text: Free Converter Tool Kick Starts New Digital Negative File Format by Translating Raw Formats into Easy-to-Use, Archive-Ready FilesSAN JOSE, Calif. - Sept. 27, 2004 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today introduced the Digital Negative Specification, a new unified public format for raw digital camera files. The company also launched a free software tool, Adobe DNG Converter, which translates many of today's popular raw photo formats into the new .DNG file format, compliant with the Digital Negative Specification.Raw files, which contain the original information captured by a camera sensor prior to any in-camera processing, have become popular due to their promise of greater flexibility and image quality. Until today there has been no standard format for these files, which vary between manufacturers and individual cameras. The Digital Negative Specification solves this problem by introducing a single format that can store information from a diverse range of cameras. Technology leaders, major customers, and professional photographers today also endorsed the new specification (see separate quote sheet)."Professional photographers and other creative professionals are moving to raw camera workflows because of the outstanding creative control they get over digital images," said Bryan Lamkin, senior vice president of Digital Imaging and Digital Video products at Adobe. "However, clients and publishers have difficulty working with disparate raw file formats and nobody can be sure that today's raw formats will be supported ten years from now. Adobe customers asked us to work on a unified, public format for raw files and that's what we've delivered with the new Digital Negative Specification."Serious photographers want to store raw files in long-term image archives, because -- unlike standard JPEG's and TIFF's -- these files represent the pure, unaltered capture. Current raw formats are unsuitable for archiving because they are generally undocumented and tied to specific camera models, introducing the risk that the format will not be supported over time. The unified and publicly documented Digital Negative Specification ensures that digital photographs can be preserved in original form for future generations. The new .DNG file format also simplifies digital imaging workflows for creative professionals who today have to juggle multiple file formats as they bring raw images, from different cameras, into print and cross-media publishing projects.New Specification Built on Existing StandardsThe Digital Negative Specification is based on the TIFF EP format, an accepted standard, and already the basis of many proprietary raw formats. The power of .DNG format lies in a set of metadata that must be included in the file to describe key details about the camera and settings. .DNG-compliant software and hardware can adapt on the fly to handle new cameras as they are introduced. The new file format unifies conflicting raw formats, enabling the preservation of a pristine version of the original raw image and the metadata associated with it. .DNG is also flexible enough to allow camera manufacturers to continue to add their own "private" metadata fields.The Digital Negative Specification is being posted to the Adobe Web site free of any legal restrictions or royalties, enabling integration of the .DNG file format into digital cameras, printers, and software products. By adopting .DNG, camera manufacturers eliminate the need to develop new formats, simplify product testing and ensure new cameras have a raw format immediately compatible with tools such as Adobe Photoshop CS and Adobe Creative Suite. The .DNG format is immediately supported in Adobe Photoshop CS as part of an updated Camera Raw Plug-in, also introduced today (see separate release). Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 also supports .DNG files.DNG Converter Available TodayKick-starting the adoption of .DNG, Adobe DNG Converter is available today as a free download at: www.adobe.com/dng. This translates raw formats from more than 65 cameras, including recent models such as Canon PowerShot S60, Epson RD-1, Fujifilm FinePix S20 Pro, and Nikon Coolpix 5400, into the new .DNG file format.


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I'm searching for results relating to piercing numbers. One example of what I'm looking for is this theorem: any VC Class which is k-consistent has a bounded piercing number.
However, searching Google/arxiv only gives me the above theorem and a bunch of papers about convex sets. What are some other results/papers related to piercing numbers? Ideally, they should be combinatorial in nature as opposed to geometric.
Background: I'm asking this because I'm currently doing research on the possible connection between VC Classes and compression schemes.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Click "PROCEED TO CHECK OUT" and click "PRODUCT DETAILS"
to make changes to your product(s). Then click "APPLY LOGO(S)" on
the bottom of the product page to ensure your logo is applied.
You haven't added items to bag. Are you sure you want to leave this page without adding items to your bag?
- Add your logo! An embroidered polo is a great way to boost your brand
- Pure Peruvian pima cotton interlock
- 5-in-1 finish resists stains, wrinkles, shrinking, fading and pilling
- Smooth covered neck seam
- Sturdy reinforced shoulders
- Neat banded sleeves
- Relaxed fit: slightly longer sleeves, mid hip length, straighter shape, side vents
- 100% cotton
- Machine wash, imported


text:
Hint - Omega Tactics
Omega is the final boss in the holy beast shrine At first it seems impossible to kill Omega with him having 99999 hp and ep but he is rather easy to defeat with a golem that has a special attack that takes a % of damage. I used Sebastian sniper shot. The first few shots with him did about 35000+ damage. Other golems you can use is Raiko or Samurai. Lastly, keep your members out of his God Scream ability if possible.
Hint: Unlimited Chips & SP
At London city, go to the casino (slum area). Use a save and load method, and play roulette by betting 1000 chips for the first 9-12 numbers which you can earn around 24000-26000 chips if you win. The chances is roughly 1/3 to 1/4. Quit casino and save after you win. Naturally, if you lose, reload your last save. Repeat that and you can earn unlimited casino chips.
After you obtained all the goodies in the casino presents, you can sell that item in casino which recovers 50% of your HP and EP at the shop next door. You can only carry 9 on you at a time. So you will have to buy them from casino using chips and sell them at the shop. You can get 5400 TB for 9 of them. Repeat the step above and you can have unlimited money and unlimited SP because SP can be purchased at the shop.


text:
2550 north lake drive
suite 2
milwaukee, wi 53211
92% of Fiveable students earned a 3 or higher on their 2020 AP Exams.
*ap® and advanced placement® are registered trademarks of the college board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.
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text:
Peyton Manning's place in history not for 'experts' to decide
It's not up to me. It's not for any other members of the media to determine either, although they certainly have the opportunity to influence it. It's not even up to Peyton Manning, although he has by far the best chance to impact it Sunday.
It's up to you. Yes, you.
I'm talking of course about Peyton Manning's legacy. If you haven't heard, it's kind of a big topic this week. How much will his legacy be affected both positively if the Denver Broncos were to win and negatively if they were to lose? It has been the dominant storyline and a fair one at that. This is something we are going to be talking about for the next 50 years with our kids and grandkids, so yeah, it is pretty important.
PHOTOS: From prep stars to Super stars | Legion of Boom vs. Legion of Doom | Super Bowl Boulevard
Some disagree with me. They believe Manning's legacy if firmly entrenched no matter what happens Sunday. While I respect their opinion even though I disagree personally, it is not up to me or the writers who have penned those stories.
Even Peyton Manning said this week he didn't exactly know what the word legacy really meant before he quipped that it was "something that 70-year-old guys have."
Here's what legacy is: Public perception. That's what it means to me. A person's legacy is how they are perceived by the public. That's you.
MORE: Super Bowl from Vegas | Vegas and the NFL: How the league plays both sides
There's no question Peyton Manning in my mind is one of the top five quarterbacks in the history of the game. That won't change for me no matter what happens Sunday.
Where he ranks on that list? That's a different story. When we (and more importantly, you) talk about the best of the best we typically talk about the guys that have won multiple Super Bowl rings. It's the single biggest determining factor for most fans. Peyton is not in that category yet. With a win on Sunday, he will.
With a second Super Bowl championship, and this one with a different team which no quarterback has ever done before, there will be a very compelling argument to be made that Manning is the best quarterback that has ever played the game. A loss in the big game makes that argument much tougher to make.
It's that important. It means that much. At least to me.
How about you?


text:
Hi blogger buds! Hope all is going well in your world on this beautiful Monday! Just wanted to say hi. Not much really to talk about...
Oh, except I changed my mind on my baby furniture. Now I am really not one to change my mind. Not at all. Once I get an idea in my head, I stick to it like contact cement! But.... I went to a store that carried the brand of baby furniture that we were going to order, and while they didn't carry that particular set (they said it was special for military), I did get a chance to look at other furniture from this company. And it was okay. But not as well made as I would have liked. Especially since we were going to be paying over $1000.00 for it!!! But they had this beautiful set there, and for about the same price, it is solid hardwood, dovetailed drawers, just really well made, beautiful furniture. So this is my new decision. And I like being able to touch it before buying it.
Also, I am hosting Bunko next week at my house. Which is almost done. But I am worried how it's going to get finished, painted, cleaned, and decorated by next Thursday! Ahhh!!! Deep breathes! Please pray for my sanity...speaking of, I found my car tags! Praise the Lord!!!
And today is my birthday. Sigh...another year older. Bummer. Oh well...happens to everyone I suppose!!!
Have a great day!!!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Just a plain ole' update...
Hi blogger buds! Hope all is going well in your world on this beautiful Monday! Just wanted to say hi. Not much really to talk about...
Posted by The Brewers at 3:33 PM
4 comments:
- Jessica said...
The furniture is beautiful!!! I can't wait to see you next Thursday!
- August 4, 2009 at 8:17 AM
- BOWquet said...
gorgeous furniture! Setting up a nursery is the best! :)
- August 8, 2009 at 9:19 PM
- Jessica said...
Can we get another update please?
- August 10, 2009 at 10:49 AM
- Leigh Ann said...
Happy late birthday! Love the furniture!
- August 11, 2009 at 4:40 PM


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With your BlueBiz account number, you can access all the customer service features: Points account statement, Award request, claim uncredited Points, update your contact information, etc. This space is completely personal and secure.
Once your enrollment in BlueBiz has been registered, AIR FRANCE, KLM, ALITALIA and Delta Air Lines will email you your account number and password to access your personal account. You can then take advantage of all our online services.
Request your award online
Do you want to benefit from an Award ticket? Book and purchase your Award with your Credits.
Your Blue Credits account statement
What is your account status? How many Blue Credits has your company earned?
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Answer a few questions to help us identify you. Then we will automatically email you a new password!
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Change your password in just a few clicks.
Update your company account information
Has your company changed locations? Would you like to designate a new Contact Person for your company?
Claim uncredited Blue Credits
Your BlueBiz number was not recorded when you booked your flight? Use the available online form to credit your Blue Credits to your account!
Contact us!
Do you have a follow-up question or a request for clarification?
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text:
The long-awaited Kobe 8 are finally here! These are the best Kobe yet, easily. First thing to notice about 8s is their weight - 9.6 oz makes them one of the lightest if not THE lightest basketball shoes of all time. As the trend continues, Kobe 8 also features a removable insert setup, just like Kobe 7. This one, however is made of Lunarlon. The same Lunarlon that was used in Hyperdunk 2012 and Fly Wade. It offers great cushioning and comfort. The main thing about this awesome foam is its resilience and responsiveness. It absorbs every impact, spreading its energy evenly throughout the whole insole, thus reducing stress and pressure put on muscles and joints. Another great thing about the foam is that it molds to the foot over time, providing great fit. The upper part of the shoe features Fuse based materials and engineered mesh on both lateral medial sides. One may assume that low cut, low mass and mesh upper would not make a good basketball shoe.. That assumption would be totally wrong though. Nike designers thought about everything, Kobe 8's construction is stiff enough to provide required support, and yet flexible, to keep up with a guard's quickness. Newest Kobes also feature a TPU heel-cup and a midfoot shank. Combined with special lacing system, these shoes will keep the foot in one place, offering awesome lockdown. When it comes to the outsole of the Kobe 8.. it features a reliable herringbone pattern which combined with soft rubber make them glue to the surface. Front to back movements, jab-steps, crossovers, pushing off, everything is covered.
To sum up.. Kobe 8 is the best shoe of Bryant's line, period. Breathability, almost unnoticeable weight, awesome cushioning and impact protection, outsole that glues to the surface and predator-inspired looks. What more can you possibly want?


text:
Michael Kors Mercer Medium Messenger Bag
$276.00 Actual transaction amount
Mercer Medium Messenger Bag crafted in pebbled leather, is part of the Kors Studio Collection. The bag has a compact structured quadrilateral lightweight design with a timeless silhouette for your everyday bag rotation. Featuring double rolled handles, two open compartments, center zip divide pocket, detachable shoulder strap, signature padlock fob, protective feet and 18K gold plated hardware detail.
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$276.00 Actual transaction amount
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text:
ROCKFORD — Luis Trevino Gonzalez and his wife, Rita, aren't your average immigrants.
Native Mexicans, they had visas when they came to Rockford separately — Luis, in 1995, and Rita, in 2002. They also had some savings from good-paying jobs.
She had been an office manager. He had a college degree, could speak English and knowledge of running a business, specifically a tortilla factory in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon.
Like so many before them, the legal immigrants, both 58, have had their challenges in the United States — juggling multiple jobs, relying on attorneys for up-to-date visas, and occasionally living away from each other as well as their five children and several grandchildren.
They could go back to Mexico. Luis did, in fact, return.
"I didn't feel like I belonged over there anymore," he said. "I was used to the American lifestyle."
Hispanics are a noticeable presence in the Rock River Valley, comprising about 11 percent of the Winnebago County population in 2012, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. They have changed the tenor of the region by enhancing its diversity and adding to classrooms, workplaces and the social scene.
Former Winnebago County Board member Isidro Barrios has close ties to the region's Hispanic community.
He has known Luis and Rita Gonzalez for years and requests Rita's dishes of beans, rice, mole and tamales whenever he has important visitors in town. Barrios keeps an office a few doors down from the couple's Broadway restaurant, Snack-N-Go. He said they have become both friends and neighbors.
Barrios said the couple is "almost there" in their pursuit of the American dream.
Friday, as the nation celebrates its independence, the couple will operate two corn stands near South Main Street, serving up corn on the cob for those missing the way it was prepared on the streets of Mexico — with mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, butter and hot pepper.
"I feel American," said Luis, speaking in English at his restaurant. "I don't say 'I don't love Mexico.' I cannot say either 'I hate USA.' I love USA."
He compared the nation to a basket of apples, which are known as manzanas across the border.
"There are rotten apples, and there are good apples," he said. "You have to see the difference, and I've been around many bad apples. But that doesn't mean I'm going to become one of them."
While he has no interest in returning to the land where he was born, he and Rita wouldn't mind moving to San Antonio. The city is known for its large Spanish-speaking population. The drive from there to see family in Monterrey would be about five hours.
"But anywhere you go, you have to make money," Luis said "You have to survive somehow. The bottom line: surviving. You may not get rich, but you're going to survive."
Luis envisions Rita running a Mexican-style ice cream parlor offering slushies and milk shakes. He would carry on with factory work, which he does now from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in Loves Park, or possibly pursue a teaching career working with Spanish speakers.
He already knows the discipline he'd preach through words and by example.
"Practice," he said. "Practice, practice. Don't be afraid. You're going to make mistakes. You're going to speak a bad word trying to say a good word. You don't hear the difference."
He gives an example, which certainly may be heard today as nonnative English speakers learn the language. Luis says the word "sheet," drawing out the E's. Then he mentions the curse word that sounds similar.
"You have to learn how to move your tongue," he said, elaborating that Spanish, to his ear, is a stronger-sounding language. To him, English sounds a little bit softer.
Susan Vela: 815-987-1395; email@example.com; @susanvela


text:
In this post and in this one, I illustrate how a bad implementation of comparators can cause annoying bugs.
Lately I saw a strangely looking Comparator implementation, which looks like this:
class WeirdComparator implements Comparator<Long> { @Override public int compare(Long a, Long b) { if (a == null || b == null) return 0; if (a > b) return 1; if (b > a) return -1; return 0; } }
The implementor decided not to rely on the natural ordering of Long, since it doesn't handle null values, which are acceptable in his use-case.
The first two lines caught my eye: they are obviously wrong in terms of the Comparator contract, but it is not immediately clear what kind of damage they can cause. The contract of Comparator/Comparable states that the implementation must define a total order on all values of the type it handles. That means, among other things, the transitivity property:
If compare(b,a)>=0 and compare(c,b)>=0, then compare(c,a)>=0. With the current implementation, compare(null, 2L)>=0 and compare(1L, null)>=0, but compare (1L, 2L)<0.
What happens if we sort using this comparator?
Long[] arr = {100L, 101L, 102L, 103L, 50L , null, 51L, 52L}; Arrays.sort(arr,new WeirdComparator()); System.out.println(Arrays.toString(arr));
The output in this case is a mess: "[50, 100, 101, 102, 103, null, 51, 52]".
Java uses the Mergesort algorithm for sorting arrays of objects, and a variation of the Quicksort algorithm for sorting arrays of primitive types. Java's Mergesort implementation has an optimization that defines a threshold of 7, such that any array range with a smaller size is not sorted recursively with Mergesort, but rather with Insertion sort.
The array size in the example is 8, so the two halves are sorted with Insertion Sort (leaving them unchanged), and then they are merged. In the merge phase, the value 50 is chosen first, and then the new head of the second half is null, which is defined to be equal to any value. This causes all the contents of the first half to be copied to the output.
The faulty comparator is also a disaster for sorted sets:
SortedSet<Long> set = new TreeSet<Long>(new WeirdComparator()); set.add(null); set.add(10L); set.add(20L); System.out.println(set);
Although we add 3 values, only the null value remains. As explained in my other post, TreeSet respects the Set invariants which prohibit duplicate values, and it uses the comparator to determine equality. Therefore, the values 10L and 20L are considered duplicates of null and aren't added to the tree.


text:
I have managed to import a CSV file into a points vector file using GRASS v.in.ascii
v.in.ascii --o input=test1.csv output=test2 format=point fs=, skip=1 x=2 y=3 z=0 cat=0
This is test1.csv ...
However the column names in the .DBF are not the names in my CSV (they become: str_1, int_1 etc). I though maybe the 'columns' option of the command might help. The manual isn't very clear. It says..
For example: 'x double precision, y double precision, cat int, name varchar(10)'
1)What is 'x'. 'y', 'name' etc? Is this a) the column names in the CSV file or b) new column names that will be matched from left to right with the columns in the CSV?
2) If (b) does it include the new 'cat' column (if you use the 'cat=0'option).
I tried this....
v.in.ascii --o input=test1.csv output=test2 format=point fs=, skip=1 x=2 y=3 z=0 cat=0 columns='cat int, p varchar(8), east int, north int, band int'
But I get this error...
Sorry <int,> is not a valid option
Sorry <p> is not a valid option
Sorry <varchar(8),> is not a valid option
I thought maybe it didnt like the apostrophe so I changed to dbl quote marks - but then got other errors so I gave up experimenting until I understand the format of the command.
I'm on Windows7 64 bit, 4GB RAM, GRASS 6.4.250870M (2012)


text:
In Torchlight there is a 1st level Vanquisher power called Ricochet. I have used the power, but I can't quite figure out the circumstance under which conditions it ricochets the shot, and I can't tell how many enemies it effects, and whether I can be hit by my own ricochet.
How does Ricochet work and how can I use it to the most effect?


text:
HOUSTON – When Ricardo Clark came back to the Houston Dynamo last summer the thought was the club had brought in a player that would add "bite" to their midfield. An understandable assumption considering the perception of Clark's game before he left, a physical player who never shied away from a tackle.
What the club got, however, has been much more. After three years on a European adventure that took him to Germany and Norway, Clark returned to the Dynamo last summer a changed player.
READ: Dynamo extend home unbeaten streak to 34 with win over the San Jose Earthquakes
No longer is he simply a midfield brute looking to break up play, which is what he was known for prior to his departure. The Clark roaming the center of the pitch at BBVA Compass Stadium these days is much more cultured and has a savvy approach to the game that has yielded a contributor in the attack, and a player that plays a smarter game.
"As any player gets older, they get more experience and pick up on things that will help develop their game," Clark said. "I think I'm just playing the way the game dictates. I'm picking my moments when to do professional fouls and when to get in hard and when not to, and when to manage the game a little bit."
Clark was not always the most level-headed player. The midfielder boasted a very physical style of play in his first go-around with the club, symbolized by his infamous kick of then-FC Dallas forward Carlos Ruiz in 2007 that earned him a five-game suspension.
READ: Dynamo move up to No. 1 in MLSsoccer.com power rankings
"We got sent off together one time," recalled Adam Moffat with a smile. "I got sent off for a foul on [Brian] Mullan and he came up and pushed me in the face so we both got red-carded. We walked off with arms over each other's shoulders."
From the looks of it, things have changed since Clark's red card-prone first stint in Houston. While he still plays with the same sideline-to-sideline approach that the fans and his teammates love, the way he does it has managed to keep him out of the referee's book in 21 games since returning.
"Guys have different skills," Moffat continued. "Some guys are good at dribbling the ball and some guys are good at going in for challenges. He's genuinely good at it. It's not like he's holding back, but it's a skill-set he has and he's all over the place helping the team."
READ: Kinnear downplays home unbeaten streak
Clark has managed implementing those skills while playing at the same high pace, high energy level that allows him to cover ground that makes things better for the players around him.
"What he does for the team, the casual fan may not see it because it doesn't come up in the stats, but I think the guys appreciate what he does and I know the coaching staff definitely does," head coach Dominic Kinnear said. "He's not going to get 20 goals in a year, but what he does week-in and week-out we know how valuable he is to the team."
Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com.


text:
Contact Creekside Seniors Apartments
Let's Connect
Have Questions?
Feel free to give us a call during office hours, or send us a message using our contact form. We aim to respond to all queries from our site in a timely manner.
Office Hours
M: 9 am - 5 pm T: 9 am - 5 pm W: 9 am - 5 pm Th: 9 am - 5 pm F: 9 am - 5 pm Sa: By Appointment Su: By Appointment


text:
Vertex Walkin Recruitment 2016-2017 for Freshers from 12th to 17th September 2016
Vertex Walkin Recruitment 2016-2017 for Freshers from 12th to 17th September 2016. Vertex Recruitment in Chennai for freshers as Associate Trainee position. Any Graduate and Diploma freshers are eligible to attend this drive. Interested and eligible candidates can directly attend the walkin interview at the below mentioned location.
Vertex Walkin Recruitment 2016-2017 for Freshers:
|Company Name
|VERTEX Customer Solutions India Pvt Ltd
|Any Graduate, Diploma
|0 – 1 years
|Job Location
|Job Role
|Associate Trainee
|Industry Type
|BPO / Call Centre / ITES
|Not Mentioned
Vertex has 9,000 people in 75 locations delivering Consulting, IT, Debt Management and BPO solutions to over 100 clients in the UK, US, Canada and India. Our annual revenues top 400 million and we are UKs number one customer management outsourcing business.
Vertex India has two offshore contact centres in India (Gurgaon) with a capacity of nearly 1000 seats. We have, since 2002, been providing services to UK, US and India clients in financial services, utilities, telecoms, travel and leisure.
We provide front and back office business processes associated with customer management. We deliver a range of services which include Customer Service, Collections, Mortgage Servicing, Web Content Development, Knowledge Management, Market Intelligence Gathering, and HRO, Accounts Payable & Procurement & IT services including Application, Service and Infrastructure Management.
- Designation: Associate Trainee / Business Associate
- Any Graduates / Diploma (Not Applicable for B.E/B.Tech 2016 Graduates)
- Should have average Communication Skills in English & Tamil.
- Job Location: Chennai.
Vertex Selection Process:
- Aptitude Test
- Technical Interview
- HR Interview
- SSC Marksheet
- HSC/Diploma Marksheet
- Graduation & Post Graduation all years' mark sheets
- Photo ID proof (Pan Card/ Passport / Driving License / College ID)
- 2 photographs
- Resume
- Accenture Walkins Drive for freshers in Mumbai on 14th September 2016
- Soft Suave Walkin Recruitment for Software Developer on 17th and 18th September 2016
- 2014, 2015 Passout Freshers Walkin Drive at Crystal Solutions from 11th to 15th September 2016
- HCL Walkin Recruitment 2016-2017 for 150 Job Openings
Vertex Walkin Drive Details:
Walk-in Date: 12th to 17th September 2016
Interview Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Vertex Customer Management India Private Ltd.
No:719,ASV Adarsh Towers,Pathari Road,
Mount Road,Chennai-600002.
Land mark : Behind raj Videovision/ Anand Theater Bus Stop
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text:
Kemp delivers in return from DL, exits with injury
Outfielder triple shy of cycle; Dodgers believe slide results in just a sprain of ankle
WASHINGTON -- The Dodgers activated center fielder Matt Kemp from the 15-day disabled list on Sunday, and although he injured his left ankle in the ninth inning of a 9-2 victory over the Nationals, he is not expected to need a return trip to the DL.
Kemp enjoyed a 3-for-4 afternoon that included a home run, a double and three RBIs. He walked in his final plate appearance in the ninth and was on third base when Carl Crawford hit a bases-loaded grounder toward first. Assuming that the play would be at first, Kemp didn't run hard initially. When Chad Tracy fired toward the plate, Kemp had to slide awkwardly into catcher Kurt Suzuki on the forceout.
Kemp hobbled off the field and was replaced by Yasiel Puig. The Dodgers' training staff quickly iced the ankle, and although Kemp experienced some swelling, the injury is only believed to be a sprain. No X-rays were taken, and neither manager Don Mattingly nor Kemp anticipated a DL stint.
"It's just a little swollen," Kemp said. "It's not that bad. I started walking around a little bit, and it started feeling a little better, so tomorrow we'll see what it feels like."
Kemp will have to see if the ankle swells more overnight. The Dodgers will evaluate him on Monday before deciding on his availability for their series opener against the Blue Jays in Toronto.
More than the injury itself, Kemp was frustrated with his mental error on the play.
"It's my fault. I wasn't running hard," he said. "That's an easy hit for CC [Crawford]. I took a hit away from CC. CC has every right to be mad at me, because that was my fault. The results of me not running hard to home plate, I kind of tweaked my ankle a little bit. I'm more disappointed I wasn't running hard like I should have been."
Before the injury, the day went about as well as possible for Kemp, who had been sidelined since injuring the AC joint in his left shoulder while taking a swing on July 5 in San Francisco. He missed 11 games in his second DL stint of the season, following a 24-game absence for a right hamstring strain.
Kemp entered Sunday hitting .254 with four home runs, 24 RBIs and a .666 OPS in 61 games this season, but he went 2-for-5 with a home run against the Rockies in each of his last two starts before the latest injury. He picked up right where he left off, crushing a home run against the Nationals' Jordan Zimmermann in his first at-bat -- sparking a seven-run second inning -- and going on to finish a triple short of the cycle.
"It felt good to get back out there and play again," Kemp said. "I'm always off and on -- sit some games, play some games -- but it is what it is."
Mattingly said before the game that the two-time All-Star should be able to play every day. Kemp did not go on a Minor League rehabilitation assignment, but looked good in simulated games against Dodgers left-hander Ted Lilly on Friday and Saturday.
"We're not really that concerned," Mattingly said before the game. "Two days in a row he takes swings, takes BP, takes live swings, so I feel pretty good about it. That being said, I still want to use all our guys and put the best lineup out there."
Once Kemp's ankle heals, Mattingly will have four healthy, starting-caliber outfielders for three spots, although that wouldn't be a problem in Toronto, where he can use a designated hitter. On Sunday, Mattingly sat the struggling Puig to get Kemp in the lineup.
Even before Kemp's three-hit performance, Mattingly expressed his high expectations, despite the fact that shoulder problems can be a difficult thing to overcome, sapping explosiveness and power long after a player is healthy enough to get back on the field.
"I think he can do what we saw in Colorado, him starting to get his swing back together," Mattingly said. "That's kind of what I expect, not necessarily a home run every day, but I expect him to be himself."
To make room for Kemp on the 25-man roster, the Dodgers optioned outfielder Scott Van Slyke to Triple-A Albuquerque before the game.


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ROYAL ROBBINS SOLD: Kellwood Co., which is owned by Sun Capital Partners, has sold Royal Robbins Inc. to private equity firm Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co. Terms of the transaction, including purchase price, were not disclosed.
Royal Robbins is an outdoor and travel apparel firm founded by Royal Robbins, a pioneer in American rock climbing. The Sage Group was the financial advisor to Kellwood.
This story first appeared in the January 15, 2013 issue of WWD. Subscribe Today.
Stephen Sherrill, cofounder and managing director at Bruckmann, said that the Royal Robbins team has "built a strong heritage brand by remaining true to outdoor and travel enthusiasts. The outdoor sector has been and will continue to be a key focus of [Bruckmann]."


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Product Description Additional Information Reviews (0)
Looking to buy some Turrall Hooks / Tubes / Shanks as part of a fishing gift?
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Leewadee Long Yoga Bolster Supportive Pilates Roll Cushion Neck Pillow Eco-Friendly Organic and Natural, 26x10x10 inches, Kapok, auburn pink
Special Price $0.00 Regular Price $56.99
Article Number
This Yoga bolster is hand stuffed with natural kapok (a fluffy plant fibre). The kapok is packed to provide solid support, and yet is soft and comfort. The outer cover is made of durable cottton twill fabric. All our cushions are double-stitched for extra strength.
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- Our original Leewadee meditation equipment is handmade with loving care - responsibly and sustainably within the framework of the OTOP project Thailand.
- Size(LxHxW): 26x10x10 inches; Material: Kapok; Colour: auburn pink
Additional Information
Hand made from natural materials. Sizes, Shapes and Colors can be slightly different.
Decoration is not included.
|Article Number
|auburn, pink
|Material - Cover
|100% Kapok
|LxWxH (cm)
|65 x 25 x 25
|LxWxH (inches)
|26 x 10 x 10


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« Gov. Christie vs. the Teachers' Union (Redux) | Main | Classroom Tech With a Human Touch »
Studies: Educators Lagging in Teaching Higher-Order Skills
Cross-Posted from Teacher Beat, by Education Week's Stephen Sawchuk
Could teacher evaluations begin to offer us the best portrait yet of what instruction actually looks like in America's classrooms? And what changes might such information spur in teacher preparation and on-the-job training?
Those are implications raised by a couple of different papers looking at teacher evaluations. I've written about them on this blog before, but only from the technical aspects of the systems. In reviewing the reports again, it strikes me that they also have a lot to say about instructional quality--some of which seems frankly troubling.
First up is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's most recent release from its Measures of Effective Teaching study. As part of the study, observers scored thousands of taped teacher lessons against a bunch of different teaching frameworks.
The key data are in the charts on Pages 26-7. In essence, no matter what framework was used, teachers got higher scores on procedural tasks like planning and behavior management, but relatively low scores on things like "analysis and problem solving," "using investigation/problem-based approaches," "student participation in making meaning and reasoning," and "relevance to history and current events."
Second, the Consortium on Chicago School Research recently released final results from that city's pilot implementation of the Danielson Framework for Teaching and found similar results. Here, too, teachers generally scored lower on the domains of "using questioning and discussion techniques" and "engaging students in learning" than on managing the classroom. (See Page 14 of the report.)
It's worth pointing out, by the way, that the Chicago study also found that principals were not much better at using these techniques than teachers: They struggled to ask questions to elicit good information from teachers on their practice during the post-evaluation conferences.
The findings would appear to highlight some fairly consistent weaknesses in instruction and raise big question marks for teacher and leadership preparation--especially since the common-core state standards call for teachers to help students master precisely these kinds of higher-order reasoning and analytical skills.
Most educators in our field would agree that teachers should enter the classroom with a good repertoire of pedagogical techniques. Equally important, principals should know how to get appropriate assistance for a teacher who isn't quite up to snuff.
There's room for other interpretations in these findings, of course, such as whether the No Child Left Behind Act's focus on basic-skills tests has shifted the focus of instruction. We do know that the NCLB law has caused changes in teacher practices, but we don't know all that much about what the instructional process actually looks like in most places.
(Education Week receives Gates grant support. )


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Balram Halwai is a complicated man. Servant. Philosopher. Entrepreneur. Murderer. Over the course of seven nights, by the scattered light of a preposterous chandelier, Balram tells us the terrible and transfixing story of how he came to be a success in life—having nothing but his own wits to help him along.
This was a debut novel by this author, which immediately won the Man Booker Prize in 2008. It provides a darkly humorous perspective of India's class struggle in a globalized world, examining issues of religion, caste, loyalty, family, corruption and poverty in India. It begs to be compared to another book about India which I read years ago called A Fine Balance by Canadian author Rohinton Mistry. Both books achieve the same insight but in very different ways.
This novel gets at some hard truths without judgement or sentimentality which I appreciated and I found it to be a hugely compelling and enjoyable story. It is upbeat, pithy, sharp and fast-paced. In contrast, Mistry's book, though beautifully written, was quite heavy and depressing. Actually this one is just as depressing in what it reveals about India, but because I found it funny, it made it so very readable. Just like The Simpsons, whether you like it or hate it (and most people seem to be in one camp or the other), does get at uncomfortable truths using humour. Whether you enjoy that humour is, of course, a personal matter. Here is an interesting article from The Guardian about this controversial novel and an interview with the author:


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Obama Seeks To Divide And Conquer GOP With Health Care Window Dressing
As Democrats on Capitol Hill prepared a risky effort to muscle sweeping health-care legislation to final passage, President Obama on Tuesday made a last gambit to split Republicans on the issue, proposing to incorporate a handful of GOP ideas into his signature domestic initiative.
On Wednesday, Obama plans to call on Congress to bring the year-long debate to a swift close, and congressional leaders expect him to signal support for a strategy that includes a special budget maneuver known as reconciliation. Under that strategy, the House would adopt the bill the Senate passed on Christmas Eve and approve a separate package of fixes to reflect a compromise worked out between Democrats in the two chambers.
Under reconciliation rules, the fixes could not be filibustered and Senate Democrats could approve them with a simple majority vote — a move intended to bypass a Republican caucus that remains united in its opposition to the legislation. Republican leaders said Obama's offer to adopt some of the ideas they promoted at last week's health-care summit would do little to improve what they consider a fundamentally flawed measure.
"If the President simply adds a couple of Republican solutions to a trillion dollar health care package that the American people don't support, it isn't bipartisanship. It's political cover," Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the No. 2 House Republican, said in a statement.
Obama's gesture to include GOP-backed provisions on cutting health costs and preventing fraud appeared to strengthen the resolve of congressional Democrats, however, who were initially queasy about pressing forward after Republicans claimed a crucial 41st Senate seat six weeks ago in a Massachusetts special election. On Tuesday, Democratic leaders seemed increasingly confident that they could revive the bill and deliver it to Obama's desk, perhaps before the Easter recess begins March 29.
"We're anxious to get health care done, which we will get done," Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters.
Even some Democrats who had been reluctant to support the original package seemed ready to ignore a growing barrage of criticism from Republicans such as Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (Utah), who characterized reconciliation in a Washington Post opinion piece Tuesday as an attempt to "jam" a bill through Congress "against the will of the American people."
Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), a crucial swing vote who opposed the use of reconciliation in the early stages of last year's health-care debate, said she is comfortable using the procedure to advance a narrower package of changes to the legislation. "The general feeling in our caucus is we've worked very hard, this is a very reasonable, general approach to health-care reform, that the status quo is wholly unacceptable, and that we're hoping to move forward," Landrieu said Tuesday.
Reconciliation is a procedure created in 1974 to help lawmakers advance politically difficult budget legislation, particularly measures that reduce the deficit. It has been used 22 times by both parties since 1980 to promote a variety of policies, including overhauling the welfare system, creating COBRA health benefits for people who lose their jobs, and cutting taxes in two huge packages championed by President George W. Bush in 2001 and 2003.
Administration officials have for days signaled support for the maneuver; White House health-care reform adviser Nancy-Ann DeParle called Sunday for "a simple up-or-down vote" on the legislation. In a letter sent Tuesday to congressional leaders, Obama flatly rejected GOP demands to scrap the existing legislation and start over with more modest measures.
"Piecemeal reform is not the best way to effectively reduce premiums, end the exclusion of people with pre-existing conditions or offer Americans the security of knowing that they will never lose coverage, even if they lose or change jobs," Obama wrote. "Both parties agree that the health care status quo is unsustainable. And both should agree that it's just not an option to walk away from the millions of American families and business owners counting on reform."
As a sign of his willingness to "draw on the best ideas from both parties," Obama wrote that he is open to four proposals Republicans offered at the health-care summit, all aimed at lowering health costs while making coverage more affordable.
Potentially the most significant is the expansion of health savings accounts, which, combined with high-deductible health plans, could create a new coverage model for young people who are less likely to receive comprehensive plans through their employers. Obama also offered to explicitly permit insurance companies to sell high-deductible policies through the new state-run insurance exchanges that would be created under the legislation.
The president also embraced a proposal by Sen. Tom Coburn (Okla.) to root out fraud in Medicare and Medicaid with random undercover investigations of health-care providers. And he suggested an additional $50 million to fund state projects aimed at averting medical malpractice lawsuits, a top Republican priority.
Obama also expressed interest in a move by GOP lawmakers to increase payments to doctors who treat Medicaid patients, provided Congress address the issue "in a fiscally responsible manner." Republicans — and many Democrats — have complained that the health legislation would add up to 15 million people to state Medicaid rolls at a time when many current recipients are struggling to find doctors willing to see them.
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) said House and Senate leaders had not yet decided precisely how to move forward, but said discussions were ongoing. "We need an agreement between the House and the Senate about where we're going," Hoyer told reporters as he left Reid's office late Tuesday.
Lawmakers and budget experts monitoring the talks said the most likely path would begin with a House vote to approve the Senate bill, despite House Democrats' deep-seated reservations about that legislation, quickly followed by approval of a reconciliation package. That package is likely to be crafted in the Rules Committee by House leaders in consultation with Senate Democrats and the White House, budget experts said. In addition to the health-care fixes, it could include a major Obama initiative aimed at overhauling the federal student loan program, Democrats said.
The Senate could then take up the House reconciliation bill, moving it rapidly to the floor, where Coburn and other Republicans are vowing to try to rip it apart by challenging the relevance of its provisions — under Senate rules, reconciliation can be used to advance only measures that directly affect the budget — and by offering dozens of amendments.
Though a reconciliation bill cannot be filibustered, Senate Republicans can offer an unlimited number of amendments once debate has closed. Senate Democrats, eager to avoid changes to the bill that would require another round of votes in the House, were exploring ways to cut short the amendment period.
Such a move, said G. William Hoagland, who spent years as a senior budget adviser to Senate Republican leaders, "would be unprecedented and would certainly poison the water even worse than it already is."


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iGear's Tough Case is built like a tank and offers hands down the best iPhone 5 protection in the industry.... I threw my own iPhone 5 in the Tough Case out of a 2nd floor window to prove it.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) April 17, 2013
According to Otterbox's website, the Armor Series, their most protective case for the iPhone 5, withstands a 10 ft. drop to concrete. How does that compare with the iGear Tough Case?
Yes, there have been plenty of drop tests done at 'normal' heights, 3-feet from your pocket, 6-feet from your ear, or even 10-feet in the air just for kicks. But no one in their right mind was ever crazy enough to throw a shiny new 64GB iPhone 5 from a second-floor window 32-feet down to a concrete driveway. Unless the phone is wearing the right protection, that is. Watch a video of the ultimate iPhone 5 drop test..
The iPhone 5 Tough Case offers multi-layer protection using a combination of (1) an outer soft rubber shell, (2) an inner polycarbonate hard case, and (3) a front screen protector lens. This case is supremely shock absorbent and withstood a drop test from a second-floor window, free falling 32-feet onto a concrete driveway, without even a scratch! Since all buttons and ports are tightly sealed, the Tough Case provides rain and splash protection, while giving the user full access at the same time. The included ratcheting belt holster also functions as a convenient kickstand for movie watching.
"iGear's Tough Case is built like a tank and offers hands-down the best iPhone 5 protection in the industry," says Jimmy Sun, president of iGearUnlimited.com. "To put my money where my mouth is, I threw my own iPhone 5 in the Tough Case out of a second-floor window, to demonstrate to our customers its unprecedented durability."
The iGearTough Case offers unmatched protection for the iPhone 4, 4S, 5, the iPad 2, 3, 4, and iPad Mini. While Otterbox's most rugged Armor case is advertised to have been drop tested at 10 feet, the Tough Case's 32 feet drop offers more than 3 times the protection.
The Tough Case is available from iGearUnlimited.com for immediate shipping, and coupon code "pr20" is good for 20% savings for a limited time.
About iGearUnlimited.com
iGearUnlimited.com is powered by Sunrise Digital, an Inc. 5000 company established in 1988 and employs the most advanced equipment and technology, such as G7-certified HP Indigo and UV flatbed presses, and digital die-cutting, to create best-in-class products. A privately-owned enterprise, the company is based in Chicago and sells products worldwide.


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World Families Forums - R-L21: New SNP Z253 found in Iberians, ancestral for L226
|WorldFamilies has changed our Forum Operating system and migrated the postings from the prior system. We hope that you'll find this new system easier to use and we expect it to manage spammers much better. If you can't find an old posting, please check our Legacy Forum to see if you can see the old posting there.


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'Black Widow' Killer, 77, Charged with Poisoning New Husband
Melissa Ann Weeks, 77, is supected of trying to kill another husband.
Oct. 5, 2012 -- An elderly woman known as the "Black Widow" for killing her first husband has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly poisoning her current husband.
Melissa Ann Weeks, also known as Melissa Ann Friedrich, was arrested this week after her husband mysteriously fell and was taken to a hospital in Nova Scotia, where the couple was on vacation. Both Weeks and her husband are 77 years old.
"We were called on Sunday, Sept. 30, by the hospital," said Desiree Vassallo, spokeswoman for the Cape Breton Regional Police. "The hospital had some concerns about a patient that had been admitted, displaying strange symptoms."
Weeks' husband has not been identified by police, but tests confirmed he had been poisoned with an undisclosed substance.
She was charged with "administering a noxious substance," said Vassallo.
Weeks will appear in a Nova Scotia court today to attend a bail hearing. It was not known if she had a lawyer.
Week's 1991 conviction for murdering her first husband, Gordon Stewart, earned her the nickname, the "Black Widow."
According to testimony, she drugged Stewart and then ran over him twice with a car outside of Halifax. She was released from prison after serving two years of a six year sentence.
In 2000, she married Robert Edmund Friedrich after just days of courting. The 83-year-old Canadian died in 2002.
Friedrich's family said that she had emptied his bank account of $400,000 and claims that she drugger Friedrich, according to the Canadian Press. According to reports, he was hastily cremated and no autopsy was performed. Weeks was not charged with any crime in his death.
In 2005, Weeks was sentenced to five years in prison on charges that she stole $20,000 from then boyfriend Alexander Stategos.


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Welcome et bienvenue to LegalEase: a monthly Montreal-based and produced radio show on 90.3 FM CKUT – a broadcast about law, cast broadly. Le collectif LegalEase est un groupe d'étudiants et étudiantes en droit de la communauté montréalaise.This month the program is entitled, "Methods of Suppression."
Methods of Suppression – from popular assembly to personal information to gender identity. What are the tools of the state? LegalEase speaks with Irena Ceric of the Movement Defence Committee, Michael Vaughn of BCCLA, Dean Spade Assistant Professor at Seattle University.
LegalEase on 90.3 FM is a radio program broadcast every second Friday of the month at 11am EST from Montreal, Quebec. Originally founded by the McGill Legal Information Clinic in 1989, LegalEase is now run by a collective of progressive of law students from McGill University. Our weekly radio show deals with legal topics of interest to the community, with the intention of making the law both accessible and engaging. Tune into our show, follow us on Twitter @LegalEaseCkut, email legalease[at]ckut.ca or check our podcast library for past programming.


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There was rare agreement across the political spectrum at the House Ways and Means Tax Policy subcommittee hearing this week, with policy experts from Heritage Foundation, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, the Center for American Progress, Taxpayers for Common Sense and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget supporting the elimination of "tax extenders" – the supposedly temporary tax breaks for special interests that tend to stick around, extended by Congress year after year.
The bipartisan budget deal passed in February revived 36 special tax breaks that had expired at the end of 2016, extending them retroactively to 2017. The hearing on Wednesday was dedicated to determining whether these "temporary" tax breaks, which cost the government billions in lost revenues, still make sense given the recent overhaul of the tax code.
To the policy experts appearing before the panel, the answer was obvious: tax extenders have to go. If a tax break makes sense, they argued, it should be built into the tax code. All other special breaks should be allowed to expire.
Maya MacGuineas of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget highlighted the bipartisan agreement on the issue: "Here you have a panel that is unbelievably diverse, I would bet we could not agree on much of anything, except we're all here with no skin in the game saying that this is not a way to do tax policy."
Not surprisingly, the companies that benefit from the tax breaks had a different perspective. Representatives from industries as diverse as railroads, biofuels and real estate explained to the committee why their particular tax extenders were both wise and just, with reasons ranging from job creation to the promotion of economic efficiency. Eliminating the extenders, they warned, could have unintended, harmful consequences.
While the policy experts have made their views clear, the elimination of the tax break extenders is still an open question, dependent on lawmakers' ability to develop the backbone necessary to say no to the special interests who benefit from them.
In the meantime, while we wait for members of Congress to grow the necessary spinal material, the Center for Public Integrity has published a comprehensive guide to 33 of the tax breaks that are currently in play, with beneficiaries including craft beer brewers, race horse owners and StarKist tuna canners. The details will amaze you.


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There comes a time in prosperous people's lives when the big house with the gardens, a four-car garage and maybe a pool and tennis court, while grand, fail to provide the cultural attractions and other amenities that come with living in a city. Perhaps the responsibilities of managing a substantial home have become too time-consuming, or closer access to medical care is wanted. These deliberations may guide the decision to purchase a condo or co-op apartment.
More and more Americans are doing just that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Urban areas accounted for a whopping 83% of the U.S. population in 2012, while the percentage of the country's urban population rose 12.1% between 2000 and 2010. High-rise apartment buildings now make up roughly 40% of all new construction, with the construction of single-family homes at its lowest point in decades.
These societal shifts create a new risk paradigm for homeowners, a subject I touched upon in last month's blog. People are in much closer proximity to neighbors who are literally above, below and on the other side of shared walls. They also confront the distinctive dangers of condos and co-op apartments, wherever they may be located, including heightened risks of burglary, abduction and automobile-related accidents and injuries.
Many apartment buildings, such as pre-war structures and so-called pre-pre-war (before World War I) in New York City, also are bound by strict rules governing the alteration of the environs. If a fire destroys the living room, for instance, replacing the former plaster and lathe walls with drywall will not be an option.
The myriad hazards presented by this new risk paradigm of home ownership must be identified, assessed for potential financial loss frequency and severity, managed through appropriate security and other measures and, finally, transferred to an insurance company that comprehends and fully absorbs these exposures. Not all insurance policies provide such broad coverage—for example, few would address the cost of replacing the aforementioned living room's walls with plaster and lathe.
These nuanced considerations are often on the mind of Tim Devin. As senior VP and New York personal risk management practice leader at broker DeWitt Stern Group in Manhattan, Tim serves a predominantly affluent clientele.
"Many city dwellers like the idea of living in a pre-war building with an impressive history and prestige," Tim commented. "Their high ceilings, thick walls, multiple fireplaces and ornamental millwork are stunning. But such buildings require approval of any changes to the interior by city historical groups, as well as the buildings' boards. If the interior is damaged, the costs from a claims perspective can be staggering. You need to have an insurance policy that absorbs the expense of renovating and replicating the interior as it previously was."
Unfortunately, many people are so excited by making the move to the city, Tim added, "that they fail to understand the stark differences in risk between their houses and the new apartment."
New Lifestyle, New Jeopardies
He makes a good point. As anyone who has bought a house or apartment can attest, the stress level is stratospheric. There are simply so many complications to attend to, from the reams of paperwork in financing the purchase to schooling considerations for the children, new electric, cable TV and other utilities to set up, and packing up a life's worth of home contents for the big move.
The latter alone is not for the fainthearted and is especially challenging to high-net-worth individuals because of their highly valuable possessions, such as fine art and collectibles. "Many older buildings don't accommodate the movement of large items like paintings and sculptural pieces through the hallways, due to the possibility of damaging the walls," Tim noted. "Frequently, large items have to be hoisted up to the apartment on the outside of the building, and windows removed to permit ingress. Few people contemplate such possibilities until they suddenly rear."
Few people would ever anticipate the risks that come from not owning a car, as he pointed out. Due to the hassles of having to park in the city, many city dwellers bypass automobile ownership, preferring rental cars, taxis and services like Uber to get around. No automobile means no automobile insurance.
With no automobile insurance, the homeowner now has no liability insurance to address rental car risks, which are typically absorbed by the underlying car insurance policy. "He or she would now have to purchase a separate policy from the rental car company, although a few insurers like Chubb offer homeowners or renters insurance policies that extend a minimum of $1 million in additional liability protection for automobile-related risks," Tim explained.
While other condo and co-op risks are more obvious, they nonetheless warrant penetrating discussions with an insurance agent. For example, since such homes are communal living spaces separated by walls, floors and ceilings, water damage from leaky pipes and air conditioners are a major hazard. It is not uncommon for someone to run a bath and forget to turn off the faucet, causing a flood that seeps through several homes below.
If the building is historic, the century-old herringbone-patterned wood floors now have to be replaced with the same design, lumber and quality. The building's insurance policy generally, but not always, would absorb the cost of replacing the damaged flooring. The variations are remarkable, hence the prudence in having a specialized agent like Tim carefully review which potential losses would and would not be covered.
Having the right insurance in place to address any and all unanticipated losses is another way to assuage such concerns. "We recommend the purchase of a condo or co-op policy that provides coverage for `extended replacement costs'—then there are no worries about replacing the interior to like condition," said Tim. "The insurance also absorbs losses from damaged furnishings and even provides for a temporary residence of like quality while the unit is repaired and refurbished."
His remark reminded me of the time Chubb once put up a family in the landmark Dakota building across from Central Park in Manhattan after a flood damaged their residence. Interestingly, they fell in love with the apartment and later bought it.
Nefarious Concerns
Burglary is another hazard that many consider to be greater in an apartment dwelling. While such buildings typically have intercom systems, there is always the possibility of an intruder following a visitor into the structure. Delivery personnel and contractors also may inadvertently leave front doors or back doors open. Contractors also are at a higher risk of "breaking and entering" nearby apartments where they are not engaged in work.
Wealthy individuals also are easier to track when living in a city, particularly if they are public figures. It's easy for criminals to figure out when they're not home, not to mention where they live, work and shop. "They get to know their daily routines," said Tim. "For instance, they'll find out the person's charities and when related social functions are scheduled. They know when residences are unoccupied, and plan elaborate burglary schemes. The homeowners also are vulnerable to physical harm, as well as abduction and extortion schemes."
Certainly, buildings with doormen, 24-hour surveillance cameras and manned elevators reduce these threats. Some insurers will provide premium credits for these security features and others, including building entrances that are locked and secured by a central station and/or direct reporting burglar alarm; elevators that are key controlled or are monitored by security cameras; and approved and properly maintained sprinkler systems installed throughout the building.
It's not that living in a beautiful condo or co-op apartment is riskier than a fine home in the suburbs—the risks are merely different. After living an entire lifetime in a traditional house, many people cannot presume to know what these risks are or appreciate the varied nuances in transferring these potentially devastating losses to an insurer. As always, forewarned is forearmed.


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Woman faces charges of assaulting officers
18-year-old also damaged cruiser, police say
Police say an 18-year-old Vermont woman is facing charges after she allegedly kicked a state trooper and spit on and kicked a local police officer.
Trooper Debra Munson says Alyssa Lamadeleine, of Charleston, was intoxicated when she was arrested shortly before midnight Wednesday after driving her vehicle into a ditch in Derby.
Munson says Lamadeleine kicked her twice while they were waiting for an ambulance to arrive, then kicked and spit on a Newport City officer at North Country Hospital.
Police say Lamadeleine also damaged the inside and outside of a police cruiser while being taken to state police barracks in Derby.
The Caledonian Record reports that Lamadeleine will face charges of drunken driving, assault on a law enforcement officer and unlawful mischief at her April 2 arraignment.


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bits of our weekend
4 comments:
Well my goodness Jen, don't you have the hookups. Looks like it's good to be you ! You look pretty shhhweet in your Van's hat and sunglasses. Love the wallet too !!!ReplyDelete
And Slipknot ?!!! Whoa, I had no idea you were into that kind of music ! Are you ?!! I definitely enjoy slipknot on occasion. Iowa is their best CD by far (in my opinion)
Oh, and as far as your comment on my previous blog post, I would love you for life !!!
mklatt2011gmail.com. We can talk about it there.. ;)
- AnonymousApril 18, 2011 2:29 PM
I colored eggs with Lo yesterday afternoon, and she did not say a thing to her "Great Chris" about her most exciting Saturday! (It's probaby all in a day's fun with her mom and dad...)
Aunt C.
you and me both...on watching coachella throughout the weekend, and going one day for real. we should collaborate that one. juuuust saying.ReplyDelete
wow! that hat is so cool! :) youre such a creative girl!ReplyDelete


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Local and regional chapters throughout the world help SIGGRAPH people promote excellence in computer graphics and interactive techniques. The 90+ professional and student chapters organize meetings, site visits, conferences, video screenings, art shows, and special events year-round.
To get involved, contact a member of the Professional & Student Chapters Committee or the chapter nearest you.
No chapter near you? Why not form a new chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH?


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Remember Me
In 1995, members of the Mendon Foundation sub-committee developed a proposal based on the 1994 Hamlet of Mendon's Master Plan. George Baker of George Baker Architects designed a concept plan for the development of the Lehigh Valley Linear Park between Routes 64 and 251 in the Hamlet of Mendon. This approximately 900 foot long section of the trail runs behind and between local businesses and homes located in the Hamlet.
The Mendon Foundation has received many letters of support and encouragement from our federal and state elected officials, the Mendon Town Board, the Mendon Square Office Park Assn., and several equestrian groups.U.S. Congressman Tom Reynolds referred to the park plan as a linking center piece of recreation and local history. The proposed site has the potential to serve as a catalyst for an educational, recreational and tourist center. It is my contention that the proposed expansion plan signifies an advancement for which New York State would be proudâ€. says Reynolds.This spring work has been progressing forward. Volunteers have completed construction of the Picnic Pavilion's base with the roof structure underway. Gifting the structure to the County Parks Department took place this summer. We are pleased to see the major part of the picnis pavilion in Mendon Station Parrk has been completed. Local volunteers have agreed to complete the trim and apply the shingles for the roof. Tim Schiefen has finished sandblasting and painting the decorative iron brackets and they are ready to be installed. Most of the remaining work will be completed just in time for the picnic season June 7. Hot dogs, anyone?Committee members have been working closely with the Mendon Business Association in planning "The Mendon Arts Festival" which will benefit both the Park and the Community.
Donations and volunteers are always needed and very much appreciated. If you are interested in participating in any of the park development activities, please e-mail John Farrell at


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Tag: Effects of successful free death spells that work fast overnight in Mumbai
Are you searching on internet about Effects of successful free death spells that work fast overnight in Mumbai then Our Astrologer who is world famous astrologer giving Effects of successful free death spells that work fast overnight in Mumbai services from more then 20 years with best records of success in this field . if you want to get complete details about Effects of successful free death spells that work fast overnight in Mumbai + something then our giving article and blog can help u to solve all problems. Here we will provide you complete solution with 100% privacy and Guaranteed way.
There are many times in life when a person starts to disturb you very much. Enemies make life difficult while fighting with those difficulties also makes the person strong. Due to enemy anxiety, fear and insecurity are tormented all the time. Today we will tell you about the measures to deal with such a situation. If any of your enemies are troubling you or you have lost your life, then you can use death spells measures to get rid of them. By taking these measures secretly, your enemies will lose; the enemy will start becoming weak or start treating you friendly. So if you want to know more about death spell chant then just get in touch with our astrologer.
How a death spells work overnight
When you perform a death spells for your enemy then an aura of negative energy is created around that person because of which he gets ill and slowly-slowly the disease become incurable and in the last person die. Death spell work overnight doesn't mean that in the morning you will hear that your enemy has died this mean that spell will start to work overnight like he may feel lots of pain and make him suffer etc. We highly suggest that do use spells only if you don't have any other option to deal with that particular person.
What are effects of successful death spells
Many people who use the death spells always remains in the confusion that is the spell working on not then we are going to mention few effects of successful death spells in this article so that you can know and can confirm yourself that whether your spells is working or not.
- The person may get ill and the disease will be incurable
- The doctors cannot diagnose the reason behind the health weakness
- The person may be prone to accidents
- He will stop to bother you more
- Sometimes enemy may come and regret in front of you whatever he has done and forgive him
We have mentioned the few foremost effects. That is generally seen in death spells. If you want detail of other effects or you want to know. Like how you can perform successful death spells. Then just get in touch with our astrologer.
What are the benefits of using free kill spells that work fast
As we know that spells are used to make the enemy suffer or compel the enemy or even kill the enemy. But the foremost benefits of using free spells that work fast is that you can compel your entire enemies in one attempt but for this, you need an experienced free death spell caster who can perform guaranteed mantra for enemy maran.
The other benefits of using death spells wizard101 is that death will look natural and nobody will even know that you had killed a particular enemy or person. And also there will be no evidence behind for the police to investigate which can get you in trouble. So don't wait anymore and call right now for free spells that work overnight and be ready to live enemy free happy and prosperous and most important successful life once again.


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Black Belt
The oldest and most respected martial arts title in the industry, this popular monthly magazine addresses the needs of martial artists of all levels by providing them with information about every style of self-defense in the world - including techniques and strategies. In addition, Black Belt produces and markets over 75 martial arts-oriented books and videos including many about the works of Bruce Lee, the best-known marital arts figure in the world.
Common terms and phrases
aikido attack backfist baton Bhowmick Bokken Brandon Brandon Lee Bruce Lee California Card catalog certificate champion check or money Code Damme defense Demura division dojo drills fight scene fighter film Flejter footwork Fully illustrated Fumio Demura grabs GUARANTEE Guardian Angels hapkido hapkido stylist Hawaii included instructor International Jean-Claude Van Damme jeet kune Judo jujutsu kamiza Karate School kata kick Kickboxing knife Kobudo Martial Art Supply martial artist Master MASTERCARD MEMBERSHIP money order muay Thai niques nunchaku opponent opponent's P.O. Box Phone Pinckney police pressure points punch Rainbow Publications residents add Retail sales tax self-defense seminars Send check Shinai Shipping & Handling shipping and handling SPEED HIT Sports stances street Stretch strike style sword tae kwon Taekwondo tape teach techniques tion TOLL FREE tonfa tournament VISA wall WBBB weapons Wing Chun winners workouts World write


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My Very Happy Septum Piercing
've only reasonably recently begun to get into body modification and it's tending to be quite addictive. My first mod was a self done lip piercing (dumb I know but I was well informed and there were no complications with healing or placement). That was followed up with another on the other side, then ears, and now septum. Although I am relatively new to body modification I have plans for numerous other piercing/tattoo and possibly scarification projects in the future. Although I am young, I believe that I have the intelligence and foresight to make decisions about further modifying my body. That out of the way, lets get down to the piercing.
The reason I got it was because a friend of mine basically said she was getting it pierced and wanted someone to come along as she had always been afraid to get pierced (even though she has more than me). I figured what the hell I may as well have it done too, as I had always thought they were an attractive piercing on almost anyone and were easy to hide and made for interesting jewlerry ideas. That being done, I checked that I had a spare $50 and prepared for the morning.
The next morning I texted my friend and caught the bus into town where the studio (Cold Steel) is located. She arrived a little later than me, but eventually we found each other. We walked into the studio and talked to Mark who checked our noses, then, upon deciding our anatomy was fine, said he needed about 30 minutes to get everything ready so we went and grabbed a meal before we got pierced.
30 or so minutes later we went back to the studio and by that time my friend was freaking out pretty badly. Therefore I decided to get pierced first to show her there was nothing to be scared of. Mark led us into the piercing room, which is immaculately clean and has a cute spiderpig figure. He then instructed me to lay down on the table as he grabbed the jewlerry (a 14G horseshoe so I could tuck it up incase i needed to hide it).
He then started feeling around my nose and clamped the area to be pierced. My eyes watered a little but it was nothing too uncomfortable. He then grabbed the needle and on the count of three slid it through. My eyes watered quite alot but in all honestly the pain was nothing too bad. He then threaded the jewlerry into the needle, causing a little bit of discomfort) and pulled it through. All that was left was to screw the ball on which was done with ease. He then did a final check of the placement and aliignment and concluded that it was straight.
I then sat up, a little puffy eyed but otherwise none worse for the wear. It then came my friend's turn. Hers was a little more eventful than mine with afew tears and a tense grab of the hand. However eventually we both became the proud owners of a septum piercing. Mark then led us out the front, where we payed and he gave us aftercare solution and instructions. We got some odd looks from people on the street, but were both very satisfied customers.
For the first few weeks, I was regularly cleaning the piercing with the aftercare solution and being careful not to flip it up and down too often. I returned to Mark for a checkup and he said everything was looking good. I continued cleaning the piercing with the solution and the only time it ever got irritated was when i bumped into something or someone hit me in the nose (happens more than you would think).
It has been three months since I've had my septum pierced and I'm loving it more everyday, Aftercare was a breeze as it has been for all of my piercings. I am now considering whether to stretch it and planning future mods. I hope this experience has been helpful to whoever has read it and i would thoroughly encourage anyone who is considering it to have their septum pierced. It is an attractive piercing that can be hidden if the need arises. Hope you enjoyed my first experience hopefully of many more to come.
Also, for any in the Cairns area, Mark is the best piercer by far in terms of both quality of work, and customer service. There is no-one else I would trust to pierce me in the region. The discounts and free jewlerry changes are just a little of what he offers. He also provides thorough explanations and eases any concerns you may have about a particular piercing. And, is also keen to talk about future projects and 'experimental' type ideas. A fun guy to be around.
submitted by: Captain_Planet
on: 02 June 2010
in Septum Piercings
Artist: Mark
Studio: Cold Steel
Location: Cairns, AU


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Research Report on Digital Signage Market Trends And Forecast, 2010 - 2017
Albany, New York USA (PRWEB) April 25, 2014
Transparency Market Research Reports included a detailed market survey and analysis trends on "Digital Signage Market". This report also includes more info about basic overview of the industry including definitions, applications and global market industry structure.
Digital signage is an electronic display of an advertisement, information, menus and other messages found in hotels, airports, restaurants, retail stores and other public and private places. These signages are controlled with the help of software's. The declining prices and the increasing popularity of these signages are driving the market across the globe. Among all the geographies North America is leading the market closely followed by Europe, but in the coming future India and China will lead this market.
Browse the full report with request TOC at http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/digital-signage-market.html.
The report contains the global scenario of Digital Signage market discussing detailed overview and market figures. The research report analyses the industry growth rate, industry capacity, and industry structure. The report analyses the historical data and forecasts the Digital Signage market size, production forecasts along with key factors driving and restraining the market.
For the research report, we will conduct in-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key industry participants and opinion leaders. Primary research represents the bulk of our research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. We will review the key players' product literature, annual reports, press releases and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding. Secondary research also includes a search of recent trade journals, technical writing, internet sources, and statistical data from government websites, trade associations and agencies. This approach has proven to be the most reliable, effective and successful approach for obtaining precise market data, capturing industry participants' insights, and recognizing business opportunities.
Secondary Research
The secondary research sources that are typically referred to include, but are not limited to:
Company websites, annual reports, financial reports, investor presentations and SEC Filings
Industry trade and research journals, scientific journals and other technical literature
Internal and external proprietary databases, relevant patent and regulatory databases
National government documents, statistical databases and market reports
News articles, press releases and web-casts specific to the companies operating in the market
Primary Research
We conduct primary interviews in an ongoing basis with industry participants and commentators in order to validate its data and analysis. A typical research interview fulfills the following functions:
It provides first-hand information on the market size, market trends, growth trends, competitive landscape, future outlook etc.
Helps in validating and strengthening the secondary research findings
Further develops the Analysis Team's expertise and market understanding
Primary research involves E-mail interactions, telephonic interviews as well as face-to-face interviews for each market, category, segment and sub-segment across geographies
The participants who typically take part in such a process include, but are not limited to:
Industry participants: CEOs, VPs, marketing/product managers, market intelligence managers and national sales managers
Purchasing managers, technical personnel, distributors and resellers
Outside experts: Investment Bankers, Valuation Experts, Research Analysts specializing in specific markets
Key Opinion Leaders: specializing in different areas corresponding to different industry verticals
Models Where no hard data is available, we use modeling and estimates in order to produce comprehensive data sets. A rigorous methodology is adopted in which the available hard data is cross referenced with the following data types to produce estimates:
Demographic data: Population split by segment
Macro-economic Indicators: GDP, Inflation Rate, etc
Prevalence of diseases, medication facilities, cost of treatment etc.
Industry Indicators: expenditure, Technology stage & infrastructure, sector growth and facilities. Data is then cross checked by the expert panel.
Enquiry before buying at http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=123.
Table of Contents
1. Predictions
2. Global and China Digital Signage Market Overview
3. Global Digital Signage Market Analysis, 2010 – 2017
4. Global Digital Signage Application Market Analysis
5. Digital Signage Component Market
6. China Digital Signage Market analysis, 2010 – 2017
7. Geographic Analysis
8. Company Profiles (partial list)
Browse More Market Reports:


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New Catholic Dictionary – Saint Sebastian
Martyr. Probaby born in Milan, Italy; died c.288 in Rome, Italy. Little more than the fact of his martyrdom can be proved. According to the Acts written in the 5th century and now considered unhistorical, Sebastian, an officer in the imperial body-guard, was pierced with arrows, healed by Saint Irene, and finally clubbed to death. Renaissance artists first portrayed him as a youth pierced with arrows. Among the famous paintings of the saint are those by
- Mantegna in the Vienna Gallery
- Ribera in the Prado, Madrid
- Pollajuolo in the National Gallery, London
- seven by Guido Reni
A famous basilica was erected over his tomb in the Catacomb named for him on the Appian Way, and some of his relics were probably brought to Soissons in 829. Patron of archers and gunsmiths, and of many cities; he is also invoked against pestilence. Emblems: arrows and a crown. Feast, Roman Calendar, 20 January.
- "Saint Sebastian". . CatholicSaints.Info. 14 November 2010. Web. 3 December 2020. <http://catholicsaints.info/new-catholic-dictionary-saint-sebastian/>


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Board index » Stiller Bars, Tailgating, and other hang outs » Oklahoma City
Post here to meet fellow Steelers fans at bars and tailgates
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Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City Steelers fan club watches most of the games at the Hooters in South Oklahoma City. I-240 and Penn. The back wall is perm. decorated in Steeler memorabilia, and during the game the waitresses wear Steeler jerseys. 15% discount for Steeler fans during the games as well. Plus we road trip to Kansas City, and this year, a busload will be heading to Dallas to wave our Terrible Towels in the Cowgirl's faces.
- Steelersfan
- Practice Squad
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2012 11:11 pm
Re: Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma City Steeler Nation (Since 2004)
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Free shipping in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait . No minimum order.
Worldwide shipping with DHL delivered in 5 days
Free cash on delivery in UAE & Saudi Arabia
Gilded dangler earrings studded with oblong gold Swarovski crystals, enveloped in a sparkling gold tone mesh of brass. Inspired by the vivid colours of corals.
All of Esme Crystals' jewellery are made from brass alloy, nickel and zinc free.
• All our jewellery pieces are handcrafted with love.
• Your jewellery should be stored in a dry place away from humidity, moisture and extreme temperatures.
• Make sure to remove your jewellery when washing up or showering, as soap particles may become lodged in stone settings and crevices. Soap can also leave a film over metal and stones, which can create a dull appearance.
• Store your jewellery in its own box or pouch to prevent scratching, chipping and entanglement. Make sure your jewellery is not in regular contact with hard surfaces, which may wear down the plating or enamelling.
• Using gold-plated jewellery for significant periods of time will eventually wear off the plating. To restore its appearance, you can have the re-plated. Email us for more info.
• When dressing, jewellery should always be put on after makeup to avoid damage caused by chemicals in cosmetics and perfumes.
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Orders are usually shipped within 1-3 days of placement. For custom or bespoke items, please allow us 20 days to dispatch your order.
Shipping is free for orders placed in UAE. Orders are dispatched the next day if placed before 2 PM UAE Standard Time (GMT+4).
We also offer same day express delivery for orders placed in Dubai. If you'd like us to arrange this for you, please email us at email@example.com.
For international orders, we charge a flat rate fee depending on your location and ship via DHL.
Click here for more info on shipping and delivery.
Items must be unused, unworn, and undamaged by the customer. Items will only be accepted if returned in their original packaging.
We accept returns for store credit only.
Exchanges will only be processed and accepted within 10 days of delivery.
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INFS3212-A Enterprise Operating Systems (Fall 2020)
Course DetailsSection will be taught totally online with no scheduled class meetings. Students must arrange for daily access to a computer and the Internet prior to the start of classes. Robert Morris labs are to be used only as a backup in special situations and may not be relied upon for extended periods of time. In addition to the Internet link, online classes have a large emphasis on email. All messages from the instructor and other information regarding online classes, including user ids, passwords, and login instructions will be sent to your Robert Morris University email account. Visit http://rmu.blackboard.com/ for more information.
Session, Dates: 1 (08/31/2020 - 12/18/2020)
Days: ONLINE
Time: -
Location: Internet/Online
Seats Available: 15 Seats
Credits: 3
Course Description
This course provides an integrated view of using IBM zEnterprise systems to prepare students to take the IBM System Z Mastery test. An overview for zEnterprise hardware concepts, z/OS operating system concepts, and interactive facilities, such as TSO/E, ISPF and UNIX will be presented. The roles of virtual and physical storage, LPARs, Parallel Sysplex, z/VM, and cluster technologies to provide scalability and continuous availability within zEnterprise systems are discussed. Students will be provided hands-on experiences using z/FS data sets, ISPF, SDSF, JCL, and JES3. A batch COBOL application will be edited, compiled, linked, and executed and debugged. CICS applications, WebSphere (J2EE) applications, and WebSphere MQ services will be compared as alternatives to zEnterprise interfaces, middleware and OLTP transactional services. An overview of system programming and SMP/E, zEnterprise database management systems, clients and utilities, e.g., DB2, IMS, SPUFI, QMF, z/OS HTTP web server, VTAM, TCP/IP, and RACF (IBM Security Server) will be introduced. Access to a zEnterprise system, hands-on exercises, and online support materials are important components of this course.
Prerequisite: INFS2110, INFS2120, INFS2130, INFS2140, INFS2150, INFS2151, INFS2160, INFS2184 or MATH2070
Prerequisite: INFS2110, INFS2120, INFS2130, INFS2140, INFS2150, INFS2151, INFS2160, INFS2184 or MATH2070
About the Instructor(s)
J. Packy Laverty, Ph.D.
412-397-6477 phone
412-397-6469 fax
Wheatley Center 310
Professor of Computer and Information Systems
Computer and Information Systems
Coordinator, Enterprise Systems
Computer and Information Systems
412-397-6477 phone
412-397-6469 fax
Wheatley Center 310


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Hello from the Atlanta Airport!
Derek and I have a quick layover before we are on our way to the Dominican Republic. Why did we stop in Atlanta on the way to the DR? I have no idea, but do airline routes ever make sense?
I just wanted to check in before we boarded. I have a few wedding posts in the works while we are away and I plan to check in with some honeymoon related posts as well.
The first 48 hrs as a married couple have been WONDERFUL! Taking an extra day to recharge before leaving for our honeymoon was probably the best idea we've ever had. The extra day gave us a chance to relax, run a few errands, pack, and just take it all in.
My mom had special "Just Married" magnets made for the side of our cars. We kept them on while we were running errands yesterday and discovered this note in the windshield when leaving the Target parking lot.
The note made our day and reminded us there are still some amazing people out there. Nothing makes me smile more than the unexpected kindness of a stranger.
Last night we finished off the last of the wedding cake at Derek's parents' house while reviewing photos everyone took during the wedding.
Can I take a minute to rave about our wedding cake? My uncle did an amazing job. Not only was it gorgeous, but it tasted incredible as well. I know I'm incredibly bias, but Best. Wedding. Cake. Ever. I promise to share more photos when I do my recap of the reception.
Alright, our flight is boarding!! Next stop – Dominican Republic!


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Justin Bieber has wowed his way to the top of the Twitter ranks.
The teen singer now has the highest number of followers in the Twittersphere, according to data from Web site Twitter Counter. Wooing 33.38 million fans to follow his every tweet, Bieber has shot past fellow singer Lady Gaga with 33.36 million followers.
Gaga's reign as the queen of Twitter lasted two and a half years, a spokesman for Twitter Counter told Reuters yesterday.
Bieber is also high on the list for the sheer number of tweets posted at 20,545 so far, an average of 11 per day.
Which other public figures are tops in terms of Twitter love?
Singer Katy Perry took third place with 31.5 million followers, followed by Rihanna with 27.9 million. President Barack Obama won the fifth spot with 26.2 million, while Britney Spears dropped to sixth place with 23.3 million.
Other Twitter accounts with huge followings include Taylor Swift, YouTube, Shakira, and Kim Kardashian.
Twitter Counter provides stats of Twitter usage and tracks over 80 million accounts. The site refreshes its ranks each day, so tomorrow could always see Lady Gaga scratch her way back to the top.


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BHG, you nearly made me fall out of my chair when I saw you type that. However, it also makes me glad that we are on the same wavelength (i.e. that in the second reading, we realize why he was acting in this fashion and why Bella might not appreciate it initially).Bronze Haired Girl wrote:Now, I'm a little shocked to hear myself say it, but I know exactly what you mean about Emmett's joking. My first reaction had been "How could he?" But on the second read I realized that in his way he was trying to help the situation and at the same time tease Bella. If you notice, he immediately jumps in to give pointers on how to act human right before Charlie gets there. Then when things start getting too tense with Charlie he is the one to distract Charlie from the information overload. Of course, being Emmett he used the situation to taunt Bella. I must say, the arm wrestling scene is one of my favorite. I laughed all the way through it.
It also occured to me when I read it a second time that we get to see some of Emmett's serious side in this book. He takes his role as protector very seriously when Bella first gets up after the change and then again when she meets Renesmee. Then, (and I love that this shows he has a brain ) he helps Jasper do the research when they are trying to find out what the baby will like, what to expect for the delivery, searching the stories and legends for any hints.
I love your point about Emmett doing the research on half-vampire, half-human babies. Considering that when Bella did her initial vampire research, she only found one little scrap about succubus/incubus creatures, they did a great job. It really does show that he's brains and brawn. After all, research is a lot more than just a Google search, and it would take a lot of investigating on different fronts. I also liked how he was looking forward to the original trip to South America - like Garrett, I think Emmett enjoys adventure, enjoys challenges and novelty. I hope he and Garrett get to visit each other, now that Garrett is part of the Denali clan. High school in Forks must have been tough to stomach - not only pretending that your gorgeous wife is "merely" your girlfriend, but the subjects that he's studied before, the inability to get close to any of the student body (would he want to?) and the lack of adventure, challenge and novelty.
Thanks for the great food for thought on good ol' Emmett!


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Another year, another season, another new batch of contestants competing for the title of MasterChef. I remember when I was in their very shoes this time last year. I, along with other top home cooks, had just received a white apron from judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot after the most nerve-wracking culinary experience of our lives. But soon, half of us would move on, and half would be going home. Our initial challenge last season was to make our best ground beef dish. I remember hearing the gigantic meat grinding machine emerge from behind and having no idea what was going on. I was bewildered to say the least. I can only imagine how the contestants this season felt when the doors opened, and they were swarmed by the herd of live sheep. As expected, MasterChef has stepped it up quite a bit this season. The amateur cooks were instructed to create the best lamb dish of their lives using any or all the parts of the lamb.
Now, I love lamb. I have a wonderfully simple Panko-crusted rack of lamb recipe in my cookbook, Recipes from My Home Kitchen. However, for this challenge, I'd probably go Greek and serve the lamb chops with a side of yogurt mint sauce and lemon roasted new potatoes.
MasterChef is a wild ride of twists and turns, and this season, judge Joe Bastianich pulled aprons off some cooks before the end of the hour. Based on techniques the judges had observed in the challenge, they were ready to kick some contestants out before they could even finish cooking or plate their dish. It's a harsh MasterChef world, and only the tough and tenacious will survive.
The 19 left standing got to enter the MasterChef kitchen and cook their first mystery box ever, which included a tomato, a potato, some bacon, and chocolate — ingredients so simple yet difficult to elevate without help of the entire MasterChef pantry. Using the staple pantry, I would've made a tomato basil quiche Lorraine or, if there was no cheese, then a Spanish tortilla with candied bacon.
Natasha won with a lovely, well-thought-out tart, and she entered the elimination round with immunity, plus the advantage of selecting the ingredient with which all her competitors will cook. Natasha picked langoustine, a highly revered prawn I've only seen on fine dining menus. I personally would've gone with the Stilton blue cheese because it's difficult to stand out (in a good way) with a dish centered around blue cheese — most would probably stay within a comfort zone and make a common salad, or go completely left field with a bizarre lamb stuffed with sweetbreads and blue cheese.
But langoustine it was. I'd lightly char the langoustine and then serve it over a bed of angel hair pasta tossed with sautéed shallots, garlic butter, fresh roma tomatoes, and sweet basil.
Some of the dishes, like Howard's citrus salad, were deemed ill-conceived by the judges. Other dishes had promise but were poorly executed. Sadly, it was Sasha who went home with a langoustine 'n grits dish in which the judges had trouble finding any precious langoustine. I'm sure Sasha's grits were great, but they didn't cut it in the MasterChef kitchen. The competition is hot this year.
Tune in to Fox next Wednesday at 8/7c to see how the first field challenge goes down.
Who do you think will be the next MasterChef? Who do you want to be the next MasterChef?
Follow me on Twitter at @TheBlindCook.
Christine Ha
View original MasterChef Season 3 Winner Christine Ha Sizes Up the Competition at TVGuide.com
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