text:
Discuss this Article 161
I think it's a problem because you will that mixture of keyboard/mouse apps and finger/stylus apps. All mixed together. Confusing, and basically, a real pain.
There is a reason why Apple isn't doing this. It's not an easy problem to solve. And truthfully, how many people will want to reach out and touch, or worse, tap with a stylus, on a vertical screen? The stylus on the surface Pro is Microsoft,s way of acknowledging that the classic desktop, and its software, isn't usable on a small screen with touch. But we knew that in the 2000's, with those terrible convertible's Microsoft was trying to sling off as the next wave in computing. And they had 13-15" screens.
But sitting at my desk, running Win 8 on my 27" monitor isn't fun. It's a dog. I think that some people are really working hard to like this. Otherwise, I just don't see how they can. It's a major problem for Microsoft. They know they must move to tablets for the future. It's much too late to pretend otherwise, and Win 7, no matter what they do to it, is impossible on a tablet.
Whatever they do, they're running out of time. They need to make sure that the Modern UI and all apps running on it are fully aware of the keyboard/mouse combo, and that there is nothing that can be done on a tablet that can't be done EASILY, and obviously, with the keyboard/mouse. If not, then they're done.
I'm still stuck in Windows 2003. Because I don't like Windows based-NT 6.x (Vista/7/8/8.1) the Core and Interface.
Despite they contain many features, takes up too much space in disk. The OS shouldn't be 10-15 GB after installed. Example: WinSxS directory. Likewise, RAM usage very much. (My RAM: 4 GB DDR2, My CPU: Phenom II X3)
Simple a test: WinPE editions is lightweight build and included only main core. Please compare WinPE 1.x and next versions. Definitely WinPE 1.x (in other words NT 5.x) is more speed and lighly than next version (NT 6.x). That is why many people are still using XP. If Microsoft want to users completely dissuade from XP, they will be release a "Retro Edition".
I hope, MS bring back real (98/2000/XP) Classic Theme/Interface in Windows 9. If Threshold will be built on NT 6.x, I think it's impossible. Windows 9/Threshold = NT 6.4? :(
What happened to MinWin project? I actually waiting MinWin-implemented Windows NT 7.0. MS must implement-release lightweild a Windows OS when Android just not invaded to desktop PCs.
I have liked and used Microsoft products since I first started using PCs. I have recommended their products to others for years. That opinion is fast changing.
I have no interest in a tablet or similar device at all. I don't see that changing of my own free will. I see the 'push to force everyone to them', and am not pleased, including additional internet accounts to accommodate them. This option some people don't have.
Because of Microsoft's competition with companies pushing tablets and similar devices their attention is not on PC software.
They keep wanting more and more for their software, and don't support it worth a %$% making personal PC use unaffordable. If I purchase software and have PC failure and replace the machine I am forced to buy all new software. It was not always this way. I suppose that because they are steadily loosening market shares to tablets they feel justified in gouging PC users so ole Brother Bill can afford a new jet (Or create another nonprofit to shelter funds in).
Their OS and Office programs are REAL pricy very large, takes all kinds of hard drive, CPU and memory forcing people to purchase larger PCs and hard drives just for their updates that are continuous. This is insane.
There are plenty of people inside Microsoft who understand what it is that consumers have always liked about Windows (and disliked about products like OS X), and I'll wager there is no shortage of terrific innovation for the desktop on tap. The problem with 8 was that the *wrong people* in the company got the go-ahead for some pretty awful ideas--not that "everybody" in the company suddenly became myopic with respect to the last 20 years of Windows' success.
Vista was nowhere near the mistake of 8. Vista didn't take a touchscreen GUI and try to force into a desktop mouse/keyboard environment where it fit as well as a square peg into a round hole. Vista didn't make the degree of mistake that was made with 8. Vista had one original mistake that hobbled it: notebook/laptop drivers. In addition, many people reacted negatively to the UAC feature (while now people are so used to it they no longer notice it.) Vista was the necessary forerunner of 7.
Here's hoping that Microsoft has enough sense not to wait until 2015 to address 8.1's GUI problems on the desktop, though. A few things, like the Start Menu, etc., require immediate attention. Microsoft needs to put 8 behind it quickly. I think, though, that for touchscreens "Metro" certainly is appropriate and suitable--so the only place it needs complete reworking is on the desktop environment that's at least 1000x larger than touch in terms of demand.
I have to say that I like the much as I like Windows phone (I have one), it is too masculine for my liking. Too blocky. Too many sharp edges.
I have to say that the iPhone is a pretty little thing - a work of art. The Windows phone is a work of logic.
I would be interested to see the sales figures for men and women for Windows phones. Does they exist?
I hope I'm wrong but it does not have an X-factor. Saying that it seems the iPhone is trying to go towards Metro - I would be interesting if it turns out Apple looses it way too.
You can write Android apps and run them on Android devices or Windows desktops today, but it will take until April 2015 before you can run Windows Phone/RT apps the same way? Or have I misunderstood something?
Why the three separate platforms (four if you count x86 Metro/desktop as two)?
Hopefully this will be fixed in Windows 9.
By the time MSFT is done "maturing and fixing" the Metro UI/WinRT, they will essentially have just a scalable UI. Metro apps will run in a window on the Desktop, just like Win32 apps. You will have multiple Metro apps running in windows on the Desktop, just like Win32 apps. I assume you'll be able to do some sort of cut-and-paste between them, just like Win32 apps.
So, why didn't MSFT simply create a simple scalable UI API for Win32? If they did that, AND BACKPORTED IT TO WIN7, ISVs could have switched to the new system easily and had a huge, pre-existing market waiting for their products. Instead, everyone had to start from zero ... and you see how dismal the results were.
MSFT broke the cardinal rule with Windows when they dreamed up WinRT and Metro: backwards compatibility. It was a fatal mistake.
Forgot to add that a Scalable Win32 API would have prevented the "when are we getting a WinRT version of Office?" issue. ISVs, even those inside MSFT itself, would not have to create two versions of everything. You would have one program that works on almost every device and on Win7 or higher systems. As the screen size gets smaller, programs would adapt by removing and/or rearranging UI elements.
why didn't MSFT simply create a scalable UI for win32?
-because the adoption of windows 7 tablets was never due to lack of scalability but with the poor power management and bloat of win32
-because high dpi screens on desktops notebooks and tablets on the windows space remain rare. Even surface pro, is "only 1080p".
-because WPF remained largely ignored even when it scales natively since the fundamental problem remains: even if an app is scaleable, the desktop UI itself isn't and therefore it doesn't work on tablets.
-because desktop is fundamentally broken for the touch first world and scaling it up doesn't fix it. iOS, Android proved desktops metaphors and touch are opposite to each other.
-because win32 is a hairball of bandaids and patches which is why it has remained essentially unable to evolve for the past 10 years. The code has become too hard to maintain, bloated, and impossible to evolve without breaking every other app on earth. Longhorn was a testament for the inability of win32 to evolve any further. A clean slate approach is needed.
-because nobody would buy it. FB wouldn't make a desktop app. Flipboard wouldn't make a desktop app. Heck even CNN wouldn't make a desktop app. Neither of these apps needed Win32 and all could have been made scaleable with WPF. But they didn't care to. Why? not because lack of marketshare, you have 1.5 billion desktop users. But because nobody wants to make desktop apps anymore. All those companies made WinRT apps validating that win32 is dead.
You say "win32 is dead" yet earlier in the same reply you said "impossible to evolve without breaking every other app on earth". If win32 is dead then why are you concerned about breaking "every other app on earth"?
The fact is that the Win32 "ecosystem" was/is far larger than iOS or Android. It has an untold number of programs (one million, two million?) and huge numbers of existing developers. So, they should have exploited that base by creating a new class of Win32 programs, call it Win32X, based on a simple scalable UI AND BACKPORT IT TO Win7. Creating a Win32X program wouldn't be a simple recompile because the UI layer would need to be changed ... but it would allow much of the existing codebase out there to be used. The desktop UI itself would be written for Win32X so it would be scalable, too. With a single Win32X program I could support my existing users on Win7 (the majority) and new users with Win8 (only 10%).
As it stands now, I would have to maintain two entirely different development trees, one for WinRT and the other for Win32. Right now my users run my Win32 programs on Win8 tablets like the Dell Venue Pro, so there's no need to create a WinRT version (which would be more limited in functionality because of the flaws of WinRT). I made a WinPRT version because there was no other way to get my code on Windows Phone. Total sales of my WinPRT app equals ONE DAY of sales of my Win32 programs. I might not be a great businessman but even I can see that WinRT is a nonstarter. All pain, no gain.
Sadly, MSFT folks still think that the rejection of Win8/Metro/WinRT is due to a lack of "education", i.e. it's the user's fault.
BTW, WPF was managed only.
Many of the proposed fixes sound like horrible mistakes to me:
- Why do you want to run Metro and non-Metro apps side-by-side on the desktop?
- If what most people want is a traditional desktop (without Metro), it'd be better to give them just that. The strategy to leverage market share in order to get people to adopt the new thing has failed on the market.
- 2015 is way too late to release Windows 9. Apple and Google have switched to a yearly release cycle, and they'll have had one more version to polish and iterate on features.
Maybe Microsoft should just admit defeat here and focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses. Azure seems to be doing rather well even though it's less sexy of a product.
It's pretty clear that making Metro apps interoperable is Microsoft's next last hope to validate this -so far- rather soundly rejected environment.
I mean, what would the millions of Metro developers think if their target audience would shrink to those actively seeking out the Metro experience? Pandemonium, I tell you, Pandemonium!
Seems to me that Metro and its store environment may very well be poised to become a retarded cousin of the Mac desktop store thingy on OS X, but I'm sure someone at Microsoft is still hoping for it to catch on - 1MSFT & stuff, wohoo!
What do you mean with interoperable? That you can use Metro apps in conjunction with desktop apps?
To me, mixing the two interface paradigms (touch and mouse) in the way Microsoft had done it didn't make much sense to begin with. I can't think of a Metro killer app, even big, important developers are rejecting it outright (e. g. there are no Metro versions of Google's Chrome or Apple's iTunes). Small developers go iOS, then Android first.
Yep, Metro apps working in the desktop environment.
This is based on my presumption that the already abysmal usage stats for Metro (environment & apps) will only fall further, the less forced adoption Microsoft imposes on its users.
And I agree with your view on Metro's sorry current state, I think the last time I actually sought it out was when I upgraded to 8.1.
I guess Microsoft hopes that by mid 2015, there'll be enough tablets & whatever the stupid crossover design of the month is out there to not completely kill Metro by offering to suppress it more thoroughly. I don't see how else they would expect it to survive.
Do you feel this is a shift away from mobile computing for Microsoft? I like Windows 8.1 as others have commented and mainly that of user choice. I did a review of the Dell Venue 8 Pro and made an argument for both choice as well as the need for this kind of crossover device. If done correctly, this platform can assist us into transitioning the user base in a more mobile ubiquitous computing environment. The users need choice and more importantly they need the operating systems to enhance the user experience. Windows needs to work for us and support the task that needs to be done regardless of the device we use. For me at least the best user experience wins at the end of the day.
PCs must come down in price, to be more competitive with Tablets.
The best way to accomplish is to reduce the most expensive component= Intel CPU
AMD offers better value in their PC chips.
But, to really drive the type of intense competition that is seen in the Tablet chip space, MSFT needs to support ARM based CPUs.
In early 2015 there will be a slew of 64 bit ARM processors, that have the power to produce the minimum level of of performance that PC users expect.
The "Threshold" is the break from X86 only PCs.
Of course Windows 9 will support X86, but the real difference will be support for ARM 64 bit chips also.
AMD is already taking a step in this direction by sampling an ARM 64 bit server chip in Q1 2014 that will start to ship in Q2.
By early 2015, it is possible that AMD will have both ARM and X86 processors available for PCs.
Also Windows 8 supports HSA!
The biggest change in general purpose computing will be using the GPU for more than video gaming.
I think that AMD is extremely well positioned to benefit from move to use the power of the GPU.
Your processor's IQ: An Intro to HSA
Revolutionizing computing with HSA-enabled APU
Have been using Windows 8 right from its initial launch, agree Win 8 needed improvement but Win 8.1 fine as far as I'm concerned. Too many knockers out there! Enjoy the moment with 8.1 and look forward to Win 9.
I really don't get this notion of them supposedly trying to run away from Windows 8.x. There was always going to be a Windows 9, and it was probably always going to be 3 or 4 years after Windows 8. They were talking about the next two releases of Windows when Windows 8 first came. The only time Microsoft has ever taken a long time to release a new OS is when things got way off schedule with the Longhorn Project. And Honestly WIndows 9 is not going to be a lot different from Windows 8. 8.1 improved on 8. Update 1 will improve on 8.1. There will probably be something else between update 1 and threshold. This is just the logical progression and improvement of the OS. That's like saying they tried to run away from Win95 with Win98 or Win98Se. Windows 8.x market share is almost 11%. I wouldn't be surprised to see it be double that by the time threshold comes out. That is nothing to sneeze at when you consider that PC sales were going to be still down even if everyone loved Windows 8, and people who are already in the middle or planning a Windows 7 transition were not going to just up and move to 8. All the people complaining about windows 8, but at the end of the day Windows 8.x is basically Windows 7 with a reduced started menu and the option of running Metro apps. The holiday season was good for both Window Phone and Windows-based tablets. More and more people are getting used to Metro or tile-based interfaces. If it's true that Microsoft will say that Windows 8 made Windows 9, if 9 is a success then how is 8 a failure? This is nothing like Vista, plus the problems with Vista were vastly different and not all were Microsoft's fault even then.
With perhaps 250 million or more W8 users by April 2015, doing a Vista->W7 on them and charging consumers to upgrade to W9 if they don't want to be stuck with an acknowledged unsatisfactory product would likely cause far more damage to the Windows brand than anything we've seen so far. If Windows Threshold is to be W9, the whole upgrade situation, including from W7 needs to be made clear asap. The wrong upgrade roadmap message now has the potential to damage W8 over the next year, consumer and enterprise, as well as strangle W9 at birth. Lots to do with Threshold to make Windows appeal to developers once again, lots to do for consumers and enterprise customers but personally I'd put the upgrade strategy on top of the pile as one thing that just can't be done as previously.
"Windows 8 has set back Microsoft, and Windows, by years, and possibly for good."
What?I honestly think people saying 8 is bad is either a dedicated Mac user (I don't have a problem with that), or a vista/xp user that only sees tiles, it can be disables, I don't use them and Windows 8 boots faster (my favorite feature).
"In some ways, the most interesting thing about Threshold is how it recasts Windows 8 as the next Vista. It's an acknowledgment that what came before didn't work, and didn't resonate with customers. And though Microsoft will always be able to claim that Windows 9 wouldn't have been possible without the important foundational work they had done first with Windows 8—just as was the case with Windows 7 and Windows Vista—there's no way to sugarcoat this. Windows 8 has set back Microsoft, and Windows, by years, and possibly for good."
If it does turn out that Threshold/Win9 does make people think Win8 was a bust, then that would be a grand shame. There's nothing wrong with Windows 8, other than it forced certain things which could easily have been optional and most people would have been happy. And I blame Steven Sinofski for that.
Win8 (Sinofski):
- No boot to desktop.
- No start button.
- No start menu.
- No modern apps in Desktop windows.
- Has boot to desktop.
- Has start button.
- No start menu.
- No modern apps in Desktop windows.
- Has boot to desktop.
- Has start button.
- Has start menu.
- Has modern apps in Desktop windows.
Just have toggles during the initial installation boot so that people can choose which way they want to run Windows/how they want it to look. Other than some people still liking and wanting Aero, which could become a prebuilt theme, where's the problem with Windows 8 now?
MS doesn't need to throw the baby out with the bathwater and have the uninformed masses believe they are validated in thinking that '8 is the new Vista, yup, told you so'.
Just to let you know, this news made it to all the major Dutch newspapers.
Paul -
So where are you in all of this? While you've been highly critical of some of the ways Win 8 has been handled, you've generally promoted it and if memory serves, were ok with both the removal of the start menu and over the long haul, the desktop. (I think I recall a Win Weekly show where you talked about the desktop gradually going away, and likened it to what happened to DOS applications when the first Windows transition happened.) What's your position now? (If I'm mis-stating positions you took, apologies. I'm doing this from my somewhat defective memory.)
So, this is a just a report about what Microsoft is planning. My opinions about Windows 8 and 8.1 have not changed.
Windows 8 was a bold move to get in market with a tablet offering but a mess in that it commingled mobile and desktop interfaces in one OS.
Windows 8.1 is a major improvement that goes most of the way, I think, to addressing the major issues with 8.0, except of course that it doesn't remove the mobile/desktop commingling.
I feel that neither release has gotten the credit they deserve for the many advances on the desktop side, primarily because people can't get past the Metro stuff. I've been using Windows 8.x for years now on non-touch desktop and Ultrabook computers. I have no issues with it per se, but I get that it's confusing for average users. It is.
I'd like to see this simple point touched on in your podcasts or articles:
By the time this thing arrives we should have around 200-300K apps in the store. Is this a desktop revival? FB, Twitter, CNN, Flipboard, etc, will never make win32 apps. But suddenly they are in the desktop business. Win32 is dead, we know this. But will this breath new life into desktop? What does it mean for web apps? People hate web apps in mobile devices, will they hate web apps on desktop after tasting the power of native that companies have long denied them due to their win32 phobia?
> FB, Twitter, CNN, Flipboard, etc, will never make win32 apps.
Seriously? These are your examples?
Windows desktop is not dead. It may be declining in the consumer space because tablets etc. have off-loaded *some* of what people used a desktop for. But even there, not everyone is an 11 year old girl. There's a lot of people in the consumer space who own iPads, etc. that still need a "real computer" to do real work. Windows will be there for that.
And for the business space? Very little will change there any time soon. Business users often use complex, UI intensive vertical applications that will never be ported to Metro.
Windows is now a component in a diverse computing landscape and, as such, must share that landscape with other solutions. But it is far from dead.
It took me till now to install Windows8/8.1. I held out because I use a desktop system. There was 2 things I had to do to get me over the hump. The first thing was to buy Start8 & ModernMix. The second was to add a second monitor that had touch capability. Now I get the best of what Win8.1 has to offer. I run Desktop on my main monitor & I can either run another desktop or the "Tiles" on the touch monitor. I love it. Now, if this is what Windows 9 is about I believe this is a huge upgrade that most people will embrace.
With all that's happening with MS recently I see why they are taking their time with a new CEO. Whoever they pick is going to have their work cutout for them and I do not envy them in the least...some hard choices will have to be made.
"The history of the failure of war can almost be summed up in two words: too late.
* Too late in comprehending the deadly purpose of a potential enemy.
* Too late in realizing the mortal danger.
* Too late in preparedness.
* Too late in uniting all possible forces for resistance.
* Too late in standing with one's friends."
- General Douglas Macarthur
"Too late in standing with one's friends". Developers were MSFT's friends and we were screwed by:
1. A completely new API (requires a huge investment)
2. A store that takes 30% of sales
3. Zero user base (WinRT API not available on Win7)
Is it any wonder why ISVs avoided Win8/WinRT like the plague? It's all pain and no gain.
Small uptake of 8.1 could be down to the issue with it not showing in store for quite a few.
For instance we replaced 10 PCs, with touchscreen all in ones just before Christmas and so far only 4 have been able to update to 8.1, despite all having the required update to show it in the store.
Good, bad or indefferent. What I hated about Windows 8 was Microsoft's *attitude.* Look, I'm a captive audience. I have to use Windows, and this interface change was shoved down my throat. Yes, I learned to use it - eventually, but here's the thing. Had Microsoft given us all a choice (i.e. boot up in Windows 7 mode or Windows 8 mode), this would have been a non-issue. Everyone would have learned the windows 8 interface gradually, if, and when it was appropriate. Microsoft's mistake was creating a perception of *arrogance* on their part. Windows 8 essentially said, "F U, you annoying little user" you'll buy our crap, use it the way we tell you to, and *like* it.
Well, guess what? They don't like it, and aren't using it if they don't have to, and are now exploring other OSs.
It's not that the OS is that bad, technically. It's that the customer relations were bungled. Badly.
I completely agree that the new OS is a marvelous and immensely useful tool. I use it daily and have found the Surface Pro especially good. I have gotten rid of my laptops and have not missed them at all.
It is unfortunate that Microsoft pulled away from the global user group community in 2008. It was a great tool and platform for them to stay connected to those who support and influence the adoption of the Windows OS platforms. That decision, over the years since seems to have had a detrimental effect.
Great!! From what I have experienced (and read), it takes Microsoft 3 tries to get changes right. So Threshold will be the second try: Windows 9 then the third try will likely be Windows 10...... which will obviously be great for marketing because it is as similar to OSX 10 nomenclature as possible.
.... and hopefully feedback from l users, developers & enterprises will have been resolved, internal OS fragmentation in Microsoft will be minimized, and developers will be actively producing 'Metro' Apps.
I count 1 step complete (8.0 & 8.1) and we're getting ready for step 2. then on to step 3..... Lets hope Microsoft will enable co-existence rather than ostracize windows 7 and desktop apps/& users through these changes.
I use Win 8.1 Pro on my notebook, and I have Win 7 in my desktop computer and I have to say Win 8.1 Pro it's a way better than 7. The system starts faster, and I can do in win8 the same things I do in win7. Everything, so I have no problem.
I can't understend why people complain about the new design, it's just like learning a new OS at first. Some apps have both desktop and metro option to run (calculator, chrome, etc). I have no problems using the mouse and the notebook's touchpad, they all work perfectly and i would say it's comfortable.
Here in Argentina most of the marketing campaigns are different, and everyone who buy a new pc with win8 doesn't complain about it. Even i have some friends who asked me to install win8 in ther win7 computer.
For the bussiness work, all the desktop applications work the same, you can have all the programs you want opened in the screen. And the metro app aren't really bad for the common customer. You have some android games for your kids to play with (wheres my water?) You have movies applications, you have Line, if you use it, and it's comfortable to have it on fullscreen. And if you want to change to desktop quickly you have just to click on your upper left corner and ready. It have good options, too, it's really helpful the Windows Key+Print Screen combination.
Windows 8.1 isn't shit, the way the common people and media wacth it is shit
I have to provide tech support for most of my family. They all hate windows 8/8.1 with a fierce passion. I have pacified my mom and grandparents with Linux Mint - Cinnamon. I could handle 8 but they can't. They are very reluctant to buy a new computer now.
I'll buy windows 9 if it feels like I'm using windows 7, vista, xp, me, 2000, 98 or 95. All versions of windows felt a little like the previous version, except windows 8/8.1
Only 25 million have upgraded to Windows 8.1? Wow, the market has truly spoken. I'm in the "Windows XP users who have not upgraded" group. However, my next computer will probably be Windows 8.1 or Windows 9; the problem for Microsoft is that I'm in no hurry to upgrade.
I really like Windows 8 and am sorry to read all of the hate. I thought the old style of Windows was the stale product of a monopoly, and I was happy to have an overhaul of the interface, the product of genuine competition with iOS and Android. If you take the time to set up the start screen the way you want it, it is easy to find all your stuff, and the start screen looks great. The old start menu was nothing but a lot of fine print and most people had their favorite apps as icons on desktop in any event, so they did not even have to look through all of the garbage on the old start menu. I guess it is because I was not all that thrilled with the old Windows that I like the change, but in end the way I use my computers has pretty much stayed the same. I write and manipulate documents using programs on the desktop, but now I have the start screen as a fancy app launcher. Damn, I bet if a third party had invented the start screen as an imitation Android app launcher for Windows that would have been a hit, and people would have been installing it the same way people now are supposedly installing third party start menus.
I did find it disconcerting at first that the modern style apps were not "windowed," and it would probably be an improvement if they were. Windows seem to workout as an intuitive way to multi task, and even on a tablet you might want to reduce the size of an application or hide it.
But ultimately, MS cannot abandon many of the core changes in Windows 8. They might add a start menu option and make Modern apps windowed, but tablet shipments are going to surpass PC sales in a couple years, and MS has to make Windows work on mobile devices to compete.
Personally, I think the fundamental biggest problem with Windows 8 has been marketing. I was ready for change, so I liked it, but something needed to be done to make the general public more ready for change, so they would embrace it as well. The introduction of Windows 8 with a reimagined interface called for a major discussion with Don Draper on how to sell it, but MS appears never to have had that conversation. Nothing was done to make the idea of a new type of Windows desirable. The public was not sold the benefit of learning a new interface. Instead of seeing a benefit, many computer uses reaction seems to be, "hey, how do I use this."
I know another reason why I liked Windows 8 is because I specifically wanted a version of Windows that would run on a tablet. That is, I wanted a tablet computer that I could hold in my hand while standing up to talk that would have all of my Windows work product on it. That was actually something I wanted (along with the fact that I thought the old Windows was boring and stale), so I happily embraced Windows 8 and enjoy using it. Really.
I have to wonder what on earth Microsoft were thinking when they let win8 out the door. i though the metro UI looked very childish and ham-fisted, flat and monochromatic - it's dull, ugly and painful to look at, all at the same time (If such a thing were possible!) What's the point of full screen apps on a 21" monitor, blinding whitespace everywhere, and no obvious way to close them? What on earth are the point of those hot corners and why is everything hidden? Why is the OS like a gigantic easter egg, and why does it take up 17Gb of disk space??? I tried the last release candidate and the only way that made it useable was by getting a 3rd party start menu replacement and disabling metro. I knew it would bomb right there, and I was right.
MS appear to have lost their way, chasing a market of tablets and smartphones while ignoring their core business. I'm a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) specialist; I have 4 monitors at work on a win7 platform; There's no way I could use metro - I need a desktop, and there's no way I could do what I do on a tablet or smartphone. Yes there are mobile GIS apps, and we have mobile dataloggers, but for the core, root work I do, I need a desktop. I need multiple monitors and I routinely have many, many explorer windows open, a remote PC session, and ArcMap, ArcCatalog & ArcScene open along with email & chat clients and adobe. How the hell can I do that on a tablet? Even touchscreens are a no no..imagine trying to heads up digitise polygons, lines and points or edit attribute tables using a finger?? Touchscreen tablets are great for consuming content, but for creating it, you need a keyboard & mouse.
Quite some years ago, we ditched windows at home completely; it's all linux laptops and linux media centre PCs, android phones and android tablets. Funny thing is, we don't miss windows, not one little bit. I have a win7 DVD somewhere, it's gathering dust along with office 2013 (equally appalling UI).
I suspect Microsoft may eventually realise the mistake they've made, but it'll probably be too late by then. Ignore your core business at your own peril...
I am skeptical of the assertion that there are only 25 million computers running Windows 8.1. I just read that there were 87 million PCs sold in the fourth quarter of 2013. During more than half the quarter Windows 8.1 was out. If at least half of the 87 million units sold were Windows 8.1 units that is already more than 25 million and that is not accounting for all of the people who upgraded. You can't always believe what you read.
Here's what Microsoft should probably do:
1. Have a desktop-only "Pro" version of Windows that has access to Metro, but only in a windowed environment so that business users are never teleported to the great unknown of Metro, therefore never getting lost or frustrated.
1.5 A clean and organized version of the start menu should return with easy access to control panel, recent programs etc.
2. There should be one "mobile" version of Windows that is Metro only, without a trace of the desktop or any legacy stuff, that works with arm and intel tablets, phones and laptops/desktops.
3. There should be a free version of Office 365 that offers basic, but well above average features for web browsers, tablets, phones, etc.
3.5 There should continue to be the subscription based "Pro" version of Office 365 that offers all the features anybody could ever want, at a good price. It should be a Metro only app, that can run in a window in Windows "Pro". Effectively making the transition to touch based devices, while allowing it to work in an environment some (most) people still prefer.
Windows Pro $150
Windows Modern $30
Office 365 Pro $10 - month
Office 365 lite $0
Obviously I can't think of everything, but this would seem like a great place to start. I've liked a lot of what I've seen in windows 8.1 from trying out devices and using my dads tower PC when I visit.
Full disclosure: I'm an Apple guy, I get work done for my small business with my iPhone and iPad (only using the Mac when I have to spend serious time with spreadsheets etc). I don't even miss MS Office anymore, as iWork has enough features for me to maintain spreadsheets, and be able to easily access them from anywhere.
So much rich material to comment upon here.
First, and this should be part of 8.1x, the start menu should return to its Win7 richness.
Second, the world of metro tile apps should in fact speak nicely to the desktop apps. In fact, they should share data. If one is logged in to the New York Times or Wall Street Journal in one, the other should know. The articles should share data, etc.
Third, we need a smarter file system. The file system should be able to simply inform the user how big any given folder is, and maybe make it easier to find new information, information that has changed, synchronize, and even search data.
Fourth, we need more touch screen aware apps, especially web browsers and Microsoft office. The mail app should be replaced by a simple version of outlook. Widgets should return to the desktop. It should be easier to pinch and expand web browser documents. The tablet side of Win 8 should be better than IOS or Android, not as good as.
I want Google and Apple to have competition. I would prefer it to come from Windows and Microsoft, not Facebook or Twitter or some other party out of the blue.
This is a classic case of Microsoft not listening to users. Do all of you not remember the almost universal shock and hate from the community on the preview releases when we all were told metro was going to be forced on us. If Microsoft had listened they wouldn't be in this position. Windows 7 never got that sort of negative feedback.
I find windows 8 just so fugly and can't believe a graphics designer put their name to it. Those multi coloured tiles ..... Arrrrrrgh it hurts my eyes. Just how are live tiles supposed to work in 95% of the worlds productivity applications? Stupid and ugly.
Here my wish list:
Bring back some form of the aero interface by default, turn it off if you don't want it. Can't believe how much better windows 7 applications look compared to flat ugly windows 8.
Enhanced start menu default on desktop
No windows ID required, this only pisses people off to have to sign into a service they never needed before.
Metro apps in windows on the desktop.
Cant stand centre justification of text in the windows title bars. Just looks plain wrong and awkward. Option please to left justify it or left justify by default.
Option to turn off those stupid charms.
I'm confused by your Build vision announcement section.
Sinofsky always provided the press/world his vision for the next version of windows a year before it was set to GA (PDC '08 & Build '11).
How is providing a vision preview of Windows 9 this April for something set to GA next April any different?
The issue I have with 8.1 is MS have made it difficult to do clean installs. I have 6 PCs(all self built) running win7 and an old laptop running 8.1(stardock edition) for testing purposes. MS solution to updating each of the PCs is to download the same update 6 times.I dont have the bandwidth or the time to do this. I can jump thru hoops to do a clean install of 8.1 using an 8 key but why should I do that just to overcome Microsofts poor decisions. At this stage all these PCs will remain on win 7. I don't dislike 8 (metro is irrelevant to me but that is easily dealt with) but given the amount of hassle I would need to go thru to update, especially with the simple download an ISO process I had for win 7 sp1 installs, I just cant see enough benefits to upgrade to 8.1
I think that as products mature, they really do not need regular re-designs! This is certainly true of operating systems - people think of them as a background to their real work, and almost all tinkering will produce a negative response.
Microsoft has made a lot of money out of Windows, but maybe the time has come for them to realise that they can either destroy Windows, or let it sink into the background where it belongs.
What it really comes down to is, "people are silly." i agree with the one who said people refuse to learn windows 8, but will pick up a new un familiar something else and learn it such as an iphone for example. I really like windows 8 for everyday use. i have it on my laptop that i take to clients houses. it is designed for everyday use, makes things simple. One thing i do is teach people how to use the windows key. the windows key makes windows 8 or any other windows os much easier to use. usually after showing people easy navigation tips, the tend to like it a little bit more and calm down
Lets face it, Windows is no longer cool and thats a big problem for Microsoft.
Good design trumps fuctionality these days (think locked down iphone and ipad) if you get that wrong you're pretty much heading for the poor house.


text:
She was just driving home from work when the life of a young Dauphin County woman was forever changed last summer.
Recently, her life came to a tragic end. Ten months after the crash, police have now charged a man for killing 22-year-old Jordan Johnston.
Her sisters have hundreds of photos of Johnston, Paytyn and Cheyanne Johnston looked over them Wednesday afternoon and reminisced about good times they spent with big sister.
"Every step she took she wanted to take 20 pictures, 30 pictures," said Paytyn.
Cheryl Johnston, Jordan's mom also took time to gaze at the photos of her daughter. She described her as fun-loving, looking at a photo of the girls dancing in the snow in shorts and pajamas.
It's evident that these are the photos the three focus on. The photos hidden on Paytyn's cell phone, the ones of Jordan's car after the crash, bring too much pain.
"We never thought in a million years that this could happen," said Cheryl.
Images from that night on June 16, 2012 show a mangled black car that looks like a crushed soda can. That's the car Cheryl said Jordan was driving that night when she left her job at Comfort Inn in the Shipoke neighborhood of Harrisburg.
Jordan suffered in critical condition for months. Her mother said Jordan lost nearly all brain activity.
"She could do a thumbs up, thumbs down. She could blink when you asked her questions. But, she couldn't talk," she said.
The family became accustomed to a routine of several daily visits, appointments and hospital transfers based on her condition at the time. Paytyn explained her sister slipped in-and-out of a coma. However, despite a grim prognosis by every doctor and specialist, the family fought – and so did Jordan.
In December, abc27 helped promote the "Jammin' for Jordon" fundraiser. Family members put the money towards a hyperbaric chamber. The equipment helps circulate 100 percent oxygen to the body with the goal of helping her recover more quickly.
Paytyn said just recently in March and April, she noticed progress.
But on the morning of Saturday, April 13 Paytyn took a phone call asking family members to come to the specialty center in Palmyra.
"For her to sit there and not respond to me -- for what I've been used to for 10 months … it was just unreal, ya know," said Paytyn. "She's gone … there's a piece of me missing."
Johnston passed away that day. Five days later, police arrested 30 year-old Andrew Kegg and charged him with homicide by vehicle. According to court documents obtained by abc27, the report revealed Kegg's blood alcohol level (BAC) was .220 that night – nearly three times the legal limit. The report stated Kegg also tested positive for THC – marijuana.
Unfortunately, the Johnston family was unaware of Kegg's recent arrest. However, the family was familiar was aware of what Kegg had done since the crash last June.
"He's been walking around [while] my daughter's been fighting for her life," said Cheryl.
Paytyn added, "[Jordan] couldn't live her life, but [Kegg] could. Who's to say there wasn't a chance he could do it again in those 10 months?"
Kegg's background records show he was arrested for DUI in 2007. Court documents showed he was convicted on two counts of DUI because of high level of alcohol in his system at the time.
Cheyanne, currently in eighth grade, was disgusted that a 30 year-old would continue to make decision when she knows not to do.
"He should know better not to do that. That's a stupid idea," she said. "But, he wasn't thinking."
The family admitted they are angry. However, instead of pain and anger they say they focus on keeping Jordan's memory alive.
They do this by looking at photos. Cheryl, Paytyn, and Jordan's father, Donald each have tattoos in honor of the one they miss so much.
While Kegg waits for his day in court, he sits in prison accused of causing Jordan's death. Paytyn summed up this tragic story best by saying,
"It's not right that I have to go spend the days with [Jordan] at a grave."
3235 Hoffman Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2014, Worldnow and WHTM. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Superintendent of Rockcastle County Schools said school will be cancelled for the district Thursday and Friday due to a main water line bursting.
Click here to read the full story.
© 2012 WTVQ-TV, LLC | Site Map | Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | FCC Compliance | Employment | Advertise on ABC36 | Contact Us
WTVQ.com supports children's privacy rights. All persons under the age of 13 MUST have parental permission to use this website and direct parental supervision is strongly recommended.


text:
Peeples Place at KHTS, New SCV Music Blog, Debuts August 5 [1]
There's a new destination coming to your Hometown Station: "Peeples Place at KHTS."
Santa Clarita's KHTS-AM 1220 has joined forces with award-winning local journalist Stephen K. Peeples to present "Peeples Place at KHTS," a new weekly online blog/email newsletter and on-the-radio feature devoted to homegrown Santa Clarita Valley music and entertainment.
Click here to go to the Peeples Place at KHTS [3] portal.
Premiering on Friday, Aug. 5, the "Peeples Place at KHTS" blog will feature a mix of exclusive text, photo and video news, previews, reviews and interviews spotlighting worthy local musical talent, CD/track releases, concert, TV and theater appearances and related events.
Don't miss a thing. Get breaking news alerts delivered right to your inbox [4]
Conceived, written and produced by Peeples, the blog will anchor the new "Peeples Place at KHTS" section of the KHTS website at www.hometownstation.com/peeplesplace [5], also to be unveiled Aug. 5.
This will soon also serve as an interactive portal or hub for local musicians to submit content (videos, photos, text, events) directly to the portal to share with everyone.
The weekly blog will also be sent as an email newsletter to all subscribers who sign up for it on the KHTS website.
"Peeples Place at KHTS" will include an on-the-radio feature airing live during drive time each Thursday morning. The five-minute report will preview the blog set to premiere online the next morning, and spotlight entertainment events in the Santa Clarita Valley on the coming weekend.
The blog and portal will be supported and promoted by social media via Twitter accounts and a Facebook page to be launched Aug. 5.
A Santa Clarita Valley resident since 1988, Peeples is writer/co-producer/host of the popular weekly "House Blend" local music and interview TV show, which debuted on community channel SCVTV in fall 2010.
Peeples is also the award-winning former Online Editor and music columnist for the SCV Signal (2004-2006 and 2007-2011).
Previously, he was a Grammy-nominated record producer ("Monterey International Pop Festival," 1992), award-winning radio writer-producer ("The Lost Lennon Tapes," 1988-1990), and veteran record company executive (Capitol, Elektra/Asylum, Rhino, Warner Music Group, 1977-1997).
He also wrote, produced and hosted the weekly "Beatles Etc." radio series on KHTS during summer and fall 2004.
"'Peeples Place at KHTS' allows me to finally combine my passion for music and promoting the local music scene with my background in print, radio, records, TV, the Web and social media in a single project," Peeples said. "It's great to partner on this venture with my friends at KHTS and their award-winning website at hometownstation.com. I look forward to providing local artists a new level of exposure in the SCV and beyond."
"Almost everyone who has anything to do with music in the Santa Clarita Valley knows and respects Stephen," said Carl Goldman, KHTS-AM 1220 co-owner. "His extensive contacts in local music and entertainment will ensure a constant flow of fresh, compelling content to 'Peeples Place at KHTS.'"
For further information, contact Peeples at 661-714-2345 (firstname.lastname@example.com [6]), Goldman at 661-298-1220 (email@example.com [7]) or the KHTS Sales Department at 661-298-1220 (firstname.lastname@example.com [8]).


text:
Compliance and Enforcement Annual Results 2011 Fiscal Year
Program Highlights
- Collaboration with
Enforcement Partners
- Criminal
- Cleanup
- Federal Facilities
- Environmental
- Compliance Activities
- EPA's Criminal Enforcement Program
- Criminal Enforcement Case Selection Methodology
- Fugitive Website
- Working with Other U.S. Law Enforcement Organizations
EPA's Criminal Enforcement Program
EPA's criminal enforcement authorities provide EPA's strongest sanctions against polluters. Criminal penalties, with potential prison time as well as monetary fines, are critical to deter potential violators, eliminate the temptation for companies to "pay to pollute" and implement the felony provisions of our nation's environmental laws.
From more than 40 locations nationwide, more than 200 EPA criminal investigators ("special agents") work closely with 150 scientists, attorneys, technicians, engineers and other specialists to uncover and develop cases for prosecution by Federal, state, tribal and local prosecutors. EPA's special agents have full law enforcement authority to carry firearms, make arrests, execute search warrants and investigate violations of all the environmental statutes as well as associated statutes of the U.S. Criminal Code (such as conspiracy or false statements). Learn more about the differences between criminal enforcement and civil enforcement.
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, the criminal enforcement program significantly exceeded its 2010 outcomes for new environmental crime investigations opened and the total level of incarceration. The annual results in any given fiscal year will, however, fluctuate based on specific characteristics of the cases investigated, as well as by the prosecutorial and sentencing decisions made by the Department of Justice and the federal courts.
FY 2011 Criminal Enforcement Results
Strategic Program Management: Criminal Enforcement Case Selection Methodology
In 2010, the Criminal Enforcement program developed a methodology to enhance case selection in order to ensure that its overall case docket identifies, investigates and helps prosecute cases with the most significant environmental, human health, and deterrence impact while maintaining its enforcement presence across all pollution statutes.
The new methodology "tiers" potential cases based upon categories including:
- release and discharge characteristics (e.g., hazardous or toxic pollutants, continuing violations);
- health and environmental impacts (e.g., death, serious injury, human exposure, remediation); and
- subject characteristics (e.g., national corporation, recidivist violator)
The "tiering" methodology is the basis for the criminal enforcement program's new "Key Performance Indicator measure in FY 2011, which is defined as the percentage of cases in the total criminal enforcement docket that are in the top two tiers (tier 1 and tier 2). Employing the "tiering" methodology, the criminal enforcement program exceeded its FY 2011 target for tier 1 and tier 2 cases (Target: 40%; Actual: 45%).
The criminal enforcement program has set its target to increase annually between FY 2012-2015. As a result, the "case tiering" innovation will drive the docket for the future and enhance the criminal enforcement program's capacity to support the most complex environmental cases and the Agency's enforcement priorities.
Engaging the Public: Fugitive Website
Since FY 2009, EPA's Fugitive Website has identified defendants charged with environmental crimes or violations of the U.S. Federal Criminal Code that fled rather than face prosecution or serve a sentence. During FY 2011, two fugitives were added to the website (Kumar, Kuhn) and two former fugitives who were captured in prior years were sentenced (Deleon, DeMatteo).
Working with Other U.S. Law Enforcement Organizations
Marcellus Shale Law Enforcement Conference
EPA's Criminal Enforcement program, along with the federal and Pennsylvania law enforcement organizations participated in the Marcellus Shale Law Enforcement Conference in State College, Pennsylvania (Read more on the Marcellus Shale Law Enforcement Conference)
International Criminal Enforcement Training
During FY 2011, EPA's criminal enforcement program provided training to enhance the environmental enforcement capabilities of countries worldwide. It co-hosted the INTERPOL Pollution Crime Forensics Conference at the National Enforcement Investigations Center's state of the art forensics laboratory in Lakewood, Colorado. which brought together for the first time 50 representatives from 17 countries worldwide, providing a key forum for investigators, forensic experts and prosecutors from around the world to exchange innovative approaches in pollution crime forensics.
Two EPA special agents and a criminal enforcement attorney taught principles of environmental criminal enforcement to 35 police officers, prosecutors, and environmental inspectors from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, and Serbia at the. U.S. Department of State's International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest. Funding for the instructors' travel was provided by the U.S. Department of State.
As part of a cooperative program with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the criminal enforcement program has been providing environmental criminal investigative training to the Government of Jordan's Ministry of the Environment and its environmental police force. In FY 2011 it gave the last of three train-the-trainer courses in Jordan.


text:
An East Falmouth man died after he was struck by a car on Main Street Sunday morning.
John J. Dunn Jr., 80, of Captain Davis Lane was crossing Main Street in front of St. Patrick's Church Sunday morning when he was struck by a car driven by Mary H. Fitzpatrick, 88, of Lucerne Avenue, Falmouth Heights.
Mr. Dunn struck his head following the impact and suffered a head injury. He was transported by Med Flight to a Boston hospital. He later died from head trauma.
The accident remains under investigation by police and charges may be pending. No further details are available at this time.


text:
Articles, Interviews, Newsletters, Tips
& Tools
Whether it's news you're looking for or an expert's advice on how to sell software online, you've come to the right place. Find expert guidance in our latest articles, webinars and conversations with top software industry influencers. Read the latest issue of the Avangate Digest to get helpful tips for your business.
Filter Resources by
Day With 60 Software CEOs … It's Still All About Growth
Sep 29, 2014
I recently had the pleasure of spending a day with 60 Software and Online Services CEOs as part of SIIA's Deciphering the CEO event. The ...
Industry Buzz – August 2014
Sep 12, 2014
Hi sellers! Enjoy last month's resources to help you win in this rapidly changing market.
Cool Companies Interview Series – About Big Content with Treparel
Sep 11, 2014
There's so much buzz around Big Data – but how about Big Content? Surely, an up and coming area, getting sexier as usage cases expand. ...
Back to School TIP: Top 10 Myths of Payment Processors
Sep 10, 2014
It's September, which means, summer's officially over and everyone's going back to school, and back to school shopping means lots and lots of commerce. But ...
3 Innovative Software and Online Services Companies Embracing the New Services Economy
Sep 09, 2014
Starting a company is hard. At times it's both the best job and the worst job in the world. But having been a founding member ...
Affiliate Summit East '14 - Wrap-Up
Sep 05, 2014
"The digital goods market is growing, and Avangate is here to help" – in my opinion, was the most important takeaway from the recent Affiliate ...
Top 5 Secrets for Better Customer Retention
Sep 04, 2014
Join our webinar and you will find out best practices and strategies to increase retention effectiveness.
Fields of Gold for (e)Commerce - Happy 20th Birthday!
Aug 28, 2014
This month marks the 20th birthday of ecommerce – it's been two decades since NetMarket sold "Ten Summoner's Tales" by Sting (as a physical CD, ...
Can Better Payments Boost Sales 11%, Instantly?
Jul 30, 2014
Payments may seem simple and unimportant – they just involve exchanging money for goods or services, right? Even young kids can go to the store ...
World Cup 2014: Did digital sales increase?
Jul 15, 2014
Did digital sales increase?
Add Some Summer-time Sizzle to Your Affiliate Program with These 6 Tips
Jul 11, 2014
Another beautiful summer is upon us, signified by long sunny days, BBQs with friends, fun on the beach, and affiliate program success. If your sales ...
Industry Buzz – June 2014
Jun 24, 2014
Hi sellers! Enjoy this month's snackable bites of commerce and digital news from across the web.
Avangate Newsletter
Whether it's news you're looking for or an expert's advice on how to sell software online, you came to the right place. You can find guidance in our latest articles, webinars and conversations with the top software industry people. You can also read the latest issue of Avangate Digest Newsletter and get some useful tips to help your software business.


text:
Majestic Men's Replica Colorado Rockies Troy Tulowitzki #2 Road Grey JerseyItem Number: 24158336
Price: $100.00
Free Shipping Plus Free Returns on Apparel! (See Promotion Details)
Product Information
Customer Reviews
Size Chart
Be on top of your game every time you put on the Majestic® Colorado Rockies Troy Tulowitzki #2 Jersey. With Tulowitzki's name and #2 on back and official Rockies wordmark or logo on front, this jersey replicates the one worn by Tulowitzki when he takes the field for the Rockies. Make sure you wear the Majestic® Troy Tulowitzki Jersey for every game this season.
- Full button-front, replica baseball jersey
- Team wordmark or logo on chest in printed tackle twill application
- Full player name and number on back
- Official team colors and logos
- Woven team-specific locker tag above lower left hem
- Officially licensed by the MLB®
- Fabric: 100% polyester double knit
- Majestic
Country of Origin: Imported


text:
Surely, if there is to be any great hoopla about any New York Islander for fantasy will be on first overall draft pick John Tavares, the junior scoring sensation.
While Tavares could prove to be a big-time scorer, expectations have to be held in check as he joins a team with a marginal supporting cast and Tavares' game generally requires someone to get him the puck rather than dangling on an end-to-end rush. As such, Tavares will be much more valuable long-term for those in keeper leagues, but his immediate value this season isn't likely to warrant early fantasy selection.
That's not to say there isn't some upside on the Island, as Tavares joins second-year right winger Kyle Okposo -- the leading returning goal scorer, with 18. If there is some chemistry between these two, and greybeard playmaking centre Doug Weight, then the Isles might have three forwards (as opposed to zero) with more than 40 points at season's end.
Digging deep on the Islanders roster likely means you're involved in a very deep league, but there could be some upside worth exploring in young centres Frans Nielsen and Josh Bailey.
Last year's leading scoring for the Islanders, defenceman Mark Streit continued his stellar work on the power play (29 points with the man advantage in 2008-2009), but was even better at regular strength, posting the only plus rating on the team, among players who played at least 25 games. Streit is the anchor on the Isles defence, so don't expect his role to diminish.
Beyond Streit, the defenceman with the most fantasy value could be combative veteran Andy Sutton. While Sutton isn't a big point producer, and injuries have affected his game, he's still as nasty as they come and his 911 penalty minutes in 513 career games could provide some help in that particular category.
Perhaps the most intriguing position to watch for the Islanders will be goaltending. Rick DiPietro maintains that he's on track with his rehab but, after he played only five games last season, a wait-and-see approach is really the only way to judge him. If he's healthy, DiPietro could have some sleeper value.
The Islanders obviously weren't completely sure that DiPietro would be healthy, since they went out and signed two proven goaltenders -- Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron -- over the summer.
Neither Roloson nor Biron are elite goaltenders, but both are more than capable of starting for long stretches, so either one could get the call if DiPietro is unable to handle the starter's workload. Of course, if DiPietro is healthy enough to play, one of these NHL veterans is going to be a grossly overqualified third goaltender.


text:
Cruise & Stay
Shuttle to and from the Galveston Port and multiple nights of parking can cost a lot! Save that money for your vacation and stay at the La Quinta Inn & Suites Houston Hobby Airport and take advantage of our Cruise, Transportation and Parking Package .
You get:
Hotel stay is required.
This offer is only available at the:
La Quinta Inn & Suites Houston Hobby Airport
8776 Airport Blvd.
Houston, TX 77061
Phone: 1-713-490-1008
Reserve this Package today!
Offer based on availability. Minimum hotel stay is required. Taxes and other fees are not included in the package price. Offer may not be used in conjunction with any other offer, discounted rates, coupons, or during special events. Offer only valid at this hotel and can be discontinued without notice.
Whether you're traveling on business, a leisure getaway, or a family vacation, La Quinta has the right hotel accommodations for you. Take advantage of free Internet access, free breakfast, and comfy beds offered at La Quinta Inns & Suites. You'll find the best rates online, the widest variety of room options, the most reliable hotel info, and more on LQ.com. Thank you for considering La Quinta Inns & Suites for your hotel travel plans!


text:
Since : 2005
Jewelry directory helps user to see jewelry related listings wedding jewelry, bead & gemstone, thematic, rings, designers, fine art, costume jewelry.
About Us
Link to Us
Privacy Policy
Contact Us
Submit Site
You are here:
> Jewelry Articles
Unique Designer Men's Rings
Men's diamond rings actually haven't been around all that long. Up until about 120 years ago, there weren't even men's wedding bands. It was very unusual for even a woman to wear a diamond wedding band. Major diamond merchants such as DeBeers in their attempts to create new markets managed to sell the
Unique Engagement Rings
When you are shopping for an engagement ring and jewelers start talking about certified loose diamonds, what does that mean? Essentially, it means that the diamonds have been examined and graded by professional gemologists working under laboratory conditions, then are turned over to
Men's Jewelry Breaks The Rules
Anodized titanium. Stainless steel mesh. Rivets. Carbon fiber. Steel cable. Sound like shop class? These are the tough, nontraditional materials that are breaking all the rules and giving men's jewelry a whole new attitude
Murano Glass Jewelry Origins
Glass beads have been in use as jewelry, probably as a substitute for the rare and expensive gemstones, for centuries. There is evidence of a method known as 'core forming' in Mesopotamia in 2340 B.C. where a metal rod with pieces of glass was held over a fire; as the glass softened, they were worked into intricate ornaments that were treasured by their owners so much that people were buried with them
Making Murano Glass Jewelry
Murano, a small island to the north of Venice, has been the center of the Venetian glass industry since 1291 when the Venetian Republic ordered the glassmakers to move their factories and workshops to this island. Murano glasswork has been renowned for centuries for its craftsmanship, styles and color. Murano glassmaking techniques and the consummate skill of its artisans – found their way into glass jewelry making
Antique Jewelry can be for that Special Occasion
Antique jewelry is an item most women love. So much so that even modern brides may be seen walking down the aisle adorning vintage jewelry with pride. There are many beautiful pieces to buy from: studded necklaces, antique engagement rings, crosses pendants, brooches, bracelets
Turquoise Still A Popular Stone for Jewelry Worldwide
Turquoise is renowned for its blue and green colors and for being on the top rank among all of the opaque stones. It is also the birthstone for the month of December. Today, however, turquoise is available in different wonderful colors
Diamond In UK Are Uses For Various Application
Diamonds in UK are quite popular and most of the Americans love to wear diamonds than any other stone used in the jewellery. The love of Americans for diamond can easily be seen in social gatherings and family ceremonies, where women mostly wear diamond jewellery to reflect her femininity
The Rewards of Fine Jewelry
The good news is that you can find lovely items on even a limited budget that you will cherish, enjoy and that will serve as good investment pieces even if you are being very cost conscious
The Timeless Beauty Of Pearl Rings
No matter how you look at it, it's undeniable that pearl rings exude an elegant look despite its simplicity. And what's wonderful about it too is that is can be set in either the yellow gold, white gold or sterling silver and still look beautiful. So regardless of the kind, size and color of pearl that is made into a ring
The Piercing Trend Of Body Jewelry
When it comes to piercing, traditionally most of us will think of ear piercing. But today there are people who are piercing a lot more than their ears. Lips, noses, tongues, belly buttons and a few places we won't mention here are being pierced these days
I ll Take The Cubic Zirconia Ring Thank You
Everyone loves them, everyone wants them. They are precious and they are prestigious. They are a symbol of status and wealth. We are talking about diamonds. Only some of us can afford diamonds. For the rest of us there is cubic zirconia
Women's Smart Fashion Makeover
Being fashionable doesn't only involve wearing expensive clothing, luxurious jewelries and accessories. It would also involve how well you carry yourself no matter what you wear. But to do this you will need enough confidence. And this is something that doesn't come easily, it has to be learned
Symbolism Of Wedding Rings
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed."
Color Grading Scale
Diamonds come in virtually all colors of the rainbow, from the "beautiful violet" of the Hope diamond to shades of blue, brown, gray, orange, etc. But colored diamonds are very rare and precious. Chances are, all the diamonds you'll see in your diamond shopping will be white or yellow, and the whiter the better
Addicted to jewellery!
We all know how good it feels to buy something pretty and wear it with pride, for all those jewellery lovers. But when you just can't get enough of the shiny stuff, where are the best places to feed your fetish?
How Diamonds are Made
All diamonds are at least 990,000,000 years old, while many diamonds reach up to 3.2 billion years old. Diamonds are formed under the earths surface, under extremely hot conditions of 900-1300*C between 90 and 120 miles underneath the ground. Diamonds are extracted from the earth by volcanic eruptions
Express Yourself With Costume Jewelry
Sometimes known as fashion jewelry, costume jewelry is usually worn for informal or fun occasions. There is an infinite number of styles, colors and designs for you to choose from. This is where you can have the most fun accessorizing any outfit
Online jewelers
Jewelers Point designs and produces quality Sterling silver jewelry. Our designs are sophisticated and fashioning; ranging from the fun, fab and downright funky to the cool chic and classic. Often intermingling semi-precious stones, crystals, cut glass, leather and plastics
About Us
Contact Us
Link to Us
Privacy Policy
Submit Site
Jewelry Articles
Jewelry Blog
Information contained herein is deemed accurate and correct, but no warranty is implied or given.
Copyright ©
, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Our site focuses on jewelry information and resouces such as precious metals, diamond, estate & collectible, charm, wedding jewelry.


text:
With 3 kids – ALL with distinct personalities – I understand how challenging it can be to go for haircuts. But hands down, our favorite salon for our kids is Cool Cuts 4 Kids. It is actually the first place my oldest son had his hair cut and we continue to go there (7 years later).
What I like best about Cool Cuts 4 Kids is that they have a gentle approach for smaller clients, and the patience to work with them. They also have games, toys, movies, and other entertainment options to help keep little minds active while they are getting beautiful.
If you are planning on getting a trendy new look for holiday photos, or just a simple trim before seeing all the relatives this holiday season, you'll want to check out Cool Cuts 4 Kids. And to help you with the expensive of a haircut, Cool Cuts 4 Kids is offering a coupon for new customers good for $5 off any service $11.95 or higher (coupon is valid Monday through Thursday only).
Win It!
Enter below to win a $25 Cool Cuts 4 Kids Gift Card (2 winners – winner chooses team) and then don't forget about all the fun giveaways this month as part of the Fan Appreciation – 22 Days of Giveaways!
Check out our Black Friday Page and Holiday Deals Page for more deals.
This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be chosen using rafflecopter.
Disclosure: I received a prize pack from Cool Cuts 4 Kids, however, this post was written by me and was not edited by the sponsor. Read more on my Disclosure page. Please be sure to review the Giveaway Terms & Conditions before entering this contest.
Don't forget to check out the Coupon Database for all available coupons. This site uses affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.


text:
Choose your preferred language. We speak English and 41 other languages.
Most often used by people in the United States
All languages
Saved to list
Save to a list
San Francisco, United States of America
3100 Webster Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 – Show map
|Room Type
|Junior Suite
|Traditional Queen Room
|Cabana Queen Room
|Deluxe Double Room with Two Double Beds
|Deluxe King Room
|Room Selected at Check-In
Low rates
No booking fees • Save money! Best price guarantee — enter dates to see these prices!
383 properties in San Francisco
Including hotels, apartments, villas and more.
171 verified reviews
We verify all reviews from guests who have stayed at Hotel Del Sol, a Joie de Vivre Hotel. Find out more.
They speak your language
Hotel Del Sol, a Joie de Vivre Hotel's staff speaks: French, Spanish, English
Booking is safe
When you book with us your details are protected by a secure connection.
Outdoor Pool
Golf Course (within 2 miles), Bicycle Rental, Game Room
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and charges apply.
24-Hour Front Desk, Tour Desk, Baggage Storage, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Daily Housekeeping, Business Center, Fax/Photocopying
Newspapers, Safe, Non-smoking Rooms, Facilities for Disabled Guests, Family Rooms, Elevator, Heating, All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private), Air Conditioning
French, Spanish, English
From 3:00 PM
Until 12:00 PM
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to room type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.
Children and Extra Beds
All children are welcome.
Up to two children under 16 years stay free of charge when using existing beds.
Any additional older children or adults are charged USD 20 per person per night when using existing beds.
There is no capacity for extra beds in the room.
Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
Cards accepted at this property
Hover over the credit cards for more info.
Ideal Alternatives for You
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Based on 171 reviews
Value for money
Show reviews from:
Hotel Vitale, a Joie de Vivre HotelLatest booking: 25 minutes ago
Chancellor Hotel on Union SquareLatest booking: 37 minutes ago There are 3 people looking at this hotel.
The colorful Castro District in San Francisco is home to this charming motel, nestled on a tree-lined street near local attractions. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are included.
Score from 387 reviews Good
This hotel in Fisherman's Wharf is just 2 blocks from San Francisco's waterfront. It features an Italian restaurant and contemporary rooms with a flat-screen cable TV with Nintendo video games.
Score from 881 reviews Very good
Named on the National Register of Historic Places, this hotel offers Victorian charm combined with modern amenities and is a short walk from area attractions, including cable car lines.
Score from 1661 reviews Good
In the Marina District of San Francisco, features a free parking spot. This inn is less than a 10-minute walk from Marina Green and renowned shops and cafes on Chestnut and Union Street.
Score from 846 reviews Very good
Everything was great. The staff were amazing. Rooms were big. Nice heated pool. Rooms have direct access to outside and hotel is small so your kids can pop up and down to the fab hammocks and the pool area to play etc. no restaurant area but nice pastries and bagels etc laid out for breakfast. Best thin us the location - it's so close to cool and funky shops and restaurants. And is in great place to easily visit pier 39, the wharf etc and Holden gate bridge the other way.
The bed settee in the suite that we were upgraded to wasn't comfy :-( otherwise it was great!
location 30 minutes stroll to the Wharf and to Union Square. Simple, but clean and friendly.
appearance location breakfast pool very helpful staff ambience coffee
rooms a little small porridge at breakfast
Pool was great for kids Friendly staff Good simple breakfast Great restaurants and shops nearby
Room was quite compact but sufficient
Close to the centre, fantastic choice of restaurants within 2min walk. The receptionist Jenny was great giving information and was very friendly.
Some of the decor should be re-painted, particularly at the swimming pool area.
Design. Location is good. Clean and Confortable.
Value for the money. The hotel is a bit expensive related with the quality it offers.
No place to eat breakfast, must take it back to your room. And there is no kitchentable in the room, and no chairs.
Welcoming staff, comfortable beds, great position, fluffy towels, good breakfast, coffee available all day and choc chip cookies at 3pm!
Strange decor, with an outdated motel feel but but good amenities more than made up for that
The location was very central, staff were wonderful and so helpful. The rooms were very comfortable and spotless, I was so impressed with the shower I want to have one installed in our own home.
A little wider selection for breakfast.
Great location with kids close to public transport cafés playground Staff lovely v helpful friendly Pool and hammocks and general ambience great Cool style Breakfast and free coffee, cookies
Room a little small with two small kids but there are bigger rooms available (suites)
Nice location in the Marina district
It's an open air motel with thin walls
Parking on site. Updated rooms. Quiet.Professional staff.
Your staff was wonderful.
Many of the other guests in your hotel were extremely rude about noise. The noise early in the morning was unbelievable. Once they get out of the room they were shouting,running up and down the stairs.
Friendly and knowleageable staff
Good location, close to transportation and not on a main street. Comfortable enough and clean.
Elevator available but a little old and rickety. If I didn't get a good deal on the price through booking.com, I would not have booked this hotel at its regular price - it's not worth that amount. Breakfast offered was okay but the day I needed to have something to eat, they closed it up early.
The free parking was really good as we didn't need to use the car at all during the stay. The location was good to reach all attractions and the wifi worked consistently. A special mention to Oscar, he gave us a warm welcome after a long day driving and took time to explain what was nearby, how to get around in the city and some good dining recommendations. All in all we enjoyed our stay and would stay again.
Convenient walk to restaurants and shops. Our room was tastefully updated and spotless and the grounds were nicely landscaped and well maintained. The staff was friendly and helpful with directions. On-site parking was a definite plus.
Location is good, and the hotel has a fun vibe.
The cabana rooms on the ground floor are dark and noisy, as they are by the parking and pool. Also, very poor wifi connection.
comfy beds, large closet nice touches provided in the room for the dogs very friendly front desk staff parking included in reasonable overnight rate
location was just "ok" small room
Front desk staff; decor (mid-century motel converted to boutique style); location (for a conference at Ft. Mason); unexpected complimentary upgrade when we arrived.
Location Free wifi Comfort Staff - Tiffany was amazing
Lovely artistic colors! Free parking Location
No vent in small bathroom The breakfast
Clean, well situated hotel. Great location with an excellent breakfast set up to grab and go a coffee and pastry on your way out.
They began charging $10 a night for parking since we were there last time. Compared to other hotels though, this is very cheap.
The breakfast, the ambiance and the locations
Absolutely loved the place! The location is central but quiet, the staff super friendly and helpful. My room was spacious, spotless and equipped with everything you need. The complimentary breakfast in the morning was a welcome bonus. There are various restaurants and convenience stores nearby. As a solo female traveller I felt very welcome and safe in the hotel and the surrounding area. I would definitely stay at the Del Sol again!
No negatives from me.
Most Popular Cities
We've negotiated with thousands of hotels to get the very best deals. We call them Secret Deals and they only last for a limited time.
You can get these deals for free by subscribing to our newsletters. You can even choose your favorite destinations to receive personalized deals.
Get started now by entering your email address. We'll instantly send you a link to our Deal Finder!
Don't worry – your email address is safe with us. We'll never share your private information and you can unsubscribe at any time.


text:
Financial Aid
American Association for University Women- Community Action Grants
$Varies, , ,
Deadline: January 15, 2014
Description: Community Action grants provide funds to individuals, AAUW branches and AAUW state organizations as well as local community-based nonprofit organizations for innovative programs or non-degree research projects that promote education and equity for women and girls.
Website: www.aauw.org/what-we-do/educational-funding-and-awards/community-action-grants/
Please Note
This is an outside scholarship. Grand Valley State University does not have affiliation with this scholarship agency and does not take part in the selection of the scholarship. Please remember that GVSU does not endorse any specific web site nor is GVSU responsible for the content on the various web sites. We are simply providing these links as a courtesy to you.


text: Browse wiki Awk by example, Part1 Categories Linux Core Concepts + , Articles + Modification dateThis property is a special property in this wiki. 21 February 2014 00:05:10 + hide properties that link here Awk by example, Part1 + redirect page Enter the name of the page to start browsing from. Retrieved from "http://www.funtoo.org/Special:Browse/Awk-20by-20example,-20Part1"


text:
Thinking inside the box
MTC's launch packed in a full house.
To accompany the Melbourne Theatre Company's newly commissioned building, we were asked to design a new sign. We couldn't help feel that we could do more.
Their architects had created a matrix of intersecting, wireframe boxes which formed the outer shell of the building–a striking representation of the theatre space. We felt that the architecture was so strong that it should influence the visual identity. What better than a branded building? However, we needed some further rationale.
Unlike cinema, which is a two-dimensional form of entertainment, theatre takes on a third dimension as it involves the participation of the audience. The players influence the audience and their response influences the players.
From this, the 3D box was born. It represents a space that we can fill with all manner of emotions, characters, and props. In fact, anything can happen inside the box.
Business cards showed boxes containing explosions while stationery showed numerous boxes filled with fruit. The logo was made of glowing neon—a nod to the heritage of theatre, while alluding to the contemporary nature of the performances showcased by the theatre.
The launch of the new venue was accompanied by the identity, which beautifully complimented the architecture and mystery of this world-class arts organization.
| Privacy Policy |
Copyright © 2014 Interbrand. All rights reserved.|


text:
The couple that prays together stays together? Tim Tebow and new girlfriend Camilla Belle, both devout catholics, ventured to Tebow's parents' home.
It seems Miss Belle charmed the Tebow parental units, particularly his mother Pam.
According to In Touch magazine, "His mom, Pam, likes that Camilla comes from a strict Catholic family and loves that she does so much work with a children's charity."


text:
Buses will be available to transport FSU students. The buses will leave from Top Taggart Field on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 3:30 p.m. (ET) on game day.
For more information, please call FSU Athletics at (231) 250-4082 or via email at: email@example.com
General Information
Ticket Information
Tailgate Information
FSU Alumni Event Info
MTU Alumni Event Info
Event Hotel Information
Fifth Third Ballpark
Seating Diagram
Stadium Photos - Football
FSU Football Website
FSU Athletics Website
FSU Alumni Association
MTU Football Website
MTU Athletics Website
MTU Alumni Association
West Michigan Whitecaps
GLIAC Website


text:
Chicagoland Recruiters Chicagoland Jobs
Specializing in placing top talent in the
Windy city!
"I adore Chicago. It is the pulse
of America."
~ Sarah Bernhardt
Chicagoland Recruiters is affiliated with the following
Chicagoland Recruiters serves Chicago based organizations, from start-ups to Fortune 100 firms, private companies and not-for-profit services. We work with companies of all kinds and specializations who understand that securing exceptional candidates will be the key to the survival and success of their business.
In partnership, with Chicagoland Recruiters, you can make that happen!
Our specialty areas include,
yet are not limited to:


text:
The Fertility Guide: The ART Procedures
All about assisted reproductive technology
The Fertility Guide: The ART Procedures
The ovaries are most easily suppressed by beginning the GnRH agonist in the middle of the luteal phase, usually about day 21. This does imply that, as silly as it may sound, you should not attempt pregnancy in a month in which you anticipate starting a GnRH agonist on day 21. There are a fairly large number of cases in which an agonist has been started and a pregnancy has occurred, and there do not appear to be any adverse effects. However, why chance it? After starting the agonist on day 21, the next period should begin on time. If it doesn't, contact your physician.
Once the period begins, an ultrasound is performed and the hormone estradiol checked to ensure that ovarian suppression has been achieved. The gonadotropins, which must be given by injection, are then begun and continued for a total of eight to 10 days. The dose of the gonadotropins is individualized, but the goal is the development of multiple follicles. When gonadotropins are used for ovulation induction and inseminations, the goal is the development of just a few follicles. When gonadotropins are used for an ART procedure, the goal is the development of multiple follicles (the sacs where eggs develop). For purposes of discussion, let's say that we would like 10 follicles to develop.
The response to the gonadotropins is monitored with a combination of ultrasounds and estradiol levels. While these certainly don't need to be performed every day, the monitoring must be frequent enough that the physician can determine when the follicles are mature. While the eggs themselves can't be seen by ultrasound, the follicles are easily visualized. When a follicle reaches a certain size, the likelihood of there being a mature and healthy egg within that follicle is maximal. Physicians differ, but a follicular diameter of 18 millimeters is commonly used as suggesting maturity. When the follicles reach a mature size, hCG is given, which induces the final maturation and egg release. Approximately 40 hours after hCG, ovulation will occur.
With the use of a GnRH agonist in addition to the gonadotropins, premature ovulation, or ovulation significantly before 40 hours after hCG, is very rare. Therefore, egg retrieval, the process of actually removing the eggs from the ovaries, is scheduled between 34 and 36 hours after hCG, thus ensuring that the eggs will be mature but will not yet have been released from the ovaries.
There is another means of inducing ovulation for ART procedures that has also been successful. This technique has been used for individuals who are defined as low responders—individuals whose ovaries do not respond to the standard ovulation induction technique with production of as many eggs as would have been expected. In this approach, a standard low-dose oral contraceptive (OCP) is begun with the menses the month before the anticipated cycle and taken for 21 days. Beginning on the third day after stopping the OCPs, Lupron (the GnRH agonist) is administered in very small amounts—20 to 40 micrograms twice a da). Stimulation with gonadotropins is then begun on the third day of Lupron administration at a dosage of 225 units twice daily. Monitoring is then performed as with the standard protocol, and stimulation is continued until follicular maturity.


text: It's time to consider your options. February, I would have and likely did, advise you to sit tight, April - I would have said to research but hold firm we're not quite there yet, July I told you to start peeking around, its looking good out there...October? If you're not satisfied/challenged/happy with your current role? Now is the time - we've got ourselves a recession window - the start to that "V" everyone is talking about? Possible. You have a four to five week time period which will have companies saturating the hiring market to fill roles by the end of the year - with hope to solidify before the holidays - I know because we've signed on four companies in the last week on an exclusive contract with this exact goal in mind. So its now, or February. Make your choice, call your recruiter, and collaborate on your next move. It's go time.


text:
Forum Member Projects News and Promotion / New release by Rain netlabel - 'The Abyss' by Aairria« on: May 04, 2014, 06:22:17 AM »
Haunting ambience for the patient and attentive listeners.
Available for free here.
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.


text: Dining Out With Infants Koala Infant Seat Kradle Holds Newborns in Place at the Table by babysugar 8/02/10 7 Reactions 3 Shares Print 0 1 2 0 0 Homemade meals are great, but every once in a while, mom and dad want to be waited on too. When new moms and dads head out for dinner with their newborn in tow, there is always the question of where the tot should go. While pulling the stroller up to the table is an option in some restaurants, it isn't practical in others. In those instances, there's always the "flip the high chair over and rest the car seat in base" trick, but many parents don't feel comfortable resting their precious cargo in an upside down seat. While dining out over the weekend, I saw our waiter bring out an option I had never seen before. The Koala Infant Seat Kradle ($103) is a mesh sling, attached to steel tubing, designed to hold infant car seats at table height. The contraption appeared to keep baby comfortably in place while mama and papa enjoyed their meal. Would you try out the Kradle? Read More Koala Infant Seat KradleHigh ChairsKoalaDining OutBaby Baby 10 Baby Gifts That'll Make New Parents LOL 35 minutes ago Did This Mom Deserve the Online Lashing She Received For Piercing Her Baby's Nose? 1 day ago This Dad Blows Air in His Daughter's Face and Her Reaction Is Priceless 2 days ago The Happiest Baby: Dr. Karp's 10 Tips For Getting Your Baby to Sleep 4 days ago H&M's Latest Collection Is Also Its Tiniest! 6 days ago 65 Photos That Prove Birth Is Beautiful 1 week ago Get a Personalized Newsletter! 4 years I'm also surprised this is a new thing to some. The germ thing isn't an issue because you set your child's car seat/carrier in it not your child alone! I'd rather set my child in this than in a wooden highchair that is filthy and has been used by the masses...my only complaint with these is that they are HUGE and stick out when people walk by so the people waling by are more likely to touch my baby when passing. That's one of my biggest pet peeves...Hands off please! :0) 4 years sorry but i've never seen this nor would i ever use it. This thing looks crazy and in public places would be germ infested. Gross!!! I would never use this. Mother of 1.5 POPSUGAR-Moms 4 years My oldest is 6 and I'd never seen one of these before, but I think it's because I've just always carried my babies in to restaurants and sat with them on my lap. 4 years Heck, my oldest son is 11 and they had these when he was a baby. MissSushi 4 years Yeah, I was going to say, im pretty shocked you haven't come across one yet. They have them at all the resturaunts around here. Roarman 4 years Most restaurants supply these. It would be ridiculous to buy one. 4 years Wow, I can't believe you've never seen one of these before! My ds is almost 3 yo and almost all the restaurants we go to had these and now that my dd is born we are using them again! I love these, since I enjoy eating out and my kids almost always go with us. Link Love Mom forced to stop feeding baby homemade formula — BabyCenter Blog The easiest ways to save on organic food — The Stir A look inside Fergie's second baby shower — Celebrity Baby Scoop Danielle Jonas debuts her baby bump — People Moms & Babies 7 light and fresh recipes to take you through Summer — FitPregnancy Does where you live affect your risk for PPD? — The Bump Where to find the best deals on school supplies — Real Simple Now this is how you announce a pregnancy! — HuffPost Parents


text:
Grand Canyon via Sedona and Navajo Reservation
Read what other Viator.com travelers think about the Grand Canyon via Sedona and Navajo Reservation. What they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved, it's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
Click here for tour details, schedule and pricing
The tour was awesome! Corey, our guide, was excellent. He knew loads of things about the canyon and the wildlife. He made the day even better, so thank you Corey! The canyon... There aren't even words for the views. This tour is definitely worth taking. We enjoyed the day 100%.
Tour was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!Guide was very informative!
Just a wonderful trip. Thanks to Viator!
Wonderful day. The Grand Canyon speaks for itself. We had a fabulous driver. Very informative, relaxed, funny, courteous.
Very knowledgeable tour guides and a fun trip - seeing Sedona, Grand Canyon and a Navajo Reservation in one day was great!
It was a really good trip. Our tour guide Sheldon was great. Very accomodating and let us help plan the day. It is a beautiful area and definitely something to see.
The tour was excellent. The tour guide was very knowledgable on many subjects and kept us entertained through the duration. Sites were highlighted throughout the tour. Key points at the Grand Canyon were planned very well in advance. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
Stevie J is the man! He knows absolutely EVERYTHING! The tour was fantastic. Sedona was hypnotic...probably my favorite spot on the tour. The Navajo Reservation was like visiting another country or another society, but all without leaving the country. And the Grand Canyon was exactly what one might expect...GRAND! Thank you for an awesome Spring Break for me and my boys. I'm so glad I visited.
Great tour!! The tour guide was beyond knowledgeable, true insider, very accommodating and entertaining. Overall the tour was worth every dollar. Will be booking with you again, Viator!
Can't say enough about the great day that we experienced. Our drivers/tour guides we're warm, informative and humorous all tied in together. Thanks for an amazing day
A perfect day and a wonderful trip. The best part was our knowledgeable and great tour guide. I am sorry I can't remember his name but he certainly made the trip. I am so glad we signed up for the bus tour.
Simply superb!
Christian ... you literally rock, man!
P.S.: For being able on classifying your enterprise with "6 stars", I urge you to provide more means of communication with those who book with you online. Communication options are a must (like, for instance, at least an email address, an optional phone (mobile phone) as an alternative to the fixed phone nr. already provided, outside business hours /days !
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon village. There was only four of us on the tour, so we got very personalized service. With a tour we received so much more information and saw sights that we would not have found on our own. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see and learn more about this amazing area.
Great way to see the Grand Canyon from Arizona. Stevie, our guide, was an absolute legend. Highly recommended.
great day,good guide that was really into it and that made it so much more interesting for us
My overseas visitors, for whom I booked the trip, were absolutely delighted with the whole tour. They were very, very impressed with their tour guide, and rated the whole experience as a major highlight of their month long USA visit. Thank you.


text:
Apple's Growth Drivers: Television, China, & Pricing Power
Daniel is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) conservative valuation means that any meaningful growth in earnings in 2013 could drive the stock upwards. Though growth can come from many different areas, three potential growth drivers cannot be ignored when analyzing Apple's prospects: an Apple television set, growth in China, and continued pricing power.
An Assault on the Living Room
If Apple isn't doing market research for a potential Apple-branded television, they have no reason to fret; Wall Street is so intrigued by a potential iTV that they are conducting research on Apple's behalf. Morgan Stanley's Katy Huberty, for instance, surveyed 1,568 U.S. heads of households regarding an Apple-branded television set. Applying conservative reasoning to the survey responses, Apple could sell as many as 13 million iTVs in the U.S. alone. Furthermore, the respondents were willing to purchase an iTV at an average price point of $1,060, 20% more than they paid for their current TVs. Though 1,568 respondents is a small sample, the responses offer a compelling story.
Assuming Apple sells 20 million $1,060 iTV's across the globe with a gross profit margin of 13.5%, half of Apple's TTM net margin, an Apple-branded television set could add $2.85 billion to Apple's 2013 earnings. Then there's the improved, stronger ecosystem across Apple's products that would result from an Apple-branded living room. This, of course, makes Apple's products even stickier, increasing switching costs for consumers.
China: To the Tune of 700 Million
Apple's opportunity in China is enormous. The country has well over 1 billion wireless subscribers and a clear growth market in 3G adoption -- Apple's bread and butter.
Then there is China Mobile (NYSE: CHL), the world's largest carrier, that has yet to sell the iPhone. At 700 million subscribers, the opportunity for Apple is enormous. Yes, China Mobile's 3G subscribers amount to just 82.4 million, but 3G adoption is booming. In November, China's total 3G subscribers grew 88%, year-over-year, to 222 million. If this growth rate is halved in 2013, China 3G subscribers could increase by a whopping 98 million.
Pricing Power
Clearly, Apple's fiscal 2012 gross profit margins of 44% point to significant pricing power -- no competitor even comes close. But Wall Street predicts margins to suffer in 2013. Given Apple's conservative valuation, the company doesn't need to increase margins to drive growth in its stock price -- it only needs to maintain them.
While Apple's FQ1 guidance for a gross profit margin of 36% was lower than the Street's expectations, the company noted in the FQ4 earnings call that the margin compression wasn't a result of any long-term changes in Apple's economics. Yes, the iPad Mini's gross margin is significantly below other products. But the iPad Mini represents a very small portion of Apple's net income. So why did Apple guide so low? Apple expects 80% of its revenue in FQ1 to come from new products -- a very unusual circumstance for the company. Furthermore, Apple's CFO noted that they don't see anything "structurally different this time around" regarding Apple's cost curve and the company's ability to reduce costs as production increases.
Priced for Mediocrity
Using a reverse valuation based on free cash flow (FCF) trends and a 12% discount rate, it is possible to find the growth rate the market is assuming in order for Apple to be fairly valued at today's price. Apple's growth rate assumed by the market is just 11%, very low considering its year-over-year growth in FCF amounted to 38%.
In contrast, Google's (NASDAQ: GOOG) growth rate assumed by the market is 17.2%, despite a year-over-year increase in FCF of just 13.9%.
Taking analysts earnings estimates into consideration, forward P/E ratios tell a similar story: Apple's forward P/E ratio is just 8.8 while Google's is 14.9.
The Bottom Line
If Apple delivers on any one of these growth drivers in 2013 there is room for upside. Even better, if Apple delivers on a combination of these growth drivers in 2013, investors could be in for another great year of market-crushing returns.
DanielSparks owns shares of Apple. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, China Mobile, and Google. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is this post wrong? Click here. Think you can do better? Join us and write your own!