text:
Open menu Menu
Black tea with its scent of dried hay and slight smokiness of tobacco. Breathe with pleasure the scented streams of Patchouli, Yerbe Maté and Musk, tempered by the delicate freshness of Verveine and Aromatic Lavender.
Box of 125 sticks.
Designers of furniture, tableware and ceramic objects for the home, as well as scented products, Ivan Pericoli and Benoît Astier de Villatte founded their company in 1996. Without knowing anything about tableware, they started the little company with a group of siblings from the Astier de Villatte family and friends from the École des Beaux Arts in Paris. Together they imagined and made 'objects of dreams': furniture inspired by bits and bobs found on the pavement at night, by items unearthed at Emmaüs charity shops, the Vanves flea market and thrift stores. Adapting the sculpting techniques they had learned at the École des Beaux Arts, they had fun creating everyday ceramic objects to decorate the table and home. The result was entirely original and exhilarating. The first collections were concocted with the Astier de Villatte family, in the parental home of Alexandre and Benoît Astier de Villatte. Before long, they moved to a basement studio in avenue Daumesnil. Ideas burgeoned, creative talents collided (sometimes fiercely), but the adventure had begun. They set up their first stand at the 'Maison et Objet' show in September 1996 and it was a mad, souk-like event. Orders flocked in from all over the world. Thereafter, Astier de Villatte pieces were sold directly from the studio and in a few ultra-Parisian stores.
Little by little, the group disbanded. From then on, Ivan Pericoli and Benoît Astier de Villatte were to steer the company's destiny. With no advertising strategy, its reputation was built by word of mouth.In 2000, they finally came across the shop of their dreams on the rue Saint-Honoré, close to the Palais Royal and the Louvre museum. Immediately afterwards, they left the constrictively small Daumesnil studio and moved to an enormous production space with natural light on boulevard Masséna in Paris. There, they could manage all the orders flowing in. No question of leaving the city or moving toofar from the boutique. At the time, there were about twenty artisans to work on client orders coming in from across the globe, under the leadership of furniture maker, Alexandre. Ivan Pericoli and Benoît Astier de Villatte then enlisted two associates and friends: stylist- designer, Emilie Mazeaud; and webmaster William Simon, who was to develop the website to reflect their style.
Then, in 2008, the novelty scented dishwashing liquid (made for fun and sold in the thousands) propelled them into the magical world of scented products. In collaboration with their associate, Emilie Mazeaud, and Françoise Caron, star perfumer at the Japanese fragrance company Takasago, they launched their Eaux de Cologne, hand care products and the first collection of scented candles, which took on the enchanting theme of an olfactory journey around the world.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ORDER PRODUCTS FROM ASTIER DE VILLATTEPLEASE CONTACT US BY EMAIL: email@example.com
Astier de Villatte
לא זמין
Sold Out


text:
Postal Pointers: Support local heroes with Everyday Cards
September 5, 2012
Would you like to support and thank local and everyday heroes? You can by purchasing and using "Everyday Cards for Everyday Heroes," which are being offered at the post office. The U.S....
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Agrees with Pikes Peak as bike route
Hooray and congratulations to Dave Hughes for his suggestions regarding bike routes. The Pikes Peak Avenue route should continue along El Paso Boulevard into Manitou Springs and then on side streets till it meets Manitou Avenue at Park Place. The few who ignore the rules of the road, whether it be ignoring traffic lights and signs on city streets or established trails in parks and open space, will ruin it for all bikers.
Joe Fabeck


text:
Canada - Bidding engineer
Are you working on the position Bidding engineer? Wondering how your salary compares to others?
Are you going to an interview or negotiate your salary? Need to know what is a fair salary?
It is so simple - just fill out our short questionnaire and you´ll find out what the salary on your position and in your region is.*The salary comparison will be desplayed to you after we collect more than 5 relevant details for your position.
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text:
The Pi Transform
Last time, I outlined how you could use the GNU Scientific Library — in theory — to decode dual tones (like the ones a TouchTone telephone generates). The code to do it is available online and I want to point out some of the key features of the code and how you might apply it to different problems.
The decoder uses the FFT algorithm — there's no Goertzel in the GSL — and I tried to show a variety of options you might want for an FFT. In the case of TouchTone decoding, you really only need a slow sample rate and a small buffer because you want faster detection times more than high-frequency resolution. The spreadsheet I showed last time lets you play "what if" with the different sampling frequencies and sizes to see how time and frequency response will be for different scenarios.
In this case, there were two limitations: The sound card only supports so many sampling rates and the GSL FFT I wanted to use requires the number of samples to be a power of two. If you look at the code, here's the configuration:
#define BUFSIZE 256 // size of buffer #define SAMPRATE 8000 // Sample rate #define BUCKET (SAMPRATE/BUFSIZE) // Computed size of each bucket
The truth is, you would like a faster total sample time so you could select more samples (which would improve noise rejection). But the sound card I am using won't go lower than 8kHz, and with these parameters, you can't wait for too many samples if you want to read very short burst of tones. Here's the setup for that:
#define SAMPLE_REPEAT 2 // how many times do we see a tone before emitting # #define GAP 1 // Skip samples after detection
The GAP parameter forces the code to ignore a sample (in this case) after a successful detection. You can experiment with setting this to 0 (which lets you increase
SAMPLE_REPEAT — the sum of these determines the shortest burst you can reliably detect).
Because of the Nyquist limit, the result will only be meaningful up to 4kHz. It isn't just that the top half of the buffer will be useless in the results. The GSL library will use the upper half of the buffer to store the imaginary part of the result, so the routine doesn't even try to return the (meaningless) top part of the result. The
BUCKET symbol tells you how many Hertz each bucket in the result is worth.
It is annoying to have to compute the bucket number (that is, the index into the result buffer) that corresponds to a particular frequency, so there's a
#define for that too:
#define TONE(n) ((int)((n)/BUCKET+0.5)) // Find bucket from tone
Note that the macro rounds the result up by adding 0.5 before converting to an integer. You can see this being used later in the code to easily define the table of tones to search for:
// what are the tones we are looking for? */ int tonemap[]={ TONE(697), TONE(770), TONE(852), TONE(941), TONE(1209), TONE(1336), TONE(1477)};
There are two defines used for setting the thresholds (that is, how loud the signal has to be before the code tries to decode it). The
ATHRESHOLD define prevents processing on signals that don't have at least some data louder than a particular amplitude. The way the PortAudio library is set (see last time), the samples will range from -1.0 to 1.0 (if they are loud enough). In the code, the
normalize function finds the maximum amplitude (using fabs so that negative numbers count as positive). If the biggest magnitude in the sample set is less than
ATHRESHOLD, no further detection is attempted. If it is and the
NORMALIZE flag is set, the code scales each sample in the buffer so that the loudest thing is set to 1 (or -1).
The other threshold define is
THRESHOLD. Any result from the FFT less than that is considered "no tone". The code deals with the magnitude of the complex result. This is simple with the relatively recent addition of the complex data type to the C compiler (I mentioned this last time). Here's how a particular bucket gets converted from a real part (in
fftbuf[tonemap[i]]) and an imaginary part (in
complex double c0=fftbuf[tonemap[i]]+fftbuf[tonemap[i]+BUFSIZE/2]*I;
Then it is simple to get the magnitude:
If you are set up with narrow buckets, you may want to average the bucket you think you are looking for with the adjacent buckets. This also allows you to accommodate senders that are not quite perfect. The
AVG define sets that behavior.
There are two more defines that control windowing. The Fourier transform is a mathematical wonder. However, computers aren't all that great at math. The real transform expects us to provide a function that describes a waveform for all time. Our Raspberry Pi can only sample the signal at a few points for a limited period of time. The math doesn't care. From the math point of view, we have a signal that is zero from the beginning of time, suddenly has a brief bit of activity, and then stays zero for all eternity thereafter.
This can skew the results because you have a very abrupt transition from zero to something (and another one from something to zero at the end). To combat that, it is sometimes useful to multiply the input by a window function that gradually introduces the signal and then gradually fades it away at the end. This has its own problems, of course. A "rectangular" window is really no window (for the purposes of this program, anyway). You select this with
WINDOW_RECT. You can experiment with a Hamming window by setting
WINDOW_HAMMING to 1 (you should only set one of these to 1 at any given time). There are other windows possible, but I didn't even need Hamming. You can read more about window function on Wikipedia if you are interested.
The code isn't much different from the first PortAudio program I showed. That one gathered some basic statistics about the audio input and communicated it via a structure. The callback for this program is pretty similar, but instead of just measuring amplitude it measures frequencies using the GSL FFT call. However, it still communicates with the rest of the program via a structure:
// communicate with callback typedef struct { unsigned int count; // packet # // The probe array will get a value for the magnitude of each tone double probe[sizeof(tonemap)/sizeof(tonemap[0])]; // Let the main program see any flags the ISR is reporting PaStreamCallbackFlags isrflags; } audiostats;
The fields are pretty simple:
count— An increasing count so the program can tell when the ISR processed a new sample
probe— The magnitudes of the frequencies of interest
isrflags— PortAudio reports various things to the callback; this field lets the main program see those reports
Armed with these tools, the rest of the code is pretty straightforward. It waits for something to show up in the probe array and then does simple logic to convert that to a number which it prints. You can read the code online if you want to see exactly how.
If you try to compile this code on the Rapsberry Pi (or, really, just about any Linux system), you'll want to include all the required libraries. Here's the command line I used:
gcc -g -o ttdecode ttdecode.c -lportaudio -lgsl –lgslcblas
Also, make sure to enable your recording device on the Pi and turn up the gain (alsamixer is your friend). The program works pretty well on the Pi, although it can get some false positives with enough noise. A shorter sampling period would help, but that has its own problems, too.
When I started this series of blogs, I asked: "Can you do signal processing on the Pi?" I think the answer is a resounding yes. The program was up to the task for doing a real-time FFT and I didn't even spend much time trying to optimize it — I just grabbed off-the-shelf resources. These inexpensive and relatively powerful Linux platforms open up many new possibilities for embedded designers.


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PLG Newsletter
Tag Archives: acceptance
PLG ESTIMATING & PURCHASING > Buyouts on Large Vendor Contracts > 1
Construction estimating and purchasing executives are aware of the various issues involved with negotiating large equipment purchases. On fixed price contracts, the ability to negotiate purchases on major equipment contracts affects profitability, schedule, project risk and overall project success. The … Continue reading
Tagged with Ability, acceptance, acceptance criteria, Buyouts, equipment, equipment contracts, equipment purchases, extent, focus, impact costs, initial purchase, installation, Key, mfg reps, negotiating contracts, price contracts, project risk, project success, purchase, risk, Supervision, time, time installation, vendor contracts


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Reviewed by Sean W. (age 6)
I liked the Dragon Fly because he was able to fly. I liked Sir Small because he was brave.
Other children will like this story because it is exciting especially with the Dragon Fly gets caught in the spider web. The pictures had lots of colors and made the story interesting.


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Robert Desisto on
When is the release Date?
Jay on
^^Fair enough, that's a valid concern. Hopefully the devs will address it, since several people now have voiced concern. I'll have to go back and look at the features list again, but which parts of this UI are drastically different than the stock UI? I can achieve a somewhat similar layout, using Nova Launcher and Wizz Widgets on my A500, so I'm not 100% sure how massive the difference needs to be, to eliminate native widget functionality.
6th Extinction Games on
@Jay, In the Android Central video they mention that the implementation technology is HTML5. That is not capable of hosting Android widgets. If they continue the current route they will not support the existing widgets + the new ones will feel wrong. We will also be fully dependent on them to implement widgets for the things we want to use instead of getting the widgets from the app developers. I think this is pretty close to deal breaker to me at least if they do not talk about the issue or future plans.
s427 on
@Jay: "how many home replacements have any of us used that don't support native Andoid features?"
Not many, but there are some, and especially those who look (and work) very different from the original android home. Which is the case here. So I really wish this point was addressed by the developers (e.g. by updating the project home FAQ) rather than making assumptions about it.
Eric Licciardello on
When you said you'd be changing how you access available widgets, I hope you meant completely getting rid of the non-standard (on newer devices) menu button.
Jay on
Guys, I don't think we have anything to worry about when it comes to using standard Android widgets. Really, how many home replacements have any of us used that don't support native Andoid features?
On a positive note, this video was a really nice sneak peak. I agree with a previous poster, that the double-tap to delete looks cool, but some people may have issues with accidentally deleting things. Including the ability to toggle between double-tap and standard deletion methods would be nice.
I would love to see a sneak peak at how the UI can be set up to change by location or time. As someone who works in finance, and has a long train ride each morning, I was immediately hooked on that particular function. The ability to transition seamlessly from my "morning commute mode" (news, sports, social networking, etc.) to "work mode" (financial market news, stock tickers, Go to Meeting, etc.) would be absolutely amazing, and I'd love to see it in action.
Keep up the great work, and hopefully we can scratch up the remaining funds!
Emmanuel Green on
9.5K Untill we have Chameleon!!!
Emanuele Ricci on
Really interested about an API to interact with you to add our app widget :)
the_EDJ on
Very sweet.
A.) I noticed that a simple double tap wiped out the twitter widget. For those of us with twitchy fingers, would it be able to maybe gray out the widget and show an 'X' button to wipe it, along with a 'Cancel' button to save us from doing something we didn't want?
B.) I know it will be very limited in its initial release as far as supporting multiple types of tablets' specialties. But Sony's S1 remote integration would be epic. :D
Keep up the good work, I'll keep sharing trying to boost interest in whatever followers I have in my social circles. ;)
Thomas A Kowalczyk on
Really hope this gets funded, this is excellence . I FUNDED AND I HOPE I HELPED.
Konrad Steyn on
This may just be the coolest thing since sliced bread!
David Prnich on
This is exactly what makes a tablet 'smart'. I think this is the path where more Android software should head - customisability and freedom of control at user level.
Intelligent stuff. Well done!
Ross Williams on
Wow, this is awesome, can't wait to get it on my Transformer Prime!
Christopher Kay on
Looks great! I hope you hit your target -- I really want this layout for my Galaxy Tab 7.7.
Thomas Phillips on
That is pretty awesome I must say I cannot wait.
Marc Taschereau on
Nicely Done, but I agree you need a Google +1 Button.
Pedro Gelabert on
Awesome! Beautifully easy and very functional.
Sean Oleson on
Evan, make them small enough to move, then rearrange. Don't need to be a developer to get it. Its pinching a screen, not a ton of effort needed.
Dat Nguyen on
Where do I G+ +1?
Chris Heinz on
^^^ Second that
Evan Passero on
I understand this was a quick demo, but it seemed like if I wanted to move a widget from one side of the screen to the other I would have to always have open space on the screen. What if I have a screen laid out with a few widgets and just want to rearrange them? Will Chameleon be able to do any sort of "smart reflow" of widgets (iOS icons is the first parallel that comes to mind)?
Brandon Vaughn on
This can handle multiple twitter accounts? God, this looks like such an amazing project. Will it be able to have more than one homescreen at once, like most Android homescreens do currently?
Julian Davenport on
Juhani and Laurent have a good point, I hope we can mix and match with existing android widgets.
Hunter Stephenson on
I am truly excited about the development of this new platform and skin. I think we could use an alternative every now and then to the basic android. Unlike most android skins, this keeps it simple and easy from what I've seen! Keep up the good work!
Laurent Debacker on
I agree with Juhani, we should be able to reuse existing android widgets too.
Martin Stricker on
Looking Awesome!
I offer myself for future spanish translation!
6th Extinction Games on
i'm very worried about your technology choice. Android already has a fully functional remote view framework and app widget hosts (home screens). A lot of people have already built their app widgets that could be utilised but due to tech choice all of those go out of the window. On top of that HTML5 does not provide a good Android user experience. All, and I mean every single one, of Phonegap and Titanium apps are very, very bad due to the non-native feel. What's your take on this?
Tallkotten on
"Can it be used with any existing widgets, or only Chameleon widgets?'"
I'd like to know that aswell!
keith williams on
What version of Android OS is this working on in the demo and when it's released?
Anton Kudris on
this should be in stock android rom :)
Денис Обухов on
I've bought an Android tablet inspired by your app. Cannot wait to try it!
Øivind Rosvold on
Looks awesome! Keep up the good work :)
Nuno Carreira on
love it - thanks for the update!
Phil Davis on
Just an (ugly) thought: Much of the configuration process illustrated is similar to Motorola's interface for the Droid Razr. With all the patent nastiness going around, it might be worth a look to see if this is a protected technology. Still, my Motorola Xoom does not function this way, though I wish it did.
Chaitanya Teegela on
Look's great, nice job so far Teknision!
CrazedHatter - OO's Lunatic in a Hat on
I -really- hope you can scare up enough backers to finish this off. I've tossed what I can in the ring but I hope we get you guys the rest of the way there.
Luis Gorbena on
Could not be more excited about this!
Nick Pompei on
Oh yeah! This is maybe the only reason I want summer to be over!
rob harris on
I'm READY!!
Johan Sajfrt on
Awesome I am happy that I could contribute to this project I can't wait to test it on Asus Transformer Prime!!
Christian Hjelseth on
Looks awesome:) Thanks for the update!
Madhu Chandrakumar on
Exactly what I was looking forward too! Great job guys.


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|Robert A. Szerejko (05 May 1929 - 04 May 2012)
Fly high, Uncle Bob. Fly high.
Other Posts You Might Like:
Holy Cross Church, Warsaw, Poland - Sentimental Sunday
A Window in Time, April 11, 1940
Circus Girls Are "Normal" - Amanuensis Monday
The Jozef Walkowski Children, Kepno, Poland - Wordless Wednesday


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VIDEO: Sekou Smith interviews rising star Antetokounmpo
LAS VEGAS — Bucks coach Jason Kidd was asked about the point forward.
"The what?" Kidd responded, hearing the question just fine about Giannis Antetokounmpo handling the ball a lot more but not liking the position description.
OK. The point guard.
"Thank you," Kidd said.
The Bucks and their new coach are not hiding it. They are not disguising the long look of Antetokounmpo initiating the offense as some test drive in the safety of summer league, not downplaying the Greek Freak with the ball in his hands, some in the first game and a lot in the second, Monday night in Thomas & Mack Center against the Jazz, as Kidd experimenting to learn more about his players.
Milwaukee is serious about this for the regular season, maybe even as the starter at the point. Antetokounmpo is serious about this.
At the very least, even if the idea goes bad in 2014-15 and the Bucks stick with Brandon Knight and Nate Wolters as conventional decisions, it just became a long-term subplot in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo, having measured at 6-9 and 190 pounds last September and 6-10 ½ and 217 pounds at the end of the season, growing into a starting point guard, possibly and maybe even likely 6-11 by then. That doesn't even get into imagining the day of the 7-foot point guard.
"We've seen it in practice, and so when you see a player's comfort level with the ball no matter what size, we want to see it in game action and we slowly have started letting him have the ball and running the offense," said Kidd, bound for the Hall of Fame as a point guard.
"With the group we have right now, with B-Knight and Giannis, we have additional playmakers and when we have that on the floor, it makes the game easy. We'll see how the roster shakes out, but we're not afraid to play him at the point, as you see."
That was Monday night, after Antetokounmpo played a large portion of his 32 minutes at the point, registering five assists against four turnovers along with 15 points on six-of-16 shooting, and some with Wolters on the court. This is now officially an audition.
"Handling the ball, as time goes on, I feel more comfortable," Antetokounmpo said.
He will get more time, here and almost certainly into training camp. The Bucks see the possibilities, from putting opponents in matchup hell to creating more versatility so the second-year player from Greece fits with Jabari Parker, the second pick in the draft who some teams think can be a small forward, Antetokounmpo's primary position last season, or power forward.
Antetokounmpo at point guard and Knight at shooting guard would be a strain because neither have great range, but would work because Knight could defend the point guards and Antetokounmpo the bigger opponent in the backcourt. Then it could be Parker, Ersan Ilyasova and Larry Sanders in the front court.
"Whatever coach wants me to do," Antetokounmpo said. "If he tells me to do that, I'm going to do that. If he tells me to be on the wing and to be aggressive on the wing, I'll be aggressive there."
Perfect. Because the Bucks are thinking about an aggressive move at point guard.


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Dorchester just announced it is cutting its mass market paperback line and focusing on ebooks.
A few months ago, Medallion announced the same thing.
I've heard, through sources who asked not to be named, that sell-through for paperbacks is as bad as 20%. In other words, out of ten printed, only two sell.
Now what's going to happen if more publishers follow this business model?
Here's a possible scenario.
1. Fewer paperbacks are published. Publishers either eliminate their paperback lines, or begin publishing more selectively, in smaller numbers, to cut costs and losses.
2. Bookstores have fewer books on their shelves, and sell fewer books as a result. Which means less money to the publishers.
3. Publishers downsize, since the ebook market, though growing, doesn't bring in the same money as print does. In order to maintain positive cash flow, they bill their accounts to pay up.
4. Their accounts--bookstores and distributors--can't pay up. They don't have the money to pay for the books they've sold--which they bought on credit. So they begin returning other books on the shelves to get credit for those.
5. Now there are far fewer books on the shelves, which means far fewer sales.
So when publishers stop printing as many books as they are now, the delicate balance will shift.
What does this mean to you, the author?
The main reason we need publishers is for distribution. We can't get into Wal-Mart or Borders on own own. They can. So we accept 8% royalties in order to sell a lot of books. But if publishers are no longer printing books, there is ZERO reason to sign with them, because they no longer have that advantage. Especially when we can earn 70% royalties on our own.
If you do sign with a publisher, make sure it contains a clause that states they MUST release it in print, or revert the rights back to you. Make sure there is specific wording for "out of print" that doesn't include ebook sales.
But, if you do sign with a publisher, do you think you'll ever get your rights back?
Let's say I'm running a publishing company. I see ebooks are the future, and I've got three new authors coming out in print. I gave these authors healthy advances, and there's no way they'll earn out these advances with print sales.
Their contracts state the only way they'll get rights back is if the books go out of print. But if I'm making all of my money on ebooks, and I'm still not close to earning back the advance money I gave the author, I simply can't allow the books to go out of print.
What should I do, as a publisher? If a book is selling very few print copies, but a lot of ebook copies, what are my options?
Now, we all know that publishers are honest, and their accounting is always truthful. But what if, when facing bankruptcy, some unscrupulous publisher (as opposed to all the honest ones) decide to artificially keep a book in print in order to keep earning ebook royalties?
Here's an imaginary example.
Joe Blow gets a $50k book deal with Publisher X. Publisher X cuts the print run because they're having some money trouble, and ships out 30k copies. The book does so-so, and has a 30% sell-though. Of those 9000 copies sold at $6.99 each, Joe Blow earns $5040.
So the publisher is in the red for $45k (probably more, but we'll stick to the advance..)
However, the book is doing well as an ebook, and has sold 5,000 copies. And unlike the print books, which dwindle down to a few hundred per year, the ebook stays strong.
5,000 ebooks sold, at $6.99 each, equals $6,100 in royalties.
Let's look at the royalty numbers for the first few years.
Year 1
Print: $5040
Ebook: $6100
Year 2
Print : $1020
Ebook: $7,200
Year 3
Print: $302
Ebook: $9,000
Year 4
Print: $51
Ebook: $12,500
Now the publisher has a problem. Joe Blow has earned out $41,213 of his $50,000 advance. By year 5, he'll certainly earn it out. But his book is pretty much out of print, which means the publisher has to revert the rights back to the author, on a book that is earning money.
The publisher may be reluctant to do that, for obvious reasons. So what should Publisher X do?
Maybe, incredibly, they sold more print books in Year 4 than they originally thought. Maybe they tell Joe Blow they owe him $1500 for print sales--which is enough to say the book is still in print, and then they still have the rights.
Will Joe Blow ever get his rights back?
Now let's look at what would happen if Joe Blow never sold the book at all. He self-pubs at $2.99, earning $2.04 royalty per book.
Using the same sales figures as above, let's see what he makes.
Year 1: $10,200
Year 2: $12,039
Year 3: $15,049
Year 4: $20,901
Looks like Joe earned $41,213 through his publisher, and $58,189 on his own. Plus he still owes the publisher $8787 on his advance.
Chances are, Joe will earn out his advance in Year 5, and then make a steady $10k per year off of this title, through his publisher.
If he'd kept the rights, he'd be making $20k in Year 5, and every year after that. But my numbers assume he'd sell the same number of books at his publisher's $6.99 price as he would at his own $2.99 price--which is doubtful. The $2.99 price will sell a lot more, based on my experience.
So how much money is Joe Blow losing in the long run by signing with a print publisher? Will Joe ever get his rights back when "creative accounting" comes into play?
Now, I know this scenario takes a lot of liberty with reality. None of us can imagine a future where publishers would knowingly fudge numbers. And we all know that print will remain the dominant force in publishing for years to come, even if publishers are printing fewer books and even dropping their print lines completely.
Friday, August 06, 2010
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text:
23-year-old Man Sentenced for Rapid City Robbery
RAPID CITY - A 23-year old man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with five of those years suspended for robbing a Rapid City convenience store.
KEVN television reports that Seventh Circuit Judge Wally Eklund sentenced Ryan Reub on Tuesday.
Reub pleaded guilty to robbing The Big D store in December with a BB pistol that resembled a real weapon.
His attorney told the court that Reub was intoxicated on methamphetamine at the time of the robbery. Reub told the judge that he was sorry for what he did, and said if he weren't in jail he would be dead.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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May 9, 2005
The Honorable Valerie Woodruff
Secretary of Education
Delaware Department of Education
Townsend Building #279
401 Federal Street, Suite 2
Dover, DE 19903-1402
Dear Secretary Woodruff:
I am writing in response to Delaware's request to amend its State accountability plan under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). The change you requested is aligned with NCLB and is now included in an amended State accountability plan that Delaware submitted to the Department on March 8, 2005. The change is listed in an attachment to this letter. I am pleased to fully approve Delaware's amended plan, which we will post on the Department's website.
If, over time, Delaware makes changes to the accountability plan that has been approved, Delaware must submit information about those changes to the Department for review and approval, as required by section 1111(f)(2) of Title I. Approval of Delaware's accountability plan is not also an approval of Delaware's standards and assessment system. As Delaware makes changes in its standards and assessments to meet requirements under NCLB, Delaware must submit information about those changes to the Department for peer review through the standards and assessment process.
Please also be aware that approval of Delaware's accountability plan for Title I, including the amendments approved above, does not indicate that the plan complies with Federal civil rights requirements, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
I am confident that Delaware will continue to advance its efforts to hold schools and school districts accountable for the achievement of all students. I wish you well in your school improvement efforts. If I can be of any additional assistance to Delaware in its efforts to implement other aspects of NCLB, please do not hesitate to call.
Raymond Simon
cc: Governor Ruth Ann Minner
Amendments to the Delaware Accountability Plan
This statement is a summary of the amendment. For complete details, please refer to the Delaware Accountability plan on the Department's website: www.ed.gov/admins/lead/account/stateplans03/index.html.
Safe Harbor Calculations (Element 3.2)
Revision: Delaware intends to use a confidence interval of no greater than 75% when making AYP determinations for safe harbor.


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Karaoke DJs Near You
Want your guests to provide the entertainment for your event?! This may seem like a strange statement, but not when a karaoke DJ is involved! Karaoke is a good time for all from those who are skilled singers, bold by a stiff drink, or sent to the stage most persuasively by their friends. So get ready for a montage of songs from all genres sung by those who want to show off their singing voice or just want to have a good time! These DJs will help you unleash your inner Elton, Cher, Garth, and more!
Where do you need a Karaoke DJ?
About booking Karaoke DJs
Sing it! Karaoke has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds over the past several years, so it's no surprise that it is a very popular offering in the services of an event DJ or MC (Emcee) today.
Karaoke Disc Jockeys are popular choices for wedding receptions, company Christmas parties, fundraising events, corporate events, birthday or anniversary parties and can feature songs associated with the theme of the event. Hire a karaoke DJ and bring fun to your next corporate or private event!
Karaoke DJs around Seattle, WA:
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Recent review: I am the co-organizer of the event, Walk to End Lupus Now Seattle 2018 for the Lupus Foundation…
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Sunday, August 7, 2011
The Astros were SHOCKED in the lack of interest in Myers
1) Would trade Wandy if a team claimed him on waivers, but also feel like they could trade him in the off-season.
2) Were shocked - SHOCKED - in the lack of interest in Brett Myers.
Which would lead one to wonder why that was the case. He's giving up a full 1.2 hits/9 more than 2010, and his homerun rate has doubled. If the Astros were to be shocked at any point in Brett Myers' run with the Astros, it should have been last year.
5 comments:
Myers is only a Major League pitcher because he plays for the Astros. Just like having Nelson Figeroa in the start of the season. The Astros today are a AAA team at best. We need new managment including getting rid of Mills. That they were SHOCKED is more surprising.
- August 7, 2011 at 9:18 AM
There are probably a good number of teams that would be hesitant to take away Myers' rotational spot, simply because of how much money he's making. Starting is not strictly related to performance.
- August 7, 2011 at 12:22 PM
The contract extension that our brilliant front office gave him at the end of last season didn't help at all. Morons.
- August 7, 2011 at 12:44 PM
On a more rational note, assuming the report is true, I would imagine the shock might come mainly from the lack of interest from teams with pitcher-friendly parks... Detroit springs to mind as a team that maybe would have been reasonably thought to be interested.
- August 7, 2011 at 1:37 PM
- AstroBrit said...
Looking at Myers numbers he looks pretty similar to Carl Pavano but five years younger. He's still the sort of guy that teams throw $10m a year at in the offseason.
Carlos Silva?
- August 8, 2011 at 6:16 AM


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Scientists have concluded the checkout period for NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and now are revealing images showcasing the power of the much-improved observatory. This video chronicles the checkout period after Hubble's Servicing Mission 4. Also included is the unexpected diversion from the usual calibration procedures to focus the telescope on a possible comet collision on the planet Jupiter.
NASA, ESA, the Hubble SM4 ERO Team, and M. Estacion (STScI)
Publication: September 9, 2009


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Various: Pieces for the Bass Viol Lesson, Book III - Avanced
Saltaire: 01274288100
London: 02070629000
The Essential 18th-Century Unaccompanied Repertoire for Alto Recorder. A must have book in any recorder player's collection!
Schultz: You Can Play The Harp - an ideal harp tutor book for the beginner by Victoria Schultz and taking you through the first steps of learning ...View full details
Various: 58 Very Easy Pieces for Renaissance Lute
Lute Lessons for the Beginner
Jacob van Eyck's Der Fluyten Lust-hof is the largest work in European history written for wind instruments. With themes and variations of the day, ...View full details


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POWAY, Calif. — Crisis counselors and extra staff were expected to be at Twin Peaks Middle School Monday to help students cope with their feelings about a 12-year-old boy's threat to open fire on the Poway campus, specifically to kill 23 students and a teacher.
The boy was taken into custody and then to a hospital for treatment and evaluation on Saturday, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
On Friday night, the boy sent an email to a Twin Peaks administrator, saying a teacher, whose name was withheld, and 23 students would be shot, sheriff's officials said. He also allegedly made reference to 3,000 rounds of ammunition and numerous firearms.
Deputies learned of the email Saturday morning and worked with school district officials and a multi-agency technology-related crimes task force to find the source, sheriff's Sgt. Dave Ross said.
They identified the boy and went to his home to serve a search warrant around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Several computers and numerous rifles and handguns were seized, sheriff's officials said.
Sheriff's Capt. Bill Donahue told reporters at a news conference that the five rifles, three shotguns and three handguns had been locked up at the time the search warrant was served. The child did not have access to the weapons, he said.
"Obviously, this situation is both saddening and disturbing," Poway Unified School District Superintendent John Collins said in a statement. "However, it is critical that all touched by this threat understand that the system worked. An anonymous threat was made, identified and with multiple agencies working together, the threat was averted."
Sheriff's officials said the case would be submitted to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office for review and evaluation.
"There is no evidence to suggest anyone else was involved in making the threats and it is believed to be an isolated incident," Ross said.
"Making a terrorist threat is a felony in the state of California," Ross said. "The San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the Poway Unified School District take all threats to school safety seriously and will continue to thoroughly investigate all such threats."
Sheriff's officials said students who hear threats of violence or potential violence should contact a school resource officer or call the Crime Stoppers Students Speaking Out Tip Line at (888) 580-8477, or the sheriff's department at (858) 565-5200.


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Ubu Gallery is pleased to present GEORGES HUGNET: THE LOVE LIFE OF THE SPUMIFERS, an exhibition of hand-painted photographic postcards by the eminent Surrealist artist, poet, bookbinding designer and critic. These bizarre, lusciously painted images illustrate Hugnet's work, The Love Life of the Spumifers, where each accompanying text poetically and humorously catalogues the mating habits of a fantastical creature or Spumifer.
The Love Life of the Spumifers, or La Vie Amoureuse des Spumifères, combines Surrealist poetry's fascination with l'amour and Dada's tendency towards deliberate grammatical spontaneity and absurdity. Made-up words, like bowoodling, friskadoodling and alabamaraminating, are concocted to describe the seductive strategies of his imaginary creatures. Each text is dedicated to a different creature, describing how it woos, teases, gropes and molests its intended love conquest. Each Spumifer is illustrated by a gouache "beast," which is added to an early Twentieth Century vintage "French" photo postcard. The mellifluously painted monsters slyly slither around the bare flesh of the pictured "mademoiselle," nibbling and tickling, arousing her sexual desire. Hugnet's illustrations seduce the viewer, parodying the human pursuit of love and lovemaking through these adorable grotesques.
Hugnet realized the series The Love Life of the Spumifers during 1947–48 and wrote the accompanying texts in the early 1960s. The whereabouts of four of the 40 original Spumifers intended to complete the series are at present unknown. Hugnet composed only 33 texts and one of those texts accompanied a missing work. He created a number of additional Spumifers, maybe as many as 20, which were not part of the final 40 which he had intended to publish as a book. The show is on view until January 28th, 2012.


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In art we just finished a project about line drawing. Our Significant concept was "Line can be used to convey shape, texture and tone".We will be assessed on being able to use shape texture and tone. And the Unit question was "How can we communicate visually?" We will be assessed on being able to use shape texture and tone. Here is a link to the Unit 2 wiki
honestly when I saw this I thought I was going to get the worst grade out of all my grades. However now I think I did really well for example I have never been good with shading. Like never. But when I started my mountains I think I really made it right. My layering I also think I did well with because I think it looks really affective and it really stood out. I think I need to improve on my details such as my sky. Some people said "is that your sand?" And I responded "No! Of course not it is my sky!" In the part in my sky hatching I think I realized that I messed uphalf way through and thought that I should continue how it was.
At one one point I used a technique that we learnt in the last unit called slow drawing. It was for my water and it may not look it but I spent the most effort and time on each part of water. I think in the first lesson I wasted a lot of my time and distracted other people so in the next project I think I need to think about that. I think have improved my overall artistic skill but only in the line drawing area.
Here is my drawing


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Another Episode Out On SoundCloud, Stream Nika's House Radio Show
DJ NIka is always working creatively on his popular radio show. In this regard, he includes almost all genres of electronic dance music. The eighteen track bonanza mixtape has a very catchy onset with Tech House and moves forward with other styles such as House, Future Bass, Dubstep, Big Room, Electro and offer the perfect finale with Psy Trance. For this reason, a massive number of SoundCloud streams can be foreseen. In other words, if you're keen on the wide range of EDM melodies, then this episode #39 was made for you! As a side note, DJ NIka is celebrating his birthday on December 24th, and I'm sure he will probably throw a BIG party!
1 – Mark Knight & Danny Howard – Playing With My Heart (Original Mix)
2 — DJ Nika – O.K. (Original Mix)
3 – OFFAIAH – Push Pull (Club Mix)
4 — Cedric Gervais – Do It Tonight (Tom Staar Remix)
5 — Rio Dela Duna & Dvit Bousa – My Life (The Cube Guys Edit)
6 — Maor Levi & OTIOT – Bandana (Extended Mix)
7 — R3HAB feat. Sofia Carson – Rumors (R3HAB & Skytech vs. Marvelus Fame Remix)
8 — MEMBA & WiDE AWAKE – Vexed
9 — Slander & Spag Heddy [feat. Elle Vee] – Running To You (Original Mix)
10 — Spag Heddy featuring Armanni Reign – Strayed Up (Original Mix)
11 — HeRobust – WTF VIP [Explicit] (Herobust VIP Mix)
12 — Tv Noise & Blinders – Fire (Extended Mix)
13 — Fresh Dom & Zyno – Sombrero (Original Mix)
14 — Phanatic feat. David Trindade [feat. David Trindad – Wakandah (Original Mix)
15 — Earthling & GMS – Life After (Mindfold Remix)
16 — Chris Schweizer – The Order (Extended Mix)
17 — John Askew – Midnight Oil (Extended Mix)
18 — Armin van Buuren, Shapov – Our Origin (Extended Mix)
For Booking Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Navarra Returns To Protocol Recordings With Upbeat, Emotive Big Room Tune "Repeat"
Dutch DJ and Producer Navarra is back on Protocol Recordings for the first time in two years with his new single "Repeat", an upbeat and groovy Big Room tune that perfectly exemplifies the energetic and uplifting ethos of the genre. Drawing upon ethereal vocals, groovy melodies, and a bouncy bassline, Navarra merges electronic and pop elements to expertly deliver a track that is both emotive and dancefloor-friendly. "Repeat" pivots back into the EDM realm following Navarra's 2018's electronic-pop releases "Live Like This" with Justin Mylo and "Beautiful Day" with Cara Melin, or his 2016's "Crossroads" – a collaboration with Nicky Romero himself. Press play on "Repeat" and let Navarra's atmospheric melodies sweep you away.
Founded by Nicky Romero, Protocol Recordings is one of the leading imprints for innovative house music; it boasts a roster of heavy-hitters complemented with immensely talented up-and-comers, all with a diverse range of sounds that are guaranteed to light up a dance floor. Among them is Navarra, the Dutch artist who got his start at the renowned music school "Herman Brood Academie." With both classical music and DJ experience, Navarra's talent lies in creating a progressive pop sound that still enthralls the crowd during a live set. "Repeat" is his third release on the label, following his 2017 remix of Sam Void's "On My Mind" and his 2016's notable debut "Crossroads." Keep an eye out for releases from Navarra coming later this year!
The Debut Of Cityzen, A New Exciting Act From R3HAB's CYB3RPVNK Imprint
The newest project from R3HAB's CYB3RPVNK imprint comes in the form of the mysterious Cityzen, an artist who exists in the parallel of past and future and whose sound is a reflection of all that has been and all that will be. Cityzen introduces himself to the world with the release of his debut track "Sirius", a driving Big Room timebomb that merges gravelly bass and retro vocal snippets with high-energy modern synths to make a unique, dancefloor-friendly track that will delight both veterans and novice fans of electronic music. Keep an eye out for the next drop from CYB3RPVNK's newest family member, and perhaps the most intriguing one yet!
Although not much is known about Cityzen yet, we can be extremely positive about three noticeable attributes: his affinity for the color red, unique glasses, and his desire to give people the intense beats that one would imagine hearing on the metallic streets of a futuristic metropolitan. Perhaps Cityzen (aka СИТИЗЕН) can live in the past and the future at the same time, giving him the ability to merge vintage hardware like Moog synthesizers with futuristic house rhythms of the modern age. If "Sirius" is any indication, Cityzen is on the verge of something huge and previously unimagined, and all the world can do is wait. Armed with his sparkling glasses and affinity for the color red, Cityzen brings to life a crossover of old and new that will become the unique sound of the next generation.
R3HAB & Norwegian Star Julie Bergan Join Forces For Uplifting Vocal Track
R3HAB and acclaimed Norwegian singer Julie Bergan have teamed up for their new vocal track "Don't Give Up On Me Now". The song delivers a dose of warm weather vibes with breezy, organic instrumentals that undulate beneath Bergan's powerful solos, showcasing her all-star voice with soulful lyrics. Romantic at its heart, "Don't Give Up On Me Now" carries an inspiring, hopeful tone bolstered by R3HAB's bouncy and melodic drop. This is R3HAB's first collaboration with Bergan, who has experienced massive success in Norway and has earned multiple platinum records, Spellemann Award (the Norwegian equivalent of The Grammy Awards) and has amassed over 320 million streams on Spotify. After listening to "Don't Give Up On Me Now," we hope this will be the first of much more music together!
Over the last seven years, the Dutch/Moroccan artist Fadil El Ghoul – better known as R3HAB – has established himself as a leader at the forefront of modern electronic music. His tracks have reached the top of many a list, his talent has been called the "future of the craft" by the likes of Forbes and Billboard, and he's circuited the globe's best clubs all without the backing of a formal record label. In 2017, R3HAB independently released his debut album "Trouble" through his imprint CYB3RPVNK, which amassed over a half billion streams globally and officially placed R3HAB among electronic music's heavy hitters. He made number 12 on DJ Mag's Top 100 list in 2018, topping the charts with tracks like "Lullaby" and "Hold On Tight," while his sophomore album "The Wave," revealing more complex, emotional and experimental layers of himself, has amassed over 200M streams in its first few months of release – leading to its North American sold-out tour of the same name.
After Joint Performance At Coachella NGHTMRE Drops His Remix Of Oliver Tree's "Hurt"
NGHTMRE continues to ride the high of his groundbreaking performances with the release of his official remix of Oliver Tree's "Hurt" via Warner Music/Atlantic Records. The two artists performed the new version of the song for the first time live at Coachella last month as part of Oliver's surprise guest appearance during NGHTMRE's set, which was a hit with the crowd inside the packed Sahara Tent. NGHTMRE lends his signature style to "Hurt" through cinematic synths and melodic basslines, which pair dramatically with Tree's raw vocals. With over 20M streams on Spotify alone, the original version of the track is one of Oliver Tree's the most successful releases to date, and NGHTMRE's remix is set to be one of this summer's electronic anthems.
"I found Oliver Tree's music last year and loved it! As soon as I heard "Hurt" I knew I wanted to make a remix that was melodic and vibey! Finally getting to meet him at Coachella and performing the song together was a dream come true!" – NGHTMRE
NGHTMRE has evolved into a real force of nature over the last several years – between hit collaborations, originals and the launch of his own label, the LA-based artist has earned his position as one of the bass music's leading faces. He recently collaborated with A$AP Ferg on "REDLIGHT" and Shaquille O'Neal & Lil Jon on "BANG," and has teamed up with heavyweights like Big Gigantic, The Chainsmokers, Wiz Khalifa, PnB Rock, and Dillon Francis. His dynamic, always dancefloor-friendly sound and fast-paced, exhilarating live sets have earned him a loyal fanbase, resulting in a packed tour schedule that includes a Hakkasan Las Vegas residency, Lollapalooza, EDC, Electric Zoo, Mysteryland, Creamfields, Amnesia Ibiza, Shambhala, Middlelands, Coachella, Ultra Music Festival, Holy Ship!, and Tomorrowland, as well as his own Gud Vibrations multi-event series with SLANDER. NGHTMRE continues his meteoric rise to the top. Stay tuned for his upcoming announcements and new music coming soon!
Skytech Teams Up With Tommy Jayden On Upbeat Festival Anthem "Looking At Me"
The latest from R3HAB's CYB3RPVNK camp is label veteran Skytech and newcomer Tommy Jayden's original track "Looking at Me" and it might just be your summer festival anthem. The new release delivers plenty of eclectic, groovy bass and futuristic sounds effects, elaborating on the Skytech's melodic and yet formidable sound. "Looking at Me" follows Skytech's remix for R3HAB & MOTi's "Up All Night" and original release "Out of my Mind." The CYB3RPVNK boss is always actively looking for forward-thinking, fresh talent, with the label serving as a platform for young producers to gain exposure for their music.
Mateusz Dziewulski – better known by his artist name Skytech – is already a household name in his home country of Poland, and the rest of the world is soon to follow. His name first appeared on the map when R3HAB discovered his original track "Tiger" and then helped Skytech to put final production touches on it, proving to be a winning team after "Tiger" skyrocketed to over 100M streams on all platforms. Since then, the two have worked on numerous tracks together via the CYB3RPVNK imprint, fusing their sounds to make music that is club and festival friendly while never sacrificing substance and soul. Since then, Skytech has been touring around the world, increasing his global footprint with every electrifying live performance. In 2017, Skytech was the most streamed Polish act on Spotify and debuted at Tomorrowland, while in 2018 he came in a close second on the Polish Spotify charts right after Frideric Chopin. He's already off to a strong start and is committed to releasing more music than ever in 2019, so this year is looking to be the best yet.
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Apache Solr Certified by Bitnami
Product Overview
Apache Solr is a powerful, open source enterprise search platform built on Apache Lucene.
It is designed to be highly reliable and fault tolerant, with distributed indexing, replication, load-balanced querying, and centralized configuration management built in.
Features include full-text search, hit highlighting, faceted search, database integration, rich document handling, and geospatial search. Solr is optimized for high-volume applications and near-realtime indexing, and makes a number of extension points available for your own index and query plugins. It is built to scale up horizontally, with a well-designed, responsive admin interface for controlling your servers from anywhere. Used by many of the largest companies in the world, Solr is easy to get started with and powerful enough to handle any dataset.
Why use Bitnami Certified Apps?
Bitnami certifies that our images are secure, up-to-date, and packaged using industry best practices.
With Bitnami you can trust what's in the app you're launching. We monitor all components and libraries for vulnerabilities, outdated components, and application updates. When one is reported, we update and release every affected listing within a couple days at most.
Operating System
Linux/Unix, Ubuntu 16.04
Delivery Methods


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Michala's White & Cream Bedroom
Like this entry? Favorite it below!
- Name:
- Michala
- Location:
- Brooklyn, NY
- Division:
- United States
- What do you love about your bedroom?:
- The best part of my bedroom is waking up in it. The light that filters through the shutters actually inspired the tone of the room and by limiting the colors to varied shades and textures of white and cream, the room feels peaceful and serene no matter what time of day it is. The space is big enough that I never feel crowded and, after a long day in the city, I love that I can come home to a room that is light, feminine, simple and airy. If it weren't for the honking cars outside, I might even forget that I'm in Brooklyn!
- What are your tips for creating a beautiful, healthy and organized bedroom?:
- I was told a long time ago that one's physical space is always a reflection of one's mental space, and vice versa. My best advice for creating (and maintaining) a bedroom that is beautiful, healthy, and organized is to simplify and focus on the details. Keep the things that you love, that tell a story, and make you feel good. Donate things that are just taking up space and are only distractions. Tuck away the things that you simply can't part with, like your collection of mermaid cocktail stirrers from happy hours of yore. I kept my color scheme monochromatic, which for me, makes the space visually more organized and calming, promoting well being and a space that I enjoy being in.
- In modern homes, bedrooms have become more than just a place to sleep; they can be a retreat, a home office, a library, a relaxation zone. What are some ways you make the most of your bedroom?:
- When I moved in to my apartment, the former tenants left a chair. It was sitting in the very corner as shown in my picture here. I kept it there, reupholstered it, and made it part of a reading nook. I do less reading there than I'd like, but it's perfect for taking off shoes or talking on the phone. Adding additional seating makes the room feel like it's for more than just sleeping. I like creating little vignettes through my room in that way. I also make my bed every day so that it feels automatically renewed and relaxing and I think that makes a huge difference.


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Gibbs was killed by Lenoir County deputy days after Thanksgiving.
Gwen Gibbs said it�s the phone call you never want to get in the middle of the night � but she got it.
The Kinston mother was sound asleep when her daughter�s call interrupted her slumber, spiraling Gibbs into unexpected terror: �Billy�s been shot.�
She left her Kinston home around 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 25 for the Waffle House at 601 E. New Bern Road.
She didn�t make it to her son in time.
William �Billy� Gibbs III, 26, was shot and killed by an off-duty Lenoir County Sherriff�s Office deputy, Joseph Heck, after a fight broke out at the city's lone Waffle House restaurant. A LCSO press release stated Heck and Deputy William Shambeau commanded Gibbs to drop his weapon, a hand gun. When he allegedly did not comply, Heck drew his gun and shot.
Gwen Gibbs said that report was odd to her.
�I taught my children to follow directions,� she said. �I feel like if you told my son to freeze, or if you told him to put his weapon down, he put his hands up in the air.�
Gibbs was joined by William Gibbs Jr. � from whom she separated when their son was in seventh grade � and daughter Shamoni, 25, last week on her 55th birthday to offer their perspective in the family�s first public speaking since Billy�s November death.
�Today is my birthday,� Gwen Gibbs said. �It�s hard because he always made sure he was the first person to call or text me.�
The family unanimously agreed that he was their �protector,� a hard worker and a quiet man who stayed out of trouble.
�He worked hard, that was his thing,� Gibbs said. �His lifetime ambition was to live in a small town. That was it. You can�t find anyone who can say anything bad about my son.�
Billy Gibbs, a 2004 Kinston High School graduate, attended N.C. State University to study engineering for three years. His family said he was hands-on and mathematically inclined. He was in academically gifted and various sports programs while attending school in Kinston.
His only previous brushes with the law had come on two misdemeanor convictions of drug possession in 2006 and 2009, for which he had received probation and community service, according to the N.C. Department of Correction website. He was also due in court for DWI charges before his death.
But the Gibbs' family remembers him for the good.
�We�ve actually sat and watched a whole first half of a football game (when) I�m at my house, he�s at his house and we�re on the phone hooting and hollering like we�re in the same room,� William Gibbs Jr. said. �Things like that you can�t replace.�
While more than three months have passed since Billy�s death, the family is still uncertain about where the investigation stands � which has been turned over to the State Bureau of Investigation � and troubled by multiple conflicting reports.
The fateful night
When Gwen Gibbs learned her son was transported to Lenoir Memorial Hospital on that bitter night only days after Thanksgiving, she headed there to meet her daughter, who�d known about the shooting early on � she was with him less than an hour before he died.
�I was actually informed by accident,� Shamoni Gibbs said.
Someone called Shamoni Gibbs� friend�s phone, which she happened to answer: �Yo, you need to get back out here. They just shot Shamoni�s brother.�
She said she dropped the phone and ran to her car.
Shamoni and Billy were together at the Climax nightclub the evening of the shooting. When they were leaving, he told her he wasn�t going to the Waffle House afterwards, but wound up there to deliver a cell phone his friend left in his car.
�I had just left him; we had all went out together,� she said. �My mind was in a million places.�
She said when she arrived on the scene, emergency services had not yet shown up. She wasn�t able to get past authorities to help her brother; Shamoni Gibbs is as a nurse and wanted to help, even though she admitted nothing would have worked anyway.
�I know now, with my knowledge from school, that it was really nothing I could have done to save him,� she said. �Internally, he was bleeding too bad. Every day, I have to deal with the fact that I stood there and was not allowed to even touch him or even try.
�It was upsetting me. I�m standing there watching my brother fight to breathe because no one�s doing anything about it.�
The Gibbses were brought into a condolence room at the hospital, and Shamoni knew it was bad news: �He didn�t make it did he?�
The autopsy report by the N.C. Chief Medical Examiner�s Office in Chapel Hill released to the public revealed that Billy was shot four times � in the chest, abdomen and upper thigh.
However, his parents said they viewed his lifeless body and witnessed otherwise.
�We stood there for 10 (to) 20 minutes and at first all we saw was four shots,� William Gibbs Jr. said. �I started touching him, moving his arm around, examining his body. There was a fifth shot.�
He demonstrated to a reporter by pointing to the lower shoulder blade area.
The Gibbs also said the position of the wounds were four aligned shots going down Billy�s side, with the fifth on the lower shoulder blade area.
�If (Billy was) refusing, you would have mangled his arm,� said Gibbs Jr., who works as a nightclub security guard. �You could have shot my son in the knee to knock him down � and gain control of the situation. Each shot was a kill shot.
�Those types of things I definitely want � to make known.�
The law
N.C. General Statute 15A-401 outlines when law enforcement is justified to use deadly force upon another person, which includes when the officer feels it�s �reasonably necessary� to defend him or herself or a third party from imminent use of a deadly force.
�A lot of them are really great (and) really kind, I won�t take that from the police officers,� Gwen Gibbs said, �but I do believe a lot of times they just overreact.�
With the investigation ongoing, The Free Press cannot confirm if Deputy Joseph Heck explicitly claimed imminent danger, although Gibbs said she�s seen reports that claim Heck, in fact, declared the clause, which protects him in the shooting death of Billy Gibbs.
Heck was contacted by The Free Press to comment on the case, but said Interim Sheriff Chris Hill advised him not to speak during the investigation.
�That�s not to say that once it�s over I wouldn�t be willing to talk,� Heck said over the phone Monday. �Out of respect for the investigation and everything that�s going on, I would just rather hold off right now.�
He said his silence was not meant as disrespect to the Gibbs family or the media.
Although he and William Shambeau were off-duty � working security � at the time of the Waffle House shooting, they are able to activate their duties any time in their home jurisdiction.
Heck and Shambeau were placed on administrative leave following the shooting death, but have since returned to their posts.
Hill � who will take over for W.E. Billy Smith as sheriff on April 1 � said the sheriff is who determines when deputies go on leave and return from leave with �no law to regulate that.�
Still waiting
The case is currently being investigated by the SBI, so local authorities aren�t talking, according to Gwen Gibbs.
�We know nothing," she said. "We keep calling, we keep asking questions.�
She said she always asked Billy why he carried a gun and he�d respond it was his Second Amendment right.
�It�s a very sedating type of feeling,� William Gibbs Jr. said about his son�s death. �It�s gut-wrenching. There�s a part of me that want to put the cameras on � but that�s not my job. My job today is to remind everyone a positive flower has been plucked for a very, very non-understanding reason.
�I can�t say that no plainer, no clearer or no softer.�
When Billy had his gun drawn, he was allegedly firing at a third party � who was shooting at him, according to his family. However, no police report states Gibbs was being fired upon.
�The person who shot at Billy first � while Billy was being shot � was allowed to run around the parking lot and drive right off,� William said. �That is very, very hard for us to digest.�
The family said they believe that part of the investigation is being overlooked. His mother believes her son was a target.
�Young black males are being killed (and) consumed,� she said. �It�s the cemetery or prison. You can�t question (law enforcement) because either you�re going to be left lying on the ground like my child, or something else.�
As the Gibbs family reflected on Billy�s personality and hardworking habits, they said they�ve not yet had closure, and each day is rough. They said the public, including neighbors and Billy�s former educators, have helped lift them as they wait for answers.
�(Billy) had a family, he believed in family and it reflected in his daily living,� William said. �To the public, the family is begging somebody to tell the truth, the whole truth, on what happened.�
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at email@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.


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Asus kits out Lamborghini VX1 Golden Edition laptop
Only 200 offered for sale
Asus has confirmed it is preparing to ship an updated version of its Lamborghini VX1 laptop. Dubbed the 'Golden Edition', the machine boasts an almost top-of-the-range Core 2 Duo mobile processor, 2GB of 667MHz DDR 2 memory, a 160GB hard drive and Nvidia's GeForce Go 7400 VX GPU.
As before, the Golden Edition VX1 will ship in yellow and black versions. Both models sport a 15in 1,400 x 1,050 display, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g wireless networking, Bluetooth 2.0 and all the usual ports and connectors.
The VX1 Golded Edition goes on sale in Japan tomorrow, in a limited run of just 200 machines. At this stage it's unclear whether the notebook will be offered elsewhere in the world. If so, will each territory get 200 units, or is that the global total? Asus Japan didn't say. Either way, each laptop has a metal plate embossed on the back with a unique machine number.
Hints that Asus is producing a limited edition VX1 surface a couple of weeks ago alongside details of two gamer-oriented notebooks kitted out to appeal to ATI and Nvidia fans, respectively. ®


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Original Ideal from Scott Chasserot on Vimeo.
In his project Original/Ideal, British photographer Scott Chasserot tries to answer the question "What would we change about ourselves if no one were looking?" Using photography, image manipulation software, and an Emotiv EEG brain scanner, Chasserot's project attempts to discover each individual's ideal self-image without having the subject utter a word. It's an interesting combination of art, science, and perception.
The first step of the process is to remove or reduce accessories and enhancements from the subject being photographed. Makeup is removed, hair is pulled back, clothes are adjusted so as not to appear in the frame—the goal is neutrality. The photograph is taken, then manipulated into 50 versions, each with tweaks to facial features, head shape, coloring, and more. The subjects are then hooked up to the Emotive scanner which records brain activity while they are shown the altered images. The scans are examined for signs of "engagement"—particular mental focus which Chasserot interprets to be a positive reaction. The image that produces the most positive brain reaction is thought to be the subject's ideal version of his- or herself.
"What do we find instinctively beautiful in the human face, and how does this translate to self-image?"
It's interesting that Chasserot equates an unvoiced preference to instinct. After all, even though the person's reaction to his or her images is ungoverned, societal influences, cultural ideals, and pre-existing ideas about attractiveness are all learned, not instinctive.
"The methodology is still in pilot study phase," Chasserot told The Creators Project. "There is plenty to be improved upon. The 'Ideal' image is simply the one with the greatest positive reaction immediately after presentation and that cannot be distinguished from any theoretical, specific 'ideal self' reaction."
In the photos below, the original image is on the left and the chosen "ideal" version on the right.


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- Prefectures: Okinawa
- Okinawa
Ishigaki Island
Diving School UMICOZAOkinawa
Come experience diving with Ishigaki's famous mantas and explore the beautiful underwater world in Okinawa. Umicoza's friendly, bilingual and international dive instructors will safely guide you to the best spots on the island. ...
Ishigaki Island
Island Club IshigakiOkinawa
Come explore beautiful Ishigaki Island with Island Club Ishigaki. Enjoy snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding and kitesurfing with a knowledgeable guide who can show you the best spots during your stay on the island. Please view our web page and blog for more details and daily updates....
Naha, Okinawa
Marine House SeasirOkinawa
MARINE HOUSE SEASIR started and owned by Mr. Hideshi Inai, from Okinawa Aka Island since 1983, operating as a small marine sport center. Till today this company is the longest and biggest running Dive Company in Okinawa. Our passion and effort Marine House SEASIR owns two main Dive Center at Naha, Aka Island (Akajima) and our 3 branch of water sports facility Marine Club Marine Club BERRY and luxury charter cruise La Mer Riche. With multi-lingual instructors speak Japanese, English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Bahasa Malaysia....
Piranha Divers OkinawaOkinawa
Hajimethiya* (How do you do?) My name is Jan. I founded Piranha Divers in 2009. I started diving in 1999 in Germany as a CMAS diver in a quarry. Since that time, I have dived and worked in Egypt, Greece, Australia and Thailand. Now I live in Japan and work as a PADI Instructor in Onna, Okinawa. The ocean here is beautiful and allows me to share with clients all kinds of unique diving experiences—huge, colorful underwater coral gardens, canyons and caves, drift diving, night diving, and even a wreck from World War II that was discovered only in 2001. * "How do you do?" in the Okinawa dialect....


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Penelope Cruz is proud of her pregnancy curves! The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides actress, who is expecting her second child with husband Javier Bardem, showed off her growing baby bump in a black bikini while vacationing in Barbados March 5.
The Spanish star, 38, even took her son Leo, 2, for a dip in the ocean. Cruz and her family reportedly stayed in the Sandy Lane Hotel's two-bedroom Garden Orchid Suites, which costs more than $1,000 per night.
Cruz's second pregnancy was first reported in early February, though she didn't confirm her happy news until weeks later during an interview with Spanish TV station TVE! The Academy Award winner said she was "tremendously happy and excited" to be giving her son a sibling.
Bardem's wife has said little about her life as a mother, though she made a rare exception when she appeared on the June 2011 cover of Vogue five months after Leo's birth. "I want my son — and my kids if I have more — to grow up in a way that is as anonymous as possible," Cruz told the magazine. "The fact that his father and I have chosen to do the work that we do doesn't give anybody the right to invade our privacy."
Sign up now for the Us Weekly newsletter to get breaking celebrity news, hot pics and more delivered straight to your inbox!
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Saturday, March 21, 2009
Need Your Help
Hey folks, I have an upcoming post in the works that will consist of a "top 100" list of Libertarian blogs and websites. I think it'll be a fun and very helpful post, but- it's hard! Scouring the Internet and the recesses of my memory to come up with a list of 100 great websites and blogs that represent libertarian thought is actually pretty difficult.
Listed below is the rough brainstorm I've got going so far, and I would like any help you can give toward filling in the gaps. Any important libertarian organizations, think tanks, or websites that I'm missing? Any great libertarian websites that I should recommend that no one has likely heard of? Just start spouting off ideas in the comment threads, no need to worry that a site won't pass muster. That's part of the brainstorming process.
I have 34 libertarian blogs and websites so far (plus some blogs on my links page that I haven't included yet):
1. The Official Website of the Libertarian Party
2. The Cato Institute
3. The Ludwig von Mises Institute
4. The Acton Institute
5. The Adam Smith Institute
6. Reason Magazine
7. Library of Economics and Liberty
8. Bureaucrash
9. The Free State Project
10. The Prometheus Institute
11. Ron Paul's Perpetual Campaign for Liberty
12. Cafe Hayek
13. The Libertarian Alliance Blog
14. The Austrian Economists
15. Marginal Revolution
16. The Foundation for Economic Education
17. Samizdata
18. The Christian Libertarian
19. Advocates For Self-Government
20. Foundation For Individual Rights in Education
21. The Fraser Institute
22. The Institute For Humane Studies
23. The Institute For Justice
24. Libertarianism.com
25. Alliance For School Choice
26. RonPaul.com
27. The Freedom Factory
28. GetLiberty.org - Americans for Limited Government
29. International Society for Individual Liberty
30. Libertarians for Life
31. Liberty Maven
32. Libertarian Rock
33. GOP for Liberty
34. The Humble Libertarian
33 comments:
Great idea. Here are a few suggestions (libertarian content varies):ReplyDelete
A few more ... sorry for the "naked" URLs, couldn't be bothered to clean them up.ReplyDelete
Here's another, kinda "single issue", but interesting.ReplyDelete
Hey, that helps a lot, Greg! No worries about the "naked URLs." As for your most recent comment, you're actually one step ahead of me, as I plan to do a follow up post at some point in the near future with a list of 100 single issue sites that advance liberty. Great minds really do think alike!ReplyDelete
http://www.lewrockwell.com/ :-)ReplyDelete
Do you want the English ones too?ReplyDelete
Myself if I can put modesty to one side
Have a look on his blogroll
Just FYI: my former website, "The Christian Libertarian" which was hosted by blogspot, is now at its own domain:ReplyDelete
The old blogspot blog still points to the new site, but it now has a completely different look.
Hey thanks for adding my blog to your list!ReplyDelete
Here are a couple more suggestions:
Henry, the English ones are fine (I've already got Samizdata on the list)! Libertarianism is not and should not be a national movement because its claims apply to all human beings. I am going to restrict it to English-language blogs for practical reasons, as most of my readers are likely to find those most useful.ReplyDelete
Norman, thanks for reminding me. I have been meaning to fix that (I like the look, btw).
No problem, Valerie- keep fighting for the heart and soul of the GOP! And thanks for the links.
All you folks are great! I can't wait to get this list together over the next week or so. If you have any more ideas, keep throwin'em out there.
Oh yeah, Beck is solid.ReplyDelete
Really, Beck is solid? These days he's been pretty good, but he blasted Ron Paul back during the campaign. I dunno, has he apologized for that? Also, has he come around on Iraq yet?ReplyDelete
Did he blast Ron Paul? If you could, please link to a video or transcript- I would love to keep my facts as straight as possible.ReplyDelete
It is my understanding that Beck was sympathetic to Paul. He gave him one of the fairest interviews I've seen Paul get- one full hour, no spin, no arrogant pontificating that Paul would definitely lose, and at one point he even told Dr. Paul that he wanted to kiss him (I think after Paul said he wanted to repeal the income tax, it's been awhile since I've watched the full interview).
Besides that, Beck just seems to say all the things I think and agree with, the things that no one else wants to talk about, like our out of control inflation for example.
But if he's sending mixed signals by also blasting Paul, please let me know. I don't want to be in the dark about that.
He insinuated that Ron Paul supporters could be terrorists way back around the Nov. 5th money bomb. Take a look:ReplyDelete
Don't get me wrong, I like what Beck has been saying lately. His past doesn't mean he's completely awful, but I'm just wary of actually calling him a "libertarian". His credibility is a bit low for me to accept him fully in this regard yet.
http://truth.skylerjcollins.com is good one. ^_^.ReplyDelete
I'll plug my blog, www.mainmanX.comReplyDelete
Also, Radley Balko's blog, www.theagitator.comReplyDelete
CEI's blog should be on your listReplyDelete
Norman, I watched the video, and I can see why that would make you think twice about Beck. Though he did stop short of calling Ron Paul supporters terrorists or terrorist-like by saying that he understands that most of them saw the "Nov 5 money-bomb" for what it is- a metaphor.ReplyDelete
While he may not align himself with that particular electoral movement (though he expresses his strong agreement with lots of its causes), I would still say that among the media elite, Glen Beck is a friend to liberty.
Skyler, Josh, and Fran- thanks for the links, I will check them out (actually, the CEI and openmarket.org have already made it onto my list since publishing this post Saturday- but thanks again for your help!).
In the big-tent sense, yeah I'm cool with that. :)ReplyDelete
Thoughts on Freedom
I'll throw mine in there, while suggesting that there are several great Indiana libertarian bloggers on my blogroll, including Rex Bell, Eric Schansberg, and Mark Rutherford. The LP of Indiana is also very good, and they maintain a seperate 'Legislative Review' blog, that breaks down some of the bills being considered before Indiana's general assembly.ReplyDelete
Here's one I stumbled upon not too long ago:ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 24, 2009 at 5:40 PM
How about www.locallibertyonline.orgReplyDelete
Thanks again everybody, for all these links. This is a phenomenal brainstorm and gives me a lot of material to look through. I hope to have this list published within a week. If anyone has any more blogs, keep 'em coming.ReplyDelete
Here's a list I came across a couple of month's ago.ReplyDelete
Please spend a moment visiting my website ( http://divineec.ipower.com/index.html) and the list of my professional blogs (http://divineec.ipower.com/page13.html).ReplyDelete
With warm regards,
Bruce Koerber
How could you forgot Peace, Freedom, & Prosperity?ReplyDelete
This site is amazing! Hope you consider placing it in your top 100 websites, it is really starting to grow!
Thanks for the link! I'll definitely give it a closer look.ReplyDelete


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|Jepson Flora Project: Jepson Interchange
previous taxon |
next taxon
Jepson Interchange (more information)
©Copyright 1993 by the Regents of the University of California
Annual, biennial, perennial herb (rarely shrub, tree), often from taproot
Stem often ± scapose, generally ribbed, hollow
Leaves basal and generally some cauline, generally alternate; stipules generally 0; petiole base generally sheathing stem; blade generally much dissected, sometimes compound
Inflorescence: umbel or head, simple or compound, generally peduncled; bracts present (in involucres) or not; bractlets generally present (in involucels)
Flowers many, small, generally bisexual (or some staminate), generally radial (or outer bilateral); calyx 0 or lobes 5, small, atop ovary; petals 5, free, generally ovate or spoon-shaped, generally incurved at tips, generally ± ephemeral; stamens 5; pistil 1, ovary inferior, 2-chambered, generally with a ± conic, persistent projection or platform on top subtending 2 free styles
Fruit: 2 dry, 1-seeded halves that separate from each other but generally remain attached for some time to a central axis; ribs on each half 5, 2 marginal and 3 on back; oil tubes 1several per interval between ribs
Genera in family: 300 genera, 3,000 species: ± worldwide, especially temp; many cultivated for food or spice (e.g., Carum, caraway; Daucus; Petroselinum); some highly toxic (e.g., Conium). Underground structures here called roots, but true nature remains problematic. Mature fruit generally critical in identification; shapes generally given in outline, followed by shape in X -section of 2 fruit halves together.
Annual, biennial, taprooted, hairy
Stem decumbent or erect, generally ± branched
Leaf: blade oblong, pinnately dissected, segments linear to lanceolate
Inflorescence: umbels compound; bracts, bractlets generally present; bracts conspicuous, generally pinnately lobed; bractlets entire to toothed; rays generally many, spreading, in fruit incurving to form a nest-like umbel
Flowers: outer sometimes ± bilateral; calyx lobes 0 or evident; petals wide, white, tips narrowed, unequally 2-lobed
Fruit oblong to ovate, compressed front-to-back; ribs 10, 1° thread-like and bristly, 2° winged and prickly; oil tubes 1 beneath each 2° ribs; fruit axis entire or notched at tip
Species in genus: ± 20 species: Am, Eurasia, n Africa, Australia
Etymology: (Greek: carrot)
Reference: [Sáenz Laín 1980 Ann Jard Bot Madrid 37:481533]
Plant 0.39 dm, generally simple or few-branched
Leaf: petiole 415 cm; blade 310.5 cm, segments 15 mm, linear, acute, entire, ± bristly
Inflorescence: peduncles 14.5 cm, bristles reflexed to spreading; rays 0.44 cm; pedicels 29 mm
Fruit 35 mm, oblong
Chromosomes: n=22
Ecology: Rocky or sandy places
Elevation: 01500 m.
Bioregional distribution: California Floristic Province (especially coastal), Desert Mountains
Distribution outside California: to British Columbia, se US, S.America
Flowering time: AprJun


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1 of 12
Before: The Family Room
Read on to learn how designer John Loecke fixed up this space.
2 of 12
After: Finders Keepers
"Sometimes things look best left where they are," says Loecke. In addition to adding height, the cabinets provide twin surfaces for displaying collectibles and are practical, hiding stereo components, games, and other clutter.
3 of 12
Take Away
Less can be more. Loecke replaced small, distracting bric-a-brac on surfaces with statement pieces—a grand-scale ceramic snail found at a flea market, an eye-catching grouping of vases, and candlesticks in a mix of heights and hues.
4 of 12
True Colors
"Look for something in the room that can be a jumping-off point for bringing in color," Loecke says. The painting inspired the vibrant accents that helped wake up a dark, dull room—a throw taken from the bedroom and the jauntily striped rug.
5 of 12
Bold Moves
The quickest way to revamp a room is to rearrange the furniture. Loecke repositioned the large, light blue sofa to face the fireplace and TV, the two focal points. The result is a comfortable, clearly defined seating area for relaxing or entertaining.
Extra Credit: Once you've settled on a basic seating setup, make a list of decorative pieces to add. "Accessories—pillows, lamps, books—can do a lot for a room," Loecke says. "Flowers, like these tulips, inject brightness anywhere it's needed."
6 of 12
Lighten Up
Too many heavy-looking pieces can make a space appear crowded and disorderly. Loecke removed the boxy club chair and clunky tables. He brought in a glass-topped coffee table from eBay ($300) that practically disappears in the room.
7 of 12
Floor Play
Shop your house first. A graceful pair of rocking chairs swiped from a bedroom wind up in front of the window. In a smaller space, pieces like the side table borrowed from the patio and a floor cushion are ideal because they do double duty as extra seating.
8 of 12
Table Service
Cubes make stylish end tables and provide solid footing for lighting and accessories. Keep clutter at bay by corralling magazines, remote controls, and other necessities in a lacquer tray. Not everything has to be functional. Choose an eye-catching and decorative object, like this mobile, to complete the arrangement.
9 of 12
Side Show
Turn up the volume in a flash with colorful pillows and table lamps. "The trick is to make sure each hue appears more than once in the room and isn't used in just one area," Loecke says. "Color should draw you into the space and help keep your eye moving around the room."
10 of 12
Speed Decorating 101: One Day
Change the look of a room without spending a dime.
Evaluate: "Look at the room critically from the entrance as if you're seeing it for the first time," says Jill Vegas, author of Speed Decorating: A Pro Stager's Tips and Trade Secrets for a Fabulous Home in a Week or Less (Taunton Press). Or take a picture of the room and decide what items work and what needs to be changed. Are traffic patterns clear? Is a sofa blocking the view from the window? Do seating arrangements encourage conversation? Is there too much furniture—or too little? Is there enough light from floor and table lamps?
Reorganize: Ruthlessly declutter. Remove anything that doesn't go with your scheme, like the country coffee table that clashes with your contemporary sofa. "If you feel guilty about tossing out a hand-me-down armoire, sell it on Craigslist and put the money toward buying something you love," says Vegas. Evaluate accessories and create groupings by color, material, and type of object. Display just a few choice pieces. Put away the rest, and rotate art, photos, and objects with the seasons.
Repurpose: Look around your house for anything that might be an asset to the room. Try using a trunk from the attic as a coffee table or an ottoman for extra seating. Resuscitate the old table stored in the garage with a coat of paint.
11 of 12
Speed Decorating 101: One Weekend
With a little more time, add a couple of key elements, maybe even paint.
Bare Essentials: If you do just one thing, dress up windows with ready-made fabric panels that are easy to install, care for, and replace when you want a fresh look.
Bright Idea: The right lighting can alter the mood of an entire room. Install a couple of sources—at least one table lamp for a laid-back feel and a floor lamp for brighter ambience.
On a Roll: A rug helps carve out spaces for activities as well as give instant color and texture. If you have wood floors or a sisal or tightly woven neutral carpet, layer on an area rug in an appealing hue or design. "A small rug is less of an investment, and you can be adventurous with a bold style," says Loecke. "Plus, it can always be changed."
Details Count: Create a portrait gallery. Photocopy favorite family photos in black-and-white, put them in modern white frames, and group them on one wall. Or hang a big, striking mirror over a console or cabinet to add sparkle.
Brush Strokes: Although it isn't mandatory, a new color on the wall or trim can quickly change the vibe. Road-test with large-scale swatches or sample-size jars of paint, and apply the hues to every wall. "You want to see how the colors look at different times of day," says Vegas. To save time, buy paint with a built-in primer, like Behr Premium Plus Ultra. A fresh shade is also a great way to energize vintage furniture or get new life out of an old brick fireplace.
12 of 12
Bargain Hunting
Try these strategies for anything on your wish list:
—Before you buy at a thrift shop, inspect each item carefully. Check for sturdiness. Look for nicks, scratches, or any other damage that can't be repaired.
—If a sofa isn't in your budget, shop secondhand stores, yard sales, and Craigslist. "You can find an old piece for under $500 and have it slipcovered in an inexpensive cotton twill from a store like Jo-Ann Fabrics," Loecke says.
—If you're a regular eBay shopper, buy from people who have provided good service and merchandise in the past. If you're new to eBay, study the seller's profile and any posted comments to see what others have said.
Originally published in the March 2011 issue of Family Circle magazine.


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Fish And Rice Soup Recipes
View All | View Summaries
Chao Ca Recipe (Fish Congee)
05.14.13 by Jackie
Cháo cá (Vietnamese for fish congee) is Aria's favorite dish these days. At one and a half years old now, she's able to eat pretty much anything and everything. But don't be fooled by its appearance; rice congee isn't only meant for babies. Cháo is a very popular meal in Asia; I personally love it too.
In this version of congee I cook rice in fish stock until it becomes a thickened soup. I like to make small portions at a time by adding thinly sliced white flaky fish, ginger, onions and cilantro at the last minute. The key to flavorful fish congee is to use the freshest products available.
Full Recipe...


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Custom Products
OHSU SoundSource offers a wide variety of custom products to customize a person's listening experience. We specialize in solutions for musicians and for people who need the right product to protect their hearing, while maintaining the speech signal.
Our staff is highly trained and will help to guide you toward the best custom listening solution!


text:
Home / About Quark / Press / Press Center
PR ContactSarah firstname.lastname@example.com
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Denver, CO - 5/29/2014 - Quark Software Inc. is sponsoring the IBM Content 2014 series (formerly ECM UserNet), where industry experts, solution partners and IBM leaders will discuss strategies and technologies for creating deeper and more accurate content-driven insights.
Quark is an IBM partner in the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) space. Together Quark and IBM help financial services firms, manufacturers and government agencies create smart content (XML) that can be automatically assembled and delivered to customers and employees across tablet devices, smartphones, print and the Web.
By choosing Quark Enterprise Solutions integrated with IBM ECM, clients across vertical industries are modernising the creation and management of policies and procedures, regulatory documentation, investment research and interactive marketing communications.
Read how the State of Connecticut overhauled its publishing process to improve the collaboration, accuracy and delivery of regulatory documentation: http://www.govtech.com/data/Connecticut-Digitizing-State-Regulatory-Process.html.
As a sponsor of IBM Content 2014, Quark will be onsite in Toronto, Austin and Chicago. IBM Content attendees can visit Quark on the show floor or schedule time to meet the team by contacting John Grillos, Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Alliances (email@example.com).
IBM Content 2014 Dates and Locations
May 30, 2014: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
June 3 – 4, 2014: Austin, TX
June 16, 2014: Chicago, IL
For more information and to register visit: http://www-01.ibm.com/software/ecm/events/content2014/index.html
Learn more about Quark Enterprise Solutions here: www.quark.com/Enterprise.
About Quark Software Inc.
Quark's software enables organizations of all sizes to meet customer demand for engaging, relevant communications when, where, and how they want them. Our solutions combine the power of XML with flexible layout and design to automate the delivery of customer communications to print, Web, and interactive experiences on the latest digital devices. Financial services firms, manufacturers and governments around the world rely on Quark solutions to elevate customer communications to new levels, reduce time to market, and lower costs.
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Quark and the Quark logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Quark Software Inc. and its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.


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This is an equal-opportunity quote page. By that I mean that I do my best to make fun of everyone (meaning both individuals and groups) equally.
In these quotes you're likely to find suggestions of sexism, racism, beastiality, prostitution, homosexuality, homophobia, foul language, alcoholism, various illegal acts, general bad taste, etc., etc., etc. Please try to keep in mind that these quotes were quite intentionally left without any of the relevant context as to the situation in which they were said.
As you read the following quotes, please keep in mind that just because I said something or found what someone else said humorous does NOT necessarily mean that I agree with it. I find "shock humor" to be a wonderful form of comedy. I am able to find some inherent humor in most of life, including situations that are entirely repugnant to my personal morality.
If you are at all unsure of your ability to maintain a sense of humor while reading these quotes, I would strongly encourage you to A) find your entertainment elsewhere; and B) chill out.
|Alex O:
|I can't do that anymore. You don't realize how much your rectum does for you on a daily basis until you don't have one anymore.