comparison basis in October.
The October reading showed that overall chemical production fell 0.2% when compared on a year-over-year basis. On a region-by-region basis, production rose across the Gulf Coast and Ohio Valley areas while the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Northeast and West Coast regions saw declines. On a year-to-date basis (production for the first nine months of 2012 compared with the year-ago data), production inched up 0.1%.
On a monthly comparison basis, chemical production in the Gulf Coast region, where key building block materials are produced, edged up 0.5% in October. The Midwest and Ohio Valley regions witnessed a 0.1% and 0.6% increase, respectively. Output slipped in the Mid-Atlantic (down 0.1%), Northeast (0.1%) and West Coast (0.2%) regions. Production crept up 1% in the Southeast.
Output from the U.S. manufacturing sector dipped 0.5% in October after declining 0.2% a month ago. Within this sector, output rose in several key chemistry end-user markets including appliances, aerospace and structural panels.
The manufacturing sector serves as a barometer to gauge the overall health of the U.S. economy and has a major influence on the chemical industry. Lower investment, given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fiscal cliff, led to the weakness in manufacturing. The U.S. market is gripped by the fear that the economy may slip back into recession should the Congress fail to avoid the roughly $600 billion in tax hikes and spending cuts scheduled to take effect in January 2013.
The ACC said that output rose across many segments such as organic chemicals, plastic resins, consumer products, coatings, adhesives, and other specialty chemicals. This was, however, masked by declines in pesticides, fertilizers, man-made fibers, synthetic rubber industrial gases and pharmaceuticals.
Chemical output continues its declining trend in Europe. According to the European Chemical Industry Council ("CEFIC"), chemicals production in the European Union fell 2.2% year over year in the first eight months of 2012. Production fell 2.2% year over year in August 2012. Chemicals prices rose 1% year over year in August, led by an increase in the price for basic inorganics.
Raw Material Trends
The chemical industry uses oil, naphtha and natural gas as energy and feedstock inputs. Oil prices remain high despite the sub-par growth outlook for the global economy, largely owing to geostrategic reasons. BASF report states that the price of Brent crude oil rose sharply in 2011 (averaging $110 a barrel), stirred by the combined impact of strong demand and political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa.
Brent crude, which hit a four-year high of $128 a barrel in March 2012, is hovering between a high of $115 and a low of $105 since October 2012. Geopolitical tension in the Middle East, exacerbated by Iran's nuclear program and the unrest in Egypt, is keeping price from sliding given the concerns about a potential supply crunch.
Price of the other key raw material, naphtha, averaged $930 per metric ton in 2011, representing more than 30% year-over-year surge. Naphtha prices are also expected to remain elevated relative to last year's levels. The only bright spot for the industry on the feedstock front is natural gas. In fact, the price of natural gas has dropped to its lowest level in over a decade.
Over the past five years, the U.S. natural gas markets have seen a dynamic shift due to the emergence of a new source of energy, shale gas, which exists in large quantities with sources close to many big energy-intensive cities. Shale gas is not only desirable for environmental reasons, given its low carbon footprint relative to oil or coal, but is at the same time cost effective.
Weak View for 2012, Better Days Ahead
The European debt crisis, weak U.S. manufacturing along with sluggish activity in China and other key emerging markets led to weak demand for chemical products in the September quarter, something which is expected to continue through 2012. While the U.S. is not headed toward another recession, the debt issue in Europe coupled with other economic uncertainty poses downside risks to the nation's economic outlook.
The ACC foresees modest production growth in 2012 followed by a stronger recovery in 2013. National chemical output is expected to slow to 0.5% in 2012 from 3.8% a year ago, and then rise to 2.3% in 2013.
The ACC expects weaker growth in European chemicals output in 2012, in part, due to increased uncertainty. While developed economies, restrained by debt and stricter fiscal policies, are likely to increase chemical production at a modest pace, more rapid growth in output from the emerging markets is expected in 2012.
The ACC sees global chemical industry output to grow 2.3% in 2012, 4.3% in 2013 and 4.7% in 2014. Stronger growth is expected in specialty chemicals, consumer products and agricultural chemicals in 2012.
Growth in China is expected to be healthy, albeit at a slower pace, while production in other emerging markets is expected to expand in 2012. Chemical makers in the emerging economies are expected to deliver a 6.2% production increase in 2012 followed by a 7.5% growth in 2013.
The ACC expects strong growth in capital spending in the coming years, stemming from new investments in petrochemicals and derivatives. It envisions capital spending to reach $35.5 billion in 2012 and steadily advance to $51.5 billion in 2017. A rebound across emerging markets is expected to contribute to accelerated growth over the next several years.
A recent CEFIC report says that European chemical output will contract 2% year over year this year followed by a modest increase (of 0.5%) in 2013. The economic downturn in Europe and the region's weak construction and automotive sector will contribute to lower output in 2012.
Moreover, chemical production in the European Union is expected be 8% below its pre-recession level in 2012, as austerity measures adopted to staunch the high sovereign debt levels have led to higher unemployment levels and weak demand. The expectation for a slim recovery in 2013 stems from the anticipated modest growth in every quarter, partly driven by export markets.
According to the ACC, emerging market growth and abundant shale gas should help drive U.S. chemical exports. A string of factors are driving growth in the export markets including favorable energy costs stemming from the abundance of shale gas and strong demand from the emerging markets. Affordable natural gas and ethane (derived from shale gas) offer U.S. producers a compelling cost advantage over their global counterparts who use a more expensive, oil-based feedstock.
Further, cost-cutting measures implemented by chemical companies including plant closures and headcount reduction, should yield industry-wide margin improvements. Cash flows derived through these actions can be used for growth.
Mergers and acquisitions offer chemical companies another means to shore up growth in this difficult scenario. These companies remain focused on exploring growth opportunities in the fast-growing emerging markets, particularly in the lucrative regions of Asia-Pacific and Latin America such as China and Brazil.
We feel that chemical companies with strong earnings quality, healthy growth trajectory and liquidity profiles are better placed in the current rickety market environment considering their ability to leverage strong balance sheet and cash flows in maximizing shareholder value in form of dividends and share repurchases or use them for value acquisitions.
We have a bullish view on Eastman Chemical Company ( EMN ), which is delivering forecast-topping earnings and is well placed to benefit from its Solutia acquisition. The company's diversified chemical portfolio and integrated and diverse downstream businesses represents the pillars of strength. It also benefits from business restructuring, cost-cutting measures and increased capacity additions.
We are also optimistic about Celanese Corp. ( CE ) despite the challenges it faces in Europe. We like the company's initiatives to improve margins and profits by running its plants better and controlling expenses. The company's strong presence in emerging markets, especially in China, will enable it to deliver incremental earnings in 2012. We are also upbeat about the prospect of its TCX ethanol process technology.
In specialty chemical space, PPG Industries Inc. ( PPG ) represents an attractive play. The company witnessed strong growth in its North American automotive OEM coatings business in the September quarter, enabling it to deliver better-than-expected earnings. It has a diversified base of products and markets, and looks to grow its businesses strategically along with controlling costs.
We also hold a favorable view on specialty chemical company Methanex Corp. ( MEOH ). The company has taken up a number of steps, including production ramp ups in New Zealand and the Medicine Hat unit, to boost capacity. We are upbeat about its Louisiana project, which is expected to create significant value for its shareholders and meaningfully contribute in cash generation.
Commodity price hikes, though subsiding lately, is adding to feedstock costs for many of the U.S. chemical producers. Their ability to pass these costs on to end consumers is not always easy, given the competitive pressures at play. As a result, margins for a number of producers will continue to be under pressure.
Given the industry's sensitivity to the global economy, any negative current in the macro economy would be reflected in the prospects of the chemical companies. The turmoil in Europe and its impact on global growth remain sources of near-term uncertainty. Western Europe continues to pose challenges on chemical stocks due to weak demand (particularly in the construction industry) and the lingering impact of debt crisis.
The U.S. housing sector, a key consumer of chemicals, has shown signs of recovery lately, manifested by a steady pick-up in home prices. However, demand from this industry still remains way below the historic levels. Weakness in the electronics and construction end-markets may continue to weigh on the results.
Chemical companies generate a considerable amount of revenues outside the U.S., and therefore are exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations. Unfavorable currency exchange translation (stemming from a stronger dollar) dented most of these companies' results in the most recent quarter.
Another challenge comes in the form of production disruptions as a result of Hurricane Sandy, which wreaked havoc on the Northeast U.S. Production is expected to be hit by associated outages in the December quarter.
Chemical titan The Dow Chemical Company ( DOW ) was hammered by several headwinds in the September quarter. Its profit slid on lower pricing across all regions. The company also saw weak demand for its products in the quarter, stemming from the challenging conditions in Europe and sluggish activity across major emerging markets.
Moreover, building and construction sales remain under pressure due to lower volume in Europe and recovery in electronics remains slow, partly due to sluggish growth China. Moreover, currency headwinds are expected to continue given the weak euro. The company announced a major restructuring program including headcount reductions, plant closures and capital spending cuts.
The other chemical giant DuPont ( DD ) had a drab third quarter due to lower demand across titanium dioxide and photovoltaic markets. It witnessed weakness across a number of end markets in the quarter. The company reduced its earnings forecast for 2012 and announced a restructuring plan that includes retrenchment of 1,500 workers globally.
DuPont also remains exposed to raw material cost inflation, which is expected to constrict its margin in the fourth quarter. Moreover, currency headwinds weighed on the performance of a number of segments in the third quarter and are expected to reduce its earnings for 2012.
Air Products and Chemicals Inc. ( APD ) also felt the heat in the September quarter as weak demand due to the sluggish economic conditions led to a big slide in its profit. Slowing U.S. manufacturing growth due to high unemployment and the concerns over the U.S. fiscal cliff coupled with the slowdown in Asia is expected to impinge its results moving ahead. We have downgraded our rating on the stock to Underperform factoring in the challenges it may face in the next fiscal year.
Agricultural chemical company Agrium Inc. ( AGU ) has put up a lackluster third quarter on weak potash demand and is expected see a weak December quarter due to a significant decline in international potash demand and lower ammonia sales volume in Western Canada. Moreover, global phosphate market is expected to remain weak in the near term, partly due to lower demand from India.
Specialty chemical company Valspar Corporation ( VAL ) is contending with the difficult global economic conditions. Persistent weakness in its Paints segment hurt its sales in the most recent quarter. The segment has been hit by a weak residential housing market in Australia, which may continue to affect revenues moving ahead.
AGRIUM INC (AGU): Free Stock Analysis Report
AIR PRODS & CHE (APD): Free Stock Analysis Report
CELANESE CP-A (CE): Free Stock Analysis Report
DU PONT (EI) DE (DD): Free Stock Analysis Report
DOW CHEMICAL (DOW): Free Stock Analysis Report
EASTMAN CHEM CO (EMN): Free Stock Analysis Report
METHANEX CORP (MEOH): Free Stock Analysis Report
PPG INDS INC (PPG): Free Stock Analysis Report
VALSPAR CORP (VAL): Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.


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Welcome to Play King's online store!
Profile Informations
Login Datas
or login
Pictured with: Tan Vinyl, Red Trim & Yellow Accents, 4' x 4' Play Deck, 5' Deck Height, 10' Wonder Wave Slide, 3-Position Climber Beam, 2–Swings, Trapeze, Entrance Ladder, 4' x 4' Canopy Roof - Dimensions 9' x 25'
Playset footprint dimensions:
A Star Swing set is a lot more than just a place for kids to play. Our swing sets allow children to:
Why buy a vinyl play set? Vinyl is virtually maintenance free, with a crisp, color co-ordinated look that will remain attractive for years. Made with pressure-treated wood, vinyl coverings for safety and beauty, along with powder coated corner brackets and stainless steel hardware, Star Quality play sets are built to last!
Please visit Play King's showroom at University Drive and Griffin Road in Davie, Florida; or call or email us for more information. We provide free estimates, and we are happy to schedule site inspections in our service area to help you design the perfect playset and outdoor play area. We also sell and install attractive and safe rubber mulch to provide the best possible playset location.
|Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

subset: commoncrawl


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|Winnebago County Sheriff's OfficeNews Media Release
|News Release Number 2012-026
|Information: Restrictions For The Rock River For "ON THE WATERFRONT"
|Date: 08/30/12 - 09/02/12
|Time: 5:00 PM
|Page 1 of 1
NARRATIVE: Sheriff Richard Meyers is announcing the placement of certain restrictions on the Rock River in Winnebago County this weekend. These restrictions are due to the number of activities planned on or adjacent to the Rock River during the LABOR DAY HOLIDAY WEEKEND and "ON THE WATERFRONT FESTIVAL," which is a State Of Illinois, Department of Natural Resources permitted event. A "NO WAKE" restriction will be in effect on the Rock River south of the Whitman Street Bridge beginning at 5:00 PM, Friday, August 31st, and remaining in effect until midnight on Sunday, September 2nd, 2012. Also, there will be a floating green for a hole-in-one contest located just south of Beattie Park approximately 120 yards from the west shore. Golfers will be hitting colored golf balls from the west shore. Water craft operators should use caution in this area. The floating green will be marked and will be in the water during the entire time of the festival. Additionally, the Rockford Park District will be closing the boat ramp at the Riverview Ice House to the public beginning Thursday, August 30th, through Sunday, September 2nd, 2012. As always, recreational users of the river should exercise caution when operating on the water. For current river conditions, and any further updates, contact the Sheriff=s Office at (815) 319-6300, or the Rock River information telephone line at (815) 316-8888. You may also visit the Sheriff=s Department=s website at www.winnebagosheriff.com


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I looked it right up:
A strong, long 7.9 earthquake with an epicenter in Guerrero state shook central southern Mexico on Tuesday, swaying buildings in Mexico City and sending frightened workers and residents into the streets.Let's see, Malia's in Oaxaca. Google maps... Oaxaca, Guerrero... 375 miles (by somewhat indirect roads).
I hope everyone is safe, and I wonder what it says about us — or, specifically, Meade — that we think first of the one American we know is in Mexico right now.


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Create the Tiny Planet effect in Final Cut Pro X
You can use the Tiny Planet setting on 360° clips in a standard non-360° project to create a "tiny planet" effect. The setting converts the entire 360° sphere to a stereographic projection mapped onto a flat plane.
- Add 360° clips to a standard rectilinear Final Cut Pro project.
- Select the 360° clip in the timeline.
- Choose Window > Show in Workspace > Inspector (or press Command–4), then click to show the Video inspector.
- Scroll down to the Orientation section, click the Mapping pop-up menu, then choose Tiny Planet.
- To adjust the tilt and pan of the clip, click , then drag the clip in the viewer. To constrain the movement to one axis, hold down the Shift key as you drag. You can also adjust the individual Tilt (X) and Pan (Y) controls.
- To zoom in or out on the clip, adjust the Field of view slider.
Use the Tiny Planet filter in Motion
The Tiny Planet effect works best on 360° media in a standard, non-360° Motion project.
- Choose Window > Library (or press Command–2).
- In the Library, click Filters, then click Distortion.
- Drag the Tiny Planet filter from the Library stack to a layer or group in the Layers list, Timeline, or canvas.
- To edit the Tiny Planet's settings, select the filter in the Layers list or the timeline, then click Inspector. Or, click to edit settings in the HUD.


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Villa Niovi, a spacious and beautifully designed villa, lies at the heart of Kalami village just a short walk from its renowned beach and the resort amenities. Villa Niovi is the perfect house for a large family party or a group of friends.
Property Details
Villa Niovi is a delightful villa conveniently situated in the complex of Erkina villas. The villa, surrounded by olive groves, retains the privacy, the style and the comfort for a relaxed holiday in the island of Corfu.
Private parking area into the villa.
Beach 30 m
Fishing / Snorkelling
Water sports in Kalami
There is maid service twice a week.
Linen and towels will be changed twice a week.
The villa is arranged over 3 floors all comfortably equipped. On the ground floor there is a fully equipped kitchen area connected with a furnished living room. There are also two separate bedrooms both with en suite bathrooms, each one with its own direct access to the garden and villa's private pool at the front. The third bedroom with en suite wc/shower can be accessed on the first floor which has its own veranda with views of the village and the sea. The fourth bedroom is located in the semi basement area which means it remains coolest throughout the season, it has also has an en suite wc/shower and direct access to the lawn garden and villa's private pool.
Useful info
The day of arrival is Monday. Bookings can be made only for 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, etc.
Please email us with your enquiries, as we can be flexible depending on period and availability.
We are ready to help you find the accommodation suitable to your preference.
Useful information for Villa Niovi
Baby cots and high chairs are provided on request
Arrival Information
Check in time is 16:00 and check out time is 10:00
Blue Bay Travel is located at Kalami village. We will provide you with instructions for your arrival.
We have information books in the villa, we kindly request that you read the book as it has important health and safety information and information regarding the functioning of the property.
Holiday extras
Flights : Email us and we will endeavour to inform you with suggested airline companies.
Boat Hire: Escape for the day and explore secluded coves and unspoiled beaches. Have the experience of boating with one of the best boats in the area. Easy to handle, with no special license needed for up to 30hp boats and boat hire tuition and instructions, we guarantee you a memorable experience.
The area
Kalami is one of the most well known horseshoe-shaped bays of Corfu.
Kalami is a unique paradise on the Northeast coast of the island of Corfu, Greece. Kalami bay is surrounded by lush, green hills, nestled on the shores of the Ionian Sea, an ideal setting for a perfect and memorable holiday. This hideaway heaven is one of the most popular resorts on Corfu Island for its natural beauty and Greek traditional style. If you are looking for this kind of holiday in Corfu, Kalami is definitely the place to be.
Kalami resort is in a privileged location, ideal for all types of travellers: couples, singles, families, nature enthusiasts and people who enjoy walking and rambling.
Kalami Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag. You can relax on the beach and swim in the clear blue waters, explore the Northeast coastline with Boat Hire, or enjoy the excitement and thrill of the Water sports on offer.
Kalami in the past has attracted famous personalities, such as the Nobel Prize nominated author Lawrence Durrell. He found Kalami to be the most perfect spot to concentrate on his writing. The White House , where he live, is still preserved and it can be your Corfu holiday accommodation.
Today, Kalami preserves most of this authentic style and charm.
In the village of Kalami, you can find every facility for your holiday, tavernas situated near the sea offering Greek and Corfiot cuisine, bars/pool bars for your drink or food service throughout the day, super markets for your daily shopping, gift shops for souvenirs and tourist offices for your holiday requirements.
Places nearby
Contact us
Feel free to send us your enquiries and make your reservation requests:
Blue Bay Corfu Travel Services
Tel: +30 26630 91158 or 91654
Fax +30 26630 91674
e-mails:firstname.lastname@example.com, firstname.lastname@example.com
(or visit our contact page)


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Adobe and Nokia have announced a $10 million Open Screen Project fund designed to help developers create applications and services for mobile, desktop and consumer electronics devices using the Adobe Flash Platform. The new fund is a result of the Open Screen Project, an industry-wide initiative of more than 20 industry leaders set to enable a consistent experience for web browsing and standalone applications.
The Open Screen Project is designed to enable a consistent runtime environment across screens. The initiative is dedicated to enable web content, standalone applications and full web browsing across televisions, set-top boxes, mobile devices and other consumer electronics that take advantage of Adobe AIR and Adobe Flash Platform capabilities.
"We are excited about the Open Screen Project Fund and the possibilities it offers to designers and developers worldwide," said Adobe's David Wadhwani. "With close to 40 percent of all new mobile devices shipped with Flash Lite in 2008, the fund will enable more developers to bring their rich content and services to a large number of mobile users."
"The Open Screen Project Fund encourages the use of Adobe tools and existing developer skills to create exciting and unique Flash applications for millions of Nokia devices," added Nokia's Tero Ojanpera. "With more than 300 million Flash enabled devices in market, we will support these developers through the Forum Nokia developer community while providing a more targeted distribution channel to consumers with Nokia's Ovi Store."
Developers are invited to submit concepts for applications that are based on the Adobe Flash Platform, will run on Nokia devices, and will work on multiple screens, including mobile, desktop and consumer electronics devices. Applications will be reviewed for how innovative and compelling the user experience is, how robust the application or planned implementation is, and how well it exploits the capabilities and features of Nokia devices, Adobe Flash and Adobe AIR, which enables developers to use proven web technologies to build applications that extend outside the browser.
Projects submitted for development will be reviewed by a group of multi-screen application and services experts from Open Screen Project partners including Adobe and Nokia. Focus areas include: entertainment; social networking; productivity; gaming; news and information. Developers retain all rights to their applications while Adobe and Nokia have the right to evaluate, test and promote the content. For more information and details on how to apply, visit www.openscreenproject.org .


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Guaranteed Lowest Prices in Australia!
Our pricing team works hard to bring you the best prices in Australia, guaranteed. If you find a cheaper advertised price on an identical stocked item that's in stock with our competitor we'll beat it by 5%. Total price including shipping will be used for the comparison.
You may also consider:Queen Bed Home Starter Package - $735.00
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You are welcome to pick up your order in person from one of our warehouse locations (depending on availability). Please give us a call to find out the availability and location of your item(s) on 1300 033 589 (press option 1) with your order details.
Remember to check packaging dimensions of your items (located under the 'Specifications' tab within the product listing) to ensure that they can fit in your vehicle.
If you live in the Sydney metropolitan area, we have a SAME DAY DELIVERY service available for a small additional fee (from just $10). If your order qualifies for this service, you will be given this option when you place your order online. Or ask one of our friendly staff when you order over the phone or in our showroom. Orders placed after 11:30am may not qualify for same day delivery.
Enjoy a truly relaxing nights sleep with the Luxo Athena Premium Latex mattress. The Luxo queen-size luxurious, thick Euro top mattress is made of premium grade, breathable Belgian knit fabric, it is hypoallergenic and hygienic, offering you a comfortable nights rest with a 10cm re-enforced pillow top. The first class Athena mattress is constructed with comfort and support in mind.
Luxury Latex Layer
Latex is well known for its pain reduction & prevention abilities, as latex is a resilient material, it can support sleepers without placing unneccesary pressure on the hips and shoulders. It is known to provide a better nights sleep due to the motion isolation properties, making it barely noticeable when your partner rolls over in bed.
The naturally hypoallergenic, 100% premium latex layer, will provide the same experience ensuring additional cushioning and better ventilation due to the use of highly breathable, hygienic materials. Not only will you enjoy the blissful comfort, you'll also love the longevity of the product - on average a latex mattress will maintain its comfort for 10-12 years, compared to only 2-7 years using a regular spring mattress. The Luxo Athena, features 8 layers above the springs and 4 layers below to achieve maximum relaxation.
Pocket Spring System
When buying a mattress, the key to comfort and support is the underlying pocket spring system. The Luxo Athena features a 6 turn coil system; 768 Coils, Queen size - providing a five zone support structure, covering the head, shoulder, lumbar & hips, knee and lower leg zones. The coil is made from strong durable wire, limiting the amount of movement across the mattress and assisting to reduce partner disturbance, the medium firmness of the Athena mattress makes it just right, as it is neither to springy or firm.
Extra Comfort
Luxuriously constructed of 13 high-grade layers, the extra thick Euro mattress top quilting consists of multiple layers of padding give you extra comfort yet the latex and spring system provides you with extra support to ensure you have a good night sleep. Our 24cm thick pocket spring system comes with the popular 6-turn coils which each row is individually wrapped to ensure that each row functions independently without the interference of the next, supporting the 5 zones of your body.
Multiple Safety Standards Approval
We understand how important it is to have a quality mattress as you spend 8 hours on it everyday. All our mattress come with ALL of the following certifications:
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified for fabric
ITTC tested for latex
certifying that our mattresses are free of harmful chemicals, illegal substances and anything materials used that are detrimental to health.
Compact Delivery
The compact vacuum packaging technology allows the Luxo mattress to be available for delivery Australia-Wide at a competitive price! You will receive the mattress in a handy compacted box for easy handling and transport, after unpacking, the strong re-enforced edge mattress will expand and return to its original shape in only a short time! Choose the Luxo Athena and you'll happily enjoy our 30 Day Money Back Guarantee & 10 Year Warranty for FREE!
*Bed base shown in the images is not included.
|Navy & White
|10 Years Warranty
|Spring System
|Re-enforced 10cm Euro Top
|Mattress Size
|OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified for fabric
ITTC tested for latex
SGS tested for foam (REACH SVHC)
|Assembly Required
|Simply unpack & product restores to shape
|Product code
When you buy from Luxo Living, we will dispatch your order(s) within 48 hours and we offer free transit insurance for your peace of mind. Your order will be delivered to your door by one of our specially selected door-to-door courier services to ensure that you receive your goods quickly and safely every time!
Deliveries to major capital cities are usually made within 4 working days, however, please allow 10 business days after the dispatch date to receive your order. Excludes pre-order items.
To keep delivery costs low, we book all deliveries on standard road transport services with one person on board the delivery vehicle. If you have ordered any large or heavy items please have enough able-bodied people at home to help the driver with unloading. The suggested lifting weight per person is 25kg (example. Box weighs 100kg, you will need to supply 3 able-bodied people at home to help the driver with unloading). Carton weights can be seen on the products listed specifications. The driver is responsible for delivering the goods to your doorstep at ground level. You are welcome to request additional services such as an extra helper or specialised delivery service or after hours delivery. This will need to be arranged with us before dispatch and additional costs will apply.
If you would like to pick up your order please check item location displayed on our product pages. For assistance please call 02 8999 1114 and press option 1 to speak to one of our sales team members. Place your order online to ensure stock is reserved for you as our products can sell out very quickly.
10 Years Warranty
We take quality seriously. This product is backed by a 10 year limited warranty (more info).
For your peace of mind and online shopping convenience all our products also come with:
Actually surprisingly good for the price.
Very good quality
Fast delivery. Good product.
Feel like I'm sleeping on air could live in bed all day thanks to this amazing mattress
Great deal! Price and quality! And I received my items a lot earlier than I thought!
This is my third mattress I purchase. First for myself second and third for gift to my relatives !! They and me are sooooo happy. 5 stars quality and 5 customer service and 5 for price !!! Great job guys !!
Actually surprisingly good for the price.
Very good quality
Fast delivery. Good product.
Feel like I'm sleeping on air could live in bed all day thanks to this amazing mattress
Great deal! Price and quality! And I received my items a lot earlier than I thought!
This is my third mattress I purchase. First for myself second and third for gift to my relatives !! They and me are sooooo happy. 5 stars quality and 5 customer service and 5 for price !!! Great job guys !!


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It's crafted from durable Visetos-print coated canvas with a bonded lining to reduce weight — making it our lightest Visetos weekender yet. The iconic design has an extended zipper for easy opening, interior fabric gussets to keep belongs in place and can be folded for storage when not in use.
- 27.0 x 45.0 x 20.0 cm
- Removable jacquard webbing shoulder strap
- 2 leather top handles
- 2-way top zip closure extends down sides
- Removable hanging leather luggage tag and leather covered padlock & keys
- 4 protective feet at base
- Canvas lining
MCM products are meticulously constructed to endure for years to come, but occasionally the adventurous lives of our customers can take a toll. We recommend that you store your products in the protective cloth dust bags that we provide in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or bright lights. Take care to avoid your leather products getting wet or stained. Should it get wet or dirty on the surface, dry with a lint free, light-colored, absorbent cloth. Never use soap or solvent. Please avoid scratching or rubbing your products against abrasive surfaces. Over time, our delicate leather products will acquire a beautiful patina with the proper care. For any enquiries about your product, please do not hesitate to contact any MCM store or customer service team
In Europe, we offer complimentary shipping on all orders. From the time the order leaves our warehouse, we deliver within 2 to 5 business days. All orders are processed from Monday to Friday, with the exception of Sundays and public holidays. Further shipping information is available during the checkout process.


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In this silence. everything speaks to me; and in your noise, everything falls silent.
Cindy Cruciger
"Joshua Fields Millburn, who at age 27 became the youngest director of operations at a large telecom company in the Midwest, had been asked to craft a plan to close eight retail stores and terminate 41 workers. But when he handed the report to his boss in early 2011, it included 42 names. At the top of the list he'd written his own."
~ ~ ~
This piece from Yahoo Finance chronicles the changes Joshua Millburn (& friend Ryan Nicodemus) made in response to feelings that made clear it was time to reorient his life his way.


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Brahms, 4 Ballades Op.10 No.3. Oh, and RimWorld(0)
March 2, 2017
After hunting around for a while for a piano piece that suits my current abilities and tastes, I decided I'll learn this Brahms piece next. Finally, after an unreasonably long initial struggle, I've found the finish line on Claude Debussy's La fille aux cheveux de lin. Learning that piece was much more difficult than I expected,… Read More ›


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By Kevin Kelly
Catholic Key Associate Editor
CLINTON — There is regular, unleaded, and then there is mom's apple pie.
Father Steve Cook and 13 riders for Cycling for Change got some of the super-premium high-octane fuel at a luncheon at Father Cook's home parish of Holy Rosary.
And the melt-in-mouth dessert, not one but two pies, came courtesy of Father Cook's mother, Ginnie.
"They weren't the best because I'm having trouble with my oven," Mrs. Cook said.
Nonsense, said her son.
"She makes excellent pies," Father Cook said, adding that her world's greatest apple pies are only the tip of the iceberg. "Her lemon and peach are the best."
Pie is a longstanding tradition between Mrs. Cook and the 13th of Ginnie and Bob Cook's 15 children. And they also come up in Father Cook's homilies as pastor of St. Peter Parish in Kansas City.
"I told this story on Holy Thursday," he told The Catholic Key.
"She made me angel food cake for my birthday, and I didn't like angel food so I told her," Father Cook said.
"The next year, she didn't make me a cake at all. She made me pie," he said.
Mrs. Cook continues to make a pie every time she has enough advance notice, like on June 9, that her son will be coming home to visit.
"Mom always overcooks when she has family," said Karen Tualls, Father Cook's sister who also arranged the luncheon as president of the parish's Altar Society.
"There is always a pie for Steve. We're all special to her, but Steve is extra special," Tualls said.
Extra special?
"Why do you think?" she said.
Proud of their family priest before, the pride grew even stronger when Father Cook chose to lead the 500-mile, seven-day Cycling for Change bike tour of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph to raise awareness of poverty as part of Catholic Charities' national campaign to cut poverty in half within 10 years.
Three members of this year's Cycling for Change team were also part of the three-month 5,000-mile tour last year that crossed the United States diagonally from Washington state to the Florida Keys.
John Stigers, of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Kansas City, rode last year shortly after surgery. This year, he said, he's really dragging.
"My problem this year is that I didn't train enough," he said. "This year's team is a strong bunch of riders. Father Steve has really impressed me. He hasn't been riding that long."
This year's ride began in Kansas City, then moved north to St. Joseph and Maryville, then south and east to Lake Viking, Richmond, Warrensburg, Clinton and Harrisonville before the final leg June 10 at the Catholic Center in Kansas City.
Stigers said he had to go on this year's ride for a simple reason.
"Poverty hasn't gotten any better," he said. "It will take a cooperative effort of government, church and business. If we all work together, we can solve this problem. But if we keep fighting, it will continue."
Ditto, said Karl Shafer, also a St. Francis Xavier parishioner, and a veteran of both Cycling for Change rides.
"It's something I feel passionate about," he said. "Hopefully, more and more people will get involved. And seeing the country from the saddle of a bike is a privilege."
Jeremy Ruzich, who last year needed stitches to close a gash on his chin as Cycling for Change rolled into Kansas City, is unscathed this year.
"It (the ride) wears you out physically every day," he said. "But the more you get involved, the more you want to get involved."
Ruzich said he is riding to spread Jesus' word.
"The basis of this cause is the main call of the Gospel — to serve the least of the people," he said.
Other riders joined this year because they could make a one-week commitment instead of last year's three-month tour.
"I couldn't do it last year, but when I found out it was one week this year, that's doable," said Dave Schmidt, a St. Peter parishioner.
"Anything that brings guys like you (reporters) out to ask questions is good," he said. "If five people read your story and learn something about poverty in America, and that causes them to learn more and help somebody out, then it's worth it."
"It's important to get people to pay attention to poverty," said Bernie Schneider of St. Peter Parish. "If riding 500 miles will help, I'm all for it."
As their bodies get a workout, so do their spirits, said John Errante. Father Cook not only leads the pack, he also celebrates daily Mass for the riders and leads Bible reflection.
"Every day we have a focus on a different aspect of the Bible," Errante said. "You have a lot of time to think and pray on a bike."
Other riders making the ride to Clinton were: Sam Swearngin, St. Peter Parish; David Butel, St. Thomas More Parish; Steve O'Neill and Tom Dillon, Visitation Parish; Stu Bitner, St. Elizabeth Parish; Barry Underwood, St. Bartholomew in Windsor, and Jaytee Townsend, Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kan.


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Garland incentives include tax abatements, electric rate discounts, sales tax rebates, and permit/ development fee waivers and infrastructure cost participation. Garland is extremely aggressive and creative with the use of incentives when it comes to attracting the right types of development and redevelopment projects. Apply for Incentives now (PDF).
TAX Rebate
Tax rebate is a possibility when there is value added to the tax roll either by new construction or by the addition of machinery and equipment. Major projects may warrant special abatement conditions beyond the standard and Garland stands ready to use this incentive to attract the right companies.
All rebate projects must meet a minimum threshold point total based on full-time jobs, annual payroll, value of new facilities, machinery, equipment, and inventory, and annual sales tax generated or Garland Power and Light electric usage. All rebates and other incentives must be approved on a case-by-case basis negotiated by Economic Development staff and approved by City Council.
In 2006, the Garland Economic Development Partnerships partnered with Richland College of the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) to provide resources for qualified workforce and workforce training. We realize that finding and sustaining a skilled workforce is a key for your success. The DCCCD provides competitive pricing for employee training and may be able to obtain training grants from either local or State funding agencies.
Garland is a Triple Freeport Zone with Dallas County, Garland Independent School District, and City of Garland participating in inventory tax exemptions for goods shipped out of state within 175 days.
Garland Power and Light is the fourth largest municipally owned electric utility in the state of Texas. Due to Garland's ownership of its own electric company, Garland has the ability to offer some of the most competitive contract electric rates in the nation if the project is located in Garland Power and Light service area. This program is specifically designed to increase company's profitability and market competitiveness.
Redevelopment is one of the major focuses for Garland. Chapter 380 of the Local Government Code allows us to provide opportunities to support redeveloping the targeted retail projects.
City permit and development impact fees can be partially or fully rebated for projects based upon a desirable economic impact to the city.
Development projects that have a significant regional economic impact often require the developer to build new or up-size existing public infrastructure to accommodate the development. Public infrastructure includes roadways, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water, and structured parking and streetscape enhancement. As part of an overall economic development agreement, the City may enter into a funding partnership with the developer to pay for a portion of the costs of infrastructure.
For additional information about incentives, call the Economic Development Department at 972-205-3800.


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Previous Lecture
Complete and continue
Time Management: Step-by-Step Online Course
Welcome & Getting Started
Introduction to Time Management: Step by Step (1:25)
Getting Help (0:54)
Choosing Your Time Tools
What Tools Will I Need? (0:55)
Should I Use Print or Software Time Tools? (2:43)
General Factors When Choosing Software (2:36)
Choosing a Task Management System (3:15)
Choosing a Contact Management System (1:50)
Choosing a Calendar (1:42)
Choosing a Notes System (1:42)
Choosing a Time Tracker (1:29)
Make Your Choices (1:37)
Planning Your Work
Time for Planning (1:17)
What is your REAL Job? (2:22)
Identifying Your Work Categories (2:39)
Set Blocks Of Time For Each Category (3:21)
Time Blocking Template (5:25)
Carousel Method for Projects (10:43)
Goals & Outcome Setting (2:20)
The Power of Outlining (5:57)
Mind Mapping for Planning and Brainstorming (7:19)
Reducing Distractions
How Distractions Cripple Productivity (1:56)
Why Time Tracking is Critical to Success (2:37)
Reducing Email Distractions (2:05)
Social Media & App Distractions (3:06)
People Interruptions (4:30)
Telephone Distractions (3:16)
Creating Focus
Taming Your Monkey Mind (2:16)
Getting It All Out of Your Head (4:14)
How Batching Gets More Done (2:38)
Using a Countdown Timer to Achieve Focus (2:03)
Discipline and Will Power (2:58)
Create an Office Power Hour
Change Your Time Attitude (6:27)
Handling Tasks Effectively
Analyzing Tasks (4:55)
How To Prioritize Tasks (3:30)
Visualizing and Organizing Your Tasks (10:41)
The Power of Checklists (3:37)
The Two Minute Rule (2:44)
Should I Go Paperless? (5:24)
Telephone Time Tips (7:12)
Delegating Effectively
Introduction to Delegating Effectively (4:05)
Delegating Tasks - Analyze First (1:20)
Delegating - Best Practices (7:05)
25 Tasks to Delegate Today (11:37)
Why Delegating Fails (2:05)
Hiring vs Outsourcing (3:57)
Fast Lazy Way to Create PowerPoints (9:25)
Inbox Zero Email Mastery
Welcome to Inbox Zero Email Mastery (1:04)
Stopping Email Interruptions (2:42)
Going from Messy Inbox to Efficient Work Space (2:24)
Sorting Your Inbox Daily (2:26)
What To do With Each Email (1:12)
Dumping Unneeded Emails (1:15)
Delegating Emails (0:58)
Scheduling Emails (1:14)
Finishing Most Important Emails First (0:35)
Email Handling & Reply Tips (2:28)
Email Replies in Seconds Using Text Expanders (3:23)
Second Priority Level Emails (1:02)
Stop Digital Filing & Embrace Search (1:32)
Handling Reading/Resource Emails (3:14)
Reduce Internal Emails with Task Management Systems (2:34)
Reducing Customer Emails With Support Ticket Systems (1:16)
How To Use Email Filters To Save Time (1:29)
Best Practices for Internal Email (1:52)
Outsource Your Email With Personal/Virtual Assistants (1:16)
Effective Meetings
Introduction to Effective Meetings (1:59)
The Importance of an Agenda (2:41)
Having the Right People at the Meeting (0:55)
Setting Ground Rules for the Meeting (4:30)
Preparing Reports Before Meeting (0:57)
Capturing Meeting Notes (1:12)
Starting on Time (0:50)
Getting Attendees Involved (1:45)
Keeping the Meeting on Track (1:47)
Creating an Action Plan (0:48)
No "Anything Else" Questions (0:36)
End Meeting on Time (1:05)
After Meeting Followup (0:38)
Online Meeting Tips (0:52)
Dealing with Controversial Topics (1:46)
Automating Your Work
The Importance of Automation (2:51)
Getting Started with Automation (2:09)
Automating With Text Expanders (4:49)
Dealing with Difficult Situations
When to Fire a Client (6:39)
Work/Life Balance
Introduction to Work Life Balance (2:22)
Work Life Balance Steps 1-5 (2:57)
Work Life Balance Steps 6-8 (3:20)
Step 9: Learn to Play Again (2:38)
Steps 10-14 (4:15)
Steps 15-end (4:24)
Student Time Tips
Student Time Planning (3:17)
Creating Focus for Students (3:57)
Learning Tips for Students (8:54)
Reducing Distractions Checklist
Priority Task Checklist
Meeting Checklist
Speaking Quote Template (6:43)
Hire a Freelancer Checklist
Podcasts & Audio Files
Downloadable Audio
Garland's Podcast Feed
Gmail Power Tips
Changing the Theme in Gmail (1:09)
Webinars & Vlog Posts
10 Free Tools for Time Management Webinar (39:09)
Christmas Time Management Tips (13:55)
Why Training Fails (5:57)
How To Hire a Virtual Assistant (13:05)
Unless Otherwise Instructed (U.O.I) (4:28)
Sacred Time - What is it and why is it important
Why New Years Resolutions Fail - And How to Fix Them
Famous People Who Worked Less Than You Do
Your Last 15 Minutes - How to Make Them Productive
Inspirational Time Quotes
Is Your Onboarding More Like Waterboarding?
Succeeding With Your New Productivity App
Answer the Public Tool Review
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
The Vacation Effect and Productivity (3:51)
Process Documentation Using Notion (8:18)
Inspirational Time Quotes
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I dont understand what I could damage? I'm triggering interrupts with an open collector driver
When your board will trigger the NMI signal, it will go to the CTC Zc1/To1 output (not open drain).
Does this mean that if there is another board at the side of the PlayCity generating an NMI, that this will destruct the PlayCity? Can it be protected? Sorry for a basic question, but I guess a lot of people would like to know.
Just keep in mind that only one NMI source must exist into a computer design to work properly.
NMI can't be vectored. Witch routine to exec to $0066 for witch device if you can't know who send it?What is going if two NMI was received by the Z80 at the same time?
OUT &FEB4, 0 ' No interrupts!OUT &FEB4, 4 ' Interrupts on INTOUT &FEB4, 8 ' Interrupts on NMI - Do not use with unpatched PlayCity!
What's about this: NMI creating devices which are in danger could be placed on an adapter for MX4 boards. Ok, it gets probably about 2 cm higher, but this small adapter can hold the diode (or what ever suits best) to protect the card.Still (in case I understood that) a careful way of coding would be enough to omit trouble, by doing this:- Use NMIs of one source at a time- Switch off NMIs when not needed(That's what we have to do anyway if we don't want to face a crash after f.e. starting an new app or soft reset of the CPC).
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Price from
Tour the sights and fall head over heels for Rio on this short city adventure
Rio de Janeiro is without doubt South America's most beautiful city, and regarded as the holiday capital of Brazil. From the white-sand beaches to the winding streets of the favelas up to Corcavado and Christ the Redeemer towering over Rio's six million local inhabitants (known as cariocas), this short break will introduce you to the city. Prepare yourself to be swept away.
Independent Experiences
Independent travel, without the stress. Peregrine's Independent Experiences are a range of short 'mini tours' that you can add to other Experiences or as an extension to a longer tour, to craft your perfect holiday itinerary. Independent Experiences are for 1-4 travellers, come accompanied by a local Peregrine guide and depart daily.
- Start
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Finish
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Destination
- Brazil
- Style
- Independent Experiences
- Theme
- Independent Experiences
- Code
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 5
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 4
Why you'll love this trip
A full-day city tour puts you right in amongst Rio's colours and contrasts, from the bohemian neighbourhoods of Santa Teresa to a gritty shantytown favela
Climb up Corcovado for sweeping vistas of Brazil's most spectacular and colourful metropolis
Witness up close the classic art-deco colossus that is Christ the Redeemer
Enjoy free time to make your own discoveries - perhaps start with a stroll along Copacabana or settle into a samba performance
- Arena Copacabana or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary arrival transfer
Meals IncludedThere are no meals included on this day.
It's an early start this morning, as we embark on a full-day guided tour of Rio. Starting at Corcovado Mountain for sweeping views over Rio from the base of the Christ the Reedemer statue before the crowds arrive. Discover the eclectic architecture, restaurants and art galleries of the artistic neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. Then continue on to by the famous Selaron Steps to see artist Jorge Selaron's gift to the Brazilian people. We then stop for lunch, which will be a typical dish called Feijoada, a stew of black beans, kale and pork. We finish the day with a a walking tour of the Port area. This area, a little more off the beaten track, has been recognized for its cultural and historical importance as it was a main Port for the slave trade in Brazil. We will be joined by a local guide from the Pretos Novos institute, which aims to preserve the cultural heritage found in the Port area. On the walk, learn about the story of how the African slaves arrived to Brazil, the horrific conditions they endured on the journey over, how they were sold and, eventually, how they resisted and became free. Their story is intrinsically connected with the history of samba and Brazilian culture. Expect to be finished around 4 pm.
Later on, why not check out the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema? The colourful and vibrant nightlife and the laid-back and friendly nature of Brazilians will help make your visit to Rio a memorable one.
- Arena Copacabana or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour Combo 1: Santa Teresa, Corcovado, Christ & Copacabana
- Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer entrance
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Complimentary departure transfer
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals2 breakfasts
TransportPrivate van
AccommodationHotel (2 nights)
Included Activities
- Complimentary arrival transfer
- Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour Combo 1: Santa Teresa, Corcovado, Christ & Copacabana
- Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer entrance
- Complimentary departure transfer
Dates & availability - 2021 season
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Rio Experience - Independent trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
Jump to a departure month
Important notes
This program is for independent travellers and is not a group tour.
Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.View Essential Trip Information


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There is so much out there on the web to help kids learn. But it's so hard to find! At EdAlive Top Sites you'll find over 500 educational web sites designed expressly for, or useful to you in your quest for great resources.
We'll be adding to it from time to time so come back again and see what's new. There's no other place on the web with such a comprehensive listing for teachers, parents and kids!
If you'd like to suggest a site then click here.
To find what you're looking for simply click on the tags below. They are additive so the more you click the more precise your result.Filter these 2 resources:
CourseraUniversity courses for all
Offers courses from top universities for free. Coursera offers massive open online courses (MOOCs). Coursera works with top universities and organizations to make some of their courses available online, and offers courses in physics, engineering, humanities, medicine, biology, social sciences, mathematics, business, computer science, digital marketing, data science and other subjects.
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The Concord ConsortiumRealizing the promise of educational technology
We imagine a deeply digital future, where teaching and learning seamlessly incorporate the best features of digital technology to dramatically improve education. We're a nonprofit educational research and development organization based in Concord, Massachusetts. Our pioneering work brings the promise of technology into a reality for education in science, math and engineering.
How do you rate this resource?


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In stock
This rare stipple engraving is from Pierre Jean Francis Turpin's Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles. The work was published in France by Levrault in 1816. Turpin was noted as one of the greatest botanical and natural history engravers of his time. The work depicts a vast array of images from the animal and plant kingdom.


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Equity futures continue to drift higher this morning on extremely low volume. The dollar is down, bonds are up slightly, oil is again pressing $90 a barrel, and gold is down a little while food commodities continue to climb into the stratosphere.
Good thing that there's plenty of money to placate one in seven Americans with food stamps. Otherwise there just might be hard enough times to cause an uprising that could stand a chance of brining meaningful change instead of meaningful money destruction:
1 in 7 Americans rely on food stamps
PICNEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The use of food stamps has increased dramatically in the U.S., as the federal government ramps up basic assistance to meet the demands of an increasingly desperate population.
The number of food stamp recipients increased 16% over last year. This means that 14% of the population is now living on food stamps. That's about 43 million people, or about one out of every seven Americans.
In some states, like Tennessee, Mississippi, New Mexico and Oregon, one in five people are receiving food stamps. Washington, D.C. leads the nation, with 21.5% of the population on food stamps.
"The high unemployment rate caused the high participation rate," said Dottie Rosenbaum from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, a think tank.
But it's not just the nation's stubbornly high unemployment rate of 9.8% that's driving the increase in food stamp use. Some states are expanding their definitions of poverty to include more people.
At the same time, the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act boosted annual funding to the nationwide food stamp program, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, by $10 billion.
The average recipient receives $133 in food stamps per month, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That amount varies from state to state; in Hawaii the average is $216, while it's $116 in Wisconsin.
But the Recovery Act funding increased the maximum food stamp benefit by 13.6%, which translates to about $20-24 dollars per person per month.
The U.S. government considers food stamps to be effective stimulus for the economy, because the recipients usually spend them right away.
And see, the media gets to tout that we "only" have 9.8% unemployment instead of the more than 17% or more that exists in reality. Sigh…
Not to worry because the "Fed" in all their glorious wisdom will continue to kill the value of your money by not only buying up every single piece of worthless debt in America, but they will provide "liquidity" in the form of "Swap lines" with the world's other central banks so that they too can keep the dollar killing money pump going:
Dec. 21 (Bloomberg) -- The Federal Open Market Committee authorized the extension through Aug. 1 of its temporary dollar liquidity swap arrangements with the European Central Bank and the central banks of Japan, Canada, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The arrangements, established in May, had been authorized through January, the Federal Reserve said today in a statement.
One world government? Seems we already have one and Bernanke is the figurehead world President. Don't worry about the debt in Europe though, we have that covered because Americans can afford it.
No economic data today, just POMO after POMO. There will be two POMO's today, should be more than $10 billion plus. Isn't that special? Why I'll bet you're feeling more wealthy already.
Meanwhile stocks appear to me to be carving out another potential rising wedge pattern in the short term…
…That's inside of another rising wedge pattern in the longer term:
I hope you're enjoying time with your families in front of the holidays, don't follow the debt example of our national leaders and be sure to teach your children well…


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We would like to invite you all to join our 10 year anniversary show during the Helsinki design week in Finland.
FOC will showcase a decade of research activity and excellence in 3D printed design, evidenced by a multitude of milestone achievements and underscored by an array of products and projects distinguished by awards and accolades from around the world.
Since FOC was founded in Helsinki by Janne Kyttanen, June 2000, we thought it would be nice to go back to the roots and showcase our decade of work during the Helsinki Design Week. On our 200 square meter exhibition space we will display several products from the FOC Collection as well as give sneak previews of brand new products to be launched shortly. Also an overview of the countless projects we have done for a number of international clients will be showcased.
Cable Factory
Tallberginkatu 1
Inauguration 1.9.2010
Wed: 13:00-23:00
Invitation only
Opening times 2-4.9.2010
Thu-Fri: 11:00-23:00
Sat: 11:00-17:00


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The Windows Phone 7 Series website is currently titsup less than a day since Microsoft launched its iPhone-competing gadget.
We asked the company what had gone wrong, but at time of writing Microsoft hadn't got back to us with comment.
The website has one simple message that reads "Service Unavailable".
Microsoft baptised its smartphone yesterday, giving it the clunky name of Windows Phone 7 Series - which seems to be Redmond's attempt at distinguishing its gizmo from the Apple iPhone and Google Nexus crowd by giving it a car-like moniker.
Earlier this morning Paul Wright, who describes himself as a 'Windows Mobile Marketing Maverick', blamed heavy traffic to the site for its current, unscheduled lie-down.
"Due to the unexpected number of click-thru's to the Windows phone 7 Series website it's decided to crash, will have it back up asap," he said on his Twitter account about two hours ago. ®


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Acacia Iron Wood Table
Dimensions (in)
|37"W x 79" L x 30" H
• Natural acacia wood, with charming characteristics and imperfections
• Hardness of acacia wood makes it less susceptible to scratches
• Versatile functionality
• Durable build
• Bent trapezoid style legs for added stability
• Black iron table legs
• Live edge makes each piece unique in style
• Natural wood art piece
Leave the heavy lifting to Dodd's Delivery.
We're more than just the safe transportation of your purchase. We offer a friendly and comprehensive service designed to handle every detail of delivery. Dodd's Delivery Service is available for Vancouver Island only. We handle delivery and setup, so you don't have to.
If you're unsure about delivery, email firstname.lastname@example.com
After your purchase, you'll be contacted for your preferred delivery date . This date is based on product and delivery availability in your area.
With 3 locations - in Victoria, Nanaimo and Campbell River - Dodd's Furniture & Mattress has become Vancouver Island's largest independent furniture retailer. Family-owned & locally-operated since 1977, Mr. Gordy Dodd is best known for his on-going community initiatives and one-of-a-kind TV commercials.
In 2019, Gordy was honoured with the Governors' Lifetime Achievement Award by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
40% of our merchandise is Canadian-made, with many pieces carefully-crafted right here in BC. Our fabulous showrooms are updated with the latest design trends & styles. Dodd's certified design consultants can help you find exactly what you're looking for, and that includes customized furniture to match your own personal style & flair.


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So, at least one of our questions has been answered -- It's Showtime is gone for sure. Some were speculating that It's Showtime would remain intact under a Zuffa-like takeover by Golden Glory. But, as former It's Showtime CEO explains below, It's Showtime is experiencing a full merger into the Golden Glory brand. This is an effort to unify the world's two biggest kickboxing promotions, bringing the elite kickboxers under one banner!
PRESS RELEASE: Explanation take-over of IT'S SHOWTIME by Glory Sports International
Saturday, June 30, 2012, I made an announcement during the IT'S SHOWTIME event in Brussels that we have sold the company IT'S SHOWTIME to Glory Sports International. Glory Sports International is the holding company of Glory.
There were different reasons for us for this sale. First of all, for a long time we had been regretting the fact that not all good kickboxers were in 1 league, and for that reason, the kickboxing fans didn't get to see a lot of potential great fights. At IT'S SHOWTIME, we were also deeply impressed by the positive plans of Glory Sports International to give our sport a massive impulse. Their very open and positive attitude towards us have brought our companies closer to each other in the past months.
The financial injection which Glory Sports International wants to give to our sport is historical, and no obstacles are left which could prevent Glory from being the absolute number 1 in the kickboxing industry. In fact, Glory could even set or raise the bar on various other areas.
In February of 2012, we have made agreements with Mr. Mike Kim of K-1 to help him bringing the K-1 back to the top of the game, and we would get paid for this help. We also helped the K-1 to sign fighters and we have introduced them to a local promoter in Madrid in order to set up the K-1 event last May.
Of all the daring plans Mr. Kim told us, nothing became reality. The fighters of the event last May still haven't received their money. Once again, the fighters won't get paid (only Badr Hari and Mirko Filipovic demanded to be paid in advance). The local promoter in Madrid disbursed money for the K-1 and even this company won't get that money back after hundreds of emails. Therefore, the local promoter will take these matters to court.
Also, but less important, K-1 again didn't live up to the financial agreements they have made with our company, so they breached the contract.
Mr. Kim doesn't even pay his own Japanese employees and therefore they are leaving the K-1 now. Even though K-1 announced a 1 million dollar jackpot for the winner of the K-1 World Grand Prix Final, Mr. Kim won't give a bank guarantee for this jackpot. We think he simply isn't able to come up with a bank guarantee because there isn't enough money available. I firmly believe that Mr. Kim took a big risk concerning the take-over of the K-1 brand. He assumed that he would find a co-investor or that he could sell the brand/logo with a big profit. There just isn't any longterm vision with K-1. After all these issues, we lost our faith in the new K-1, an organization that hasn't brought us what they promised us. Even the events in the U.S. are far from sure to happen.
All these facts combined have made us at IT'S SHOWTIME decide to take the only and right step by supporting Glory for 100%. The take-over means that from now on, all personnel of IT'S SHOWTIME will use its knowledge to help bringing Glory to where we think it will go.
Together with Bert van der Ryd, I will be busy with the production of the Glory events. For other activities within Glory, the best specialists in the world are, or will be, signed.
Currently, it's not 100% sure yet whether there will be only Glory events in the future, or also events under the IT'S SHOWTIME label. This will be decided soon. However, the event which is scheduled for July 21 on Tenerife, Spain, will take place.
One thing is for sure: because of this take-over, the fighters and the fans will be the big winners. The fighters will get more opportunities to fight at more events, and the fans will get to see all good fighters against each other.
I am in the lucky position that I only have to do what's closest to my heart: producing events. This, together with the professional Glory staff, gives me the belief that it's now Glory time.
For more information about Glory, visit www.gloryworldseries.com.
Kind regards,
Simon Rutz


text:
- Easy Access to Interstate 10
- Easy Access to Local Events and Attractions
- Full Hook-ups and Services
- Pull-Thru Sites
- Free WIFI
- Big Rigs Welcome
- Open All Year
Located 1/2 mile off Interstate 10 Exit Number 22 in Mobile, Alabama, Shady Acres Campground is easy access for highway travelers passing through, and for those attending the many area events and attractions. Located off the Dauphin Island Parkway, along the Dog River, Shady Acres Campground is easy to find and easy access from downtown Mobile. To help you find us, check out our map and location services.
Easy Access to USS Alabama, Gulf Coast Casinos, Fishing, Boating, and More
Shady Acres offers close access to a variety of events and attractions in the Mobile Bay area. One of the biggest attractions in Mobile, the USS Alabama Battleship, is only 10 minutes away. Bellingrath Gardens, the next most popular attraction, is 30 minutes away. It's 25 minutes from the regional airport, 5 minutes from the downtown Mobile Convention and Civic Center, and less than an hour from Dauphin Island and the rest of the Gulf Shore area and casinos.
Many visitors come to Mobile for a variety of special events, too, like the Azalea Trail Run, BayFest, Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, America's Junior Miss, and the many golfing and fishing tournaments and water sports. All are within a few minutes drive of Shady Acres Campground.
With our convenient boat ramp, small boats can launch onto the Dog River from the campground, or fishermen can fish for Striped Bass, Bream, Catfish, Redfish, Gar, and Speckled Trout right off the campground pier. The Mobile area is a haven for fresh and salt water fishing and boating. Visitors are only a few minutes from the Gulf of Mexico where sailing, open sea fishing are open year around. Or come for the many fishing tournaments, such as the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.
Birding is also a popular activity in the area. Spring and Fall migration attracts thousands of birds and birders along the Gulf Coast, especially on nearby Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, East Mobile Delta and Mobile Causeway, and Blakely Island, with Shady Acres Campground right at the heart.
We have more information on local area events and attractions to help you find your way around Mobile, Alabama.
Full Hook-Ups and Services
Shady Acres Campground is open all year, offering full-hook-ups and the services you need, including:
- Cable-TV
- Water and Sewer
- 20, 30, and 50 AMP electricity
- Dump Station ($10.00 fee)
- Propane
- Laundry
- Shower and Bathroom Facilities
- Free WIFI
Founded in 1952, Shady Acres Campground has been serving campers and travelers for over 64 years. We work hard to make sure your visit is as comfortable as possible. The main office features brochures and information about local events, restaurants, and activities, as well as a wall-sized map to help you find your way around. There is also a book exchange and library work-space for you to work on your laptop, or get out of the trailer or motor home for a while.
Open and Shady Pull-Thru Sites
Shady Acres Campground features large pull-thru sites and back-in sites to accommodate all sizes of trailers and motor homes. The 82 shady and open sites can be found in this open forest campground, filled with oak and pine trees. Large rigs are welcome, and 20, 30, and 50 AMP electricity, cable-tv, water and sewer are available on every site.
Free WIFI
To help you stay in touch while you travel, Shady Acres Campground offers free WIFI. The free wireless access allows you to sit in your trailer or motor home and surf the Internet and get your email easily. We've even created a library for you to come in and work, read, or just relax. There is a book exchange and lots of information about local area events and activities, too.


text:
Located in one of the United Kingdom's most beautiful and archaeologically vibrant centres, our York office sits just beyond the medieval walls near Walmgate Bar, one of the four main and most complete medieval gateways into the heart of the city. Today the sun is shining and our team members are busy analysing data collected from recent excavations and geophysics projects, and preparing for the exciting projects which are starting in the next couple of weeks.
Mitchell Pollington (Operations Manager)
I spent a great morning having a look around (and under!) York's medieval Guildhall and the adjacent 'Hutments' site, where we are going to be undertaking an extensive community excavation this August.
Everyone will have the opportunity to be involved with the project, and it's all for free!
Paul Clarke (Project Officer – Excavation)
Today I am in the office preparing for the upcoming York Guildhall community excavation in August, which promises to be one of the most exciting excavations in York for years! I've only just started working for AOC but I have already worked on excavating a Romano-British ladder settlement in Brough over the past 3 weeks, which has turned up some really complex and fascinating archaeology – it's a very wet site so it's one for the palaeobotanists.
Alice James (Project Officer – Geophysics)
This morning I finished writing a report on a gradiometer survey at St Andrews College and Moat near Acaster Selby. St Andrew's College was founded in 1470 by the Bishop of Bath and Wells and in an act of Parliament in the late 15th Century recorded as holding an estate of 40 acres in Nether Acaster. It is documented as being made up of the main College buildings and chapel which lie on top of a large square platform. Although there are no standing remains of the college and its associated structures, the site contains earthwork remains including a moated enclosure and ridge and furrow. By using a gradiometer survey we have been able to accrue more information regarding the form and extent of these known features as well as identifying previously unrecorded features such as a series of enclosures.
This afternoon is going to be filled with the organisation and project management of the geophysics projects we will be conducting in the next couple of weeks. July and August will be busy, especially in the south of England. In mid-August we are going to carry out a GPR survey as part of our Guildhall project in collaboration with the University of York, which I am very excited about!
AOC Archaeology Group provides a UK-wide service, from three main offices, in Edinburgh, London and York. For more information about our professional services or any of the projects we working on please go to:


text:
Please check the build logs for more information.
See Builds for ideas on how to fix a failed build, or Metadata for how to configure docs.rs builds.
If you believe this is docs.rs' fault, open an issue.
This crate provides a streaming CSV (comma separated values) writer and
reader that works with the
serialize crate to do type based encoding
and decoding. There are two primary goals of this project:
- The default mode of parsing should just work. This means the parser will bias toward providing a parse over a correct parse (with respect to RFC 4180).
- Convenient to use by default, but when performance is needed, the API will provide an escape hatch.
Licensed under the UNLICENSE.
The API is fully documented with lots of examples: http://burntsushi.net/rustdoc/csv/.
Simple examples
Here is a full working Rust program that decodes records from a CSV file. Each record consists of two strings and an integer (the edit distance between the strings):
extern crate csv;
use std::path::Path;
fn main() {
let fp = &Path::new("./data/simple.csv");
let mut rdr = csv::Reader::from_file(fp);
for record in rdr.decode() {
let (s1, s2, dist): (String, String, usize) = record.unwrap();
println!("({}, {}): {}", s1, s2, dist);
Don't like tuples? That's fine. Use a struct instead:
extern crate csv;
extern crate "rustc-serialize" as rustc_serialize;
use std::path::Path;
struct Record {
s1: String,
s2: String,
dist: u32,
fn main() {
let fp = &Path::new("./data/simple.csv");
let mut rdr = csv::Reader::from_file(fp);
for record in rdr.decode() {
let record: Record = record.unwrap();
println!("({}, {}): {}", record.s1, record.s2, record.dist);
Do some records not have a distance for some reason? Use an
Option type!
struct Record {
s1: String,
s2: String,
dist: Option<u32>,
You can also read CSV headers, change the delimiter, use
enum types or just
get plain access to records as vectors of strings. There are examples with more
details in the documentation.
This crate works with Cargo and is on
crates.io. The package is regularly updated.
Add is to your
Cargo.toml like so:
csv = "*"
# other deps...
There are some rough benchmarks (compared with Go) here: https://github.com/BurntSushi/rust-csv/tree/master/bench


text:
The BridgeDb DataSource Ontology
This example uses the BridgeDb DataSource Ontology, created by BridgeDb developers from Manchester University (Christian, Stian, and Alasdair). The ontology covers describing data sources of identifiers, a technology outlined in the BridgeDb paper by Martijn (see below) as well as terms from the Open PHACTS Dataset Descriptions for the Open Pharmacological Space by Alasdair et al.
Because I needed to put this online for Open PHACTS (BTW, the project won a big award!) and our previous solution did not work well enough anymore. You may also see the HTML of the result first. You may also want to verify it really is HTML: here is the HTML5 validation report. Also, you may be interested in what the ontology in RDF looks like: here is the extracted RDF for the ontology. Now follow the HTML+RDFa snippets. First, the ontology details (actually, I have it split up):

The BridgeDb DataSource Ontology (version 2.1.0)

 This page describes the BridgeDb ontology. Make sure to visit our homepage too!

 The OWL ontology can be extracted here. The Open PHACTS specification on Dataset Descriptions is also useful.

This is the last time I show the color coding, but for a first time it is useful. In red are basically the predicates, where @about indicates a new resource is started, @typeof defines the rdf:type, and @property indicates all other predicates. The blue and green blobs are literals and object resources, respectively. If you work this out, you get this OWL code (more or less):
bridgedb: a owl:Ontology; rdfs:label "BridgeDb DataSource Ontology"@en; rdf:seeAlso <http://www.openphacts.org/specs/2013/WD-datadesc-20130912/#bridgedb>; rdfs:seeAlso <http://www.bridgedb.org/>; owl:versionIRI <http://www.w3.org/2012/pyRdfa/extract?uri=http://vocabularies.bridgedb.org/ops#>; owl:versionInfo "2.1.0"@en .
An OWL class
Defining OWL classes are using the same approach: define the resource it is @about, define the @typeOf and giving is properties. BTW, note that I added a @id so that ontology terms can be looked up using the HTML # functionality. For example:

Data Source

A resource that defines identifiers for some biological entity, like a gene, protein, or metabolite.

An OWL object property
Defining an OWL data property is pretty much the same, but note that we can arbitrary add additional things, making use of ,
, and
 elements. The following example also defines the rdfs:domain and rdfs:range:

About Organism

Organism for all entities with identifiers from this datasource. This property has DataSource as domain and Organism as range.

So, now anyone can host an OWL ontology with dereferencable terms: to remove confusion, I have used the full URLs of the terms in @about attributes.
Van Iersel, M. P., Pico, A. R., Kelder, T., Gao, J., Ho, I., Hanspers, K., Conklin, B. R., Evelo, C. T., Jan. 2010. The BridgeDb framework: standardized access to gene, protein and metabolite identifier mapping services. BMC Bioinformatics 11 (1), 5+. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2105-11-5


text:
Bi-National Same-Sex Couples Fight to Keep Families Intact
For the 40 bi-national same-sex couples and individuals who gathered at the LGBT Community Center in lower Manhattan on Sunday, April 10, to discuss immigration and gay rights, the battle at hand literally remains a fight to keep their families intact. Joining the panel discussion were Kelli Carpenter of R Family Vacations; Yves Rivaud, headmaster of École Internationale de New York and immigration attorneys Andrew Carter and Lavi Soloway.
Soloway's clients, Mark and Frederic, may be split apart in May-even though they have been together for 21 years and have four children. "Because of DOMA [Defense of Marriage Act], we are blocked from all federal benefits," Mark, who was born in the United States, told EDGE before the panel began. "I can't sponsor Frederic for immigration like a husband would sponsor his wife. We are going to apply for a green card like anyone would, but that will probably be denied."
Soloway, a founder of Immigration Equality and the Stop The Deportations-The DOMA Project, noted tens of thousands of Americans who live with and marry same-sex partners from other countries are currently forbidden from sponsoring them for American residency. In addition, 47 percent of bi-national couples currently have children.
It started with 'allo'
Mark and Frederic met at a party in 1990, and it was love at first sight.
"He had me at allo," joked Mark, referring to Frederic's French accent.
They spent the next seven years flying back and forth to be together. A local high school hired Frederic to teach French in 1997. He had to return to France in 1998, but was able to return to New York the following year. The two men bought a condemned house for a dollar; renovated it and adopted their first child, John, in April 2000. Mark and Frederic adopted their daughter Claire in 2003.
With Frederic's work visa due to expire in 2004; the men sold their house, thinking they would move to France. Frederic received a student visa at the last minute. And he and Mark rented an apartment while they found and renovated another condemned house.
Finances caused the men to sell the house and move into a smaller home in 2007. Mark and Frederic adopted two more boys, Jacob and Joshua, in April 2009
With Frederic's student visa set to expire in May, the men are once again considering a move to France. The French government would recognize their relationship, but not their parental status. Either Mark or Frederic would have to cede legal custody of their children, leaving them in a dangerous predicament should something happen to their only legal guardian.
"We thought we would go back to France, and tried to get the kids their papers, but the New York personnel just hung up," said Frederic. "They told me that our children meant nothing to them, that they were nobody."
"The government here gives us the right to adopt kids, but they will deport one of the fathers," added Mark. "We have 21 years together and four children; and the problem is that if they deport Fred, they are taking him away from his legal children. And if we go to France, although they recognize same-sex relationships, it's unclear whether they recognize them for immigration rights. There may be a change in the fall, but we're not quite sure even if children are legally allowed to have two fathers there. One of us might have to give up their legal rights to the children."
Soloway said Mark and Frederic's case highlights the plight of many bi-national same-sex couples.
"We are working to expand family-based immigration sponsorship for green cards," said Soloway. "We need action from Congress, for DOMA to be struck down by the Supreme Court. We are facing how to keep families together and raise their children in that situation."
Bi-national same-sex couples had hoped the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service would approve green card applications after Attorney General Eric Holder announced in February that the Obama administration would no longer defend DOMA in court. USCIS said late last month that DOMA prevented the agency from approving these applications.
Soloway and other attorneys said some immigration officials could continue to quietly hold these applications, deferring final decisions and protecting bi-national couples from deportation. He stressed, however, leaving the fate of one's family to the arbitrary decision of individual immigration officials is far from ideal.
Hope lays with the Uniting American Families Act?
Congressmembers Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), John Conyers (D-Mich.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jared Polis (D-Colo.), Mike Holda (D-Calif.), Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) plan to reintroduce the Uniting American Families Act on Capitol Hill on Thursday, April 14. The bill would allow gay and lesbian Americans to sponsor their partners for legal residency in the United States.
Soloway remains optimistic about UAFA's prospects because of the Obama administration's decision to longer defend DOMA-U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.] has introduced a bill that would repeal the Clinton-era law once and for all. UAFA has also been included in a comprehensive immigration reform bill for the first time.
"This shows that the faith-based groups have given up their fight to exclude us," said Soloway.
Mark was less sure of the impact UAFA would have.
"It's a bill they put in the House every year and try to get sponsors," he said. "That's been going on for over a decade, and they haven't brought up that bill for acceptance or denial. Nothing federally legally has changed in our case. They want to do it, and keep proposing it, but nothing is voted on."
For now, this is a complicated process with limited options. Soloway said one possible solution is helping an American's foreign-born spouse open a company to keep them in the country.
"They sound daunting, and they are," he said. "It is an alphabet soup of non-immigrant visas, trying not to max one out, or maxing one out before moving to another. Once you start planning, you need to sit with a professional and talk options that apply to you as a couple."
Meeting bi-national families' needs
Rivaud and others are trying to make the best of things by serving the needs of those bi-national families currently living in the New York metropolitan area. "There is a demand for young children to be bilingual, to understand, write, express yourself, travel around the world and eventually expatriate yourself and work outside the U.S.," said Rivaud, who noted his school had three LGBT couples apply this year. "It takes time for children to soak up two languages and coded systems...but it pays off well. After three years in a bilingual school, your child will be bilingual and can teach you the language."
Carpenter is also trying to address this issue at R Family Vacations through developing cruises and resorts that cater to the needs of bi-national same-sex families.
"There are so many multi-national families that are coming on our trips, and we see a real need to bring these families together and start addressing their needs," she said, noting the International LGBT Parenting Symposium will take place on July 12. "I think it's a slow process, but the needs and challenges that face families from different countries or have children from other countries to find a place to live that will accept them as a family is very challenging."
The issue is far more pressing for Mark and Frederic.
"We take love for granted," said Mark. "Why can't we be together and happy like any other couple? Even within the LGBT community, people assume because we've been together for 21 years, Fred can stay. That's not so. He's only here because of alternate visas he had throughout the years."


text:
ONE of the best little shows in Oz is the annual Kandos Street Machine and Hot Rod Show, held every Australia Day weekend.
If you haven't heard of Kandos, don't beat yourself up. With a population of under 1500 bods, Kandos is tucked away on the Bylong Valley Way, about 90km north west of Bathurst, NSW. Despite the town's relative obscurity, the show attracts a great field of cars that come out to play on the burnout pad, the dyno and the show 'n' shine. Here's a little taste of the action, for the full story, grab the March issue.


text:
About this Event
LifeVantage Academy's unified message will be taught by each presenter but with their own personalities, stories and examples. This will allow each training to be a unique experience. Please attend each month's training to ensure the most full and well-rounded training for you and your team.
Everyone needs a ticket, including guests. Get tickets now online to ensure a seat. Tickets at the door at the day of the event will cost $35.00, if seats are available. Credit or debit cards only. No cash or checks please. Tickets are non-refundable.
Our website: www.lifevantageacademy.com
Our Email: email@example.com


text:
I've had malwarebytes on several computers for years. It was free at first with beta and I either lost or never got the coupon for long time members. Before purchasing it, I wanted to look for a valid coupon code online.
***EDIT*** Ronald, one of our readers, offered another Malwarebytes coupon code – enter BM6-3S7-665 for 20% off or alternatively try code B3S-6Q1-H54 or Q65-TRJ-G7J to save 15% during checkout (you might want to check the comments for newer user-submitted coupons, some might not be working, depending on the actual website where you place the order).
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free/PRO 2013 Updates
The latest version of Anti-Malware Free/PRO has brought in some additional developments:
- Chameleon Technology Gets Malwarebytes Running on Infected Systems
- Multi-Language Support (currently 35 and counting!)
- Real-Time Active Malware Prevention Engine Blocks Known Threats (PRO)
- Heuristic Protection Prevents New Zero Day Malware Infections (PRO)
- Malicious Website Protection Blocks Access to Known and Zero Day Malicious Web Content (PRO)
We're also happy to report Malwarebytes Anti-Malware works fine with Windows 8 on a new Dell All-In-One we have in the office. If you need more than one computer protected against Internet threats, please remember the voucher codes shared by our generous visitors work on volume licensing too – you can save up to 40% off the regular Malwarebytes Anti-Malware price if you apply the tested coupon codes above against your Cleverbridge checkout.
Recommended links
http://www.malwarebytes.org (main website)
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums (community and support)
Editor's note: Unlikely as it may sound, we had one of the office computers infected with
Once Antivirus 2010 is installed on your laptop or computer, it'll be automatically configured to run when you logon to Windows. This is done by adding a startup entry that launches the C:\Windows\System32\wingamma.exe executable. This executable will then launch the AV2010.exe and the fake Windows Security Center. Once running, it'll scan your pc and list a variety of infections that cannot be removed unless you first pay for the computer software. This infection will also randomly display fake security alerts on your pc stating that you just are infected or have some sort of security risk. In the event you click on these alerts, it is going to prompt you to obtain the software program. These fake alerts, along with a fake Windows Security Center that advertises Antivirus 2010, are applied to further scare you into thinking you're infected so you pay for the application.
Another new addition to these types of rogues is the creation of a fake Blue Screen of Death. At random intervals, Antivirus 2010 will produce what appears to be a Windows crash, but in reality is just a fake screen. These fake crashes are utilized to further persuade you into purchasing the software program. When you receive this crash, you can merely reboot your pc , or try pressing Alt-Tab or Control-Alt-Delete to get out of it.
***UPDATE*** Thanks to you (our visitors) we had confirmation time after time that codes are working and you can still buy this excellent application at a discount from the Malwarebytes official store.
Some of you might be interested to know that the new version 1.50 is out – find below a list of the overall improvements, new features and issues fixed.
Overall Improvements
1. Dramatically improved scan speed: up to 5 times faster.
2. Dramatically improved stability of both the scanner and protection module (paid version only).
3. More responsive: program loads up to 3 times faster, and protection module has lower impact on system resources (paid version only).
4. New internal detection algorithms enable detection of more real-world malware.
New Features
1. You can now add files and folders to the ignore list manually.
2. Ability to schedule and unschedule scans and updates from the command line (paid version only).
3. Notifications of blocked malicious websites now include additional details such as type, port, and process on Windows Vista and higher.
4. Ability to include or exclude potentially unwanted programs (PUP), potentially unwanted system modifications (PUM), and peer-to-peer software (P2P) from scans and protection module detections.
5. Dramatically improved flash scan (paid version only) – designed to determine whether a more in-depth scan is needed, in less than 10 seconds on many machines.
6. One-touch easy-to-use option to keep protection up-to-date automatically (paid version only).
7. "Warn if database is outdated by:" option now warns if the database is far out-of-date (7 days by default), including for protection (paid version only).
8. Ability to scan system startup locations for improved detection and to target persistent malware that may be obstructing removal.
9. Right-click context menu scans now use heuristics.
Issues Fixed
1. Improved compatibility with antivirus software.
2. Fixed issue with "Recover if missed by" setting in scheduler not working correctly on Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
3. Fixed issue with "Recover if missed by" setting in scheduler not working for scans and updates scheduled to run 'Once'.
4. Fixed issue with Heuristics.Shuriken causing the program to freeze or crash.
5. Fixed issue with certain infections going undetected by the protection module in 64-bit Windows versions.
6. Fixed issue with silent scans not creating logs in certain scenarios.
As always, don't forget to check the comments for any new Malwarebytes coupon codes shared in 2013 by our visitors. We've been keeping this page up since 2009 and served thousands of users looking for Malwarebytes Anti-malware deals. We cannot promise to always have the best discounts (after all, the company needs to accept a considerable mark down on their margins to offer these coupons, but since we know this we strongly suggest you take the plunge and get a licensed copy of the software – it's probably the best product in its category, backed by an incredible team and a great community you'll be happy to join as soon as possible. Best of luck!