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Fashionista has ranked the top 5 fashion schools on the planet. To generate their list, they spoke to students, employees at the schools, companies who hire graduates, and industry professionals. They also looked extensively at tuition costs and demographics. Then they mashed it all together to come up with five schools that are worth a look.
And they are…
1. Central St.Martins
Central St. Martins' fashion design program was the clear winner here amongst the panel of experts. Location is critical and being in the heart of London provides inspiration and full access to cultural and industry resources. The school is partially government-funded, which means that talented British students from all walks of life have a chance to work their way in. The staff is legendary--Professor Louise Wilson has schooled all the greats–from McQueen to Giles Deacon–and she's become an international fashion figure because of it.
–Famous grads: Stella McCartney, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Phoebe Philo, Christopher Kane, Hussein Chalayan, Zac Posen, Hamish Bowles, Paul Smith.
2. Parsons The New School for Design
Much like FIT, Parsons is located in the heart of New York City's Garment District, providing easy access to industry resources. Parsons is a fashion design powerhouse, and they have turned out tons of marquee name talent, particularly in the last ten years.What's more, the school has partnered with many retailers and corporations with the aim of getting student work seen and critiqued.
Famous grads: Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Narciso Rodriguez, Alexander Wang, Anna Sui, Jason Wu, Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez (Proenza Schouler), Behnaz Serafpour, Doo Ri Chung, Sophie Buhai &Lisa Mayock (Vena Cava), Flora Gill and Alexa Adams (Ohne Titel), Prabal Gurung, Steven Meisel, Thakoon Panichgul, Carmen Marc Valvo.
3. Royal Academy of Fine Arts (Antwerp)
It's part of one of the oldest design schools in the world, and has produced some stellar talent in the past 20 years. The Royal Academy is an design school and is known for its serious students–many drop out because they can't handle the work load. However, if you're exceptionally dedicated, with an experimental, innovative, and avant garde sensibility, this may be the place for you.
–Famous grads: Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Martin Margiela, Kris Van Assche, Veronique Branquinho, Haider Ackermann, Bruno Pieters.
4. London College of Fashion
The College is spread out over six different sites in London, so students are surrounded by the energy of this incredible city. It has a fashion design program, but the fashion journalism program is the standout here. There are many unique programs that you won't find anywhere else. Beauty therapy, cosmetic science (yes, the chemistry side of beauty), fashion broadcast journalism, fashion curation and criticism, fashion business, footwear and accessories, makeup and image styling.
–Famous grads: Jimmy Choo, Alek Wek, Patrick Cox.
5. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
As a preeminent institution of fashion and design education in the US, F.I.T. is unique in the fact that it is located directly in the heart of the industry that it teaches---the Garment District, so the school has access to incredible resources and professionals. FIT has relationships with designers and industry professionals who critique student work and offer workshops, and the museum boasts one of the most extensive fashion archives anywhere. FIT is part of the State University of NY, so it's much cheaper than most fashion schools, which is a big concern for plenty of incoming students.
–Famous grads: Reem Acra, Francisco Costa, Nina Garcia, Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Ralph Rucci.
More on Fashion School Rankings...


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NEW YORK � "Star Wars" and "Trainspotting" star Ewan McGregor will make his Broadway debut next year in a revival of Tom Stoppard's "The Real Thing."
Roundabout Theatre Company said Thursday that McGregor will play the unhappily married Henry in the play under the direction of Sam Gold. Previews begin next October at the American Airlines Theatre.
McGregor was last seen on the stage in 2008 in London starring as Iago (opposite Chiwetel Ejiofor's (CHOO'-ih-tel EHJ'-ee-oh-fohrz) Othello at the Donmar Warehouse. He also starred alongside Jane Krakowski, Douglas Hodge and Jenna Russell in the original Donmar Warehouse production of "Guys and Dolls" at the Piccadilly Theatre in London.
McGregor will be seen next in John Wells' film adaptation of Tracy Letts' Pulitzer- and Tony-winning play "August: Osage County" opposite Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts.

subset: commoncrawl


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Difference between revisions of "Keyboard input"
(use i18n template)
m (→Introduction)
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'''If you don't have time''' and just want the keys to work there are 2 cases:
'''If you don't have time''' and just want the keys to work there are 2 cases:
*You use Gnome:
*You use Gnome:
Everything can be done from the Control Center.
Everything can be done from the Control Center.
*You use KDE or an other environment that doesn't support kernel-level extra keys detection:
*You use KDE or an other environment that doesn't support kernel-level extra keys detection:
Use a third-party program, preferably [[keytouch]].
Use a third-party program, preferably [[keytouch]].
=The Arch way=
=The Arch way=
Revision as of 13:16, 22 June 2010
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The Arch way
- 3 The quick way
- 4 Laptops
Many keyboards include some "special keys" (also called hotkeys), which are supposed to execute an application or print special characters (not included in the standard national keymaps). The lack of specification for these extra keys makes it impossible for the kernel to know what to do with them and that's why we need to map the keys to actions. There are two ways of doing that:
- The universal way using HAL and Xorg utilities (and eventually your desktop environment tools)
- The quicker way using a third-party program to do everything in GUI
Contrary to what you may think the first method is preferred as HAL and Xorg are more universal than any third-party program could ever claim to be.
If you don't have time and just want the keys to work there are 2 cases:
- You use Gnome:
- Everything can be done from the Control Center.
- You use KDE or an other environment that doesn't support kernel-level extra keys detection:
- Use a third-party program, preferably keytouch.
The Arch way
Before starting you need to learn some vocabulary ...
A scancode is the lowest identification number for a key. If a key doesn't have a scancode then we can't do anything because it means that the kernel doesn't see it.
A keycode is the second level of identification for a key, a keycode corresponds to a function.
A symbol is the third level of identification for a key, it is the way Xorg refers to keys.
Step 1: Map scancodes
If you use HAL the most part of your keys should already have a keycode. If not, think about helping the community by expanding the database.
The diagnosis
Using showkey
The universal way to know if a key has a keycode is to use the kernel
showkey program. showkey waits for a key to be pressed and if none is during 10 seconds it quits, note that this is the only way to exit the program. To execute showkey you need to be in a real console, it means not in a graphical environment so switch using Ctrl+Alt+F1.
$ showkey
and try to push your hotkeys. If a keycode appears the key is mapped, if not it can mean either that the kernel doesn't see the key or that the key is not mapped.
Using xev
Another way to get the keycodes of your keys is to use the graphical X program "xev" (without having to switch to a console environment). With the following line you can start xev and directly grep the important parts:
$ xev | grep -A2 --line-buffered '^KeyRelease' | sed -n '/keycode /s/^.*keycode \([0-9]*\).* (.*, \(.*\)).*$/\1 \2/p'
In the example below I pressed the "a", "r", "c" and "h" keys and two of the media keys on my Dell keyboard. This gives me the following output:
38 a 27 r 54 c 43 h 153 NoSymbol 144 NoSymbol
This means that the "a", "r", "c" and "h" keys have the keycodes 38, 27, 54 and 43 and are properly bound while the media keys with the keycodes 153 and 144 have no function yet, which is indicated by "NoSymbol". If you press a key and nothing appears in the terminal, this means that the kernel doesn't see that key or that it is not mapped.
2.6 kernels
According to the keymap man page:
This is relevant if the keymaps obtained from showkey and the ones set by setkeycodes differ from the ones obtained by xev in X. Keep this in mind when translating the keymaps into keysyms using xmodmap (See Extra Keyboard Keys in Xorg).
If all your keys have a keycode you can go directly to the second step.
If not keep reading below:
Know if a key has a scancode
If a key doesn't have a keycode you can know if it has a scancode by looking at the kernel log using the dmesg command:
$ dmesg|tail -5
If when you press the key something like that appears:
atkbd.c: Unknown key pressed (translated set 2, code 0xf1 on isa0060/serio0). atkbd.c: Use 'setkeycodes e071 <keycode>' to make it known.
then your key has a scancode which can be mapped to a keycode. See Map scancodes to keycodes.
If nothing new appears in dmesg then your key doesn't have a scancode which means that it is not recognized by the kernel so it cannot be used.
Map scancodes to keycodes
See the detailed article: Map scancodes to keycodes.
Step 2: Map keycodes
In Console
When we are in console, we can use our hotkeys to print a certain character. Moreover we can also print a sequence of characters and some escape sequences. Thus, if we print the sequence of characters constituting a command and afterwards an escape character for a new line, that command will be executed!
See the detailed article: Extra Keyboard Keys in Console.
In Xorg
When we are in a graphical environment we may want a key to print a special character or execute a command. There are many ways of doing that and they are covered in a dedicated article: Extra Keyboard Keys in Xorg.
The quick way
In Gnome
If you use Gnome everything can be done from the Control Center. However if you decide to change for another Desktop Environment you'll have to re-configure your keys.
In Xmonad
If you use Xmonad as a stand alone window manager, you can edit the xmonad.hs to add unbinded keyboard keys. You just need to find the Xf86 name of the key (such as XF86PowerDown) and look it up in /usr/include/X11/XF86keysym.h it will give you a keycode like 0x1008FF2A. than using that keycode you can just add a line like the following in the keybindings section of your xmonad.hs
((0, 0x1008FF2A), spawn "sudo pm-suspend")
In other desktops environments
In desktop environments that can't read scancodes and/or keycodes you can use one of the following third-party softwares:
KeyTouch is a program which allows you to easily configure the extra function keys of your keyboard. This means that you can define, for every individual function key, what to do if it is pressed.
See the detailed article: keytouch.
Template:Box Note Lineak is a utility designed to enable the use and configuration of internet, easy access and multimedia keys.
Asus M series
I think it'll be work in another series with Asus product of laptops. How to make work multimedia keys on Arch? And disable light sensor? It's very simple, login as root, edit:
$ /etc/rc.local
add only one line:
$ echo 0 > /sys/devices/platform/asus-laptop/ls_switch
It's all, regads. See the detailed article: lineak.


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A Modern English language dictionary for young children: 0 to 3 years old. Look up simple English language words and translate between English - Akan, today.
- Gyameika raw(Gyameika)
- Gyameika
- Is Gyameika a word in Akan too? Find Gyameika in the Akan-English dictionary
- Register free with your email to receive a Word of the Day in Akan, or English
English Word of the Day: Bread
Add 92 more words to your English vocabulary: acid aluminum another arise author backlog beat beginner boring bracket bridegroom building burst campaign classroom control courier darling delicious discussion drug efficiency enthusiasm era exploration frustration fulfil fulfill giver gray growth guitar highlife hiplife housekeeper ice infrastructure itself last laughter lung maintain mammy-truck meal mention mentor merry mosque moustache movie mustache need nipple oasis passion pauper pause perform poem policy possible post potty prawn prepare quality quotation rain rainy raw reach receive sadness schooling shekere shimmering skeleton snowy stadium statement storehouse studio subject suck swift temple temptation topic travel tribute wellbeing workshop .
Register free to grow your English vocabulary.


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VERILUX 48"-32 WATT FLUORESCENT TUBE FULL SPECTRUM 6,280K (best full spectrum lamp we offer)Verilux is engineered to reproduce all the colors and balance of natural light. Verilux's extensive line of full spectrum fluorescent tubes feature a stable, custom blend of rare phosphors that create bright, balanced full spectrum light. Used by dentists, artists, aviaries, zoos and last but not least the horticulturalists. In our testing, we have found that the phosphors used in these lamps out last those of other brands. Yes, other manufactures make lamps that produce basically the same light. However, the real question is: How long does the quality light last? Some phosphors loose their ability to be stable in as little as two weeks! Without comparison lamps burning along side each other your eyes will not reveal the color shift. Stay with quality. Purchase Verilux.
— Ships from Portland, Oregon USA.


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Mexican Brass Quintet Will Jam At Macey
SOCORRO, N.M. April 19, 2011 – The vibrant brass sounds that celebrate the culture of our southern neighbor, mixing tradition with innovation in moving from the blues to opera, Bach to the roads of Michoacan, are headed to New Mexico Tech's Macey Center.
|Metales 5 has made a name for itself with lively concerts across the continent. The Mexican band will perform in Socorro on Friday, April 29.
Metales M5,
With two trumpets, a French horn, trombone and a tuba – and a vitality and joy quite contagious – the five musicians are becoming one of
Since its founding five years ago in
"We're excited to bring the brass quintet to town six days before the traditional Cinco de Mayo celebration," said Ronna Kalish, PAS Director. "Metales M5 will surely set the coals afire with a performance both piquant and powerful."
Kalish said the contemporary brass quintet was started in the late 1940s in two distinct regions of the country –
In the words of one reviewer: "The most interesting thing about Metales M5 is that their spontaneity and entertaining attitude is always justified by interpretations that make us easily appreciate the high virtuosic level and musical sensitivity of its members."
The band members
Alexander Freund (trumpet) has performed as a soloist in
Oscar Villegas Miranda (trumpet) has played with The State of Mexico Symphony, among others, and is currently principal trumpet and soloist in the Philharmonic Orchestra of Toluca.
Juan Carlos Quiterio Miguel (French horn) was born in
Fernando Islas Melendez (trombone) was born in the state of
José Lopez Juàrez (tuba) was born in Texcoco and studied at the National Conservatory of Music. He has been principal tuba with the Symphony Orchestra of the State of
The quintet's repertoire includes Trumpet Voluntary by Maurice Green, Canzona by Giovanni Gabrieli, Fugue in G Minor "The Little" by J.S. Bach, Overture to "La Boda de Luis Alonso" by Geronimo Gimenez, "Escape" by Kevin McKee, High Society by Dixieland, Leonard Bernstein's Maria, and "La Virgen de la Macarena," a Spanish bullfighter's song.
Tickets for Metales M5 are $16 for adults, $14 for senior citizens 65 and over, and $12 for youths 17 and under; with a $2 discount if purchased by 5 p.m. the day before the performance.
Tickets are available at the cashier's window in the
Before the concert, Tech Club-Club Macey will host a social in
This performance is supported in part by the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) and the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional sponsorship from The Bank of America, Comcast and Super 8. The concert is dedicated to C. Lorraine Garcia, a Belen resident who passed away suddenly last summer. Ms. Garcia was a faithful attendee at Performing Arts Series concerts with her husband Gilbert and their grandchildren. She was always a smiling ray of sunshine and an enthusiastic supporter of the


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Hubble's Festive View of a Grand Star-Forming Region
Just in time for the holidays: a Hubble Space Telescope picture postcard of hundreds of brilliant blue stars wreathed by warm, glowing clouds. The festive portrait is the most detailed view of the largest stellar nursery in our local galactic neighborhood. The massive, young stellar grouping, called R136, is only a few million years old and resides in the 30 Doradus Nebula, a turbulent star-birth region in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a satellite galaxy of our Milky Way. There is no known star-forming region in our galaxy as large or as prolific as 30 Doradus. Many of the diamond-like icy blue stars are among the most massive stars known. Several of them are over 100 times more massive than our Sun. These hefty stars are destined to pop off, like a string of firecrackers, as supernovas in a few million years.
The image, taken in ultraviolet, visible, and red light by Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3, spans about 100 light-years. The nebula is close enough to Earth that Hubble can resolve individual stars, giving astronomers important information about the birth and evolution of stars in the universe. The Hubble observations were taken Oct. 20-27, 2009. The blue color is light from the hottest, most massive stars; the green from the glow of oxygen; and the red from fluorescing hydrogen.


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Community-based forest enterprise development
Community-based forest enterprise development
For most people living in rural areas, especially the poor, forests and trees are the sources of food, fuel, fodder, medicines, and building materials as well as cash income.
FAO assists people in developing income-generating tree and forest product enterprises while also having greater incentive to sustainably manage and protect those resources.
Community-based tree and forest product enterprises are designed with the help of participatory methodologies such as Market Analysis and Development (M A & D) and operate within the framework of participatory forestry mechanisms that enable those people who have a direct stake in forest resources, to be part of decision-making in all aspects of forest management.
_____ -
In the news
Related sites
Jeremie Mbairamadji
Market Analysis and Development ___
Market Analysis and Development (MA&D) is a participatory training methodology that aims to assist people in developing forest-based income-generating enterprises while conserving natural resources.
Forest Connect ___
Forest Connect is an international alliance dedicated to avoiding deforestation and reducing poverty by better linking small and medium forest enterprises to each other, to markets, to service providers, and to policy processes.
Other activities of FAO's community-based forest enterprise development programme


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Two hundred twelve years ago this month, and 6 months before the actual founding of Middlebury College, 34 shares of stock were sold at $25 per share in order to purchase the initial collection of books for the Middlebury College library. Here is a scan of the 1st page of the constitution of the College library, from the original held in Middlebury College's Special Collections and Archives.Although as a librarian I'm obviously biased, I believe that, in a society in which nearly everything has become commoditized, libraries represent certain "higher" ideals. They remind us that there is such as thing as the "public (or community) good," and that ideas, knowledge, learning, and even pleasure should not necessarily be parceled out depending upon one's ability to pay, but rather should be accessible to anyone and everyone with the desire and curiosity to learn new things, to explore new ideas, and to wallow in art.
I hope this week you will take some time out to support your favorite library, whether it's your hometown public library, Ilsley Public Library in downtown Middlebury, Armstrong LIbrary in BiHall, Davison Library up at Bread Loaf, Coleman Library across the continent in Monterey, or, of course, Davis Family Library here at Middlebury College. So give us a shout in the comment box if you love libraries!


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SiriusXM's On Demand for iOS Offers Access to Exclusive Content Anytime
SiriusXM is opening up its offering to iOS devices by giving mobile users access to past, present, and new content anytime.
Miss that SiriusXM episode that seemingly everyone is talking about? The New On Demand service by SiriusXM lets subscribers dig through a catalog more than 200 shows and over 2,000 hours of content to find their favorite episodes to play whenever they want. The service is available for online media players as well as the mobile apps for iPhone/iPod Touch and the iPad.
On Demand programming will also include a regularly updated "featured" section that keeps users abreast of new shows, offer curated content from Sirius XM's archives, and access to exclusive subscriber events, music specials, interviews from SiriusXM's sports channels. As a special bonus, On Demand content will have very little interruptions from commercials and other ads on select shows. As usual, content on strictly music channels will be commercial-free.
"On Demand access to SiriusXM programming broadens the availability of our exclusive content, allowing subscribers to enjoy their favorite shows and try new shows on their own time so they never miss a minute of the programming they love," said Bob Law, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Streaming Services and Products, SiriusXM.
Subscribers listening to content via iOS mobile apps will have the ability to store content on their device for a certain amount of time, just in case you plan to listen when there will be no network connection available. According to SiriusXM, On Demand service for Android devices is currently in the works. All of On Demand's content will be offered free of charge to current subscribers.
Curious? You can try out SiriusXM and On Demand for free (7-day trial). Check it out and let us know what you think.


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Howie Jablow, who had served as Southampton Hospital's director of respiratory therapy since 1978, died last Thursday at Stony Brook University Medical Center after a short illness. A resident of Water Mill, Mr. Jablow was 59 years old.
In addition to his position at the hospital, which he "so enjoyed and put his heart and soul into," his family said, Mr. Jablow enjoyed sharing his knowledge through educational programs for students and with several skilled nursing facilities in the area. He was a founder of the Long Island Respiratory Care Managers Association, a trustee for the Water Mill Community Club, and a member of the Long Island East Ski Club.
Mr. Jablow was born on Sept. 17, 1951, to Florence and Milton Jablow. He was raised in New Hyde Park and graduated from St. Joseph's College, receiving his M.B.A. from Dowling College.
According to his family, Mr. Jablow had a great curiosity for all things, and even built his own house with help from how-to books and his friends and family.
Family was a priority for him. Aside from his wife, Pat, Mr. Jablow is survived by his three daughters, Janine Jablow Balnis of Springs, Caitlin Jablow of Westhampton, and Brianne Jablow of Arizona. He also is survived by his mother, his brother, Scott Jablow of Arizona, and many nieces and nephews, and had been anxiously awaiting the birth of his first grandchild at the end of the month.
A service was held on Sunday at the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton. Rabbi Jan Uhrbach of the Conservative Synagogue of the Hamptons presided.
The family has suggested memorial contributions to the Southampton Hospital Foundation, 240 Meeting House Lane, Southampton 11968-5090, the Dominican Sisters Family Health Service, 103-6 West Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays 11946, the Water Mill Community Club, P.O. Box 182, Water Mill 11976, or the Conservative Synagogue of the Hamptons, P.O. Box 1800, East Hampton 11937.


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Israel News - Stay Informed, Pray Informed
Earlier this month a group of prominent Israeli rabbis issued a call for earnest prayers against the division of the Land of Israel, as currently being negotiated by Israeli, American and Palestinian officials.
"For the past several months there have been ongoing diplomatic negotiations centering on the demand to give up additional parts of the land of Israel," read the call, which was issued via fliers and street posters displayed around Israel.
The rabbis noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "is under pressure to agree to further withdrawals, God forbid." They called on all faithful Jews to recite additional prayers pertaining to the continued unity of the Land of Israel under Jewish sovereignty.
Israel's left-leaning mainstream media originally reported on the rabbis' call as an "anti-peace" movement.
But, as religious news outlet Israel National News noted, the rabbis "do not see their call to safeguard the land of Israel as 'anti-peace,' but rather the opposite: they believe that conceding land without true peace will lead to bloodshed."
Want more news from Israel?
Click Here to sign up for our FREE daily email updates
For Information & Reservations:
E-Mail: email@example.com
Israel Today
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KUMB Premium MembersAll you need to know about West Ham United FC's potential move to Stratford.
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Forestry and Fire Protection (Department of)
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection provides fire protection and stewardship for California's privately-owned wildlands. These services include inspections and patrols during extreme weather conditions. The Department maintains a fire prevention and control system, and maintains and improves the quality of land and vegetative resources. The Department also assists during local emergencies and natural disasters, offers rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person who willfully sets fire to any property, and also collects fire suppression costs when it determines that a person is responsible for a fire. The department's programs include:
- Brush range improvement
- Conservation camps
- Emergency re-vegetation/burned watersheds
- Environmental protection
- Fire control
- Fire prevention
- Fire research
- Forest disease control
- Forest insect control
- Forest practice regulation
- Service forestry (advises timber/timberland owners)
- State forests
- Tree nursery/reforestation
- Watershed research
- Wildlife fuels management
Complaint jurisdiction:
Problems in any of the areas listed above.
Complaints outside jurisdiction:
Inquiries about woodcutting permits and campground reservations for U.S. forests under federal jurisdiction.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
1416 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 653-5123
Mailing Address:
PO Box 944246
Sacramento, CA 94244-2460
Arson Hotline: 1-800-468-4408
Timber Operator License: (916) 653-7211
See Also:
Fire Marshal (State) Department of
Consumer Resource & Referral Guide
Directory of State Agencies
Directory of Federal Agencies
Return to DCA Home Page


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A few years ago I wrote my childhood memories to honor my beloved paternal grandpa. I wrote about his story, his house where I spent part of my childhood, and the history of our ancestors.
Grandpa and our ancestors lived in quartiere di bel vidiri (il Belvedere), a complex of family houses where the Muscara' dwelled since at least 1567. Il Belvedere means that it is an area from where one can see picturesque, magnificent panoramas. One of the far off vistas from this location is the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Aeolian Islands.
If interested in reading about my grandpa's story, please go to:
Two other stories that might be of interest are found at:
(Il Magnifico Pietro Muscara' is my first ancestor who lived in the ancient town of Librizzi. I found this information in the oldest documents available for me to read, the 1584 and the 1594 Census Records.)
Grandpa horses were housed in this area as indicated by the horseshoe. This is a cortile where the horses could enjoy the sunshine.
This is the street entrance to the covered area where the horses were kept. There used to be a beautiful wrought iron gate here with the family crest as part of the decorations.
Today, the house where grandpa spent his last days, and the rest of the nearby houses stand deserted, lonely, and abandoned. The only sounds heard are the memories of past generations clamoring to be heard so that they may tell us that once there was laughter, joy, and life residing within those crumbling walls.
Yes, the once vibrant, proud, and beautiful house is now decayed and colorless. The walls have fallen prey to the passage of time and to the relentless beating of the Sicilian elements. Weeds and vines are growing from the shivering walls, lording over the moribund building, triumphant in their conquest. The doors are open uncaring about the decay within, there is no pity for the lament of ancestors.
The above is one of the many balconies that used to adorn grandpa's house.
Broken windows, crumbling stonework, pebbles disgorged from the eroded walls, fragments of memories.
Memories, stoically enduring the road to oblivion.
Ed e' subito sera.
Ognuno sta solo sul cuor della terra
trafitto da un raggio di sole:
ed è subito sera.
Everyone stands alone at the heart of the world
pierced by a ray of sunlight,
and suddenly it is evening.
Salvatore Quasimodo (1901-1968), born in Sicily, poet, Nobel Prize Winner
All photos except the last one were taken by Melo Rifici


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Our partnership with qualified and experienced Rescue Partners is a critical component in helping us save the lives of pets that are in need of special care. Your participation allows many of the most vulnerable animals to have a second chance of finding a safe and loving forever home.
The Animal Care and Adoption Division encourages qualified 501(c)(3) rescue organizations to share your experience and apply to become an approved Rescue Partner. The invitation extends to those rescues that can assist in the safe and successful transport and transfer of pets to other regions in order to give them the greatest opportunity for a successful adoption.
For more information about our Rescue Program, please read the terms and conditions of the Rescue Agreement or contact our Rescue Coordinator at 954-357-7093.


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Pink Gingham Plate
Plate Size: 225mm x 76mm (9" x 3")
After placing your order we will create a preview of your plate which will be emailed for your approval.For more information on fixing options please read out "Stuck 4 Answers" section.


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Attention Nutella fanatics: It appears the Nutella recipe has been altered.
It's no secret that fans of Nutella put the delicious spread on everything, but perhaps that could change -- Especially if you're not a fan of the recipe change.
After speculation grew about a possible alteration to the recipe, Nutella took to Twitter to confirm the news.
Nutella on Twitter
@CarpeNutella our recipe underwent a fine-tuning and continues to deliver the Nutella fans know and love with high quality ingredients
After the news was confirmed, fans reacted to the recipe change. Let's just say, they didn't take the news well.
Gur Rashal ???? on Twitter
Real cool @NutellaUSA, why not draw a mustache on the Mona Lisa too? #7point5percentskim https://t.co/vR0Sxeh6oS
Ann-Kathrin Rinkleff on Twitter
Do. Not. Mess. With. My. Breakfast #Nutella ???? https://t.co/3hUOORs3iy
Misty Prasad on Twitter
Nutella From my 5 yo son "Aw, come on people! Why are you taking my chocolate?!
Marvin P. Android on Twitter
If #nutella wants to change its recipe, how about using #sustainablepalmoil so that tigers and orangutans don't become #extinct. https://t.co/AXnLyynZ0l
Laura Kaye on Twitter
I wish #Nutella would change," said literally NO ONE ever. @NutellaUSA
While the makers of Nutella insist that their product "continues to deliver the Nutella fans know and love with high-quality ingredients," fans aren't so sure.
How do you feel about the new recipe?
QCWriter is a journalist who is fueled by espresso and motivated by determination. She specializes in pop culture, country music, and news content. You can follow her on Twitter by clicking here: @QCWriter.


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When Money's at Stake, Dieters Have More Weight-Loss Success
By Kate Stinchfield
TUESDAY, Dec. 9, 2008 (Health.com) — Want to shed some pounds? You're more likely to be successful if you stand to gain—or lose—some money.
In a new study, overweight or obese dieters who were trying to shed weight lost 13 to 14 pounds in four months if they stood to win or lose a bit of money. The dieters who had no motivation—other than to look better and feel healthier—lost only about 4 pounds.
However, the results were less dramatic after seven months. The cash-incentive group regained weight, for a total 6- to 9-pound weight loss, compared to 4.4 pounds in those who did not have money at stake, according to the study published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Kevin Volpp, MD, PhD, one of the study's authors and the director of the Center for Health Incentives at the Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, in Philadelphia, says providing a small financial incentive helped people forget what they were giving up—fatty fare like burgers and fries, rich desserts, or alcohol.
This mix of frequent rewards, both large and small, helped dieters to stay on track—and on the scale. "It was a tangible reminder for why they are changing their behavior," Dr. Volpp says.
The study included 57 people ages 30 to 70—almost all men—who were overweight or obese. One group contributed between $0.01 and $3 to a fund each day, which was matched by researchers. If they met their weight-loss goal, the money was refunded at the end of the month. A second group had no financial incentive, and a third group qualified for daily $3 prizes, plus less frequent $10 to $100 prizes, if they lost weight.
Next: Some experts aren't convinced
Some experts aren't convinced that a rewards program is enough to sustain both weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.
"First off, this certainly doesn't address having people lose weight in a healthy manner," says Samantha Heller, RD, the host of Doctor Radio and a contributor to Health magazine. "You can lose weight eating only hot dogs, but that's not healthy."
Also, what happens when the reward system is removed? If individuals don't have the right education in place, Heller says, they're apt to fall back on their bad ways.
"Nutrition is one of the toughest behavior changes to make because it's very emotional," she says. "People's relationships with food can be very complicated."
Heller also says the results may not apply to all dieters, citing the small study group and the fact that about 95% of the participants were male.
Dr. Volpp says he has no reason to believe that women would have a tougher time with a rewards-based program than men. However, the researchers did find that black dieters (with an average weight loss of 4.2 pounds) seemed to have a harder time losing weight than white dieters (with an average of 14.7 pounds).
At least in the short term, financial rewards can provide strong incentive to ditch bad habits, says Dr. Volpp. And weight-loss programs don't have to be expensive, even if they're offering financial rewards.
Next: Is paying people to lose weight cheaper in the long run?
In the study, participants had a one-on-one session, in which they discussed diet and exercise strategies, with a dietitian, and then were on their own. They didn't have a strict meal plan or detailed exercise routine, and devised their own slim-down plan. Text messages were used to clue in participants regarding their progress.
If they didn't shed weight, they got a second chance. Lagging participants were given a fresh start each month, plus a chance to win their money back if they did better. Those who exceeded their goals could lose weight at a slower rate.
The second chance for lagging dieters seemed to be a good motivator. Participants were sent a text-message reminder of what they would have won had they shed the weight, which did spur some to take their diet up a notch.
The system could make sense for insurance companies and workplace weight-loss programs, says Dr. Volpp. Text messages are cheaper than a personal trainer.
"A large percentage of people have employer-based or categorical insurance, and there are no tangible incentives for them to get healthy," says Dr. Volpp.
Obesity is expensive: An April 2008 report from the Conference Board found that obese employees cost businesses an estimated $45 billion a year for medical expenditures and work loss. If all overweight employees had financial incentives to shed weight, businesses might find both their workers and their bank accounts healthier.
With the economy sinking and waistlines swelling, some experts argue that an incentive-based approach to health care could help businesses with their budget while simultaneously putting a little cash back into employees' pockets.
"It's very easy to keep procrastinating when it comes to behavior changes," says Dr. Volpp. "But this gives you a tangible reason not to procrastinate any longer."


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Cutter & Buck Prosser Stripe Shirt
From client dinners to wine tasting weekends, the plain weave Prosser Stripe offers approachable style. Features button-down collar, front placket, chest pocket, back box pleat, adjustable barrel cuffs with buttons, self fabric on bias at sleeve placket and under cuff, and a C&B Pennant on the left cuff. 100% Cotton. Machine wash cold delicate. Imported. Clearance.


text: Toni Preckwinkle is president of the Cook County Board, a position she has held since 2010. Preckwinkle was 4th Ward alderman from 1991 to 2010. Preckwinkle, who has bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Chicago, was a high school history teacher for 10 years. She announced in December 2013 that she and her husband of 44 years, Zeus, had decided to divorce. They have two adult children.


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About iRentToOwn.com
iRentToOwn.com is a premier Independence resource to rent homes, allowing buyers and sellers to quickly find and rent houses in Independence, CA. Ranging from conventional homes for rent and lease to own homes to complex land contracts, this websites also contains a distinctive inventory of articles describing rent to own houses. Finding affordable Independence, CA rent to own homes is now easier than ever.


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Leaders target fraud, rule out Medicaid expansion for now
AUSTIN — Top statewide officials are opposing a recommendation allowing counties to use local revenue to pay for expanded Medicaid coverage, and instead say they are targeting fraud and improving the quality of care within the state's $30 billion program for the uninsured poor.
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said Wednesday that expanding Medicaid under the federal health care law is off the table "at the present time."
He said he didn't endorse the county option recommended by the Legislative Budget Board, which cited the proposal as a way to help relieve counties' cost of charity care.
Instead, Dewhurst touted legislation by Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, whose anti-fraud effort targets areas including abuse within the Medicaid-paid state transportation program used by children and families to get to clinics and doctors' offices.
Last year, the Houston Chronicle reported that the use of both Medicaid-paid van service and pediatric rehabilitation therapy clinics that used the vans was higher in the Rio Grande Valley than any other region in the state.
Lack of service cited
A recent audit of the transportation program also found that some parents used the van service for unauthorized trips.
"What we were finding, anecdotally, is that some folks found out this is a great way to get across town," said Stephanie Goodman, spokeswoman for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, which oversees Medicaid.
In various forms, Medicaid fraud totaled more than $6 billion in Texas between 2004 and 2011.
A second Nelson measure focuses on ways to improve long-term care for the developmentally disabled and elderly.
It's important for the state to take steps including making every effort to prevent providers from defrauding the state, said Bee Moorhead, executive director of the interfaith advocacy group Texas Impact. But Moorhead said the legislation touted Wednesday "is not the heart of the matter."
"The biggest Medicaid problem Texas has is (that) so many people should be getting it, but aren't," she said.
Moorhead said more than 1 million children are eligible for health care but aren't getting services. She also noted the opportunity for Texas to add 1.6 million people to Texas Medicaid over a decade through the expansion.
The federal health care law offers an expansion of Medicaid to low-income adults who aren't covered by the traditional program. About one in eight Texans, mostly children, relies on Medicaid for health care insurance or long-term services.
The federal government would cover the cost of expanding services for the first three years. States after that would pick up an increasing share, up to 10 percent.
Perry unconvinced
The Health and Human Services Commission estimates that the 10-year cost would be $15.6 billion in state funds, drawing $100 billion in federal funds.
Gov. Rick Perry remains convinced that it would be "irresponsible to add more Texans and pump more taxpayer dollars into an unsustainable system that is broken and already consumes a quarter of our budget," said Perry spokeswoman Lucy Nashed. That goes for counties as well, she said.
Local officials said their first choice would be for Texas to expand the program statewide. That would provide a uniform program across Texas and ensure a funding source while relieving them of some of their costs of uncompensated care.
The Legislative Budget Board assumed the higher match would apply for newly eligible adults with a county-based expansion.
If counties were to do an expansion, local officials said it would be important for private hospitals to contribute, not just leave the cost to local taxpayers. They suggested a fee as one option.
David Lopez, president and chief executive officer of the Harris Health System, said, "If this becomes a local option, then … everybody needs to have skin in the game."
Ron Cookston, executive director of Gateway to Care, a Harris County-based nonprofit collaborative focused on health care, said letting communities manage expansion could have a real benefit, but a state-level expansion would be preferable.
"If it is not done at the state level, there is going to be, community by community, variations in the services … ," Cookson said. "That creates an infrastructure nightmare."


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Experience the Nature of Texas' first colony… Nestled on the banks of the Brazos River, the park provides the opportunity to get up close to nature. Located 30 minutes from the outskirts of Houston, this quiet and peaceful park is a nice escape from busy city life. Come out for the day and enjoy 6-miles of hiking and biking trails, a picnic area, geocaching, or spend the night, with a wide variety of campsites, including pull-through 30 amp full hook-up RV sites, and tent campsites. There is also a group campsite for up to 60 people, screened shelters, and a rusticADA accessible Mini-cabin with a cedar interior. The park also offers a Group Lodge/Barracks that will sleep up to 26 people, a Screened Dining Hall with an outdoor tent camping area, and a day-use Recreation Hall.
Primitive fishing is available on the riverbank after a short hike to the Brazos River, with the common catch being catfish.
Adjacent to the park is a privately operated 18-hole golf course available to park visitors. Call the Stephen F. Austin Golf Course for more information at (979) 885-2811.
The nearby San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site, operated by the Texas Historical Commission, provides park visitors the opportunity to learn more about Stephen F. Austin, the colonial history of Texas and the Texas Revolution.
The park hosts special events throughout the year for school groups and holds an annual Summer Camp for youth ages 8 to 11 years old. Call the park to inquire about the camp schedule and registration.
Trails may be closed for mountain biking after heavy rain events. It is advised that you contact the park before arrival (during periods where rain events may have occurred) for information on the trail status.
Volunteer Opportunities
Friends of Stephen F. Austin State Park – Make a difference! Donate or volunteer to help our park stay beautiful. Every dollar helps and we have a wide variety of jobs that you can come out and help us with, including mowing, litter pickup, trail repair and camp hosting. For more information, contact the park office. Thanks for your support!
Ranger Programs
Typically held on Saturdays, programs on various topics pertaining to the park are offered. All ages are welcome to these family programs. Contact park for actual schedule of programs.
Groups (4 or more): Contact the interpretive ranger to schedule group hikes and programs.
Saturday Morning Hikes – Come out to our regular Saturday morning hike at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.! Our park ranger would love to explore Stephen F. Austin State Park's trails with you on easy terrain, hour-long, weekly walks. Hike are open to the public, limited to 30 people. Please dress for the weather and walking in the woods, which includes long pants and closed-toed shoes. Please bring your own walking stick, bug spray, snack, and water. We'll meet at the amphitheater in the park.
Check the calendar for upcoming special events and programs.
An Interpretation of the Cultural and Natural History of Stephen F. Austin State Park and San Felipe de Austin State Historic SiteStephen F. Austin State Park History: Pileated Woodpecker BookmarkArea Attractions
Nearby points of interest are the San Jacinto Battleground Complex, which includes the San Jacinto Battleground, San Jacinto Monument and the Battleship TEXAS; San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site; Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site; Brazos Bend State Park; Bass Pro Shops and Katy Mills Mall (Katy, Texas); Round Top (Shopping & Antiques); and Houston, the largest city in Texas, which offers numerous attractions, including the Museum of Natural Science and NASA's Johnson Space Center. Nearby cities of Sealy and Bellville offer a variety of restaurants and shopping for groceries and convenience items.


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Tech Ranked 20th by Kiplinger's, Sept. 19, 2000
SOCORRO, N.M., September 19, 2000 -- New Mexico Tech is listed as the 20th best buy among the nation's public colleges and universities in an article featured in the current issue of Kiplinger's magazine.
The state-funded research university in Socorro is the only New Mexico school included in this year's list of top 100 best values in public colleges, as determined by Kiplinger's.
New Mexico Tech also received special mentions in the article as a university "where everyone knows your kid" and as a public-college bargain that's "best for out-of-state students."
Kiplinger's overall rankings were determined by using information that the schools themselves supplied, along with data and statistics on 1,800 schools provided by Wintergreen-Orchard House and the U.S. Department of Education.
New Mexico Tech has consistently been touted as a "best buy" in MONEY magazine's annual rankings of best college buys and also is listed each year as one of the best engineering schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.


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It's Bank of America's turn to get chewed up and spit out by Rolling Stone's Matt Taibbi.
This month's issue of Rolling Stone (to hit stands Friday) contains a piece called, 'Bank of America: Too Crooked to Fail'. It's Taibbi's account of the bank's most ruthless activities since its expansion in the late 1970s and 1980s.
In those bad old days, Hugh McColl Jr. and Ed Crutchfield, of North Carolina National Bank (which would take over BofA) and First Union (which turned into Wachovia), were fighting regulation that stopped banks from expanding beyond one state. They wanted onward and outward, and they got it.
What we got was Bank of America. Or as Taibbi put it:
"...some of the very biggest assholes on Earth. They lie, cheat and steal as reflexively as addicts, they laugh at people who are suffering and don't have money, they pay themselves huge salaries with money stolen from old people and taxpayers - and on top of it all, they completely suck at banking. And yet the state won't let them go out of business, no matter how much they deserve it, and it won't slap them in jail, no matter what crimes they commit. That makes them not bankers or capitalists, but a class of person that was never supposed to exist in America: royalty."
So what have these royals done? Are they as menacing as the tentacles of a vampire squid? Taibbi details their many offenses in his characteristic color — they've enlisted the government as accomplices in their scheme, they've forged documents and overstated the incomes of Americans by 10%-50% to commit mortgage fraud, they've paid no taxes, and they've even taken advantage of the disabled.
That's not even half of what he describes, but we'll only recount what stood out to us:
- "...the real bailouts of Bank of America didn't even begin until well after TARP. In the years since the crash, the bank has issued more than $44 billion in FDIC-insured debt through a little-known Federal Reserve plan called the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. The plan essentially allows companies whose credit ratings are f*cked to borrow against the government's good name - and if the loans aren't paid back, the government is on the hook for all of it. Bank of America has also stayed afloat by constantly borrowing billions in low-interest emergency loans from the Fed - part of $7.7 trillion in "secret" loans that were not disclosed by the central bank until last year. When the data was finally released, we found out that, on just one day in 2008, Bank of America owed the Fed a staggering $86 billion."
- "Last year, the Federal Reserve allowed Bank of America to move a huge portfolio of dangerous bets into a side of the company that happens to be FDIC-insured, putting all of us on the hook for as much as $55 trillion in irresponsible gambles."
- "We now know that Bank of America routinely conspired with other banks to make sure it paid low prices for the privilege of managing the moneys of various cities and towns. If the city of Baltimore or the University of Mississippi or the Guam Power Authority issued bonds to raise money, the bank would huddle up with the likes of Bear Stearns and Morgan Stanley and decide whose "turn" it was to win the bid."
- "The three lenders also pioneered ways to sell their toxic pools of mortgages to suckers. Bank of America's typical marketing pitch to a union or a state pension fund involved a double or even triple guarantee. First, it promised, in writing, that all its loans had passed due diligence tests and met its high internal standards. Next, it promised that if any of the loans in the mortgage pool turned out to be defective or in default, it would buy them back. And finally, it assured customers that if all else failed, the pools of mortgages were all insured, or "wrapped," by bond insurers like AMBAC and MBIA."
In Taibbi's dark telling of it, there was no bailout, there was a cover up. And CEO Brian Moynihan didn't rise through the ranks to replace a failing leader — on the contrary, he is "just as loathsome and tone-deaf as his previous bosses."
The words are scathing, and the numbers are staggering — "But the only number that really matters is this one: $35 billion," Taibbi writes. "That's the total bonus and compensation pool this broke-ass, state-dependent, owing-everybody-in-sight bank paid out to its employees last year."
As you can see, it's a light read.
Read the full article at Rolling Stone>>>
Get the latest Bank of America stock price here.


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Highlights & Milestones
The thirty millionth viewer saw the longest-running film.
The conclusion of Colonial Williamsburg's seventy-fifth anniversary celebration saw completion of the footbridge and walkway from the Visitor Center to the Historic Area. Through embedded informational plaques, the "Bridge to the Past" takes guests on a reverse timeline from the present to the eighteenth century. On the return journey, guests are reminded of significant individuals and their contributions to the growth and development of American democracy and society.
A familiar Colonial Williamsburg icon achieved a significant milestone in 2002. Williamsburg—The Story of a Patriot, the thirty-five-minute film that introduces guests to the issues and conditions that faced Virginians on the eve of the American Revolution, surpassed the mark of thirty million viewers. The film, a production of Paramount Pictures, has been shown daily since its debut in April 1957.
Historic trades carpenters raised another building—a storehouse—on the urban plantation landscape at the eighteenth-century Peyton Randolph House, home to the first president of the Continental Congress. The Randolph kitchen, completed by Colonial Williamsburg's carpenters in 2001, joined the collection of interpretive sites in the Historic Area.
More than 125 acres, including the Bassett Hall property and several other smaller parcels, were added to the Historic Area by the board of trustees to bring the total acreage to 301. This step furthers Colonial Williamsburg's commitment to preserve and protect the historic town and its immediate environs.
Historic Area Programs
In the Historic Area, guests stepped back in time to 1774 to experience a colony, and a community, on the eve of the Revolution. New interactive and seasonal programs explored the social, political, and family life of the Virginia colony's eighteenth-century capital. The six main program themes addressed in the Historic Area, one per year during each of the previous six years—slavery, religious freedom, family life, commerce and trade, land acquisition, and choosing revolution—were combined in 2002. These themes were broadly incorporated into core Historic Area programs to provide guests with a more complete and integrated understanding of the "Becoming Americans" story that is central to the foundation's educational mission.
New programs included "About Town," a walking tour in which guests were escorted throughout the Historic Area by People of the Past; "Talk of the Town," in which eighteenth-century characters met guests beginning their Colonial Williamsburg visit to provide an unparalleled, first-person introduction to colonial Virginia; and "Among the Dipping Gourds," a multiday series exploring aspects of Williamsburg's eighteenth-century African American experience from the perspectives of free and enslaved blacks.
Museums and Collections
Bassett Hall, the Williamsburg home of Abby Aldrich and John D. Rockefeller Jr., reopened in December following more than a year of painstaking restoration and research, all made possible by a generous gift from Abby O'Neill, the Rockefellers' granddaughter, and her husband, George O'Neill.
Mrs. Rockefeller's interest in folk art was reflected in exhibitions opened in 2002 at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, including hand-made coverlets in the Made in America collection of Muriel and Foster McCarl and carved wooden figures by nineteenth-century Pennsylvania carvers Wilhelm Schimmel and Aaron Mountz. The Colonial Williamsburg folk art exhibition Innocent Eye opened at the Katonah Museum of Art in Katonah, New York, in September.
The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, which houses the foundation's renowned collection of English and American decorative arts dating from 1600 through 1830, premiered The Language of Clothing, an extraordinary display of Colonial Williamsburg's eighteenth- and nineteenth-century clothing collection, and fascinating exhibits of nutmeg graters and eighteenth-century jewelry. The clothing exhibit was accompanied by the book What Clothes Reveal: The Language of Clothing in Colonial and Federal America, written by exhibit curator Linda Baumgarten, Colonial Williamsburg's curator of costumes and textiles and published by the foundation in association with Yale University Press. Guests continued to enjoy other exhibits at the Dewitt Wallace Museum, including, for a portion of the year, Furniture of the American South, and a model of Thomas Jefferson's design for the Virginia Capitol, which had been restored by the foundation's conservation staff and was on loan from the Library of Virginia.
Colonial Williamsburg also shared its collections with other museums. The Degrees of Latitude exhibition of eighteenth-century maps opened at the New-York Historical Society, and Furniture of the American South was shared with audiences at the Atlanta History Center and the Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina. The map exhibition was accompanied by another new Colonial Williamsburg book, Degrees of Latitude: Mapping Colonial America, written by Margaret Pritchard, Colonial Williamsburg's curator of prints, maps, and wallpaper, and Henry Taliaferro, acclaimed dealer of rare maps and prints, and published by the foundation in association with publisher Harry N. Abrams.
Educational Outreach
The foundation's Electronic Field Trip series takes advantage of satellite-delivered, interactive television and computer technology to bring the eighteenth century to life for more than one million students annually throughout the United States. Supported with lesson plans and other materials, including historical background, glossaries, timelines, and booklets, each of the seven field trips provides guidance for teachers to make the best use of the programs. In addition, each field trip features student comments and questions, teams of historians answering telephoned and emailed questions, and a dedicated Internet website at which students find additional interactive experiences and related resources. The Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute achieved two milestones in 2002. During its fourteen years, the institute has shared the principles and techniques of inspired history education with three thousand teachers from forty-three states and three foreign countries. In addition, the one-thousandth teacher from California completed the Teacher Institute curriculum by the end of 2002.
Business Activities
The foundation's business activities include hospitality, products, and commercial properties, principally Merchants Square. Hospitality highlights for 2002 included the March opening of HUZZAH!, a family-style restaurant adjacent to the new Woodlands Hotel & Suites. The former Cascades Restaurant and Conference Center reopened in the spring of 2002 as the Woodlands Conference Center. Gary Brown returned to Colonial Williamsburg as vice president of sales and conference operations in hospitality, and Clyde Min joined the hospitality leadership as vice president of hospitality operations, with oversight of the Williamsburg Inn and Providence Hall, the Williamsburg Lodge, the Colonial Houses, the Woodlands Hotel & Suites, and the four historic dining taverns.
Construction began in 2002 on the largest addition to the Merchants Square shopping district in decades. The College Corner Building, on Duke of Gloucester Street near the College of William and Mary, will add 35,000 square feet of retail and office space when completed in late 2003. Merchants Square's prominence as a community gathering place and thriving retail center provided the opportunity to begin a successful farmer's market. The west end of Duke of Gloucester Street bustled on Saturday mornings from late spring to early fall of 2002 as the community and Colonial Williamsburg guests acquired seafood, fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables, and other products from the region.
Architect's rendering of the College Corner Building in Merchants Square, carefully designed to follow tradition and opening in late 2003.
Colonial Williamsburg's products and licensing programs evolved with the addition of licensees and the introduction of several products and product lines. Established in 1936, the WILLIAMSBURG Products Program supports the mission of the foundation by offering authentic reproductions of antique furnishings, historically accurate accessories, and an interpretive lifestyle collection. Revenue from the sale of WILLIAMSBURG products supports the foundation's educational programs.
Capel, one of the nation's largest rug manufacturers, joined the ranks of Colonial Williamsburg licensees, as did India Overseas Traders and Period Lighting Fixtures. Lenox introduced its Feather Edge stainless pattern and launched its very successful Boxwood and Pine dinnerware collection. Spode debuted a line of porcelain tea and coffee service and cornflower dinnerware. L. & J. G. Stickley introduced furnishings, Murray Feiss added to its line of eighteenth-century-style lamps, and India Overseas debuted household linens and other casual home textiles.


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The Golden Age
Unprecedented Abundance
The Golden Age will be a period of great abundance, for each individual's material wants will be satisfied according to need. Technology will produce such an abundance of goods that hunger will be eradicated forever and all people will be provided with the necessities of life. Earth's wealth will serve humanity, and new agricultural technologies will lead to an unparalleled increase in crop production. People of faith will receive great rewards for every good deed they do, both in this world and the Hereafter. Bounty and abundance, which will permeate every moment of life, will be a grace that Allah will grant to those who live by the Qur'an's moral code. Every good act they do will turn into a great fortune. In one verse, Allah describes the great reward all believers will receive when they spend for His good pleasure:
The metaphor of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah is that of a grain that produces seven ears: in every ear there are a hundred grains. Allah gives such multiplied increase to whoever He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. (Surat al-Baqara: 261)
Many hadiths reveal that there will be an unprecedented abundance of crops and goods, all of which will be distributed without measure:
During this (period), my ummah (people) will lead a kind of comfortable and carefree life that they have never known before. (The land) will bring forth its yield and will not hold anything back.2
In the last of times there will be a khalifa (successor) who will distribute wealth without even counting it.3
Then my Ummah, be its members good or wicked, will be blessed with a blessing the like of which they have never heard before. Allah sends them an abundance of rain, the land will produce a great abundance of crops, and possessions will be commonplace. 4
In those years my community will enjoy a time of happiness such as they have never experienced before. Heaven will send down rain upon them in torrents, the earth will not withhold any of its plants, and wealth will be available to all. A man will stand and say, "Give to me, Mahdi!" and he will say, "Take."5
Both the Ummah's good and wicked members will be blessed with a blessing, the like of which they have never seen before. Despite the abundance of rain, not a drop will go to waste. The land will grow fruitful and fertile, without demanding a single seed...6
The land will emit the treasures within.7
The land will turn like the silver tray growing vegetation...8
How To Attain Such Bounty
Someone sowing a measure of wheat will find 700 in return ... A person will scatter a few handfuls of seeds, but will reap 700 handfuls … Despite an abundance of rain, not a drop will go to waste.9
This hadith refers to an increase in agricultural production that will occur in the End Times by transitioning to modern agriculture, developing new production techniques, improving seed stocks, and using rainwater more efficiently by constructing new dams and ponds.
Indeed in our day, remarkable improvements in technology have increased both the productivity and quality of field crops. As with all other forms of technology, rapid developments, especially in genetics, is causing a revolution in agricultural technology. Without a doubt, this productivity will continue to grow until it reaches its peak in the Golden Age.
The Improvement of Crops
In the End Times, every agricultural development will serve all of humanity. In our own time, only some groups or societies benefit from technology, but in the Golden Age everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, age, gender, or language, will enjoy its benefits. No one will enjoy special privileges, for both rich and poor will have equal access to these services. No one will suffer from poverty or starve, for opulence and welfare will mark this era. Technology will ensure the transition to an agricultural system that secures healthy, tasty, durable, cheap, and abundant yields. Current scientific developments, especially in genetics, already provide hints about the nature of these technological developments and the kind of abundance that they will bring.
Genetics has a vast field of application in food production. Thanks to genetics, genes that cause abnormalities in the genetic codes (DNA) of plants can be eliminated, and those that improve plant quality and durability can be identified. Considering that substantial agricultural products can be obtained only from quality raw material, these methods, which ensure the production of plants resistant to salt and temperature extremes, will lead to an agricultural revolution. A plant's level of protein or vitamin can be increased by injecting DNA pieces into its cells. The same method can produce plants that are resistant to pests, herbicides, disease, severe weather conditions, and poor soil. Genetic studies of seeds seek to minimize anything that might harm a seed and support a year-round agricultural industry. The finalization of these studies will bring great prosperity and abundance in agriculture.
In the End Times, the prevailing Qur'anic morality will ensure that everyone will receive their just share of goods. In fact, these goods will be so abundant that everyone will receive all that they ask for, and much more besides. At all times, Allah grants to His servants who display this moral excellence an abundant life and promises them great blessings both in this world and beyond. This is related in Surat an-Nahl:
Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, We will give them a good life and recompense them according to the best of what they did. (Surat an-Nahl: 97)
Like genetics, scientific researchers are working to produce fruits and vegetables that can stay fresher longer and field crops that can thrive in extreme climates. Long-term storage and preservation of food, as well as eliminating the factors that cause rot and decay, will be the sign of the abundance that people will experience in the End Times. Recent breakthroughs in technology and new methods (e.g., radiation, high temperature, high pressure, and genetic studies) render bacteria ineffective and thus make months-long food storage possible. Gamma or electron radiation, for instance, reduces or eradicates such disease-producing agents as microbes, bacteria, and nits. Food that is treated according to such methods become durable and carries no risk of food poisoning. Furthermore, processed food can maintain its flavor, freshness, taste, and color in a form very similar to its natural state and never lose its juice. A radiated strawberry can be safely stored in a refrigerator for months, and a potato can be kept for an extended period of time without budding.
Such processes will end waste and ensure the optimum employment of resources. Such technological developments, which are still at a very early stage, have only limited applications today. However, they will be very effective in maintaining the land's abundance in the End Times. People will be able to allocate resources wisely and minimize waste, and farmers will be able to produce huge amounts of long-lasting and quality agricultural products.
In the Golden Age, technology will serve humanity, and its blessings will be allocated evenly among all people regardless of ethnicity, community, and country. Nations that are far from one another, as well as societies of dissimilar cultures, will benefit from these sources evenly, and everyone will enjoy a just administration. Adherence to the Qur'an's morality in its true sense will ensure the maintenance of this Paradise-like order on Earth. The just administration of sincere Muslims, who turn to Allah for every deed they perform, will secure peace and security, as well as continued blessings.
Greening the Deserts
Another sign of the End Time's abundance is the greening of the world's deserts. This development's significance can be better understood if we consider that deserts make up 43 percent of all land. Today, the constant water supply to deserts makes agricultural production possible in even most barren locations. Applying technology to deserts will provide drought-hit countries on the edge of starvation with fertile land.
Computer-monitored irrigation systems that divert water directly to plant roots and prevent even a single drop of water from going to waste will allow agricultural production in deserts. Purifying and then using all forms of water are also important for desert agriculture. Treated flood and sea water will provide ample amounts of water, form the basis of agricultural technology, and be a great gain for the countries' economy. Our Prophet (saas) referred to the productive use of water, as follows:
Both the good and the evil members of the Ummah will be blessed with a blessing the like of which they will have never heard. Despite the abundance of rain, not a drop will go waste; the land will become fruitful without a single seed.10
The High Cost of Living and Poverty Will End
As the Golden Age will be a time of welfare and great wealth, all people will receive more than they demand. Nothing will be measured or counted. However, the high cost of living and poverty are the main features of the earlier periods of the End Times, for the poor will become poorer while the rich will become richer. This feature is also emphasized in a hadith, as follows: Poverty will spread.11
Allah sends starvation and poverty to warn people who are far removed from religion. If such people had faith, they would find relief from the great troubles and hardships that they meet throughout their lives. Indeed, Allah grants great wealth, happiness, and welfare to Muslims who have faith in Him and earnestly serve His cause, while He sends trouble and suffering to unbelievers in return for their disbelief. When people become ungrateful, Allah takes back their blessings and tests them with starvation and fear. One verse mentions this Divine Justice:
Corruption has appeared in both land and sea because of what people's own hands have brought about, so that they may taste something of what they have done, so that hopefully they will turn back. (Surat ar-Rum: 41)
Allah gives the example of Pharaoh and his people, who were subjected to drought and scarcity of crops because of their ungratefulness. Allah tested Pharaoh with drought at a time when he had been enjoying great wealth and possessions:
We seized Pharaoh's people with years of drought and scarcity of fruits so that hopefully they would pay heed. (Surat al-A'raf: 130)
Throughout the Qur'an, Allah calls attention to these attributes of disbelieving societies:
Allah makes an example of a city that was safe and at peace, its provision coming to it plentifully from every side. Then it showed ingratitude for Allah's blessings, so Allah made it wear the robes of hunger and fear for what it did. (Surat an-Nahl: 112)
Allah reveals the real reason why He makes the unbelievers' lives troublesome:
But if anyone turns away from My reminder, his life will be a dark and narrow one … (Surah Ta-Ha: 124)
Those societies that turned away from Messengers' warnings and insisted upon denial have always encountered great trouble. However, as the verses and hadiths inform us, sincere Muslims are always rewarded with great blessings for their faith. In addition to this, our Prophet (saas) said that his people will live in blessings, especially during the Last Days:
A time will come when a person, with his golden alms in his hand, will go around, finding no one (in need) who is willing to receive the alms.12
Then will my Ummah be blessed, the number of animals will increase and the land will bear its fruits.13
Definitely possessions will be in abundance then, flowing like water. Yet no one will (condescend) to take any.14
2. Ibn Majah.
3. Muslim.
4. Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan, p. 16.
5. At-Tabarani.
6. Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntazar, p. 23.
7. Ibid., p. 45.
8. Ibn Majah.
9. Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar, p. 24.
10. Ibid., p. 23.
11. Mukhtasar Tazkirah Qurtubi, p. 457.
12. Ibid., p. 462.
13. Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar, p. 26.
14. Mukhtasar Tazkirah Qurtubi, p. 464.


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Dorian Lux
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Guys, Im a Big Boy, I like so much take care about my physic and training A lot. I´m little bit shy but nothing that a great conversation and hot thigs can´t be fix it.
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Hummm my mind can Fly away. So many things for share and to experience. open mind to what you looking for. let me know fellas.
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i like feel one mouth on my big muscle body while they make me warm up a lot and my hard cock grows
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Flex, rub body, and who knows?. just let your mind fly and ask to me.
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Confusion continues to surround the use, performance, and NEC requirements of isolated ground (IG) wiring. Can it be used anywhere, or is it restricted to electronic load equipment? Does it really reduce electrical noise? What does the Code say about IG wiring? These are the questions we'll address in this article, hopefully clearing up any misconceptions and providing guidance on how to comply with the NEC.
Editor's note: This article first appeared in the February 1996 issue of EC&M. The late Warren Lewis — a true pioneer in the power quality industry — originally authored it. The article has been updated to the 2005 edition of the NEC.
IG-style direct connection
This means of IG connection is somewhat controversial, because making an NEC-acceptable electro-mechanical interface to electronic load equipment is somewhat elusive. Covered in Sec. 250.96(B), the intent of this section is to give the same opportunity of using IG-style wiring on direct-connected electronic load equipment as cord-, plug-, and receptacle-interfaced versions have had for many Code cycles. There was no "push" based on any demonstrated need for the Code-making process to permit IG-style wiring.
A typical direct-connected, IG-style wiring method is based on a metallic conduit or raceway that is suitable for use as an equipment grounding conductor path. Examples would include electrical metallic tubing (EMT), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), and galvanized rigid steel conduit (GRS).
The insulating means used between the branch circuit's metal conduit/raceway and the electronic load equipment metal enclosure is undefined in the NEC, except for the requirement that it be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL). This has been discussed and clarified to mean that the insulating fitting need not be specifically listed for use as a direct connection IG insulating fitting; it can be any listed nonmetallic electrical fitting that would do the job in a manner acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
It would seem, then, that listed electrical fittings used with rigid PVC electrical conduit would be acceptable, while plastic plumbing fittings would not.
Where can you use the IG connection?
There has been a lot of confusion over where the IG-style connection can and cannot be used in an electrical system installed under the requirements of the NEC. This is clarified in the Figure (click here to see Figure), where the acceptable location is shown in contrast to all of the unacceptable ones. Note that there are two locations that are acceptable: at the outlet end of the branch circuit used to connect to electronic load equipment and at an IG receptacle at which cord-connected electronic load equipment is connected.
This means that any attempt to place an IG-style connection (receptacle or direct connection) onto any other point on the wiring system — or to serve non-electronic equipment with it — is an NEC violation of either 250.146(D), for receptacles, or 250.96(B), for direct connections (see What the 2005 NEC Has to Say About IG Wiring below).
The above information is important, since inspectors have reported seeing plastic bushings installed in metal enclosure knockouts and punchouts, where 4-inch GRS conduits of multiple paralleled feeders that serve high-ampacity switchboards terminate. One inspector reported seeing such bushings installed at both termination points of a 3-inch EMT 480/277V feeder. These are hazardous practices not permitted by the NEC. Unfortunately, until the IG methodology is fully understood by all, these practices will continue to arise.
High- and low-impedance loads and IG circuits
Loads affected by common-mode currents and voltages propagated over the AC power branch circuit fall into high- and low-impedance categories. High-impedance loads are susceptible to electrical noise in the form of voltage. Low-impedance loads are susceptible to electrical noise current.
The IG wiring method changes the lower impedance of the typical solid grounding (SG) branch circuit into a much higher impedance. Therefore, it attenuates noise current but permits an increase in noise voltage on the path.
Looking into the load-end of an SG branch circuit, you will "see" a relatively low impedance, which permits a fairly heavy noise current to be propagated along the path but with minimum voltage drop. Conversely, looking into the load-end of an IG circuit, you will "see" the reverse condition: maximum voltage drop and minimized current flow.
From the above, you can infer there is a compatibility consideration between the victim load's impedance and its susceptibility or immunity to electrical noise in the common mode. This is where many debate whether an SG or IG wiring method should be used. The general rule to improve electronic load immunity or to reduce susceptibility to common-mode electrical noise is use inverse connections (e.g., connect a low-impedance load to a high common-mode impedance branch circuit and a high-impedance load to a low common-mode impedance branch circuit).
Length of the IG circuit is key
The length of the IG circuit from the solidly grounded AC source to its outlet end affects the impedance of its path from one end to the other. This, in turn, affects the amount of electrical noise current (as opposed to electrical noise voltage) the IG path can propagate along its route. Therefore, it stands to reason, that whatever effect the IG wiring method is going to have with a given load, it will be proportional to the length of the IG circuit. A similar effect exists on the SG circuit, but in inverse fashion.
Based on this information, it should be apparent that placing an IG receptacle 6 inches away from the branch-circuit panelboard, and having the panelboard a few feet from its serving solidly grounded transformer (which forms the separately derived AC system), is not going to have much effect. There simply isn't enough IG length in the circuit to develop any useful common-mode impedance on the equipment grounding conductor path for the arrangement to do any good — or bad. However, if the IG branch circuit is 100 feet or 200 feet long, then the effects (good or bad) would be appropriately produced.
This should tell you something about paying extra to install IG receptacles on circuits that are only a few feet (or inches) long. In particular, there is no useful gain in installing IG receptacles onto the same case/enclosure that contains a solidly grounded power-conditioning device, such as a transformer used with a UPS, a voltage regulator, or similar item of self-contained power conditioning equipment.
Long IG circuits and increased noise problems
Is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? In the case of the IG wiring method, the answer is yes. For example, if the site has a lot of potential difference between points of grounding (as over large area buildings), an IG wiring method can act to ensure that the AC power source and the electronic load get conductively connected across that potential. The result is increased common-mode current trying to flow on the IG path and a much greater common-mode voltage being developed across it. This can cause more interference with the victim load, if it has a communication or signaling circuit attached to it and is ground-referenced at some further distance away.
IG circuits and lightning problems
IG wiring methods bring with them increased susceptibility to lightning-related problems. Generally, IG circuit advocates have not appreciated this resulting susceptibility, which can be readily explained.
When lightning strikes the face of the earth, it creates a step-potential situation, known to result in thousands of volts across the soil. Similarly, lightning currents carry this kind of potential difference vertically, horizontally, and on any diagonal in a facility of given size, particularly multi-storied and large area buildings. As a result, when a lightning strike occurs, there can be a very great potential difference, for example, between a service entry and the main building's grounding point and any remote point in the building. This means that if the victim load equipment is located a long distance from the service entry, its local grounding conditions will be at a significantly different potential from those at the service equipment. If this path and its potential difference is then bridged by the connection of an IG equipment grounding conductor, there will be, by necessity, a traveling voltage and current wavefront barreling down the IG conductor from one end to the other, in a futile attempt to permit current flow and to equalize potential between the two points. This is called a lightning surge current.
Let's assume that the service entry is the originating point for the above surge current, and the victim electronic load is the terminating point for it. If there are data, signaling, or communications cables attached to the load equipment, the lightning surge current will try to flow on these circuits in a continuing attempt to find "ground." Typically, this is quite damaging to these circuits. Because the surge current is in the common mode, no amount of line-to-line and line-to-ground surge protection equipment installed on the AC power circuit will protect the load and its attached circuits.
In addition, if there is grounded metal nearby the victim load, and if the surge current has sufficient potential driving it (due to impedance mismatch and related voltage reflections at the load-ground interface point), there can be a lightning side-flash of up to 6 feet horizontally through the air between the energized victim load and whatever grounded materials or other equipment is nearby. Side-flash phenomena are generally described in NFPA-780-2004, "The National Lightning Protection Code."
So, if you use an SG circuit in the above case instead of the IG style, the victim load will be largely protected, since it will have become ground-referenced to its local ground conditions and will be generally unable to develop a side-flash potential problem. The same holds true for an IG circuit that is physically short, as when its AC system is not the remotely located service entry (and that is at a greatly different potential), but is instead a dry-type transformer (or similar source) installed as a solidly grounded and separately derived AC system in the same location as the load being served on the IG path.
Drawing conclusions
There are no clear winners and losers between the IG and SG wiring methods since, as we've tried to explain, the risk/benefit situation is fraught with variables of a wide description. Therefore, no blanket recommendation can be made in relation to the SG or IG methods in regard to predictable benefits that either can provide. The results are related to the site's conditions, the length and routing of the circuit to be made IG or SG, and the high- and low-impedance nature of the victims' loads themselves. Keep in mind that the effects on electrical noise of the SG wiring method versus the IG wiring method apply only to common-mode noise problems, not transverse-mode ones.
Finally, what's clear is that it's very difficult and expensive to retrofit an SG design into an IG design, if you find out you need one. However, retrofitting an IG design into an SG design is relatively inexpensive, since the IG conductor easily can be either disconnected or reconnected as an additional SG conductor at any time. This translates into a recommendation that electronic loads should be provided with AC branch-circuit wiring that is IG in nature, but with the clear idea that if conditions warrant it, the circuit will be converted to the SG type (and back again at a later time) as necessary.
Sidebar: What the 2005 NEC Has to Say About IG Wiring
IG wiring with receptacles — As per 250.146(D), Connecting Receptacle Grounding Terminal to Box, "An equipment bonding jumper shall be used to connect the grounding terminal of a grounding-type receptacle to a grounded box."
"Exception No. 4: Where required for the reduction of electrical noise (electromagnetic interference) on the grounding circuit, a receptacle in which the grounding terminal is purposely insulated from the receptacle mounting means shall be permitted. An insulated equipment-grounding conductor run with the circuit conductors shall ground the receptacle-grounding terminal. This grounding conductor shall be permitted to pass through one or more panelboards without connection to the panelboard grounding terminal as permitted in 408.40 (Exception), so as to terminate within the same building or structure directly at an equipment grounding conductor terminal of the applicable derived system or service.
"(FPN): Use of an isolated equipment grounding conductor does not relieve the requirement for grounding the raceway system and outlet box."
IG wiring on direct connected circuits — As per 250.96(B), Isolated Grounding Circuits, "Where required for the reduction of electrical noise (electromagnetic interference) on the grounding circuit, an equipment enclosure supplied by a branch circuit shall be permitted to be isolated from a raceway containing circuits supplying only that equipment by one or more listed nonmetallic raceway fittings located at the point of attachment of the raceway to the equipment enclosure. The metal raceway shall comply with provisions of this article and shall be supplemented by an internal insulated equipment grounding conductor installed in accordance with 250.146(D) [Exception No. 4] to ground the equipment enclosure.
"(FPN): Use of an isolated equipment grounding conductor does not relieve the requirement for grounding the raceway system."


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13 Bands to Watch in 2011
All videos filmed by G.
As 2010 draws to a close, I can say that it's been a good year for music. After seeing literally hundreds of acts this year, it is my duty to share some of my favorites with you. Below see my 13 of my favorite new bands/artists of 2010.
Delphic. If you like New Order, you'll love Delphic. Check out "Red Lights"
Young Empires. Check out the disco-punk band performing "Against the Wall"
Two Door Cinema Club. The sound on "Something Good Can Work" is very bass heavy, so definitely seek out a cleaner version of this amazing song.
The Rassle. Take a drive, roll the windows down and sing "Born Free" at the top of your lungs! It's a great experience.
Dan Black. The following clip of "Yours" is performed acoustically, so imagine what the dancey studio version sounds like. Don't just imagine… find out!
Penguin Prison. If you like pop and soul with guitar, you can't go wrong with Penguin Prison.
Wild Nothing. If you like The Smiths, you're going to love Wild Nothing.
MNDR. If you love pre-botox Madonna, MNDR will be your thing. Here's "Sparrow" and "Fade to Black" performed with Mark Ronson!
JBM. Jesse Marchant's voice is so beautiful you might find yourself crying. But they'll be tears of joy.
Hanni El Khatib. Rock and roll is not dead and Hanni El Khatib proves it!
Tame Impala. If you like the Beatles psychedelic era, you'll love these Australian rockers. Check out "Solitude is Bliss"
Male Bonding. The punk trio from the UK rock. Hard! They are so awesome live too. This is their track "Weird Feelings."Future Relative. Check out their cover of Bjork's "Army of Me."


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Open a Separate Checking Account
Unless your project is very small or you've one professional to manage everything for you, open a separate checking account for the duration of your construction project.
Keep your day-to-day household and other finances discrete from the new account. Deposit all loan proceeds or other construction funds directly into the account. Pay all your contractors, suppliers, designer fees, and other expenses by check from that account.
The separate account will make it easier to monitor costs and identify your available balance at a glance. It may also help discipline you into thinking of the project in a more businesslike fashion. Construction projects have a way of assuming a life of their own and you want to be sure to be on top of the process. The separate account can help.


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I doubt anyone would disagree that Kristen Stewart is the most awkward actress in the world. I have never seen a superstar who was so uncomfortable in her own skin. During interviews she is constantly fidgeting, playing with her hair, and biting her lip. I cringe through every one of her long, weird pauses and just hope the whole thing is over soon. To be honest, she probably feels the same way. But watching her recent appearance on the Today show to promote Breaking Dawn 2 made me think about all those other super-awkward A-listers out there. And guess what, from Tina Fey to Zach Galifianakis to Ellen Page, KStew is in some really excellent -- if not odd -- company. Check out the most awkward celebs around:
1. Kristen Stewart Even the interviewers were uncomfortable during this fiasco. Note their awkward giggles as they try to get her to warm up. You just know Kristen bolted out of there the minute the camera stopped rolling.
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2. Tina Fey She is proof that no matter how rich and successful you become, you can still morph into that geeky, self-conscious kid you were in high school. But it totally works for Tina, though, doesn't it?
3. Adam Scott On camera or off, this actor never seems comfortable. He's full of awkward pauses -- but it's still so damn adorable.
4. Jonah Hill You always get the impression that he can't believe people actually want to talk to him.
5. Rashida Jones Everyone can relate to Rashida. She seems like the normal girl plunked in the middle of Hollywood craziness. We totally get why she looks so weirded out all the time.
6. Michael Cera There is no dude more awkward than this guy. Enough said.
7. Zach Galifianakis He has perfected the art of making every single person around him uncomfortable. It's fantastic to watch!
8. Ellen Page She gives off a cool yet awkward vibe. You just know she thinks this interviewer is a total tool.
9. Aubrey Plaza The Parks and Rec star definitely battles KStew for the most awkward young actress. That deadpan delivery is so off-putting ... but we love it!
Which other stars should make this list?


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(Reuters) - The United States' 12-game winning run came to a crushing end with a 3-1 defeat at Costa Rica on Friday in their CONCACAF region World Cup qualifier.
United States coach Juergen Klinsmann suffered a blow shortly before the game when key midfielder Michael Bradley limped off the field with an ankle injury during the warm-up and Geoff Cameron had to be thrust into the starting lineup.
Then Costa Rica grabbed the lead in the third minute when Johnny Acosta headed in a corner at the near post past DaMarcus Beasley on the line.
Seven minutes later it was 2-0 - Cristian Bolanos floated a ball towards the back post and Celso Borges rose superbly above Beasley to head home.
The game should have been put beyond the Americans in the 24th minute when Brian Ruiz put in Bolanos but the midfielder hesitated and his shot was deflected wide.
Costa Rica keeper Keilor Navas was brought into action in the 29th minute when he pulled off a great save to keep out a fierce drive from Fabian Johnson.
At the other end, U.S. keeper Tim Howard was out quickly at the feet of the livewire Joel Campbell but the Americans got a lifeline two minutes before the interval.
Johnson was brought down inside the area by Navas, who had charged off his line and Clint Dempsey, earning his 100th cap for his country, blasted home the spot kick.
Klinsmann's team started the second half well, Landon Donovan finding Dempsey, who wriggled on to his left foot and fired a left-foot shot against the post.
But Campbell made sure of three vital points for Costa Rica, racing on to a long ball, outpacing Matt Besler and slipping the ball between Howard's legs.
A bad night for the Americans was made worse by yellow cards for Cameron, Besler and substitute Jozy Altidore - all of whom will now miss Tuesday's clash with Mexico in Columbus.
Reporting By Simon Evans; Editing by Ian Ransom